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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Ford Rear End

I recently completed my V8 conversion of my 1978 MGB (1963 Olds w/Carter 4bbl)and I am very happy with the results. But I'v left the stock MGB four speed and stock B rear in place. If I jump on her in 1st or 2nd something is sure to let loose, if not immediatly then very soon. So until I get the MGC 5 speed and a Ford rear (9.0 (very expensive and rare now I hear) or 8.8)I can't fully enjoy the power that my V8 has. My question is does anone know where I can obtain a Ford rear for my MGB V8? I need to obtain this in as complete a form as possible, I'd prefer one that is already set up to be put into the MGB V8. If anyone would like to see pictures of my almost completed MGB V8 please e-mail me at: bahtenterprises@msn.com/.
Thanks,
Michael S. Domanowski
Michael S. Domanowski

The MG Guys have a narrowed 8" Ford rear, complete for $575 plus core. See www.mgguys.com. I had checked this out before but never followed through. I saw one at their booth at a swap meet at Carlisle, PA. and it looked pretty good. They said it was what they put on their V8 conversions.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Thanks Wayne I e-mailed them but have not heard back yet. Do you know of any sources for an MGC 5 speed w/overdrive?
Michael S. Domanowski

Michael,
You might want to try Towery's. He is a source for all things V-8 MG and can supply anything that you need. (Even things you don't need). His phone number is 302-734-1243. E-mail mgv8glen@bellatlantic.net. He has the narrowed Ford rears and can also supply the Rover 5 speed with o/d,
fwiw--------John
john

I second that emotion. Towery has done all this crap more times than just about any other living being, and he's suffered through all the head-banging and false starts long ago, so you don't have to. He gets it. When he's inspired, his workmanship is truly immaculate. (Just _do NOT_ try to rush the poor fellow!!! ... ;-)
David Duquette

Thanks once again everyone, I'll give Towery's a try, I believe that is where I obtained my hedders and adapter plate from.
Michael S. Domanowski

Michael,
Have you considered a 3.3 or 3.0 MGC rear? You mention using an adapter plate. I assume, then, that you have cut the starter mount from the block and therefore cannot use a Rover or GM bellhousing/transmission. You also mentioned using an MGC transmission. The only difference between MGB and MGC gearboxes are the bellhousing/case and, in some cases, ratios. The MGC box is not inherently stronger than the 'B. Since you are using a 'B box now, would it be easier to just go to an overdrive MGB box? I have stuffed the innards from a close-ratio MGC box into a 'B case with good results.
David Gable

Thanks again, yes I've considered the MGC rear but been told that it does not hold up well in the long haul, Glenn Towery tells me he has a Ford 8 inch for me at a resonable price ready to bolt in. And yes I cut the starter mount but I saved the piece to reweld later if I do change transmissions.
Michael S. Domanowski

The MG Guys unit seems so-so. The very last thing I would want on there is their big honkin' Ford drum brakes ... which (unless you want to bother to rig a proportioning valve, yecch) is custom-designed to lock up the rear way too soon. I'm sure it is a pain in the neck, but some people seem to be able to put the MG backing plates and brake drums on the Ford axles just fine. Seems to me that's far and away the best way to go. Anybody have any details on how you do this?
Harry

Harry,
The drum brakes on an 8 inch Ford from a six-cylinder Maverick or Comet that have the same PCD as the MGB are not all that large, and will cause no problems, especially if the front brakes are upgraded. For racing purposes, a proportioning valve should be added anyway.
George B.

This thread was discussed between 21/09/2000 and 29/09/2000

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