MG Sports Cars

engine swaps and other performance upgrades, plus "factory" and Costello V8s

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302BMC
Brian Coleman

(6 posts)

Registered:
03/15/2010 09:14PM

Main British Car:


mgb 302conversion
Posted by: 302BMC
Date: March 15, 2010 09:45PM

Hello, I'm new here. Name's Brian. I've got a '78B and I'm going to use a '97 302HO for my project. I've got one of Ted Laythrop's front ends and upon initial mockup of the block it seems too tight. The cast accessory mounting point on the right side of the block rubs against the chassis. This can't be right. What am I missing? I know this is a pretty common conversion. Any suggestions? Thanks.
PS- I attended the meet in Terre Haute, IN some years ago armed with my video camera and notebook. I had a blast and plan on being there this year, again, in IN. Slowly working my way back out to the garage.


mowog1
Rick Ingram
Central Illinois
(1523 posts)

Registered:
10/17/2007 09:36PM

Main British Car:
1974.5 MGB/GT 3.9l Rover

authors avatar
Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: mowog1
Date: March 15, 2010 10:24PM

Hey Brian! I remember you from Terre Haute! See you in Indy!


ex-tyke
Graham Creswick
Chatham, Ontario, Canada
(1165 posts)

Registered:
10/25/2007 11:17AM

Main British Car:
1976 MGB Ford 302

authors avatar
Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: ex-tyke
Date: March 15, 2010 10:32PM

Hello again Brian...I remember your participation at the Terre Haute British V8 show.
Under normal/centred engine positioning, that mounting lug shouldn't hit the right frame.....there should be about 1/4"-3/8" clearance. It may be (I'm just speculating) that Ted has biased the engine mounts to the right to accomodate the oil filter adapter on the left. If you don't plan on using the lug, there's no reason that it can't be removed.
It'll be interesting to see if Pete Mantell or others with Ted's front xmbr chime in with comments.


302BMC
Brian Coleman

(6 posts)

Registered:
03/15/2010 09:14PM

Main British Car:


Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: 302BMC
Date: March 15, 2010 10:46PM

Hi Rick, Hi Graham! I remember you both. Thanks for the reply. Yea, wiping off the lug seems like the way to go vs altering the chassis. As long as I know this block will fit I will go ahead with a build-up. Thanks again.


smelfi
Steve Melfi
Alexandria Ohio
(90 posts)

Registered:
04/26/2008 07:35AM

Main British Car:
1977 MGB 302

authors avatar
Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: smelfi
Date: March 16, 2010 08:37AM

Brian,
You're not alone on the lug issue. I'm in the process of doing a 77 302. Up until a week or so ago that lug on mine was about a 1/4" up from the frame rail at a 45 degree angle. I've since lowered the engine about 3/8" and now the bottom of the lug is about 1/16" below the top of the rail and about a 1/8" away from the rail. I currently plan to grind some of the lug off.

Steve


302V8
Pete Mantell
Sidney, IL
(96 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 09:47AM

Main British Car:
69 MGB 302 V8 Ford 302 '347' stroker 505HP 440ftlbs

Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: 302V8
Date: March 16, 2010 10:26AM

Hi Brian,

Yes trim off the cast accessory lug. I've had to cut them all off on all of the 302 conversions I've done.
You can just make out the accessory stub on this picture.
[www.mantellmotorsport.com]

Good luck with your conversion.
If you need any conversion parts, like short neck water pump & pulleys etc. email or call.

See you in Indy.

Cheers
Pete

[www.mantellmotorsport.com]


kstevusa
kelly stevenson
Southern Middle Tennessee
(985 posts)

Registered:
10/25/2007 09:37AM

Main British Car:
2003 Jaguar XK8 Coupe 4.2L DOHC/ VVT / 6sp. AT

authors avatar
Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: kstevusa
Date: March 16, 2010 04:20PM

Yes! That appears to be the Lug I removed with my sawsall. Ground the block smooth and painted it when I built re-installed the heads. I saw no good use for it, except for being in the way.
SAFETY FASTER!



classic conversions
bill guzman

(294 posts)

Registered:
01/09/2008 01:58AM

Main British Car:


Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: classic conversions
Date: March 16, 2010 05:29PM

While cutting the lug, keep cutting and remove two cylinders it will fit better. :-)LOL


302BMC
Brian Coleman

(6 posts)

Registered:
03/15/2010 09:14PM

Main British Car:


Re: mgb 302conversion
Posted by: 302BMC
Date: March 16, 2010 08:59PM

Thanks everybody. That's that then. The lug's gotta go.
Pete, I also remember you from Terre Haute. It seems you've been busy. Great looking website and shop. Nice and clean...


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