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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Ford 3.8L V-6 ???

Has anyone used the Ford 3.8L V-6 in their MGB?
Tom

No they have done the 2.8L V6. I think the 190ph 3.8L or the Supercoupe SC 3.8L V6 would be nice.
The G

Ford 3.8L V6's are notoriously piss poor engines that blow head gaskets more often then not. Are we sure this would be a recommended conversion engine?

Justin
Justin

I've found the fuel injected Ford 3.9 (not 3.8) litre V6 like I have in my '89 Ranger to be a torquey performer. Now pushing 220K miles, doesn't burn oil, good compression, and revs freely. I've always thought it would make a good conversion engine. Strangely, when I was prowling a Ranger website for speed parts, they didn't seem to be familiar with it. FWIW. Joe
Joe Ullman

Oops!! That should be 2.9 litre, not 3.9. Still think it could be a good fit. If I did the same thing on the ranger site, maybe that's why they weren't familiar with it??
Joe Ullman

Tom, I have never heard of anyone doing this conversion in an MGB or any other vehicle to date. To start out fresh and make this conversion possible it would take to an awful lot of research and patience from the installers. It would be my advice to stick with traditional engine conversions. Not only is it feasible to go traditional but at a lot less expense. Dann
Dann

Thanks for all the reply's.

I think the head gasket problem that Justin made a reference to was on the 94-95 model year and has not shown up since. The traditional engine swap has not been so easy. Finding a good engine has proved to be a treasure hunt. And the cost of the bell housing alone is more that what I can get the V6 Mustang engine and trans for. I did get an engine today to use as the "Try and fit" cost $100.00. So if I do not use it I will not lose much. I found most engine swaps in the V6 category to be the Pontiac 3.8 or the Buick V6. The Ford engine is 100lbs lighter. So I will give it a try. Thanks again!!!!
Tom

Actually, there are only 2 types of Ford 3.8s...those with a blown head gasket and those that are about to blow. It is such a problem that Ford had to extend the warranty to 100,000 miles on them due to law suits. On the SuperCoupes, they redesigned the head...to where it only blew head gaskets about as often as the regular 3.8's. I believe that if you are set on a 3.8, you can buy new heads from World Products that will cure the problem. If you are still in doubt, walk through any junk yard and look at all the 3.8s out there...in cars that weren't wrecked!

Galen
G.P. Copes

This thread was discussed between 26/11/2002 and 28/11/2002

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