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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Average age of converters- Short Questioneer

Looking for the average age of converters, as opposed to the average age of MG owners as seen on the various MGB, midget, MGA and other forums, I thought its high time we started one just for conversion guys if we dare answer.
Please cut and paste the section below and answer what you can.
-BMC.
_________________________________________________________________



How old are you?

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

Did you use FI or carburetor?

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability



Any other comments on your car:
BMC Brian McCullough

How old are you?

53
************
What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

In progress...for the past 5 years.
**************
If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

Hope to have a LOT done in 2007.
**************
What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

3.9 litre Rover
**********
Did you use FI or carburetor?

4bbl carb
****************
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.

None really apply....I'll drive mine when when the whim is there, be it to work...or across country to a meet. I would like to experience some road course time with it.
********************

What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor

***************************
driveability - First/Second
handling -Second/First
***************************

performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability



Any other comments on your car:

Good things come to those with patience.

:-)

rick ingram
1974-1/2 MGB/GT V8 conversion
rick ingram

Age
47

Status
In progress. Have been collecting parts for 10 years. Had all components in '99 then divorce put a hold on things.

Completed?
Anticipate to be on the road in March '07. Starting with a very nice car so no body, interior or suspension work needed.

What motor did you use?
3.9 V8 from 1995 Land Rover.

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Have both. Will try stock FI first.


What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
NA. I'll take it on long trips as well as to work and the track.



What are the top Two most important issues?
drivability
sound of the motor

It already handles great.

Other comments:
Decided against GM 60 degree V6 although it would have been the easiest route and fast enough. Just prefer the sound of a V8. Didn't want the slight extra hassle of a Ford SB or it's associated weight penalty. Could have used a 4.2 or 4.6 Rover but I've driven Land Rovers with the 4.6 and those engines, while torquey, don't seem as smooth. I've driven a stroked 3.5 and found it very powerful but kind of rough and raw compared to the 3.5/3.9.

I have 3.3 and 3.7 MGC axles as well as well as a 3.0 Dana postal rear. Also have an SD1 trans/bellhousing plus a T5 from a '92 Camaro 305. Gotta make a decision really soon on what to use.




David

How old are you? 57. (How did that happen?)

What year was your car completed? 2003

What motor did you use? Buick 215

Did you use FI or carburetor? Carb

What is the car to be used for?
None of above- fun driving weekends, car club etc.

What are the top two most important issues?
driveability
handling
Fuel economy? They build Hondas for that.
Robert Milks

My car is a 1980 MGBLE in near show quality, bought specifically for the conversion

How old are you? 52

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
completed late summer 2006, now just polishing and doing a RB to CB conversion.

What motor did you use?
I used a Rover 3.5l from an 88 Range Rover, Completely redone.
10.25:1 cr
Isky 270 cam
9 pound flywheel
Offy 5165 intake
Holley 4150 390cfm doublepumper
ARP studs.

Rover 5 speed T77

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Holley 4150 390cfm doublepumper

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
1.show and shine.
2.drag race, (street race)

What are the top Two most important issues?
handling
performance (power)

Also have redone the suspension with urethane bushing, 550# springs in front and rally springs in back. Now it sits lower than a chrome bumper car. Looks more agressive. Also stainless steel Magnaflow (true dual)exhaust
see some picture at my website
http://www.morrisantiquesinc.com/MGV8.html
Richard Morris

How old are you?

63

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

Ran reasonably well 2005 but will it ever be completed? I just don't know!

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

Rover V8 ex 1972 -Costello MGB originally ex-1967 Rover P5B

Did you use FI or carburetor?

2 x SU HS6 carbs

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)

Daily driver,
show and shine.

What are the top Two most important issues?

driveability
dependability

Any other comments on your car:

Rewired with Dan Masters' Powerblock kit - excellent, if a bit over-engineered. Fitted Mazda MX5 seats, surprisingly tight to fit and with limited seat movement.
15" wheels wit Yokohama tyres. Feels nice!
P L Hills

How old are you?
*52

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
*1988 Owned car since 1980.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
*Buick 215, then Olds 215 w/2bbl heads and Buick pistons, then same with a Jetfire Turbo, then an Olds Jetfire 215 w/Buick pistons and shaved turbo heads (8.5:1) and Eaton M90 blower

Did you use FI or carburetor?
*Holley 600, then 2" SU (feeding turbo), then Ford EEC-IV EFI, then MegaSquirt.

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.
*Built for back-country road racing but used for daily driving.


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability
*Handling and performance


Any other comments on your car:
http://www.britishv8.org/MG/JimBlackwood.htm
The car went through many changes over the years, before the bodywork was finalized and painted. A few changes to running gear remain.
Jim
Jim Blackwood

How old are you?
48
23 when I initially started the conversion

What year of completion
Started 1982, finished 1983
re-done/updated 1999-2000
supercharger project started 2006, hopefully done spring 07.

What motor
62 Buick 215

What fuel system
Currently Carter 400 cfm carb
When supercharger is done, EFI using mostly GM parts, Mega-squirt

Used for (top two)
Pleasure drive's whenever it's sunny (twisty roads)
show and shine.

Two most important issues
(Tie) power and handling
overall appearance and sound
bill jacobson

How old are you? 42 -- looks like i'm the baby of the bunch so far!! :)

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
In progress

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Hope to have it running in Feb/March '07. Will drive it for a few months, then disassemble & do paint/body [very little body work needs to be done]. Just want to be sure everything is set up the way i want it before I put paint on it.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
Ford 302; Out of Ford's factory... bought it 2nd hand, but it's never been run. Was bought by a local shop for a T-bird they were restoring. Customer got a divorce & lost the $$ so the shop sold off the parts.

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carb

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
show and shine.
(Ok, that's 3... i never could follow the rules)

What are the top Two most important issues?
All of these:
appearance of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy [compared to my Suburban anyway!]
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability

Any other comments on your car:
'76 B being converted to CB & metal dash
FastCars front end & custom IRS
Air Conditioning [evap hidden behind dash]
Miata seats
Electric windows, mirrors
Etc.
Color is one of the hardest decisions!!
x Ficalora

How old are you?
49

What year was your car completed or is it in progress? Like Jim, I may never be finished, but I have been driving the piss out of it since 2001. Prior to that we drove it as a 4 banger since 1988.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
See above.

What motor did you use?
1963 Buick 200HP 215. Now building a Rover 3.9L.

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carter 500.

What is the car to be used for?
Car club cruises, track days/autocross.


What are the top Two most important issues?
Handling & power.



Carl Floyd

How old are you? 44

What year was your car completed or is it in progress? 2006

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion? Are they ever finished? (my wifes comment...)

What motor did you use? 3.9 Range Rover

Did you use FI or carburetor 14CUX Fuel Injection, Smog Legal.

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Weekends, and sunny days.


What are the top Two most important issues?

driveability (freeway speed about 85mph in my heck of the woods, SoCal)

dependability (understressed motor in light car = good dependability must be able to sit in traffic, again SoCal)

Any other comments on your car: LT77 5 speed from SD1, would like to move to 3.08 rear gears in 2007. The V8 in the MGB would have been a winner in the US.
M Mallaby

How old are you?
56

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
2001 (1st V8 conversion) but it is never really finished Newest engine completed in 2004

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
NEVER

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
1st 64 Oldsmobile 215
2nd 63 Oldsmobile 215 Turbo Block Stroked to 269 ci

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carb

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Fun &
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?

appearance of the motor
&
performance (power)





Any other comments on your car:
There is no such thing as "Too Much Horsepower"

78 MGB with a stroked (269 ci) 1963 Oldsmobile 215 Turbo block built by D&D T-5 Transmission (.75? overdrive), MSD Buick Billet distributor and 6 AL box, 225 HP shot of Nitrous, Timing Retard, Stepped Programmable NO2 Controller, Separate Nitrous fuel system, Griffin Aluminum Radiator, Currie/Ford 9 inch rear 3.00:1 ratio, 31 spline axles and leather interior.

2450 RPM at 80 MPH.
Michael S. Domanowski

How old are you?
54
What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
2003
If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
1987 3.5 Range Rover
Did you use FI or carburetor?
500 cfm Edelbrock
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?
driveability
dependability

motor noise and performance are also a plus...

Any other comments on your car:
It has RV-8 headers and dual Flowmasters.
It has a 700R4 auto trans from D&D Fabrications
Modified V8 radiator from D&D Fabrications.
Buick distibutor with pertronix ignition.

It is a blast to drive. Looks completely stock from the outside. The only things that give it away are the Rover V8 badges on the front fenders and the MGB-V8 license plates...
Dave Winne

How old are you? 60 Car 75GT

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

Engine conversion and brake upgrades 2002/2003

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

In process of upgrading suspension to coil over front and parabolic rear springs. I also have some

Just had bodywork with sebring valences and new paint.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
Rover 3.5 and LT77 box from late SD1

Did you use FI or carburetor?

Edelbrock 500 and performer manifold

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.

Fun as and when I can.


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability

Driveability and Performance

Any other comments on your car:

I look at the car as a hobby and total cost is not the main issue, if I spend £25.00 a week on it it's probably less than other people spend on Hunting/shooting/fishing playing golf, chasing women or drinking booze. Don't get the wrong idea, I still like a good! time though.

Ther are some new pictures of the body restoration in the thread in MGB General. She's Back,Face lift, new make up and jewelry

Kevin Jackson.
Kevin Jackson

How old are you?

- 40
----------

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

- In progress, just came out of the paint shop, ETA Spring 2007
----------

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

- Toyota I6 3.0 2JZ-GE out of 1998 Lexus SC300

----------

Did you use FI or carburetor?

- FI (stock)

----------

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.

- Weekend driver

----------


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability

- Drivability, performance

----------
Arayan Lias

How old are you?
45

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
Jan/05

What motor did you use?
1980 Rover SD1 3.5 + LT77 5-speed

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Edelbrock 500 cfm carb

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Driver (not quite daily), car club runs/shows

What are the top Two most important issues?
Driveability
Performance (power)
Simon Austin

How old are you? ---------52

What year was your car completed or is it in progress? -------------Purchased 1986. Every off season it is tweaked and improved. V8 Conversion completed 2001. Winter 2007 should see fender Flares installed.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion? ----------------- Never. I am already looking into a bigger motor 4.9?

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)---------Currently 1969 Rover 3.5

Did you use FI or carburetor? ---------------Edelbrock 1404 500

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,-------------------------------------------------Daily driver through the summer. Including short summer road trips and usually one 3000-4000 mile holiday road trip
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race, ------------------- I have raced it several times
show and shine.------------- Occasionally


What are the top Two most important issues? ______________It is hard to pick just 2. Definitely the appearance and the sound of the motor are important but that also would have to include the performance and dependability as well as drive-ability.
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
drive-ability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
after market parts availability



Any other comments on your car:
http://www.britishv8.org/MG/BruceMills.htm
Bruce Mills


How old are you? 64

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

My first of 6 conversions was 1981, my last, 5 months ago for a friend.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

My 2 conversions still in hand are drivers but are evolving.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?) I have used 215 Olds/Buick heads, 215 Buicks, 4.2 Rover, 4.0 Rover- my favorite-, 300 Buick

Did you use FI or carburetor? Carter 400, Edelbrock 500, Rover fuel injection

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)

Daily driver,
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?
driveability
handling
dependability
(Iknow that is 3)


Any other comments on your car: All were different, all reflected my needs/wants at the time of the project. All have been dependable, good looking, and fun. Longest driven 230,000 MILES, sold, next 190,000, rusted away.

Jim Stuart

-Age: 45
-Car is in progress and will be finished in approx 3 month. Conversion itself was finished in 2002 and after that general restoration was started.
-Engine: 3.5lit Rover SD1 engine with SD1 gearbox.
Copied carb ste-up from GT V8
-Daily driver in the summer and show and shine
-Important issues
Drivebility and torque
-Other comments
Car has improved electric system with additional relais and fuses (headlamps, horns ect)
Car has a full walnut dashboard and walnut centre console.
Car has fully polished inlet manifold, rocker covers and carbs.
Car has been totally seamwelded and got additional chassis bars near rear spring mounting.
Car has been totally dismanted and all old paint inside and out has been removed

The complete proces took 8 years and i worked approx 10 hours per week on the car.

Regards
Peter
Peter van de Velde

1. 59
2. 1999 (Midget), In Progress (MGA)
3. 2008
4. 2.8 V6 (Midget), 4.0 I6 (MGA)
5. GM MPFI (Midget), Triple DCOE's
6. Driver, Driver
7. Driveability, Performance
Appearance, Drivability
Love the MPFI on the Midget, starts and runs like a new car, no flat spots etc. Great highway car.
Want the MGA to be smooth and powerful with the appearance of a period high performance sports car.
Bill Young

1. How old are you?
25 (started rebuild when I was 22)


2. What year was your car completed?
Summer 2007 hopefully!

3. What motor did you use?
Rover 3.9
10.5:1 compression. High torque cam. Edelbrock 4 barrel carb, RV8 manifolds & dual exhaust system. Steel billet lightened flywheel, Heavy duty clutch. Mallory dizzy / magnecor leads. Rover SD1 5 speed box.

4. Did you use FI or carburetor?
Good old carb!

5. What is the car to be used for?
Bit of fun - blowing away new cars!!
Hopefully a few raod rallies / shows and a trip to Santa Pod drag strip for a laugh!

6. What are the top two most important issues?
Sound, performance (inc handling)
Fuel economy??? ha ha ha! Yeah right - it's a V8!

67 3-synchro body....took a lot of work!
Looks standard on outside apart from 5.5x15 MGC wires with 195's.

Full race springs up front with modded c/bumper cross member(very low!) Uprated shocks, bigger anti-roll bar, poly bushes. 2.5in lowered leaf springs + 1 in lowering blocks (3.5in lowered), Bilstein shocks, anti-tramp bars, fully poly bushed inc spring eye bushes.

Stripped interior, full safety devices roll cage. Sparco Rev bucket seats, Sabelt 6 point harnesses, momo steering wheel, extra period Smiths dials, toggles etc.

Think thats it!


Paul. Hertfordshire, UK.
Paul Grundy

How old are you?

Older than the lot of you
************
What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

The first was in 1968 - the last about 98
**************
If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

Still working sporadically on the bodywork
**************
What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
Originally a twincam ford - most recent a
3.9 Rover out of a RR with LT77 box
**********
Did you use FI or carburetor?

Originally webbers - now Rover FI with RV8 bonnet.
****************
What is the car used for?
Fast all-weather driving.
********************
What are the top Two most important issues?
General driveability (includes reliability and handling )
Availability of spares
***************************
Any other comments on your car ?
I just wish it would wear out or become unreliable so that I would have an excuse to change to a Maserati !

Roger
JFJ11N - RB MGBGTV8 in Mercedes brilliant silver.

RMW

How old are you?
46 (no no it can't be true!)

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
V8'ed in 2003 with much help from this BBS. Three link Rear suspension next, then supercharge.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
When it eventually kills me.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
3.9 V8, range rover.

Did you use FI or carburetor?
FI

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.

Daily driver, Investment and mostly fun.


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability

Cost and Performance.


Any other comments on your car:
Why did I do it?-My old Subaru was fading fast and I needed a new car. The problem was that a new car devalues at a truly breathtaking rate. A classic car does not devalue, however it is not as powerful, easy to drive or as reliable as a modern car. With only one exception (guess which!), you cannot put a modern drive train into a classic car and maintain its value. Because the factory did it an MGB V8 conversion has market legitimacy. Here in Australia at least.
So I got a bank loan and bought the '74.5 MGB, Some chrome bumpers, a supra gearbox, bellhousing, alloy radiator, 3.9 engine with EFI, rover flywheel, RV8 extractors etc.. etc. Took about 3-4 months.
At this point I could easily sell the car for much more than what I spent.
What I did not anticipate was what a rush the car is to drive. Also the satisfaction in so easily, so substantially, improving the car. I've tasted blood and want more! I need more power so the whole investment scenario is about to disintegrate, and I don’t really care!
Peter

How old are you?
23 - I think I win the baby prize on this one!...My old man and I started a project 5 years ago, but we sold her when my dad was diagnosed with cancer. He has since passed away and the build up is "in memory"

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
In progress

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
June 07

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
3.9ltr Rangie

Did you use FI or carburetor?
EFI

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)

1. roadrace,
2. show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?

1. Performance
2. Handling



Any other comments on your car:
Rebored to .20 thou; port and polish, stage 2 cam; larger stainless steel valves; competition springs...so far!
MJ Mclaren

age: 58
completed: April 2005
Motor: V6 Chevy, 301 liter, 700R4 trans.
Carb: 390 Holley
Use: Dailey driver ( over 25000 miles so far)
Race it at Maxton, Standing start mile.
Important: Driveability and Dependability.
Stock rearend.
Really do enjoy this car.
Pictures are on the BritishV8 web site.
S. K. DeGroat

age 58
1977 MGB conversion completed 2002
215 buick V8 t-5 5 speed
carburetor

improvments always seem to be in progress:

4 link 8.8 ford rear end with coil-over supension 2003

nitrous oxide added 2005

complete rewiring anticipated winter of 2007

miata or fiero seats anticipated winter of 2007

use the car all summer for: pick two?? sorry
Daily driver 80 miles round trip for work involves backroad cruises added on.
stop light to stop light.
autocross: plan to do some summer 2007
drag race: will see a little track time just for fun
show and shine: mostly to get toagther with other MGB v8 guys


What are the top Two most important issues? your kill'n me with the choose two but I get it. All noted below were essential to do the conversion. They are first.
total conversion cost
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
aftermarket parts availability

second is fuel economy

comments
future:
front suspension improvements perhaps from Fast Cars $$$ or at least the front end kit available from classic conversions.

engine change to ford 302 NEED
Rick

How old are you? 48

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
In Pregress
If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
2007
What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
3.5 1970 Range Rover
Did you use FI or carburetor?
Weber 500
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
What are the top Two most important issues?
driveability
dependability
Any other comments on your car:
I have tried to make the car as modern as possible without any obvious change to the looks.
I have fitted Power steering and windows, Heated Seats, Remote Central Locking/Alarm, Reverse Sensors, Modern CD Radio.
D M Tetlow

How old are you? 48

What year was your car completed? Or is it in Progress?
In progress, because this is the third engine. First started conversion in the mid nineties. a few broken engines later and this is where I am. EGR valve and carbon canisters and then I'm smog legal. California you know.

What motor did you use?

Buick 215 built up with machined chevy rods and roller rockers.

Did you use carbs/FI ?

First iteratiion Holley 390 cfm, second iteration, Holley 650 Double pumper, and now SD1/TR8 Fuel Injection.

What is the car to be used for?

Daily Driver and Stop light to Stop light.

What are the top two most important issues?

Power Balance and driveability.

My car has power windows and door locks, and is incredibly fun to drive.
David Cousins

How old are you? 38

What year was your car completed : Spring 2003

What motor did you use? Ford 302 V8 Stroked to 342. (Ford Motorsport crate motor 400 HP 390 ft/lb torque)

Did you use FI or carburetor? Carburetor.

What is the car used for? FUN :)

Stop light to stop light,
Autocross & track day.

What are the most important issues?

Driveability
Handling
Performance (power & sound)

Any other comments on your car: Fast Cars front suspension, D & D Rear axle, Super Duty T5, Miata seats, Roll bar.
Pete Mantell

Age:54

Car completed: 2003

What motor: 1991 Range Rover bought on E-bay 100 miles from my house.

FI or Carb: Carb

What is the car used for: Pleasure driving, Touring,sunny day driving. From April to November

Most important Issues: Dependability and Sound of motor

Other comments: Most importantly my wife, Marcia, thinks the car is cute. I bought the car on E-bay from Phoenix AZ, rust free in 2002. They shipped it to a location they had in Milwaukee WI. My wife is from Milwaukee so we went to my in-laws for Thanksgiving to pick up the car. I drove that little four cylinder with no heat, and the speedometer broke fifty miles into the trip. Four hundred miles, and eight hours later and I was home with no problems at all. The car has a 3.9 Rover with RV8 headders,Isky 262 cam with a Edelbrock four barrel carb. the transmission is a LT77 maybe from a Triumph. The rearend is a 8" 1971 Maverick off E-bay for $1.00, but by the time you install it in the car it cost $1000. I put in 3:00 gears eith limited slip. The car did 9.50 in the 1/8 mile track at the Indiana meet. I also put in miata seats. I like the rubber bumpers and the higher ride height because I like the look this is how the Muscle Cars from my era looked. My wife and I truly enjoy this car. Denny from Hamilton!
Dennis Williams

How old are you?
38
What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Oct 07
What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
SD1 Rover v8
Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carbs
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,

What are the top Two most important issues?

appearance of the motor
driveability

Any other comments on your car:
Originality
coltvas

How old are you?
36
What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
Still in progress...


If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Were it not for wife and kids, it would already be done, but my goal is before I'm 40!
What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
I'm using a vintage Ford smallblock - a 1965 289 Keith Black 9.5:1 pistons, edelbrock 21214 intake, Edelbrock cam, MDS ignition, etc. Ford T5 WC transmission. Stock rear end (for now)

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Edelbrock 500 AVS
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Sunny drives
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?
Total conversion cost.
Dependability/sound of the motor- Is that 3?



Any other comments on your car: This car should have went to the crusher were I smart. Decided to do a bare metal restoration. Extensive rust and poor P.O repairs etc. An absolute nightmare, but car is coming along very nice. New sills, floors, quarters, etc. Installed engine with radical setback, early Mustang aluminum radiator. I got more shiny bits for Christmas, so more stuff to do... A little at a time!
Scott Wooley

How old are you?

48

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

Eternally in progress.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

About 2 months after my house if finished.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

3.5L Rover

Did you use FI or carburetor?

Holley Carburetor. John Wolf Dual Plane Manifold

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)

Daily Driver
Daily Driver



What are the top Two most important issues?

driveability

dependability



Any other comments on your car:

I'd like to get back to work on it!

Kelvin

KJ Dodd

How old are you?
63

What year was your car completed?
March 2006

What motor did you use?
4.3L V6 out of a 1988 Astro Van

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carburetor
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
stop light to stop light,
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues
driveability
performance (power)

Other comments: Purchased this sebring gt on ebay in 2002 from a Ford dealer in San Angelo Texas. Can you believe it was a trade in on a new F150 pickup? Shipped the car home and eventually pulled the motor and installed a 4.3L V6 out of a 1988 Astro Van that I had rebuilt and modifed. Headers were the hardest part, they are made out of 3 sets of tubular Astro Van headers that were cut up and pieced together until the proper fit was attained.



Mike Maloney

How old are you?
48
What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
2004 first engine (3.5) 2006 second engine (4.0)

What motor did you use? V8 .What was it out of?)
3.5 from a 1973 Rover 3500. 4.0 from a 98 Disco.
Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carter 400 carb, Buick intake
What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver, (nice days that is)
autocross,


What are the top Two most important issues?
handling
performance (power)Great for mountain climbing. I average a 4500ft elevation change for my weekend drives. It's warming up this weekend!

Kelly
Kelly Combes

How old are you?

39.

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

In progress. Its a 1972 GT.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

Summer 2007

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

SD1 1985, 3.5 V8 with SD1 5 speed manual box.

Did you use FI or carburetor?

Carb - webber.

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)

Daily driver,
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?

performance (power)
dependability


Any other comments on your car:

I have had to do everything at least twice, so the build time is at least twice as long as expected.

It's New Years Eve !!!! and I am cleaning sun visors in the kitchen with my wife's nail polish remover, with the laptop open on this group next to me. That's how bad the bug gets you.

Liam Healy
Liam H

Howdy , my age 53 ? going on 19 . Bought car done ? [are any of these cars ever done ?] Previous owner did somethings right & alot 1/2 assed. I've done alot of straighting things up myself , and have also had a fair amount of help. A 75 B , chrome bumper conver. , 215 Buick with quite a few goodies , carb[yes] Eldebrock 4 bbl. TR8 trans. [5spd.] Dana 44 rear out of post office jeep. Whats the car for ? Sorry but I have to adlib here , if I have to give two answers ? I'd say : Fun and More Fun . Beautiful cars [shiny and perfect] are great , everybody [including me] loves em , but I lack the time , patience ,& money. Whats the two important issues ? Again , sorry , I have to say three : drivability , power & A Big Smile. Other comments ? I love the little car , but lately been thinking alot about an XJS convertable & a 383 chevy stroker ? Hmmm ? I know , but cant afford an xke , have you guys seen what their gettin for a rust bucket one of those ? WOW.
Denny1

How old are you? 51

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
Never COMPLETE, Always 95%!
Its been on the road since July'07, but still needs a few things cleaned up.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Last of the swap issues will be resolved this spring.

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
I4 DOHC Ford Zetec 2.0 (Focus) with type9 5-speed (Sierra)

Did you use FI or carburetor?
FI (totally Ford)

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
autocross,

What are the top Two most important issues?
performance (power)
dependability

comments:
Runs great, pulls hard. Coming out of curves is as much fun as going in!
Tom Peck

How old are you:
51

What year was your car completed:
2001

What motor did you use:
Buick 215 V8

Did you use FI or carburetor:
Carburetor

What is the car to be used for:
Daily driver
Show

What are the top Two most important issues:
Drivability
Dependability

-bcw
Bruce Wyckoff

How old are you?
66

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
In progress

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
2007

What motor did you use?
Ford 302 Crate engine

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Edelbrock tuned port FI

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
Long distance road trips

What are the top Two most important issues?
handling
performance (power)

This is the car I dreamed about in study hall in high school. I'm determined to enjoy my second childhood as much as I did my first.
Dan Masters

Hi Bryan, I'm just 59, started the swap 2 years ago, 2004, expect to be driving it daily in 3-4 months come springtime in the Sierra Nevada Hills. Used a 2001 Camaro 3800 90* v6, with 9600 original miles, stock attached L460-E autotrans and shortened stock rear end/axle. The stock OBDII, EFI, drive-by-wire, has been grafted into the MGB harness, and I have adapted the Camaro center-console/shifter between a reupholstered set of Fiero speaker seats wearing Mr. Mike's finest. I have always wanted to do something one-of-a-kind, special. This has been it, and I have enjoyed the process and problem-solving troughout. Wish there were more underway as really it's just the Rover /Buick V-8 sans a cylinder (5.25 inches shorter than the V-8), making an ez fit. Not a hammer mark in the tunnel, just 2 holes in the fender walls for the balanced header set. Cheers, Vic
vem myers

Age 53

on the road again since 1983

early SD1 with early LT77 5-speed from a crashed SD1
and MG C 3.3 rear axle with anti tramp bars and Spax

Carb is a Holley 390 on a JWR inlet, headers are comparable to the RV8-style (strange to fabricate if you are not a trained plumber).

Every day driver when it is not warm enough or too rainy to use the roadster

- 1 - performance
- 2 - drivability

In 1980 I wanted to buy a V8 but could not find one on offer. Starting with some pics and a old P6B block as a moke up, most of the items had to be fabricated by myself. The only spares I bought were the V8 silencers, oil pump base and a V8 radiator.
The Engine is positioned a bit deeper and more to the rear than the factory mounted it. Modifying the front cover and designing own engine mounts this installation left room for twin fans behind the radiator and a 3 inch air cleaner under the stock bonnet.
The shifter colume was shortened to match the original position of the gear lever and a custom prop shaft made from a P6B shaft is fitted. Brakes and suspension are V8, wheels came from a Reliant Scimitar GTE. The car is a 1973 LHD export GT for the European market.

The only weak points were the dizzy (Lucas Opus) that got thermical problems twice. I changed to the Newtronics kit a few year ago and have had no problems with the inition anymore. The other problem was the fuel pump. It was not capable for the V8 and I changed to a double setup of Mitsumi pumps in the boot.

Ralph



Ralph

How old are you?

-->34

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

-->In progress.

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?

-->2008 sometime

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)

-->4.0L V8 Lexus quadcam (1UZFE)

Did you use FI or carburetor?

-->EFI

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver,
stop light to stop light,
autocross,
roadrace,
drag race,
show and shine.

-->Will be a weekend "spirited cruising" car and local light car club events


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
appearance of the motor
sound of the motor
driveability
handling
performance (power)
dependability
fuel economy
basic OEM parts availability
aftermarket parts availability

-->Performance and Handling, but aftermarket parts availability will be high consideration (minimise custom made as much as possible)

Any other comments on your car.

Steve

How old are you?
45

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
Sep 2006

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Inprovements always in progress

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
Rover V8 3500, LT77

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Weber 500

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)

stop light to stop light
show and shine.


What are the top Two most important issues?

handling
performance (power)

Any other comments on your car:
There are just not enough tunnels in UK!!!!the sound is fantastic.If you see me beep your horn private plate LAV1S.
GLG Lavis

Hey Steve,
I like he sound of that! Tell us more about the Lexus instal.
Problems solutions. Did it fit without altering the rear bulkhead? How about any interference problems with the steering rack? Bonnet clearance?
Are you experiencing any grief with the legal side of things?
Peter

How old are you?

50s

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?

2007

What motor did you use? 1994 CAMARO 34.4 V6

Did you use FI or carburetor? FI

What is the car to be used for?

PLAY TOY.


What are the top Two most important issues?

HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
Bill Spohn

Hoping to see a few more posts before this hits the archieves... Also figure I best answer my own inquiry.

_____________________________________________________


How old are you?
31 -no longer the pup of the bunch.


What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
-Still- in Progress. We keep using it for R&D but have another 'permanent' resident MGBGT for that

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Running and on the road by 2008

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
1995 Camaro 3.4L L32 SFI V6.


Did you use FI or carburetor?
Injected, Sequential Port.


What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver
autocross


What are the top Two most important issues?
performance (power)
dependability
*I admit, this is hard (almost impossible) to pick the top two!!!

Any other comments on your car:
Building my 1980 MGB V6, selling my MGC I6. Also picked up a BGT that I am thinking about converting/finishing the conversion. My wife likes the BGT's more but I like the converts with a hard top. Between the BV6, the GT, the A40, MKII Sprite and the Bugeye, I have enough to keep my home garage full too.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

A few stats.. Let hope I got this right:

AND _PLEASE_ POST IF YOU HAVE NOT!

Total age of those who answered direct: 2,095
Total hard number answers for this question: 43
Average age to date: 48.7 years


Average finish date including estimates: 2002*

Motors used:
BOP/R V8:
carb- 22
FI- 8

Ford V8:
carb- 3
FI- 1

Lexus V8:
FI- 1

V6:
carb- 2
FI- 4

I4:
carb- 0
FI- 1

I6:
carb- 1
FI- 1
-I'm sure I missed somthing but not sure what.


People from what area of the World:

USA/Canada: 29

UK/Europe: 9

Australia: 6

Other: 1 (Thailand)



*Note that most people that post on a board are one of two types (Stereotyping here!) The first is the old timers (Not agewise!)- guys who are currently deep into the project and the others are those currently building or studying the options to build.

The second stereotype would be who posts where. I hate to say it but like politics, this board and the MGBEx-something-err-other-dot-com have split the bunch. The majority of V8 postings are here and V6 there so one of these days, I will try to combine the two statistics when I have a little extra time! So far, the only thing of note over there is LOTS of V6 but still plenty of BOP/R and others. The age over there varys Far more then this board too.

-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

I think this message would be a good candidate for a "sticky" (getting that from MGB Experience). I have enjoyed seeing the seemingly endless additions to it since you posted it (in both places).

Yes, I was suprised to see the group was in my age range, but not really shocked. This conversion, especially if you soup up the BOP engine is far from cheap. In the early 80's I built a V6 MGB and it didn't cost me nearly as much as it has today. MGB parts are not as available as they once were. And there was a time when a salvage yard had nearly new B's in it. Not the rusted out hulks of today.

All in all, a very good posting.
Richard
Richard Morris

How old are you?
Not me but helping a young chap - he's 25

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
In progress

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
Mid 2007

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
I4 - Rover SD1 2.0L O Series engine

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Twin SU HIF6 as fitted in SD1

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver


What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost - cheap!
dependability

Any other comments on your car:
Main issue being to create a what might have been had Abingdon introduced the B in this spec in 1981 as they had planned to do.

Martin ZT

How old are you? 20

What year was your car completed or is it in progress?
In progress

If in progress, when do you anticipate completion?
April

What motor did you use? (I4/V6/V8/rotory/Other and what was it out of?)
Rover V8 from a Rover P6 3500-S

Did you use FI or carburetor?
Carbs. Webber DCOE on a swan neck manifold

What is the car to be used for? (pick the top TWO)
Daily driver.
drag race.



What are the top Two most important issues?
total conversion cost
dependability


Any other comments on your car:
Have driven the car around for 2 years on a reasonably well tuned B series as my only means of transport. I intend to complete the conversion on a student budget and continue to use the car every day.
At first it will be a relitively low powered V8 and for cost reasons I am forced to keep the 3.9 back axle. The Gearbox is an LT77.
I intend to upgrade the V8 fairly soon with an EDIS system and make it as reliable as I can before upping the power and changing the axle as and when funds allow.

-JC
Jonathan Moulds

Brian, you've got a lot more responses than I thought we'd see. It's a shame that there's not a place we can see what this group of mostly 'old codgers' looks like similar to what Serge set up for the MGA bohttp://users.pandora.be/mga_world/MG_A_Forum_Members/album/index.htmlard.
Bill Young

Link didn't work, try this
http://users.pandora.be/mga_world/MG_A_Forum_Members/album/index.html
Bill Young

I am 63 years old
V8 conversion completed in 1998
Rover V8 out of a Canadian SD1 from 1980
Werner Van Clapdurp

63 years old body and 25 years old spirit
Completed the V8 conversion in 1998
Used a Rover V8 out of a Canadian SD1
and 5-speed Rover LT77 gearbox
Now running Carter 400 carb
Daily driver for most of the time
planning on autocross when FI is installed
Cost and handling are major factors.
Project for 2007 will be the installation of Megasquirt FI and Hoyle front suspension.
Would like some V8'ers input on Megasquirt please.
Werner Van Clapdurp


Quote: "It's a shame that there's not a place we can see what this group of mostly 'old codgers' looks like"

I'm sorry, but that's just not right. Haven't you seen The British V8 Newsletter lately? Yes, the photo gallery mostly shows cars - over 100 MGB engine conversions! - but also we've been making a deliberate effort in recent How-It-Was-Done articles to include photos of car owners/builders.

There are also quite a lot of photos of people enjoying their cars in the annual meet write-ups.

Plus, we're running a photo contest at the moment with the theme: "People Having Fun With Their Performance-Modified British Cars". Anyone can enter... the photos must show people to win.

If you want to show off your face or your car, all you have to do is send photos in to The Newsletter.

Check out the newly-revised gallery index:
http://www.britishv8.org/Photos-MG-Conversions.htm

Or, the newest issue of the newsletter - including photo contest rules:
http://www.britishv8.org/British-V8-Current-Issue.htm
Curtis Jacobson

I do check the V8 site fairly often, but although great articles on the cars which is often the information people are looking for not much on the owners. When you converse with others on the board you do get a sense of what type people you're dealing with, but photos do help personalize things. I've been fortunate to meet several of the folks who post here, Richard and I spent a nice afternoon trying to form a gasket for a heater valve a couple of years ago, and several others have been at events I also attended, but there are still a lot of faceless names out there though. Just an idea that I have no idea how to go about doing.
Bill Young


Funny you should mention Richard... because he's a great example of MY point.

Here's his page: http://www.britishv8.org/MG/RichardMorris.htm

It includes a big picture of Richard with his car, plus six additional views of the car, plus a detailed write-up of his experience building it, and it even concludes with his free-form comments and advice. What more could you want?

Obviously, there IS a place for people to share this kind of information.

There are other problems...
(1) a lot of people are shy or modest.
(2) some want to wait til their project is "finished".

But apparently there must be some OTHER problem because some people like you (and Brian McCullough) are conspicuously missing. Enlighten me! What can I do to make this even easier?
Curtis Jacobson

My apologies Curtis for not having my car and information posted on the British V8 site. I posted informtion on my Midget about 7 years ago on the MG engine conversion site, but because it's a V6 didn't think the V8 site would be interested. I can send you the files if you want. Photos of my current MGA project with the inline 6 are posted on the Moss Pub site under my photo album. I'm not ashamed to let others see what I'm up to, just haven't posted on every site. I have noticed as I said before, not a lot of photos of the owners. I certainly didn't think of that when I posted the Midget information, and didn't have my smiling face in any of the MGA construction photos either until Serge requested one.
Bill Young

It turns out that Bill (and his bride!) are great photographers! I just received two of their entries for the Newsletter's photo contest. (You can enter as many times as you like.)

We'll all be seeing Bill and his projects on the newsletter website soon.

Curtis Jacobson


Bill's Midget... and his smiling face!
http://www.britishv8.org/MG/BillYoung.htm

We also just added Mark Trosper's MGB (with Rover V8) and I'm about to add Jeb Blanchard's Vortec MGA (with lots of cool body mods, including suicide doors!)
Curtis Jacobson

Really nice Midget. Bill took me for a ride in it at The KC All British. I was really impressed. And Bill is a super guy.

And yes, I had a heater valve start leaking on the way to KC. Bill helped me put a new one on (basically in the dark). It started leaking again (the new one) on the way home. Don't know why, but my car kills the heater control valves. I had to replace another one this last fall and it's now the V8 that's killing them. I have since started carrying a spare new one with me.

I was going to mention that to beat the action photo of the flying MGBGT is going to be hard to do. As soon as the snow and ice around here melts, I will jump mine and see if my wife can catch it in the air like that. (might be exciting for everyone.)

Richard Morris
Richard Morris

Age: 52
Year car was converted: 1996
Engine: Rover 3.5
Gearbox: Rover 5 speed
Carb: Holley 390
Why?: MGB is a great car. Rover V8 is a great engine.
Driving the combination is great fun. The hobby
provides great satisfaction. British V8 is a
great group.

Martyn Harvey

How old are you? 66 (The car is 40)

What year was it completed? Completed enough to drive to Sebring in 2001. Still making changes/improvements

What motor? Buick 215

FI or Carburetor? Carburetor

What is the car to be used for?

Daily driving in good wheather and
fun driving weekends

What are the top two most important issues?

driveability and handling

Other comments: I really wanted to build a slab sided Cobra Kit car. Decided a MGB-V8 conversion was more practical and more comfortable for long road trips. I really enjoy the annual British V8 gatherings.
Al Wulf

A bit slow in adding my name !

I am 66
Car is a 1979
Engine --5.0 L Ford Edelbrock Alum Heads
Carb is Edelbrock 1404
Tranmission --T5 WC
Differential-- D&D GM with 3.08 posi

Car is a daily driver for the season have now put about 40,000 miles on it since completion in July 2003.
Great fun to drive and sure suprises alot of people.
The V8 crowd are a great bunch and enjoy the get togethers !
Gil Price

This thread was discussed between 17/12/2006 and 07/02/2007

MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical index

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