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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Thinking about a V8 conversion ??

I am considering converting my 1980 B to a V8/5speed. I have owned it from new,had the engine done over for more go years back and added an O/D but I would like MORE . Now before I get jumped on by someone saying dont do this to an original, I want this to be totally reversable, no panel beating to fit stuff in. If possible I want this to be close to factory, a mild not a wild conversion. Is there any reliable info out there on how to do this or even a KIT that has all the bugs worked out. I was also wondering just how much of whats on the car now can be used, ie, rear end/ brakes etc.Many Thanks for all help.
Dave Pearn

Get the book "How to Convert Your MGB to V-8 Power". I would just go for it; as a practical matter you aren't going to go back to your 4-pot once you've got the 8 in there. I mean I know you Canucks have a different vibe and all, but still. On a 1980 it's really not all that much work -- some people say you can do it in one long day (yeah, right). The only panel beating you may have to do will be in the tranny tunnel, and that depends what gearbox you're using.

The funny thing is that as you do this I can almost guarantee that you will be tempted to make mild, wild!

/HMP
"Some is Good; More is Better"
Harry

I am already tempted,I blame it on the Vette I bought last year, but for now I just want to keep it simple, get it on the road with a minimum of problems and then start tweeking :)
Dave Pearn

Dave,
Get that book and the V8 newsletter, then start your planning and purchasing for a Rover/Buick. It will be a bolt in swap for you..
Larry Embrey

Get a motor from Ealsie. They're the dogs bollocks man. I've got a 4.6 in mine, it'll light up the wheels for 30 odd feet.
Jonesy

Dave,

Joining Harry's theme and depending upon bank manager, Current road going 5L V8 conversions are at 370bhp at wheels coupled with IRS and cossie diff- you can be in Supercar league.

Paul
Paul

I've heard that the rear for the Bv8 was 3.1 to 1 and most other Bs have 3.9 to 1. Is it a pars swap to get the 3.1 to 1 or is a complete new rear the only way to go?
kids1

Kids 1,

I believe Brown&Gammons (they have a web site with parts list)sell parts for about £550. You can use a C axel (not cheap now)or other suitable donors SD1 Volvo Ford but these require modifying.

The Cossie route is expensive prob £2,500 but you do get IRS LSD Discs and a selection of ratio's. Takes about a day to fit.The Jag IRS is another option.

Paul
Paul

Kids 1,

A further thought.

With the RV8 Front crossmember available, has anyone tried a RV8 rear, may need wheel arch flaring but should be a simple swop (famous last words).

Paul
Paul

Thanks for the help. I guess that book is available thru Moss etc or if someone can get me the ISBN # , I might be able to order it thru my local Chapters.
Dave Pearn

Dave,
You will be able to order the book from your local book store or on-line from someone like Amazon. Searching on the title is easy....you may find the title is "How to Give Your MGB V8 Power" (slightly different to what was earlier described by Harry).
I can look at my copy for the ISBN# if you wish, but it would be safer for you to search on the Amazon site....there are often different editions for the UK & US markets and hence different ISBN numbers.
Pete
Pete Green

OK, Thanks again.
Dave Pearn

Dave, Contact Martyn Harvey at harv8@sympatico.ca, or at mgbexperience.com/ca-mgbv8.
Martyn heads up the Canadian registery up there. He should be able to give you any information you need.
McClain
Robert McClain

Thanks Robert, he has already contacted me thru Email.
Dave Pearn

This thread was discussed between 22/08/2001 and 07/09/2001

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