Need help, Dad and self are going to work on 77' MGB
jipple
08-17-2003, 11:50 PM
Hello,
My Dad bought a 1977 MGB several years ago, but he did not have enough time/space to work on it, and I was too young with no interest to help. Now we both have some time and I am looking foward to putting some work into the MGB with my father.
Currently it has a 4 cyl. with a 4-speed. We want to find a small (inexpensive) 6 cyl. engine and a 5-speed transmission. We also want to replace the driver-side door, buy a new (tan) interior, and give it a paint job. New wheels (larger rims with low-profiles tires, i imagine) will also be purchased as well.
We first, however, need help finding a decent (yet inexpensive) engine and 5-speed transmission.
If you can help us in any way, please do, as I would greatly enjoy spending some real quality time with my father doing something I know he will love, and I will always remember.
Thank you in advance for your time responding in this matter,
Jonathan Lombardo and Father
jpl3k@att.net
My Dad bought a 1977 MGB several years ago, but he did not have enough time/space to work on it, and I was too young with no interest to help. Now we both have some time and I am looking foward to putting some work into the MGB with my father.
Currently it has a 4 cyl. with a 4-speed. We want to find a small (inexpensive) 6 cyl. engine and a 5-speed transmission. We also want to replace the driver-side door, buy a new (tan) interior, and give it a paint job. New wheels (larger rims with low-profiles tires, i imagine) will also be purchased as well.
We first, however, need help finding a decent (yet inexpensive) engine and 5-speed transmission.
If you can help us in any way, please do, as I would greatly enjoy spending some real quality time with my father doing something I know he will love, and I will always remember.
Thank you in advance for your time responding in this matter,
Jonathan Lombardo and Father
jpl3k@att.net
Moppie
08-18-2003, 04:18 AM
First of all forget the 6.
MG tried it, and dropped as it ruined the cars handling with the added weight.
The orginal 4cyl is a great little engine, and has plenty of tuning potential on its own, other wise the buick based Rover V8 is an easy conversion, weighs less than the 4cyl, and as you can imagine has more than enough hp for what the MG chassis can handle.
If you stay with the orginal A series engine, then there is overdrive avliable for the g/box that gives you an effective 6 forward ratios.
The V8 is commonly found in Land Rovers, and Defenders, as well as old P5 and P6 Rovers.
The later the engine the more power it will have stock, but the more work will be required to get it into the car.
Forunatly since V8 versions were made by Rover, there are conversion parts easily avliable.
The second thing you need to do is get hold of your nearest MG car club, you will not find a better source of information and parts.
All the parts for the car are avliable, and its actualy possible to buy all the parts required to build a totaly new car.
A quick look in a classic car mag will give you ads for suppliers, or try these guys: http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/
And most importantly find a Haynes or similar workshop manual. :)
MG tried it, and dropped as it ruined the cars handling with the added weight.
The orginal 4cyl is a great little engine, and has plenty of tuning potential on its own, other wise the buick based Rover V8 is an easy conversion, weighs less than the 4cyl, and as you can imagine has more than enough hp for what the MG chassis can handle.
If you stay with the orginal A series engine, then there is overdrive avliable for the g/box that gives you an effective 6 forward ratios.
The V8 is commonly found in Land Rovers, and Defenders, as well as old P5 and P6 Rovers.
The later the engine the more power it will have stock, but the more work will be required to get it into the car.
Forunatly since V8 versions were made by Rover, there are conversion parts easily avliable.
The second thing you need to do is get hold of your nearest MG car club, you will not find a better source of information and parts.
All the parts for the car are avliable, and its actualy possible to buy all the parts required to build a totaly new car.
A quick look in a classic car mag will give you ads for suppliers, or try these guys: http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/
And most importantly find a Haynes or similar workshop manual. :)
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