Paul Schils' 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine
as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume XIV Issue 2, August 2006
Owner: Paul Schils
City: Fredonia, WI
Model: 1973 MGB-GT
Engine: Buick 215
| Engine: | Buick 215 aluminum V8 engine, rebuilt with 0.030" overbore.
New pistons, rings, bearings, etc.
ARP studs for main bearings and cylinder heads.
Balanced rotating assembly.
Crower 232 camshaft and lifters.
Offenhauser dual plane manifold.
Carter AFB carburetor (400cfm).
Mallory Unilite distributor.
Mallory Promaster coil.
High volume oil pump. |
| Cooling: | modified MGB radiator and MGB electric fans (pushing). |
| Exhaust: | block-hugger headers (ceramic coated), with balance tube.
Spin-Craft mufflers. (Note: centered fuel tank facilitates dual exhaust all the way to the rear.) |
| Transmission: | Rover SD1 5-speed. |
| Rear axle: | Chevy S10 (narrowed) with 3.08 gears and open differential. |
| Front suspension: | Moss coil-over kit, plus caster reduction wedges.
3/4" anti-sway bar. |
| Rear suspension: | British Automotive composite leaf springs.
British Automotive anti-tramp bars.
British Automotive panhard bar.
KYB tube shocks. |
| Brakes: | Wilwood calipers.
Cross-drilled rotors. |
| Wheels/Tires: | Panasport 14x6 wheels with Bridgestone Potenza P195/65/R14 tires. |
| Electrical: | Odyssey PC1200 dry-cell battery.
Delco-Remy alternator.
Hi-torque starter.
VDO gauges.
Cruise control. |
| Body: | New floorboards, inner sills, castle rails, rockers, etc.
PPG basecoat/ clearcoat paint job.
Webasto roof. |
| Completed: | 2001. |
| Miles Since Conversion: | about 9K (as of the British V8 2006 meet). |
The following upgraded components have been installed since the How It Was Done
article (above) was originally published:
D&D aluminum radiator.
Spal cooling fan and thermostatic controller.
RV8-style through the fender headers, ceramic coated.
New fuel tank and fuel pump.
Temporary brace spans door opening while sills are repaired
This mod provides clearance for the Rover SDI tranny
Studs in lieu of bolts...
Fitting of the moon roof - note use of Cleco spring-loaded clamps
Mallory Promaster coil
Packard (Delphi) "Weather-Pack" sealed electrical connectors
Though block-hugger headers were fitted, vent-holes in the RV8-style header location aide cooling
Upgraded brake light switch
Odyssey PC1200 dry-cell battery
LED "third" brake light
Centered fuel tank facilitates dual exhaust all the way to the rear.
Panasport 14x6 wheels with Potenza P195/65/R14 tires
Saab compact spare tire and wheel
"Before"
"After"
