James Kaiser's 1979 MGB Roadster with 1961 Buick 215 V-8
(originally published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume 4 Issue 1)
By: James Kaiser
City: West Olive, MI
Model: 1979 MGB Roadster
Engine: 1961 Buick 215 V-8
How It Was Done
| Engine: | the 215 was bored out to 0.030" over.
Front cam bearings replaced, oil galleys drilled out and an oil pick-up
out of a V-8 Buick was installed. Heads completely rebuilt and milled 0.030".
Crower mid-range cam installed. Used stock distributor and ignition. Also
installed a high volume oil-pump using a V-6 Buick oil pump base (Metric).
Used stock 4 barrel intake manifold with a Carter 500 cfm carburetor. Installed
stainless steel headers, purchased from Glen Towery. |
| Transmission: | 1985 Mustang GT T-5 5-speed. I made an adapter plate to mount the transmission
to the GM bellhousing (bolt pattern different and the pilot shaft on the Ford is
3/4" longer). Pilot bearing must be reamed to fit Ford pilot shaft. |
| Slave Cylinder: | I used a Weber adjustable hydraulic throw-out bearing. This was very simple to
install and get working. |
| Cooling: | used stock '79 radiator, but turned it 180 degrees and plugged the existing holes,
installed new holes where we needed them. Only cost $40.00 to do this. Used a 12"
flex fan, may go to a 13" or 14" if necessary. |
| Brakes: | still stock but will upgrade soon. |
| Suspension: | the only plans I have right now are to install torsion bars from Glen Towery. |
| Coming Soon: | roll bar and dual exhaust. |
| Comments: | the conversion was simple and fun. It took only one week from when I took the four
cylinder out to having the V-8 installed and running down the road. I would highly
recommend contacting Glen Towery before doing the conversion. Glen really knows how to
do these, and has a wealth of knowledge along with all the parts you are going to need. |
| Cost: | $3500.00 - 4,000.00. (Don't tell my wife!) |
