If we'd only known...

BlownMGB-V8 · November 18, 2008, 01:52:21 PM

How many of us would have chosen differently?

If I'd only known a 350 Buick engine was only 100 lbs heavier than the stock 1800 would I have used the 350 instead of the 215?

If I'd only known that 2 piece Mustang hub/rotors would become obsolete would I have gone with GM?

If I'd only known how well a Jag IRS could fit an MGB would I have kept holding out for a ford 8" axle?

If I'd only known what a good choice a Buick 350 could be would I have ever begun playing with blowers?

If I'd only known the T5 was coming would I have ever installed a T-50?

If i'd held out for the T5 would I ever have considered an automatic?

These are all the kind of questions we ask ourselves from time to time. It would be interesting to get more perspectives on it. But what I personally would really like to know is how everyone feels about the first question. Back when you still had to make your own headers and motor mounts regardless of whether you picked the 215 or the 350 SBB's, if you had known you'd only pick up 100lbs with the 350 would you have done it?

I think I would have.

Jim

Moderator · November 18, 2008, 02:30:24 PM

There are LOTS of things I'd do differently... but generally I'd have used lighter parts, not heavier ones.

Bill Young · November 18, 2008, 04:49:30 PM

..........that it would take me 3 1/2 years to get back on the road I might have left the 1275 in the car. If I'd only known what I would have missed by not meeting this bunch if I'd left it stock, I would have finished the V6 sooner.

rficalora · November 18, 2008, 05:05:28 PM

If I'd have ever known how long it'd take me to do all the body mods in addition to the engine swap, would I have broken this project into pieces? Probably... but would I have ever had the car I really wanted at the end of the day... probably not. [at least that's what I keep telling myself

]

302GT · November 18, 2008, 06:05:45 PM

I started with a 215 and went to a Ford 302. I would have considered a Buick 350, but it would be even more attractive if aluminum heads ever come out for it.

I agree that light is better in general, but the GT is more of a GT so I am happy with some weight in order to get lots of torque.

For light weight it makes more sense to use a modern, light twin cam 4 rather than the aluminum V8. A 2 liter or 2.5 liter aluminum block engine could be an excellent choice that could easily match the 215 power (but not torque). With a supercharger or a turbo it could hugely out perform a 215, in all respects, and still be lighter.

Dan B · November 19, 2008, 10:50:41 AM

And how much more does the big block weigh?

BlownMGB-V8 · November 19, 2008, 02:31:44 PM

Dan B Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> And how much more does the big block weigh?

See there's a whole different philosophy at work here. On the one hand we (correctly) believe that less weight leads to better performance and on the other hand we believe (correctly also) that massive increases in torque are worth reasonable weight increases. It may be that the two viewpoints can never be reconciled because each can do things that the other cannot. Is a hot motocross bike capable of outrunning a top fuel dragster? Depends on the course of course. But for pure fun it's hard to beat a fire breathing, tire melting big displacement engine in a small lightweight car. High revs and nimble handling are great of course, but a smokey noisy beast is a sure crowd pleaser. Of course that's just my opinion.

Jim

BMC · November 19, 2008, 04:56:00 PM

I would have built my 3.4L the same as I did but slowly modify it further which is exactly what i am doing. I guess what I am saying is that I am not unhappy with how things happened.

Now when it comes to my '59 Bugeye, I wish I had not pulled it apart in 1998 only to have four kids keeping us from rebuilding it.

-BMC.

Keith · November 20, 2008, 08:31:33 PM

Okay, I'm paying close attention here to learn from everyone else's regrets

Great discussion. I think I've got the weight and torque thing handled though.

I've spent a fair bit of time trying to get smaller engines to perform like big ones, and there really is a big difference in how they drive. Get a modern V8 in there and the four-cylinder simply won't see which way it went.

bplus · November 24, 2008, 07:31:03 PM

Ya'll wanna talk decisions, my brother and I are in the middle of three builds right now
with two more waiting. Currently building a V-8 '71 GT, a V-8 '76 roadster, and a '78
midget...ford engine and trans in that one. Lots of hummm let's see how this fits
going on. I've been watching the net with interest on the big block buick conversion
you're involved with Jim.

BMC · November 24, 2008, 10:13:25 PM

Re-reading my post and the original theme of this thread, the items that you could say were not up to what I prefer now were a line of earlier MGBs that we changed over time. With every conversion, we find minor items to update or alter. Some of these take more time, some not.

-Some of our original harnesses were visually exposed yet no easier to work on.

-Some of our earlier cars had different minor equipment and hardware that has since then been updated for around the same price.

I am really pretty happy with the direction we have gone otherwise.

-BMC.