Steve Burr's 1977 MGB with Ford 172cid (2.8L) V6
(originally published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume 5 Issue 2)Owner: Steve Burr
City: Colorado Springs, CO
Model: 1977 MG MGB
Engine: Ford 174cid (2.8L) V6
How It Was Done
| Engine: | from a 1977 Ford Mustang II, rebuilt without modification.
Motor mount on frame cut off, new mounts bolted in per instructions
from John's Cars conversion kit. |
| Transmission: | 1985 Ford 5-speed top loader (T-5) from Bronco II.
Modified shift lever to locate shifter in stock MGB shifter opening. |
| Bellhousing: | 1985 Bronco II.
Drilled two holes on driver's side for hydraulic lines to Tilton clutch slave cylinder. |
| Clutch Slave Cylinder: | Tilton. Complex machining to get the Tilton the same height and fit as the stock
Ford internal slave cylinder. Had it turned to the same diameter and locking ears
as stock, then used sabre saw to trim away the excess metal between the locking
ears. Works like a champ. Then replaced the original 3/4" MGB clutch master
cylinder with a Girling 7/8" unit. Cost of slave and master cylinders and modifications
estimated at $700. Worth it! |
| Clutch: | modified 1974 Mustang II pressure plate and cover. Disc from 1985 Bronco II.
Modifications by local clutch shop. Cost was no more than buying stock components
from parts store, without the "No, you can't do that." |
| Flywheel: | stock Mustang II, refinished. |
| Exhaust: | custom made at Catfish Engineering. |
| Wheels & Tires: | 175/14 tires on stock wire wheels. early two-ear knockoffs (8tpi). |
| Suspension: | Moss Motor's coil shocks. |
| Cooling: | custom top tank with radiator cap added, original MGB 3-row core and stock bottom tank.
Both inlet and outlet fittings changed to match motor. |
| Rear End: | stock MGB 3.9:1. |
| Instruments: | Mustang II speedometer. Custom 6-cylinder tachometer. |
| Conversion By: | owner. |
| Notes: | Had to move the transmission mounts on the 5-speed back about 2 inches.
The slave cylinder on the clutch can get expensive if you don't plan ahead.
Compare the old slave cylinder for height against the Tilton and give
careful explanation to your machinist. |
| Estimated cost: | $5000, excluding original car. |
