Don Coleman's 1979 MGB with Rover 4.9L V8, by Fast Cars Inc.
as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume XV Issue 2, September 2007Owner: Don Coleman
City: Dearborn MI
Model: 1979 MGB
Engine: Rover 4.9L V8
Conversion by: Fast Cars Inc.
| Engine: | D&D Fabrications constructed this engine from a Rover 4.6L engine
block (which features cross-bolted main bearing caps, etc.) The engine
is "stroked" with a Buick 300 crank, and uses custom (modified Chevy)
rods and Ford 255cid (6cyl) pistons. It's fitted with 1964 Buick 300
aluminum heads, for a total displacement of 4.9L. |
| Induction: | Edelbrock Performer 500cfm carburetor and manifold. |
| Ignition: | Pertronics. |
| Cooling: | D&D aluminum radiator. |
| Exhaust: | Fast Cars Inc. custom fabricated (all stainless steel). |
| Transmission: | Tremec T5 (Ford spec.) with 0.81:1 fifth gear. |
| Rear Axle: | Ford 8" with aluminum gear case and Auburn limited slip differential.
3.00:1 gear ratio. |
| Front Susp.: | Fast Cars Inc. IFS, featuring AVO adjustable coilover shocks.
7/8" sway bar. |
| Rear Susp.: | composite leaf springs. Cal-Tracs type traction bars (fabricated
by Fast Cars Inc.) and AVO adjustable shock absorbers. The front
spring mounts have been reinforced forward under the floorpan. |
| Brakes: | Wilwood calipers front and rear. Wilwood 12.19" vented and cross-drilled
front rotors. Wilwood 11.75" scalloped and cross-drilled rear rotors.
Wilwood residual pressure valves, front and rear. |
| Wheels/Tires: | Intro Custom Wheels (17x8.0" front / 17x9.5" rear), Kuhmo ECSTA Supra (215/45/R17 front / 245/40/R17 rear). |
| Body: | Exterior body work was subcontracted by Fast Cars Inc. to Don Marcott
(of Wayland, MI). Don installed Plymouth Horizon fender flares, front
and rear. He also created the unique front fender vents, the frenched
license plate mounting, and other distinctive styling features. The
fuel tank has been centered to facilitate dual exhaust, which exits
through holes in the rear valance. A flip-type fuel-cap has been fitted
above the boot lid. The custom polished stainless roll hoops were
fabricated Ted Lathrop at Fast Cars Inc. Harley Davidson side view
mirrors. |
| Interior: | Custom dashboard in body color, by Fast Cars Inc. A Vintage Air climate
unit (heat and AC) has been installed between the firewall and dashboard.
The car features custom upholstery, including Mr.Mike covers on Fiero
seats. (Electric seat heaters have also been installed, along with
headrest mounted stereo speakers.) |
| Electrical: | Advance Auto Wire wiring harness and circuit protection. Greengauges instruments. |
| Weight: | 2228lbs, wet. |
| Completed: | August 2006. The car had been driven about 3250 miles, as of British V8 2007. |
| Comments: | Still sorting out a few minor issues, such as air conditioning leaks and tire
clearance at extreme limits of suspension travel. Still experimenting with
brake pads... but the car is a joy to drive! |
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