MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGA - Head Gaskets

Hi All,

As part of my rolling rebuild I am planning on removing engine and gearbox when the weather turns. For sure I will be modifying the head to run on unleaded petrol and as I am getting closer to thinking a supercharger is a good idea I might take this opportunity to do a complete engine overhaul.

My main question (and I’m sure I will have many more!) is when would you use a solid copper head gasket. I know it would be used if you undertake major tuner work and are running a high comp ratio but does it make sense to use one with stock compression? How about in the case of stock comp ratio and a supercharger?

If you do use a copper gasket I’m sure the extra width will have an effect on the comp ratio, is there a formula for figuring out how much it would change?

With regard to the engine rebuild, I have the Dr. Doolin’s tape (that’s one chap who needs a haircut!) and have been recommended the Peter Burgess book on the B series engine. Does anyone have other reference material they would recommend?

Thank you all in advance, every question I have asked here has been met with incredible knowledge delivered in the most useful down to earth language. Having owned and worked in the past on many old cars (mostly MG’s) in England, it is surprising how much basic stuff I have forgotten over the years. It was much easier back in Blighty as there were many suppliers in and around London; here north of Toronto it’s a bit of a desert… Thank god for the Internet and this site, it has helped rekindle the desire for grit under my fingernails!

Roy.
R. Maher

Roy,

I use to use the Vizard (sp?) book which was great.

Head gasket's are usually about 2-3cc in volume so don't alter the compression all that much.

There are copper and copper gasket's as a rule I don't use them any more as they kept leaking on me.

As for supercharging... you want low compression for this to work best, so sounds like your going in the wrong direction with compression ratio.

I know theirs loads of talk about supercharging these days especially with MR2 one's so cheep now and moss offering kits... for my money though a well sorted 1800+ always wins.

Cheers <MARK>
Mark Hester

Hi Roy!

Sorry I am not answering your question!
However, I am just curious.....you noted you were north of Toronto? As you can see, I am as well. Its nice to know where the other MGA nuts are.....<grin>

Steve

1960 MGA - ready to drive
1972 MGB GT - many, many hours from driving......
Steve Holler

Hi,

Mark, I have the David Vizard book but that is for the A series, I will have to look for one on the B series engine. I am actually not thinking of increasing the comp ratio, rather I will be keeping it the same but I imagine the supercharger would dramatically increase pressure in the chamber. I'm glad you told me the copper gaskets leaked on you though, maybe they are not a great idea!

Steve, Wow, you must be quite close to me! My actual address is Mount Albert but I have a horse farm close to Davis Drive and 9th line. I'm alway's in Newmarket, that's where I do all my shopping. If you ever see an Old English White MGA Mk1 1600 with red interior it's most likely me! I drive it to work most nice day's so you might also see me on the 404 and DVP heading downtown. What are you driving, I will look out for you.

Are you going to British Car Day at Bronte on September 18th?
R. Maher

Op's, sorry Steve I just looked at the bottom of your post, now I know what you drive!

Roy.
R. Maher

I used copper gaskets on race engines for only one reason. If I needed to change the gasket quickly it was no trouble and left both surfaces clean. I also found as Mark that they were no better at sealing than normal. Just lately I have been using the new composite gaskets made by Payen and have found the same results as many of my friends which is they are very very good.
Bob (robert)

Roy:
(Sorry folks - to use bank width for personal inquiries).
Yep, you are close! I am over in Glenway (by the mall). I haven't seen you and your car, as I am on the other side of town. I have a OEW with black int that I am a couple of hours away from getting on the road (finally!). I have been driving a green 1973 MGB, but sold it a couple of months ago. My GT is in primer and the A should be certified next week. (I bought it on Ebay about 18 months ago and have still to drive it more than a block!) I have to hurry or I will miss another season! <grin>

I will keep an eye out for you - because I know you would catch my attention!!!!

(No, to the Bronte event - as I am trying to squeeze more time/work into my cottage)

Good to hear from you!

Steve

Steve Holler

Roy,

Sorry to throw in a commercial, but John Twist from University Motors and I put on a seminar twice a year called "Tuning for Speed" where we first take participants through comprehensive tuning processes, then discuss all of the popular power-adding recipes. We spend 1/2 day at a chassis dyno shop and put several participants' cars on the dyno. We provide dyno data from over 1000 dyno pulls in my data library. Anyway, if you are interested, please feel free to contact either me or John for a brochure. The next class is October 28-30.

--Carl
http://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/events.html
Carl Heideman

Ooo, I would be quite interested in this session. I will email for more info.

Roy
R. Maher

Has anyone "O" ringed the top of the block and used a solid copper gasket? I have seen this done on Mitsubishi 2000 cc turbo motors that make 500 + HP. It is a steel wire placed in a groove machined into the top of the block. Holds the .043 copper gasket in place and provides a better seal. May be overkill for MG motors.
R J Brown

This thread was discussed between 08/09/2005 and 16/09/2005

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.