Another Newbie Newbie

[Colin1944]

Yep....another Newbie.

I acquired a 1975 MGB about a year ago.  Found it on a peanut farm in Georgia.  Amazing car, totally complete, no rust.

I had only been considering a 3.4 V6 conversion but when it came to laying down cold hard cash for an engine and transmission, I bought a Rover 3.9 V8 complete with 5 speed box.  The dream has just begun.  I will be keeping close tabs on all the information on this site and hope I can overcome most of my problems without being too much of a pest.


The day of arrival from Georgia.

[rficalora]

Welcome Colin!  You'll find a ton of info & a great group here.  The MG portion of the board is likely to be somewhat slow moving for the next week as the MG engine swap meet is this week & a lot of folks are already there or on their way.  Activity will pick up again toward the end of the week or next week.

[Colin1944]

Thanks for the welcome.  Now that I have a few minutes I will give you all some background on me and my project.

I am an ORP (old retired person) with a huge interest and background in vintage and particularly vintage British cars. I have raced them, soloed them and rallyed them.

This project is a throw back to my youth when I had niether time or money.

I bought the car off E-Bay.  It came from a peanut farm in Georgia.  Had been in storage since 1991 and only had two owners...I am the third.  It arrived totally intact and rust free.  A real bargin for $1,000.00

I hate and despise rubber bumper MG's but they do have their upside....ready for a V8 transplant.  The car is being converted to chrome bumper standards, in all respects.  The body has been stripped to bare metal, seam welded and primered.  It will be leaving next week to have a roll cage installed and the required modifications for the 3.9 transplant.

It will be race legal in terms of safety, roll cage, fuel cell, fire supression system, 6 point harnesses, all the required catch tanks and other safety modifications.  It will of course not be legal for any organised racing.  My intent is to use it strictly for track touring and a bit of travel to nearby British car meets.

THE FUN HAS ONLY JUST BEGUN!

[Colin1944]

I have created a Fotki site for my restoration.  So far nothing radical.  I am still in the "tear it apart" and clean it up stage.  Have made a few purchases....3.9 Rover and LT77 5 speed.

http://public.fotki.com/colin1944/mgb-restoration/

All comments and critisim welcomed.

Colin

[Colin1944]

The LT77 gearbox has been completely rebuilt at a cost of around $400.00....not too bad.  Now for a couple of questions which will probably be considered somewhat basic and simple.

I am at the point where I can do a dry fit of the engine and gearbox.  Is there a kit available for the instal of the 3.9 and gearbox?  Can I use the original 'B' rear crossmember and standard rear motor mounts for the LT77?

Anybody in the GTA that can offer some advise by phone or a visit?

Thanks,
Colin

[ex-tyke]

Colin,
      Bronte Park (Oakville) All British Car show is this Sunday - there is usually a few MGB V8's in attendance. Otherwise visit D&D's website to purchase engine and xsmn mounts.
http://www.aluminumv8.com/
You have a late model "B" that should have the correct frame side engine mounting brackets, which makes it an easy installation using D&D's bracketry..

[Colin1944]

Thanks Graham.