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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - V6 and Auto trans conversion

I will shorty be taking delivery of a 1963 MGB that I will be buil;ding for my wife. Due to the fact that she does not drive stick, I will be installing a new engine, probably a V6, but possibly an I4, and an auot transmission. I will more than likely be using a GM motor and trans. All of the conversions I see us a manual trans. Has anyone done an auto trans that can tell me how swap went and any problems I can plan on having. Thanks

-
Daddog

Your biggest problem will probably be the smaller transmission tunnel on the early Bs. The dipstick will need to be shortened & possibly re-routed. The shift mechanism will need to be altered & you'll need a cooler plus plumbing. Use the redundant clutch pedal for the brake. It's shape gives better pedal spacing. All is possible. Good luck. Barrie E
Barrie Egerton

Before you start converting your early car did you realise that it is worth a lot more than 66 and later cars. A 62-65 B with original engine and drive train restored, and brought up to FIA spec and registered is probably worth $30-35000! worth checking out what is required.
It would be much easier to use a 75 and later car because they were designed to take the Buick or Rover engine or a V6 would fit if thats want you want.
Good luck,
Kevin.

K.R Jackson

Dad-Dog- You're starting off with a fight on the narrow tunnel. I'm in the middle of the same conversion on a 79 LE for my wif too. I'm using a 2001 Camaro drivetrain complete: 3.8 V-6 ( 210 hp stock)EFI- L460E autoTrans-attached driveshaft and rear disc break axle with proper gears ( shorted to 49 inches). The monies flyin. My auto-trans fit in the wider tunnel was just barely ( and that with the redisign on the flat sump) with some innovative bashing to get the console shifter sorted. Retaining the drive by wire on the TB, also required innovative adaptation. Totally agree above with the clutch to break pedal advice. Am always available to chew the rag if you have specific concerns. Vic
vem myers

Thanks guys. I expected to take a lot of flack for messing with a low serial # car (12360). I will probably be a couple of years on theis poject, but I expect the wife to allow me a little more freedom the work on it since it is for her. Thanks again for the information and support. I look forward to any more tips that you might have.

daddog

I have a 3.4L V6 with an automatic in it at the shop. I did not install, so i cannot say why it was done the way it was done.. Its in a 1970 MG B, which has a bit wider tunnel then your early car. This one was not done all that well, but have seen similar conversions where the auto was placed back alot further so i know it can be done- as with Vem.

I agree though, you would be better to find a later car and convert the rest of the car to what you want. In other words, use a later car and improve/backdate the top side rather then trying to alter the unibody/underside.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

I just read some comments on the MG List/Digest...and believe that it probably involves you...this is the opportunity to trade your 1963 MGB for a 1968 MGB.

This, IN MY OPINION, is a good solution to your quandry of converting an early numbered car. You will receive a lot less flak down the road; your wife will have an MGB that she can drive; a pull handled car is left unaltered.

I say...do the trade.

Cheers!

rick

rick ingram

I have convinced my wife to try and learn to drive a manual transmission. It will allow me to get the car on the road sooner and if she doen't like it, maybe trade if for a Miata. Thanks for the tips.
daddog

My wife, Jean, actually prefers manual trasmissions! She love to drive the MGB...hates the MGC (automatic trans), got REALLY upset with me when I sold the Nissan Maxima that had a 5-speed....etc.

Guess it all comes to what type of transmission you learned to drive on...and probably countless other factors!

Good luck! Join NAMGBR! Register your '63 with Bill Barge (the Pull-Handle coordinator for NAMGBR)!

rick
rick ingram

bRick - Vonda's the same way. She really loves driving the six-speed in my SER. The other night we were running late to go to a play. She said, "Let me drive".

We made it on time.

Robert
Robert Rushing

This thread was discussed between 10/11/2004 and 18/11/2004

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