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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - When buying a Genuine BGT V8

Hi there,

I'm in the market (UK) for a genuine BGT V8. I own three MG's but have little experience with the Factory V8 and the Rover 3500 itself. I have driven a RV8 but thats as far as I've been with that motor. Can someone tell me what I should look out for, what to check etc when considering a car? I have heard mainly about tappet and cam wear, but can anyone give me a reasonably detailed list of items to check and to be aware of when test driving?

Cheers,
Neil
Neil Cotty

Neil

You could do worse than buying the MGCC V8 Register Workshop Notes.

Contact the Registrar Victor Smith 106604.3565@Compuserve.Com or telephone +44 208 392 9673,

It is available in paper or e-mail format. It is slanted towards the RV8 but none the less very useful for a GT V8 owner.

Regards

Nigel
Nigel Steward

Nigel,

Thank you for the information, Victor proved an invaluable contact. I also managed to get information on a car I was looking at from Geoff Allen. The result is I purchased a marvellous 1973 (74 Model year) Black Tulip factory V8 this Saturday! Car # 740. She's in immaculate condition, very original, and a credit to her previous owner.

I had been looking at a 76 but had problems with importing such a car back home. I get to pick the car up in a few weeks. She was absolutely tight and rust free, felt even stronger in the frame than a RV8 I drove recently, perhaps the GT bodywork responsible for that?!. Power felt magnificent and I couldn't get over the ride quality and handling, all which felt much much better than my 70 BGT and 68 CGT and definitely a lot more grunt than a stock AH3000 even with purportedly less BHP. Will have some photo's of the car on my website soon - http://www.apphosting.com/mgstuff

Unfortunately, this car really highlights the inherent flaws in my CGT, steering and handling wise. No matter, all different and unique examples of the breed and the C is a lovely touring car. :) Well, I'm over the moon and can't wait to get her here in Dublin and start attending a few MG events!!! :) I think the BGTV8 must have been a much under estimated car at the time, it is light years ahead in performance and handling of a lot of other cars I've driven from the same era, and this is a stock example. It's a pity BL killed her off so early, and the economic circumstances of the time went against her.

Cheers,
Neil
Neil Cotty

Neil, Ssssssshhhhhhhh - or they will all want one !!!!
Congratulations on the purchase, and I hope it proves every bit as good as it promises...... welcome to the V8 mob...
David Smith

Neil, two questions. Is Dublin in NSW? and where did you buy the V8 through Geoff? In Oz or from England??
robert pulleyblank

Robert,

I'm from Sydney Australia, but recently moved to Dublin, Ireland. I bought the car from a Private owner in England who had advertised his car on the Internet Find-It service. Geoff holds the historic records for the MGCC UK V8 register, similar information (more I think) to whats provided when you apply for a Heritage certificate.

Cheers,
Neil
Neil Cotty

Neil

Delighted that you have found a nice V8.

When you have run it for a while, you will appreciate that it can handle a lot more bhp.

That's when the fun begins. My V8, which I have owned from new, has a Jon Eales engine running on SUs giving 230 bhp at the flywheel, and 200+ ft lbs of torque at 1000 rpm.

Enjoy your new car. Safety Fast.

Almost forgot to say I like your website.

Regards

Nigel
Nigel Steward

This thread was discussed between 19/11/2000 and 27/11/2000

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