Engine and Transmission Tech

I want to change my 1977 B axle ratio to 3.07. Any recommendations? Who does the best job?

Hi Steve! Is this for a different car than we saw last summer? (The '64 B with spoke wheels?)

John Targett at Targett Motorsports sells 3.07 ("MGC") gear set for the later model MGB "Salisbury" axles. Salisbury axles are the ones with cast iron center sections and steel tubes that go out to the wheels. I haven't installed one but I believe it's a reasonable do-it-yourself job (easier than an engine swap!) or you could have the differential installed by any competent British car specialist.

The earlier MGB banjo style axles have fabricated steel housings and come with an aluminum gear carrier. I've never heard of a 3.07 gear set for those. Most racers want to go the other direction... e.g. 4.1, 4.3, 4.55, or 4.87 gears.

Unless you're keen to keep spoke wheels, I think you'll find it's a good value to upgrade to a narrowed American axle to get the added benefit of a limited slip differential. The popular American (Ford or GM) axles support a diverse range of gear ratios, so it would be relatively cheap and easy to go to a different ratio later if you ever change your mind. If you want rear disc brakes or a different lug pattern, now would be the time to install them. Of the popular American axles, the Ford 8" is my favorite because of its light weight. Ted Lathrop at Fast Cars Inc. sells narrowed Ford 8" axles specifically for MGBs, and will be happy to build it however you want it. For example, you can save additional weight by using an aluminum gear carrier instead of iron.

For a Ford or Chevy axle, you'll need a custom driveshaft. (Budget about $250 for that... you can get one custom made and balanced at any competent Spicer shop and I'm sure there are several if not many to choose from in El Paso.)

Both John and Ted are sponsors of this website, but I'd strongly recommend them even if they weren't. Their contact info appears in ads on this message board and in our vendor directory (found under the "Contact" button at the top of the page).

Curtis, This is for my third MG project, finally doin' the v8. I built the engine twenty five years ago, a stroked job using D&D stuff and its going into a '77 B that came out of Colorado. Some rust, but otherwise a sound car. I figure that keeping the stock rear axel is the best way to go since its already got a rolbar and tube shock conversion. I'll contact Targett Motorsports. Thanks.