My latest project, MGB

[GJSZ51]

The first car I ever held title to was a 1963 MGB. I loved that car, I traded that car for a 1969 corvette convertible. Ended my love affair with MGB until last Saturday. I picked up this 77 exactly as the picture shows.
Not a speck of rust anywhere. Missing a few parts. Nothing else. A blank canvas...

I am here for advice and some ideas. Even direction. All are welcome to come watch, play, advise and criticize. I can take it. I'm a big boy! I have done this kind of thing before, doh

Visit my facebook page titled SAR

[ex-tyke]

Nice foundation for a swap. What have you got in mind for a powertrain?

[GJSZ51]

I am thinking Rover V8. One of the reasons I have joined this site is to explore power and suspension options.

[40indianss]

If I had it to do again I would go small block ford but I got an incredibly good deal on a 4.6 rover built the way I wanted from a friend

[spridget]

Wow, what a great rust free start. I am envious.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Consider the Buick 300 instead of the Rover.

Jim

[GJSZ51]

Jim, I have considered the Buick supercharged V6. Is that the engine you refer too? Or, the old 64-66 aluminum block?

[mgb260]

Gary, 64-67 300 V8 has iron block. 64 only, has aluminum heads and intake.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I'd take the 300 for an mgb anytime. In fact I'm currently building two of them with 350/340 cranks, TA heads, NASCAR rods and cerakote block paint. Deck is 9/16" taller than Rover, iron block is stronger, more durable.

Jim

[Jim Stabe]

What displacement do you get with the crank swap? What kind of streetable power can you get from the combo?

[mgb260]

Jim, 340 with 3.75 bore, 350 with 3.8 bore. With the T/A heads and good cam should be easy to get 350-400HP. There was a twin turbo 350 that made over 1000Hp.

[BlownMGB-V8]

Roller cams and rockers are available.

Jim

[GJSZ51]

I believe I am going to use the GM LFX V6.
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[RDMG]

I'm swimming in 1000 1979 MGB pieces in my garage, deeply frustrated by the costs involved in rebuilding a Rover V8.  Here's some details:

http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?6,66109

If you're thinking about a Rover V8 and are at all cost-sensitive, you should wait until the perfect rover engine turns up— known history, low mileage, no overheating, no slipped liner, no cracks.  I think there's one like that somewhere on earth, but I'm not certain.  I bought two junkyard 4.0/4.6 engines with enough good parts for one, but am still many thousands into machine shop costs.  Making a performance RV8 doesn't make much sense, but then again, neither does owning an LBC, or a boat, or a horse, etc.

Your v6 idea may be a great one.  I'll be watching this thread enviously.

Dave

[GJSZ51]

Dave

My preliminary measurements are quite positive. One of the advantages to the newer 3.6 V6 is that exhaust manifolds are an integral part of the heads. Add that is a 60° engine, making it even more attractive. 300+ hp is all I want in this lightweight! I was fortunate enough to get an excellent buy with all accessories and ecm & harness. 35K miles. I will have to build mounts and, God knows what else but, I love a challenge. Great to start with a solid car! I may even stick with the 6 speed. Rear differential  and front and rear suspension are still in planning stage. I am sure there will be a combination of tubbing and flairs

😎

GJS

[MGBV8]

Glad you love a challenge, cause you will be blazing a new trail with that engine in a B.  IMO, the exhaust may well  be the easiest part of the swap.

Looking forward to it!

[GJSZ51]

I do enjoy the challenge. I have several projects ahead of the B but, I am reading up on recommended frame strengthening and such. I have picked up a donor car. The advantage, of course, is getting engine, transmission, computers, harnesses, gauges, etc. With any luck , I can sell remaining parts to pay for the donor parts I will use.

[Jim Stabe]

I wanted a Dana 44 rear end from a C4 Corvette to replace the Dana 36 I had in my car. The rear ends by themselves were going for $1200 but I found a C4 minus engine and trans advertised for $1000. I bought it for $800 and parted out the rest of the car for $1300. Got the rear end and put $500 in my pocket. The deals are out there if you get creative.

[GJSZ51]

Might be cool to try a D36 or 44 under a B

I have a couple C4 parts cars

[Jim Stabe]

Full disclosure, my car has been widened 11".

[GJSZ51]

Wow, Jim. Just read the journal on your build?

Super!

[GJSZ51]

Finally got the 2016 40K mile camaro donor to the shop...