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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - MG TD V8 - What's it worth ?

Gentlemen, I'd like your opinion.

A friend has a MGTD with a 302 cubic inch Ford, automatic and narrowed Ford rear end. It's been sitting in dry storage for the past 15 years or so. The body is very solid. The vehicle was streetable when parked. My guess is that it was built in the late '70's. The motor is rumored to be from a Cougar or LTD. HP ?

The question is ....if you were me, what would you be willing to offer ? What is a fair price ?

Thanks in advance,
Jeff
Jeff

Start at $5k and work up ?
David

That depends on whether you actually want a MG TD with a V8 and automatic, or would rather have an MG TD with XPAG and original 'box. For instance, if you had an original TD, would you think, "hmmm, be nice to have more power and not have to change gears (clunk!)" ? Or, if you happened to have a big V8 engine and transmission sitting around in the back of the garage, would it occur to you that what you really out to put it into is a 1950s British sportscar?

If you just want a bit of fun, then compare it to what else you might spend the money on.
Marty

Have the TD pedal cycle brakes been uprated?
Jethro

Nope - the brakes are OEM. I figure that should just add to the excitement !
Jeff

Hi Jeff,
I would start at only about $2000 for a couple of reasons. First is that she may look great, but the handling will probably not be so hot around corners. The suspesion, if stock, will not accomodate the weight of the 302 and autobox well.(Since it is an older 302, it will have iron heads and heavier casting walls than the newer ones.)You are probably going to have to replace every bit of rubber, i.e. brake seals, fuel lines, rubber brake lines, radiator hoses, belts, and maybe the rear main seal, etc. etc.
It may be a neat car when all sorted out, but as it sits, probably not worth paying big dollars for. That said, if yu do pick it up, you will have six months to get her ready for the next British V8 meet in May, 2003. (hint hint)
Best Regards,
Kurt
Kurt Schley

Everybody is always talking about suspension/handling characteristics of a modified car. You're all kidding yourselves, half of you baby the hell out of the cars to the point where anything over 50 hp is worthless anyway, and any of you who actually autocross or drive the car hard have tuned the suspension to much better than factory. Anyone who pretends that they need the full suspension and handling capacity of the stock MGB is just kidding themselves. Get the car, replace a few things, it'll be a sweet rod. If you're looking for a car that handles well, get a civic, or a crown vic, or a greyhound. Any of them would at least match an mg.
Alan Raddatz

****If you're looking for a car that handles well, get a civic, or a crown vic, or a greyhound. Any of them would at least match an mg. ****


NOT!
Chris

Jeff
To get back to the question, the car is worth what you are willing to pay for it.

The formula I would use (for what it's worth) would be the difference between its value as a working stock OE car and what it would cost me to convert it back to original.

but whatever you pay for it, it could cost you very dearly.
Roger

Some of the things often removed for V8 engine installation are the scuttle and radiator braces, making the chassis more flexible than stock when you really want it stiffer.
George B.

Jeff, a friend of mine bought a TD with a 454 Chevrolet engine and 400 GM trans. It looks like a small Altered dragster. I saw him run it at Cleves dragway in Cinn. He complained of the heavy steering and shaking of the steering assembly. He never could get it to run out all the way because of this problem. He realizes that the steering problem has always been a problem and was probably one of the reasons the former owner parted with it. Dann
Dann Wade

This thread was discussed between 17/11/2002 and 21/11/2002

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