Help with fitting a small block Chevy

[Adrian Harrison]

So I built this engine a few years back and had it in a Camaro.
I just basically got the engine run in and set up with maybe 4000km before the transmission blow.
Now I'm looking at fitting it to an MGB GT.
So that's how I found myself on this forum again looking for information about engine mounts and headers that work in the tight space that is an MGB engine bay. .
 So if anyone can point me in the right direction I would be very grateful

 Adrian

[BlownMGB-V8]

As far as I know nobody is making and selling the SBC/MGB conversion parts. Which is surprising really, as that swap does have a long history. As with all popular conversions though, the sticking point is the headers. It's my feeling that anyone who started making those would have an almost instant market.

Jim

[MGBV8]

What is the intended use for the MG, Adrian? Cruiser, drag racing?  Hope it is not autocross or road course track days.

Looks like a great engine that belongs back in an early Camaro, Nova, or Vega.  It is wide & heavy & not a great fit in a B.  It has been done a number of times over the years.  

Since it is not a popular swap, you will have to fab your own mounts & possibly the headers. Prepare to do some fenderwell & firewall surgery.

A set of Rams Horn exhaust manifolds may fit.

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/30110/10002/-1?CAWELAID=230006180038377449&CAGPSPN=pla&CAAGID=39714413703&CATCI=pla-457013475483&CATARGETID=230006180040357472&cadevice=c&jegspromo=nonbrand&gclid=CjwKCAjwgr3ZBRAAEiwAGVssnZMxhieZVmXNLqdClb6zpwMVK-Pul_BJXlJQGv7nTiv8kxH1ak2qFRoCyO4QAvD_BwE

Also, I counted 8 SBC MGB conversions here:

http://www.britishv8.org/Photos-MG-Conversions.htm

[mgb260]

Speedway Motors Hurst type front mount and bellhousing mounts. The Rams horn exhaust is a good idea. I would get rid of the heater shelf to move back behind the crossmember too.

[Adrian Harrison]

Thanks for the reply
I will look into those engine mounts, those are the ones i have seen  being used before and yes removing the heater shelf is an idea I have been thinking about doing also..
 
Not really worried about the weight of the engine to be honest it's lighter than an MGC engine and not much more than an original 4 pot... those aluminium heads and intake remove a huge amount of weight
Also not really interested in American cars that's way I sold the Camaro, they don't really do anything for me

[MGBV8]

If it was a First Gen Camaro, bite your tongue!  Any of the rest, yeah, me either.

Those heads save you about 50 lbs.  Intake? I thought any self-respecting SBC wore an aluminum intake.  Mine wears a Victor Jr.

[Adrian Harrison]

It's got an aluminium intake and first gen Camaro yes I'll take that one back lol

[GTplus]

I'm  out on the road for business right, but I'll be happy to send you pictures of both my '71 GT and my '77 MGB both have sbc engines and T-5s in them. MGB has custom large tube headers, GT  has block huggers. Both engines sit back in the bay with the heater shelf removed.

[MGBV8]

I saw the aluminum intake, Adrian.  I do think you are underestimating the weight difference between your engine & the stock 4 cylinder.

"it's lighter than an MGC engine and not much more than an original 4 pot... those aluminium heads and intake remove a huge amount of weight "

[GTplus]

For your engine mount you'll find that the "horse shoe" engine mount on the front of early 50s GMC/Chevy pickup trucks with the 235 straight six in them will bolt right up to your small block, makes for an easy mounting system to the front cross member.

[Adrian Harrison]

Ok thanks for the information much appreciated

[mgb260]

Tracy used the old truck mount to the crossmember.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Only problem with that is the absence of any torque control.

Jim

[MGBV8]

Doesn't look like my 8" harmonic balancer would clear that mount.

I bet it wouldn't take you 5 minutes to come up with a torque strap of some sort, Jim.

[mgb260]

I'm old enough to remember Chevy also used belhousing mounts too. Speedway sells them above with the Hurst style front mount.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Sure, but there's no room for them and nothing very solid to attach them to since you are supporting the full weight of both the engine and the transmission at that point. Certainly no way to sneak exhaust tubes past them.

Much better to run the front saddle across to the frame rails, and I've seen those mounts for the SBC. They used to be very common.

Jim

[Adrian Harrison]

Jim I was also thinking that myself