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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Engine Angle

Gents,
I'm at the stage of my V8 conversion where I'm mounting the engine and am having trouble working out the angle that the engine should sit on. From my understanding (correct me if I'm wrong) but the engine should operate on the same plane at diff (ie parallel) and not doing this will cause excessive wear on U/J and cause vibrations.

I made an assumption (later proved wrong) that the diff was parallel to the floor and when trying to make the V8 engine and gearbox also parallel to the floor I found it impossible.

From looking at a cut away diagram of a standard MGB I can see that the diff and 4 Cylinder engine operates on a slight angle, the front of the engine higher than the rear.

How have other people installed their engines so that they run in the same plane as the diff and how have they measured the angle???

Any help on this subject would be apreciated.

Clem Spriggs
Clem Spriggs

The engine does not need to be on the same plane as the differential input shaft. The angle of the prop shaft to the differential input shaft should be the same as the angle from the prop shaft to the transmission output shaft. This allows the acceleration and deceleration of the U-joints to be self-cancelling. Some mechanic squares have a protractor function, or you could determine the angle by using a square and measure the millimeters per meter of change, as in establishing the percent of a grade.
HTH, George B.
George B.

For reference you can check just about any book on how to build a hot rod. They usally have drawings and setup information on engine to differential angles and other setup information that will help avoid problems. What holds for building a hot rod also applies to putting a v8 in a MGB.

Jim
jmlema

Have a look at http://www.drivetrain.com/driveline_angle_problem.html - Driveline Angles & Phasing Problems. Should tell you all you wanted to know, including "Ideally, the operating angles on each end of the driveshaft should be equal to or within 1 degree of each other, have a 3 degree maximum operating angle and have at least 1/2 of a degree continuous operating angle."

PaulH.
Paul Hunt

Clenn, the way to set up an engine to the differential is two parallel lines. The differential is set about
1 1/2 degrees facing the floorboard, the trans should line up 1 1/2 degrees the opposite to the differential therefore forming parallel lines.
Set angle finder on the top of the carb front and rear, side to side the engine should be level, then check the angle at the starter area and check the angle.

This is the problem with the B when trying to set the engine to low in the bay, it will not line up correctly with the differential. Unless the angle on the differential is change with shims. Never exceed 3 degrees of angle on either the trans or the differential.

R/Bill
Bill Guzman

Hey Guys,
Thanks a heap for the info will do some research on the suggested material and see what I come up with, Thanks.

Clem Spriggs
Clem Spriggs

I thought that the carb had to be level in both directions?

Bruce
Bruce

hi Clem
could you tell me have you enquired about registration yet, I was told you cant register in NSW
we are all so building one up, hope to hear from you.
thanks mark.
mark

Mark,
I have yet to look into the possiblity of registoring the car in NSW. Have other options open to me as my parents live in South Australia. It may take some creative work to get it through. At the moment my father is investigating the S.A. option for me will e-mail you when I find something out.

Bruce,
I'm using federal type fuel injection therefore I don't have to worry about that. Also the angles we are talking about are not that large to effect the mechanical (float bowl level etc) parts of the carbies. The angle of the engine would change more than what we are talking about from engine torque under hard acceleration.

Question to other DIY builders,
Have you guys measured these angles we are talking about here or are you guys have you using a SD1 gearbox and used pre measured dimensiond from books.

Clem Spriggs
Clem Spriggs

Qld and NSW have the same basic legal requirements as of 1999. Basically no l/hand drive except under exceptional reasons and definite laws on engine limitations regarding size and emmissions. In Quensland if your car is driving on a Queensland road IT MUST COMPLY with Qld rules no matter where it is registered. Failure to do so means you are illegal and therefore unregistered and no 3rd party insurance!!
mark
mark mathiesen

Hi Guys,

I don't mean to sidetrack this thread but I am returning to Aussie soon to complete my project. Can you tell me if there is any way to get a V8 B roadster registered in Qld or NSW? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Ta

Stainzy
STAINZY

This thread was discussed between 12/01/2001 and 17/01/2001

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