1971 MGB GT 302 swap
Hey guys I'm looking into buying a running 1971 MGB gt tomorrow for a project car. The car currently runs. I have been looking into swapping the motor to a ford 302. I was going to use the kit offered by Mantell. Does this come with everything I need to do the swap including the radiator and everything? If not what else would I need to buy? I was budgeting 4k to do the whole swap would that be enough? I just need the car swapped and to run once I get it running I'll worry about swapping the rear end and mods. I've never took on anything like this before most I've mechanically is lower a car, change oil, belts, oil pan (cracked one cause the car was too low), so I've done minor job. I can't fabricate at all that's why I was going to buy the kit. How hard would this swap be? And does the kit come with detailed instructions? Also can you guys list the parts that won't come with the kit so I can price it all out. Thanks guys.
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JWD Jim Durham Gig Harbor, Wa. (103 posts) Registered: 01/22/2013 11:43AM Main British Car: 1980 MGB Ford 302 (398.9 HP, 383.2 TQ) |
Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
Here's write-up that might answer some of your questions - [forum.britishv8.org]
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BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6468 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
Aram, the '71 is a Mark-II car (CB) and will need some firewall mods to fit the engine in, so you need to know someone who can handle those details or learn to do it yourself, or, go with a later, RB car. Also the Mantell kit uses a RB crossmember IIRC and that means for your '71, matching ride heights front/rear and matching up the steerting column. You need to do some more research. There are other options. The amount of work required depends on the combination you settle on. For instance, the factory installed the Rover V8 in the RB body. The 302 also fits with the crossmember modified and possibly minor other mods. You can check with Pete on that.
Jim |
Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
I read about the rover motor, but I was reading parts were getting expensive because it's so old that's why I was thinking about the 302. I read that the rover motor wouldn't need any odification is that true with 71? Are there performance parts available for the rover motor?
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BlownMGB-V8 Jim Blackwood 9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042 (6468 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 12:59PM Main British Car: 1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS |
Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
Where are you? That makes a difference. The Rover is more common these days in Europe and Australia. The BOPR (Rover) is still a popular swap stateside, primarily due to the larger displacement motors available and the light weight (80 lb difference but the car handles it fine). The Buick 300 is also a good option, inexpensive but a little harder to find.
The CB will require at least one cut in the firewall with either engine and the steering shaft will be close to the exhaust. More often owners move the engine back a bit further, possibly requiring a cut on the other side as well, and sometimes more extreme surgery. Frequently at the least the RB steering universal is fitted, meaning the pinion shaft has to be lengthened, often the later RB firewall cone is also fitted. You'll need a welder/machinist type person to modify the pinion shaft and make sure it runs true. Jim |
Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
I'm from California. So both the Buick and the rover swap require me to fabricate at bit correct? Also would a budget of 4k get the job done? After reading some threads I'm thinking it won't. Also these motors don't seem to easy to get any suggestions on where I should look?
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MGBV8 Carl Floyd Kingsport, TN (4511 posts) Registered: 10/23/2007 11:32PM Main British Car: 1979 MGB Buick 215 |
Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
With only 4 grand, a used 3.4 v6 might get you close, if you scrounge around & do all the work yourself. I will also only require minor firewall work.
That budget will not include the price of the car, of course. So, buy a very solid car that does not need much. |
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Re: 1971 MGB GT 302 swap
Good advice from Jim and Carl. Just to be clear, there is no completely bolt-in v8 option for your '71 chrome bumper. You can either go with the v6, or you should look for a rubber bumper (74.5 and newer) if you want a bolt-in v8 project.
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