Ford 8" to MGB and back again

[Airwreckc]

Hello everyone.  I am about to start a long-delayed project to put a V8 into an MGB-GT ('72).  Years ago I bought a Rover 3.5 V8 and a narrowed Ford 8" (which was apparently converted to have the MGB outer hub splines).  I've since decided I'd like to have 5 bolt wheels and I'm planning a different (more powerful) engine--a modified Buick 300 V8.  I have a picture of the outer end of the axle.  Does anyone know if it's just replacing the axle with the 28 spline Ford axle to accomplish what I want, or is there more to the job?  I haven't been able to find a picture of an unmodified Ford 8" to compare the bearing retainer to mine, nor do I know if the bearing size is the same.  By the way, I'd like to use a pair of the stronger Chromoly axles, which I figure should be strong enough for my light car and the still relatively narrow 195/60x16 tires I hope to run. Thanks much.

[mgb260]

Eric, MGB housing end and bearing. You would have to cut them off and use 8" ends and custom shortened axles. I'd use it as is. If you want 5 lugs find wire wheel hubs, cut the splined area off and redrill to 5 lug.

[MGBV8]

I'd run it.  Want me to come get it?

[mgb260]

Glenn Towery used to build those. Carl, Is he close to you? I don't see a location on his info.

[MGBV8]

Nope.  Towery is in Delaware.

[mgb260]

Carl, I meant is Eric close to you.

[MGBV8]

No clue.

[mgb260]

Eric, I sent you some PM's.

[Brittsonly]

I yes you could use a 28 spline axle but with the narrowed rear end you would need to have the axle shortened and re splined.

[302GT]

4 lug wheels are fine, my MGB has about 330 hp and 315 torque at the wheels and I never had a problem with 4 lug wheels.

[MGBV8]

Over the years, the V8 Miatas have shown that the 4 lugs hold up just fine.