MG Sports Cars

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

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dvanzuiden
Dave VanZuiden
Dane WI
(5 posts)

Registered:
03/01/2016 09:38PM

Main British Car:
1973 MGB 1963 Buick 215

73 MGB Buick 215 Swap - What am I in for?
Posted by: dvanzuiden
Date: March 02, 2016 04:46PM

Hi all,

Recently picked up a 1973 MGB as a project. It ran, but rough, needs new sills on both sides, a new fuel tank and a number of other items. My original plan was to rebuild the car with some minor upgrades, and rebuild the stock motor with the intention of going the supercharger route to get a little more out of the engine.

Started doing a little reading (the internet is a dangerous tool…) about V8 swaps as I grew up with my father’s classic American cars (34 chevy street rod, 55 chevy, 62 impala). My experience is in motorcycle rebuilding a number of 70s Hondas. I picked up the MGB as its size fits nicely in my garage with plenty of room to work and play.

I’m starting to like the idea of the V8 and its seems a more interesting route than the blower. I’ve run across a Buick 215 JN code engine. Engine needs a little help but I’m not stranger to basic engine building.

I’m not looking for monster horsepower figures, just something with more grunt and something a little unique.

What can I expect to be getting myself into with this swap? Any major issues? Exceptionally hard to find parts? Exceptionally expensive parts?

Thanks,
Dave
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pcmenten
Paul Menten

(242 posts)

Registered:
10/08/2009 10:40AM

Main British Car:


Re: 73 MGB Buick 215 Swap - What am I in for?
Posted by: pcmenten
Date: March 02, 2016 08:53PM

Hi Dave. Swapping in a 215 is a well-documented process. In your case, you'll have to make a few modifications to fit the V8 in there, but it's not at all hard. A 1974 MGB would already have the modifications needed for a V8 swap, such as moving the radiator forward, but you sound like a handy person, so I don't expect you'll have difficulty with the changes needed.

Answering some of your questions; aside from headers for the exhaust, no exotic parts. Did you know that some 1974 MGBs came with this particular engine? They used the original MGB 4 speed transmission. The rear axle on later MGBs is very similar to Dana 44 rear axles, so it won't need to be changed. If you get the correct original bellhousing, a T-5 transmission will fit up to your 215.

Lots of info on this site. I look forward to hearing about your project.

Paul



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2016 09:00PM by pcmenten.


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

authors avatar
Re: 73 MGB Buick 215 Swap - What am I in for?
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: March 02, 2016 09:57PM

The bellhousing, flywheel, and headers will be the expensive pieces, everything else will be pretty reasonable.

Jim


dvanzuiden
Dave VanZuiden
Dane WI
(5 posts)

Registered:
03/01/2016 09:38PM

Main British Car:
1973 MGB 1963 Buick 215

Re: 73 MGB Buick 215 Swap - What am I in for?
Posted by: dvanzuiden
Date: March 03, 2016 11:17AM

Hey thanks guys.

Couple of questions, Where is the best link/thread for documenting the process?
Also, where is the best place to find the headers, bell housing, and flywheel? D&D?

Also I've seen a bunch of cars using the through fender headers, is there any benefit the block huggers? or dont they even fit?

Thanks for the info.


MGBV8
Carl Floyd
Kingsport, TN
(4511 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 11:32PM

Main British Car:
1979 MGB Buick 215

authors avatar
Re: 73 MGB Buick 215 Swap - What am I in for?
Posted by: MGBV8
Date: March 03, 2016 03:31PM

D&D will cost you. I do use their engine mounts. Best do some scrounging if you can. The mini-starter, engine mounts, tranny, crossmember (stock can be made to work), carb, radiator, etc., it all adds up in a hurry.


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