MG-Cars.info

Welcome to our Site for MG, Triumph and Austin-Healey Car Information.

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - MGB Engine Conversions...

Okay, I've got a chance to buy a good condition Rover SD1 right now to do a V8 conversion. Problem is, I've got a '72 chrome bumper MGB. How difficult is it? Would I be able to do it without any prior welding experience (note that i'm willing to weld, I just don't want to do any welding that would be difficult for a beginner)? Also, I've looked at my mom's Ford Taurus, and it looks like that 200 HP V6 would drop into my MG fairly easily (but then I'd need a standard trans)... Anyone know anything about that? Also, does anyone know anything about a possible rotary engine conversion?
David Smith

I just purchased an 1979 MGB. The heads, the carbs., and radiator is missing. I recently heard about converting the motors on these cars to ford or chevy motors. Can anyone suggest where I can find out more about such information, and suggest some of the best motors to do the conversion with?
A.K. Morre'

Ijust finished putting a 305 cu. chev engine and
three speed auto trans in my 80 MGB.It took so
little work I was amazed.I did have a larger rad made
using all the old mounts and it works like a dream.
All I have left is to put a bubble on the hood
to clear the air cleaner.Headers had to fabricated and
routed thru the inner fender panels.After building
numerous hot rods...1928 type model A stuff
this was easy.Goes like the wind and is a blast to
drive.Too bad summer ends when you have a car like this.
Regards Ross Hannan
Ross Hannan

Im interested in fitting a cheaper running engine. Does anyone know of any diesel engines fitting in a 73B. Or even a good petrol engine will do.
(Sorry but I do a lot of traveling and I would like to do it in my MGB).
Nigel Green

My MGA has been running a stock 2 litre Pinto for 8 years (it now upgrading to a V8). Had no dramas fiting it. In standard form (with pollution gear) and a stock Escort 4 speed it is incredibly quick off the mark up to 50 mph. These engines and boxes are CHEAP!!!. Definitely the way to go for a simple non-MG engine that any petrol head can service!! E-mail me for photos.
mark
Mark mathiesen

The B series diesel engine was made up to about 1983 and used extensively in the Sherpa van. I have seen some BMC Farina's converted from petrol to diesel and I owuldn't recomend it, even if the actual details of the swap is quite straight forward!!!

I have used 16 valve 2 litre Rover engines in MGB a couple of times since 1991 and if transplanted with the Lucas engine managment system you will see quite unbelievable fuel returns. This will be in the order of 32 to 36 mpg in urban conditions rising to the high 40's on a steady run. (The later Rover MEMS is 10% less efficient) Fitting is not a 'weekend job', requiring a level of conversion similar to a V8 conversion.

The overal cost is dependant on the cost of parts and how much of the job you can do yourself. The job will be difficult to 'farm out', since unlike a V8 conversion, specialists don't have the ready access to a list of off the shelf conversion parts so would have to fabricate many themselves.

If your interested then I can furnish you with some more details, but time is congested at the momment so it will not be an overnight reply.

Rog
Roger Parker

Roger.
I had'nt heard of the B diesel. Why dont you recomend it ?.
Your 2 litre Rover engine sounds great as I mostly do early morning or mid evening runs down 20 miles of clear road. But the 3rd paragraph about the cost and conversion worries me a little as I dont know what it involves. Yes I am interested and would be gratful for any info you can pass on. Even in a basic form, I'm not that much of a novice. Many thanks.
Nigel Green

I would like to convert to a V6 engine and drive train. 3.8L (3800). Has anyone done this. Also G.M. 10 bolt with 2.73 ratio. I feel the3.8 is inexpensive and plentiful. Please Help
Marty
Marty Pem

This thread was discussed between 14/11/1999 and 12/12/1999

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

This thread is from the archives. Join the live MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical BBS now