Roadmaster Events List

[MGBV8]

PO-TA-TO

Reminds me I was supposed to get another decal.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I just got back from the Buick GS Nationals in Bowling Green, KY. We went down yesterday evening (Friday) and checked into the host motel (Red Roof Inn) at about 8:00 local and the MG-Roadmaster was instantly mobbed, an occurrence that continued for the duration every time we parked it. They heard us rolling into the parking lot and had to know what was up, so we no sooner were out of the car than the hood was up and Matthew and I were answering questions as fast as we could field them, while Edith (piloting the "Buick Support Vehicle" Jeep Liberty) went and registered the room. This went on, with people coming and going up until we made our getaway pleading a need for food. Edith said it was like watching the crowd around a beautiful woman.

This morning we drove to the dragstrip (Beech Bend Raceway Park) and although the day's racing got rained out, for us it was more of the same. The car got all the attention. The Buick guys absolutely loved it. To a man they all recognized the "Star Wars" air cleaner, and would say things like, "...that can't be... is it?" followed by, NO WAY! Holy S***! I was expecting a V6 (or a small block). They universally approved of the quality of the conversion, were very curious about the ignition system, and wanted to know the details about the vehicle weight and how it handles.

A much larger proportion of them stood and read the graphics on the car than we've seen at any ot the other gatherings. Sometimes even in the rain. They were very welcoming and approving, most especially once they found out that a Buick engine had been a factory option for the car. (MGBGT-V8)

Guys, I think we could show up at this meet any year with a few BOPR converted cars and be right at home with this group. They were as friendly as anyone could ever hope for.

Now as for the car: It performed flawlessly on the trip down and back, some 375 miles or so, getting about 18-19 mpg. With me driving it that's pretty good. I noted a few fairly minor issues to address but not many. Overall the car is pleasant to drive, although it runs quieter about 70-75 mph than it does around 50-60. I'd say shakedown on the electric power steering and the new fuel delivery system is complete. The steering needs a second or so to initialize after starting the car before you go cutting the wheel, and the bypass regulator makes a strange little gurgling noise that I was hoping was just air but it hasn't gone away so I guess we are stuck with it. The tach has failed (OEM) and still registers but not anywhere near correctly so it should be replaced. Speedo needle bounces but is readable and accurate (a new stock MGB inner cable should fix that), Gas gage works fine but should not be run below 1/8 tank under any conditions. Temp stays rock steady on the "N", Oil pressure and voltage are well within range. Throttle is light, clutch is a little stiff, brakes are quite firm, shifter is light and positive but needs a double clutch to downshift into 3rd, Steering is light and positive with good isolation and suitable road feel. Seats are comfortable, seat belts are not, and the cowl vent, if left open driving in the rain will drip on your foot.

The handling is dead neutral but trailing throttle oversteer and a little squirreliness when hard on the brakes should be helped by adding a front swaybar. We have everything to do that except a pair of CB downlinks, it'd be nice to get that done before Townsend if somebody has those parts and could send them along.

I'd love to attach some photos. Unfortunately I was kept so busy answering questions that I didn't get any chance to take some. Next time maybe.

Jim

[mowog1]

Great summary, Jim!

[BlownMGB-V8]

Went to the WVBCC picnic Saturday, Dan and I took a bunch of guys for a ride/drive around the park, all were suitably impressed. They seem pretty committed to taking part in the BritishV8 meet in Lewisburg next summer. Should make some really good guides.

[BlownMGB-V8]

On Sunday we took in the Pumpkin Parade.

[kstevusa]

Jim. saw the XK8 Vert in previous pics.  all looked good.  Hope for great turnout in the meet next year.  Mathew coming to Townsend?

[BlownMGB-V8]

Frayed knot. He's in school.

Jim

[BlownMGB-V8]

Had the Roadmaster out running errands the last couple of days, now that the clutch slave is repaired and I must say that with the power steering and brake booster it is a pleasure to drive. At least for short trips. I have a spring ordered for the carb secondaries, not sure when it will get here but that should improve throttle response a little.

Sunday I plan to take it over to Filmore's again, the regular hot rodder's get together, and now that Matt is in the Northern Car Club at NKU will try to make any local import meets they have going on. I'll report back here when I do.

Jim

[BlownMGB-V8]

Filmore's is down to the die-hards but we still has fun. Met some low riders with mini-trucks who were pretty cool.

I'd be taking it to WV today on a scouting trip for the 2017 V8 meet but there is a growing vibration in the driveline somewhere that gets worse when I turn right. Don't want to chance getting stranded until I know the cause.

Jim

[BlownMGB-V8]

A bit cold, but Matt and I had the car out on a parts run. A young guy in a hot hatch was pulling up alongside to look, and a woman in a Rhino rolled down her window so she could get a photo with her phone.

Still draws a crowd.

Jim

[lawnvett]

MG 2017 San DEigo June, 2017??

[Dan B]

Insomnia, PJ?

[lawnvett]

yup

[Oldbloke]

Visit from PJ this past week leads me to ask:  to whom can I send payment to become a donating member of this elite group with the hope of one day getting some wheel time?

[74ls1tr6]

Rick Ingram would be able to get the moneys to the right person for you......( mowog1)( personal message )

[TC]

Any more info on that Jaguar Racing Green MGB GT sitting next to you at the Street Rod Nationals in Knoxville?

Color, flairs, wheels, even hood louvers, all perfect. Love to have more info or a place to get it along with some more photos.

[MGBV8]

You must mean Dan Master's GT.

http://www.britishv8.org/MG/DanMasters.htm

Jaguar Racing Green?  Yeah, that is what I would tell everyone. Sounds so much better than saying "Toyota Prius Electric Green Mica".

[TC]

YIKES ! ! ! !

That is just one perfect, beautiful ride ! ! ! ! ! !

Makes the "roadmaster" look like a foolish "ricer" doesn't it . . . ?

[BlownMGB-V8]

Ricer? "Race Inspired Cosmetic Enhancement"

So what exactly on the Roadmaster do you consider cosmetic/non-functional? Other than the paint. I'm sorry but I can't think of a thing.

Not to denigrate Dan's car, it is indeed a beauty. But when was the last time you saw a 7-1/2 liter Ricer?

Jim

[TC]

Well . . .

Much as I'd love to point out that ridiculous air cleaner and the foolish decision to chop a hole in the hood to "feature" it rather than a bulge to hide that embarrassment, I won't.

I won't even mention that silly ricer inspired front air dam sett way to high to be of any real use and just serving as a cosmetic "just for show" cruise night mistake.

If you haven't come across a "ricer" capable of producing the horse power of an antique 300 ci engine and WITH the handling to match. Meaning functional ground effects rather than a paste on fiberglass fallacy up front., then you really need to visit You Tube for more than a look at you own ridiculous ride.

But I won't say any of this because I was taught to respect my elders in spite of their obvious dementia.


"Not to denigrate Dan's car, it is indeed a beauty."

My post was all about beauty though, and certainly not about antique engines.

That green MGB IS a truly beautiful, esthetically balanced work of ART. Difficult and thoughtful decisions were obviously made throughout the build to achieve that result. Note: no garish air cleaner or accompanying hole in the hood. It's a very successful design exercise, not a full sized four year old's vision of a Hot Wheels Toy. I'm afraid that your car, in the current nomenclature, "Just looks ASS !" in comparison.

[Moderator]

This thread is overdue for some pictures... Here's a nice one:


Thomas doesn't care for engines that project through the hood. With forward facing scoops. Roadmaster's "bug catchers" are downright subtle compared to what one might see on atop a 471. It's a hotrod thing. Nothing ricer about it. Closer to "<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gasser_(car)">gasser</a>", maybe?  

And Thomas particularly doesn't care for the 1967 Buick "Star Wars" air cleaner. Fair enough. Taste is subjective. But that particular air cleaner announces "Big Block Buick" from fifty yards away. Even with the bonnet closed. Which makes an especially interesting statement in the context of a muscle car and hotrod show. Roadmaster is one of VERY few MGs that can consistently draw a crowd in those fields and parking lots. The Roadmaster concept largely started on a Buick muscle car message board. Roadmaster celebrates a special but little known association between these constituencies. Not Chevy, not Ford, not Mopar, and most certainly not ricer... Buick.

Yes, you can get more power from a smaller, more modern engine. So what?

Unlike Thomas, apparently, I've actually driven Roadmaster. It's a hoot! Effortless because of its massive torque. Wonderful bass growl. But since the tune is mild, its engine has no bad behaviors. (Starts easy. Idles smooth.) Did I mention that it sounds glorious?

[TC]

"Yes, you can get more power from a smaller, more modern engine. So what?"

You misread my intent, I never mentioned power and the displacement of that silly thing, SO not even close to the Gasser-Style, more like bolting a butterfly-style scoop directly onto your hood.

I was strictly speaking esthetics here, AND above and that car is sadly missing . . .

Compared to that beautiful green MGB, the maroon one is an absurd parody of what a performance car could be.

I'm sure that the crowds gather for the WTF factor and leave with "Thank GOD that's not mine." on their lips.

Limited performance of that engine aside, thats' a  silly little boy's ride . . .  !

Agree to disagree is always the best option. I'm done posting on this one, you all too?

[Dan B]

Curtis, TC is just a troll.  Don't feed him.  He obviously has no knowledge of the RM project at all.

[BlownMGB-V8]

He must be having a bad week. Didn't get to go to 2017BritishV8, and Lord knows what other problems he has. Maybe some purist got on him for putting a Mustang engine in an MGA.

But that's no excuse for rudeness, especially when clueless about the ownership, build, intent, and purpose of an automobile. Last time I looked the RM had over 50 owners, so way to go in managing to offend that many people all in one shot. Not something I'd want to do, but then I usually try to avoid being that offensive.

Jim

[BlownMGB-V8]

The front air dam is functional. It is good for at the very least, 30-50mph on the top end before the steering starts to get light, I don't know of anyone who has tested it's limits, but an MGB without it will start to lift by 100-120mph. It also protects the radiator. It is and has been a commonly used accessory from early MGB production.

The hole in the hood is functional. It lets out radiator exhaust and helps the engine stay at "N" on the gage at all times. It also gives clearance for the air cleaner. To the best of my knowledge there is one, and only one way that a stock hood could close over that engine, and that would require the fabrication of a custom intake and EFI. Quite a challenge, and a good bit beyond both the intent and the capabilities of B.A.D.A.S.S. at the time the car was built.

As Curtis said, the Iconic "Star Wars" air cleaner was chosen, at least partly to notify the Buick faithful that this was one of theirs. Note: The original MGBGT-V8 had a Buick engine so there was heritage to be considered, and indeed heritage was was the Raison d'être which brought the car into existence. The thought being stated at the time as, "It can be done, so it MUST be done." and that the smallest Buick V8 ever mass produced was used by the MGB Factory at Abingdon with the intent being to close the circle by building a car with the largest Buick V8 ever mass produced. This is pure and undistilled American Hot-Rodding to the very core.

Admittedly there was some cosmetic intent in those build decisions. But that may be said of anything not produced for purely utilitarian purposes, and I rue the day that mindset takes over all automotive design. And when you look at Design you will notice that there are definite National, cultural and regional influences that will usually be visible in the design itself. Such is certainly the case in American, British, European, and Oriental styling, with the term Ricer usually being the exclusive province of the Oriental school of design. Nothing on this car, perhaps with the exception of the HID headlights which show some European influence, deviates from either the British or the American school. So the Ricer comment is not just inapplicable but completely irrelevant.

Finally, I understand many feel these recent posts are an affront to the originator of this thread and staunch supporter of the Roadmaster project, the much loved and all too recently departed Bill Young, may he ever rest in peace, and enjoy a rousing ride in the afterlife. Please, let's try to be a little more considerate of our Brothers here, and take the negativity to another thread or another site. Thank you all.

Jim