MG Sports Cars

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

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Moderator
Curtis Jacobson
Portland Oregon
(4577 posts)

Registered:
10/12/2007 02:16AM

Main British Car:
71 MGBGT, Buick 215

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New to the gallery: Ed Theobald's GT with MAZDA MIATA drivetrain
Posted by: Moderator
Date: January 14, 2011 03:11AM

We don't see many Miata engine swaps around here, but Ed Theobald has completed three of them! One MGA, one MGB roadster, and this... The article's publication was delayed a long time waiting for more detailed photos that never arrived, but I've decided to let it rip and perhaps the article will inspire further article submissions.

Ed Theobold's 1972 MGB-GT with Mazda Miata 1.8L DOHC Engine

http://www.britishv8.org/MG/EdTheobald/EdTheobald-MGBGT-B.jpg


Keith
Keith Tanner
Grand Junction, Colorado
(92 posts)

Registered:
10/31/2008 01:45AM

Main British Car:
For the purpose of this forum, 1972 MGB GT 5.7l Chevrolet LS1

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Re: New to the gallery: Ed Theobald's GT with MAZDA MIATA drivetrain
Posted by: Keith
Date: January 14, 2011 11:43PM

Thanks Curtis! I get a surprising number of phone calls at work (Flyin' Miata) from engine swappers who are halfway through a swap and then run up against the 2001-05 immobilizer. Let's just say it's very effective! Of course, they usually call us after the point of no return.

For anyone else considering the swap, a 1999-00 engine makes the same power, has a lower cam cover (it's missing the black actuator on the intake cam) and does not have an immobilizer. Easier yet is a 1994-95 car without OBD-II, so you won't have to ignore a check engine light when the Miata computer figures out you've taken out a number of emissions components :)


MGB-FV8
Jacques Mathieu
Alexandria, VA
(299 posts)

Registered:
09/11/2009 08:55PM

Main British Car:
1977 MGB Small Block Ford, 331 Stroker

Re: New to the gallery: Ed Theobald's GT with MAZDA MIATA drivetrain
Posted by: MGB-FV8
Date: January 15, 2011 09:15PM

WOW, nice job. Curtis, I have a book on how the development of the Miata came about and since Mazda had intended to fill the void left behind by the discontinued MGB (roadster), IMHO, I think that the Miata's engine is such a perfect four banger replacement. Do you know what the car’s performances are?
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Keith
Keith Tanner
Grand Junction, Colorado
(92 posts)

Registered:
10/31/2008 01:45AM

Main British Car:
For the purpose of this forum, 1972 MGB GT 5.7l Chevrolet LS1

authors avatar
Re: New to the gallery: Ed Theobald's GT with MAZDA MIATA drivetrain
Posted by: Keith
Date: January 17, 2011 10:24AM

I'll bet it's pretty similar to the Miata the engine came out of. The cars aren't that far off in weight.


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