BritishV8 Forum

Just imagine, you were thinking about installing a Ford 302 in your MGB, which type of kit would you prefer?

a) Bolt in using custom motor mounts, leaving you to modify the crossmember and other areas yourself?

or

b) Bolt in using a modified MGB crossmember which included motor mounts?

Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Pete

How about a parts kit that includes a cutting template, an internal stiffener and a replacement panel for the cutout in addition to the other parts? That would make a sweet package for a builder who has a welder and not a lot of money. Plus you could then supply the finished unit for anyone who couldn't do the welding.

Jim

Personally, I would go with an option A that included Jim's idea and the motor mounts plus a  template that positioned them on the cross member. That would be the ideal low budget option. Of course, we all know what the other end of the spectrum option is.  


Where's the smilies, Curtis?

Pete,
    The most intimidating part of this conversion for a would-be sbf converter is fabricating, locating and welding frame side engine mounting brackets for the stock Ford motor mounts - anything done that would eliminate that operation would be beneficial. It follows that having an engine side mounting bracket design to mate to the existing MGB frame side mount would be the simplest solution for a customer. Keep in mind the different MGB engine mount designs for different model years - you may want to specify that the donor car must be 1975 to 1980.
    If you choose to mount the engine on a modified front xmbr then the original MG mounts would have to be cut off the frame (as I believe they would be in the way)
    The crossmember modification for the Ford front engine sump is an easy job if one has welding equipment - if a modified xmbr was available from you (possibly on an exchange basis), that would help those without welding equipment.
    In any event, there will still be some areas of the body that require judicial use of a hammer, notably in the area for the remote oil filter adapter and in the tunnel area of the left side bellhousing.
   Good luck - we can discuss further at Teds.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all of the feedback on this forum and others.

Looks like the popular option is 'B' using a modified crossmember.
Using the exchange or core idea would help to keep the cost down.

The proposed kit will contain a modified and strengthened crossmember with mounts. A transmission crossmember for the Ford T5 5 speed. With the option of headers, remote oil filter adapter, aluminum radiator and a few more related parts to make the conversion 'trouble' free.

Please visit my website in a few months for updates on the kit or BritishV8.org and the various bulletin boards.

Thanks again

Pete

Pete, one thing you'll want to be prepared for is the possibility of poor welds and/or rust in the core crossmembers. Although I've not personally seen this, Ted claimed it was commonplace. Could have been due to the colder climate but unless you can get a good idea of the percentage of bad cores you might want to allow for that somehow.

Jim

Jim,

Thanks for the tip. Once the kit hits the market, I will specify useable core etc.
Each crossmember will be media blasted and inspected for serviceability and safety.

Pete