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MG MGB Technical - Engine transplants

Just read the thread about sierra gearboxes, it started me off on an old tangent which may have been thoroughly killed on these pages but here we go! I am still keen on supercharging but a contact of my brother-in-law here in Australia, whom does have experience in the field of supercharging is saying don't bother, just replace the B engine with a japanese hot one! He does not say which one! Certainly in some of the American MG club sites the transplant of a V6 does not seem unusual, but the work involved puts me off. Ok, even the rover V8 is not impossible, but having read the Costello write up, it is still an awful lot of work! I suppose the only attraction of a Japanes engine and gearbox is that there are so many about and even in mild state of tune, performance would be good, is that what one wants? For me, it is the project that attracts, but, I know when I should throw the towel in so to speak. What do you all think? Mike
J.M. Doust

Hello,

Search archives this topic appears once in a while.
No matter what conversion is choosen, it is never an easy task. And speaking conversion, why not a modern EFI system instead of an old carb set-up? Some used a Toyota DOHC engine.
The easy way is a 60deg. V6, due to length clearance, like Chevy 2.8 or Ford 2.9
My opinion on Jap engine: most of them are FWD transmission which needs to find a suitable longitudinal transmission. And most of Jap. motors are hi-rev. type which is low torque type. In such case why not simply get rid of your B and buy a Miata or a 300ZX or an Honda S2000?


Cheers,

JGC
Jean Guy Catford

i too have thought long and hard about an engine transplant. I was going to go with either the rover k-series such as the likes from frontline. I even went as far as visiting Ed and taking a close look at his car (its actually quite amazing!). Ive now chosen to use the new ford Duratec engine, its 16valve, all alloy construction, saves nearly 100kg in weight and has over 150bhp standard. So far ive got the gearbox (type 9), duratec to type 9 bellhousing, clutch components and hoses. Ill need to contact Ed at frontline regarding the propshaft and gearbox crossmember though. The engine looks quite narrow and should fit. Fingers crossed.
A P New

How much work is involved depends on what you start with! Fromm Sept '77 the 1.8 shared a lot of the same underbonnet panels as the V8, so a lot of the cutting, hammering is done. Fitting is no problem and weight is the same, or less, depending on gearbox.
Allan Reeling

I have always thought that a classic, all aluminium twin cam Alfa Romeo Giulia 1750 or 2000 engine would be perfect in the MGB, complete with 5 speed gearbox. Has this ever been done, I wonder?

Tore
Tore

OMG! Italian starting combined with Lucas electrics!
PaulH Solihull

An intersting tranplant had been achieved and documented by Roger Parker MGOC staff member with a modern EFI Rover engine. If I can,I stick down here a picture or more


Guy RENOU

All apologies not to be allowed to upload more pics/session.


Guy RENOU

http://www.classicconversionseng.com/

Thanks to all for your thought. here in Australia some of these emngines are not found. Still interesting. Have a look at Bill Guzmans site, above. Mike
J.M. Doust

The Fiat twincam used to be a favourite for midget and Morris 1000 conversions. But they are hard to find now. A Morris restoration centre now use K series or Zetecs.

http://www.jlhmorrisminors.co.uk/content/fiat_more.php
c cummins

If you are serious about an engine conversion, talk to your local rego. authority first to find out what they will allow. Your choice of engine could be quite limited these days. Barrie E
B Egerton

Well J.M.,

If you really want to go the Jap. motor route, here is a site describing diiferent set-up for a MGA. More difficult than a MGB. But it could gives you some infos...


http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/power/pp1.htm


Cheers,

Jean G.
Jean Guy Catford

Tore
Years ago down here a guy fitted a Lancia Beta engine and 5speed in a B
The car became the MGBeta -- it worked quite well
but then it wasn't an MG anymore really was it-----------

Mike
for my two bobs worth
For a fun road car which MG's are, I'd be sticking to the original four banger unless you are after heaps of power
Just fiddle and enjoy it - supercharge it for extra grunt if you need it - a good turbo instalation would really make it sing, I'm thinking that way for my next project
V8 transplants are ok I've had the odd one or two of those but you tend to loose the character of the car a bit unless it's a hotty.
Willy
WilliamRevit

Mike, we've just finished the Honda S2000 conversion into an MGA, so you shouldn't have too many problems with the MGB. Just be careful with all the new Federal regulations as to transplants. We had this conversion, with Hoyle Engineering front & rear suspension, checked all the way by an inspector. The maximum engine size now is 2000cc.
Gary Lock

I appreciate all your comments re transplants. You are correct Australian members, we need to be mindful of local regulations, but, hot rods are relatively common here so when does an MG stop being an MG and could for arguments sake be considered a hot rod? Having said this, I am sticking to my supercharging idea. Mike
J.M. Doust

The supercharger puts out gobs of power and torque. It is a bolt on installation and is easily removed because you don't have to permanently modify any part of the car. You won't regret it. RAY
rjm RAY

Thanks Ray, You are absolutely right. Now where did the wife hide my wallet! Mike
J.M. Doust

Where you'll never find it! Seriously, the power gain is really enormous. I find myself no longer having to downshift. The blower comes into action so seamlessly you think that you had just added 2 cylinders. I find myself using only overdrive, engaged and disengaged, to pass and climb steep hills. I waited for over 20 years for someone to put together a kit like this. It's not cheap, but it does deliver the advertised power and torque transforming the meek B series engine into a real power house. When it was first released, I ordered one immediately since the original production run consisted of 50 units. Moss wasn't sure if it would sell or not. I got the 12th one that was sold. RAY
rjm RAY

Been watching this thread and happy to see you stick with the 1800 and improve it. I often have the same daydreams, but remember what late 60s and early 70s high compression B engines could do. Thus, I have a lot of faith in the 1800. That being said, I live in a part of the US where old cars are common decorations and springtime means planting geraniums in old tractor tires. Someday, I'll see an Olds F85 sitting in a field and the daydreams will come back. Good luck with the project.
Rick Penland

Ray, stop it please I can't stand it! I keep dreaming of big rotors and a whacking great SU and I still haven't found my wallet! Merry Christmas to all, yep, my mind's made up Thanks to all. Mike
J.M. Doust

Good choice Mike
And a Happy Christmas to you
Willy
WilliamRevit

Okay, I'll stop now. Merry Christmas to all you MG nuts out there. RAY
rjm RAY

Mike, I may know a source for an almost brand new Moss supercharger here in Queensland. it was imported, and found not suited for use on an MGA. If you are interested, I'll follow it up.
Gary Lock

I came across this, where a Marina owner fitted a Zetec head to his 1.8 standard block.


http://homepage.ntlworld.com/c.weedon/featured_cars/viney/Martec.htm
c cummins

"There is no replacement for cubic displacement" mmmm Rover 4.6 220+ hp in mgb body. Simple maths = power and torque on tap when and where you want it

Al
A J Ogilvie

Not anymore. With the advent of highly efficient supercharging, large displacement engines are no longer mandatory for maximum power. I thought long and hard on this subject before committing myself to the supercharger route. The work involved in adapting another engine to fit into an MGB is daunting and it quite costly. I am very pleased with the horsepower and torque, as well as the economy, that the supercharger has returned on my investment. RAY
rjm RAY

In my MG life, I have run across a fair amount of 289 engine transplants. Some really beautiful, like the HP Hollman Moody 289 in a B, and some that looked like a dogs breakfast. They do fit , and 350 hp ought to scare anyone wanting more. Ed
E kulick

Reading the post here on putting a blower on a B power plant, it should be said that for less money, a normally aspirated 1800 engine can be brought up to well over 100 HP. I know of one that's 110. It just depends how radical someone wants to get. PJ
P Jennings

The thing that makes the supercharger such an excellent option is that it allows the engine to keep its low down torque. With most modifications, that give a big increase in power, the driveability at lower speeds suffers. The engine needs to be carefully monitored to keep it in tune. The supercharger acts like a 4 barrel carburetor. It only comes into play when needed and the additional power comes on seamlessly. RAY
rjm RAY

This thread was discussed between 07/12/2010 and 16/01/2011

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