Another Fantastic MGB V8 for the Gallery!

Moderator · July 20, 2009, 04:52:23 PM

Read about it here:
Mike Alexander's 1973 MGB with Buick 215 V8 (86 photos!)

Lots of interesting construction photos in the write-up... for example:

Love the dashboard and center console!

castlesid · July 21, 2009, 10:52:35 AM

A beautifully built and detailed car.

Just one comment, I would recommend removing the rear anti roll/sway immediately, or all that work will be ruined as you disappear off the road backwards hitting what ever is in the way!

An MGB should be set up fairly stiff at the front and relatively soft at the rear for good handling and roadholding.

Kevin.

Moderator · July 21, 2009, 11:17:24 AM

Kevin, bear in mind that although Mike's car is registered as a '73, the tub and both anti-sway bars are stock items from a 1980 MGB donor car. The car has only been lowered about an inch, so its center of gravity is still higher than most of our chrome-bumper MGB's. It's higher center of gravity means the body is certain to roll more in turns. Rather than remove the rear bar, I think if it were my car (and if I weren't going to lower it further) I might instead go larger on the front bar. Rear anti-sway bars aren't inherently dangerous... they just need to be in balance with the front bar and the overall needs of the particular car. IMHO, my own GT would be improved with a rear bar to balance its oversize front bar.

BMC · July 21, 2009, 07:53:28 PM

I love the early dash coordinated to the body! That panel bolted to the inner wing is wonderful as well. I have had in mind to manufacture something similar for a test stand.

-BMC.

mowog1 · July 21, 2009, 08:58:51 PM

You should see this one in person! British V8 2009 was Mike's first visit, if memory serves me correctly.

RobertE · July 22, 2009, 11:02:33 PM

I think I was at Mikes first ever showing at the European Car show on Browns Islands. IIRC He took home 1st place in his class. The car is even more amazing in person, the attention to detail is magnificent.. I wish I had the patience!

restorejag · July 23, 2009, 10:52:15 AM

Thanks for all the great coments on my car,It was a lot of fun to do .When I started, I was not sure what I was going to do.All
I was sure of was I wanted a V8.After a lot of research,a lot of ideas from British V8,I decided on the 215ci.Mark at D&D was
a great help.I am new to the V8 group and had a fantastic time in Durham N.C. met some great people,hope to make it next year.Any questions about the restoration,please fill free to contact me. I am retired and have lots of garage time.

Thanks again, Mike