Kieran Anderson's 1980 MGB with Rover 3.5L V8
as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume VIII Issue 3, September 2000
Owner: Kieran Anderson
City: Wurtsboro, NY
Model: 1980 MGB
Engine: Rover 3.5L V8
Conversion By: Owner
| Engine: | 1970 Rover 3.SL, SilvoLite pistons, Iskenderian lifters, pushrods and
super cam, Offenhauser 7001 intake manifold with 390cfm Holley 4bbl
carburetor. High volume oil pump with remote filter. |
| Transmission: | Triumph TR-8 5-speed manual. Completely rebuilt with all new bearings,
seals, pump and gaskets. |
| Bellhousing: | 1980 Rover. |
| Clutch Actuator: | Triumph TR-8. |
| Clutch: | B&B Rover clutch and a strengthened clutch fork. |
| Flywheel: | Lightened Rover 3.5L. |
| Exhaust: | Stainless steel block hugger headers with complete Falcon dual stainless
steel system. |
| Brakes: | Cross drilled front rotors with Mintex pads and stainless steel
braided hoses. |
| Wheels/Tires: | 185-70R14 XGT4 Michelin tires on Minilite wheels. |
| Suspension: | Lowered (2") front and rear springs. |
| Cooling: | MGB radiator turned around with repositioned inlet and outlets. I
made the outlet smaller to keep the coolant in the radiator longer
so it will dissipate more heat. Three cooling fans. |
| Rear End: | MGB with Mike Satur 3.07:1 ring and pinion gearset, machining required. |
| Instruments: | Recalibrated tach and 120 mph speedometer. VDO voltmeter in place of cigar lighter. |
| Information Sources: | I spent a day with Glen Towery in Delaware. Best place for parts,
ideas and know how. Also used TS Imported Automotive, D&D Fabrications,
Ian Pender, and of course the MG V8 Newsletter. |
| Recommendations: | Before you start, make sure you know where to get most of the parts
and the whereabouts of a GOOD machine shop. Have lots of time, patience
and, of course, money. Being in the automotive business helps too. Also,
I installed most electrical components using fuses and relays. I have driven my V8 500 miles so far (only on weekends) with no problems. It is a real pleasure to drive and to look at. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A V8 UNDER YOUR FOOT, especially when it is in an MG. |
| Cost of Conversion: | (Excluding Original Car): $15,000 and three years. |
