MG Sports Cars

hi im in glasgow scotland i have a 1977mgb gt 1977 rubber bumper model im wanting to do a v8 conversion can any 1 tell me whats the easyist british v8 engine box and any other bits i need to get b4 i start thanks

Hi Diane,

Well you may have realised that this BBS in iin the states but you will get a lot of good advice and there are many conversions on this board that are similar to the usual conversion in Britain.

The factory MGB GTV8 used a detuned version of the rover 3.5 V8 engine, most uk conversions are based around a Rover SD1V8 or later 3.9 4.0 or 4.6 engine and LT77 5 speed gearbox which will effectively slot straight in to a 77 model MGB as it was designed to take that engine with a few minor mods.

The gearbox tunnel roof needs modifying for clearance and the gearbox crossmember needs modifying to allow fitment of the gearbox.

It is quite a bit of work, but most parts are available to carry out the conversion and one of the best sources of parts is Dave Vale at V8 conversions at Farnborough Kent 01689 858716 Dave has been involved with MGB V8 conversions since day one when he was part of Costello conversions who started it all.

You will also need to change the radiator to a V8 version and the existing axle ratio will be too low for the V8 engine, higher ratios are available 3.07/1 being the standard V8 axle ratio but not cheap to do.

The car obviously must be in good rust free condition, and some renovation and or upgrading of suspension components would be advisable with the power of the V8.

There is clearly a lot more but this should be enough to set you in the right direction if you decide to proceed.

There is also a good UK MG BBS with excellent archives called "MG Enthusiast" and there are some members in your part of the world which could be useful.

Another UK Board which is useful for Rover V8 engine and gearbox tech information is the V8 Forum

Kevin.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/23/2009 08:11PM by castlesid.

thanx very much kevin

Diane,
Go to your local bookstore, library or ebay and latch onto Roger Williams excellent "How to...." series of books on MGB engine conversions - a lot of useful info to get you started. I believe there are now 4 books in the series - one example attached
[www.amazon.com]

Here it is in a nutshell by Roger Parker:

[www.mgcars.org.uk]