BritishV8 Forum

Hi Guys, The Mantell Motorsport MGB 302 V8 Kit is finally here.

This will now enable you to bolt in a Ford 302 / 5.0 Liter V8 into your RB MGB (1974.5 – 80) with minimal modifications and close the stock bonnet/hood without a hood scoop or power bulge!

The kit includes:

Modified Stock MGB RB Crossmember with engine mounts.
Transmission crossmember and mounts for Ford T5 5 speed.
RV8 Style headers, Gaskets & Header Bolts
Remote Oil Filter Adapter
Oil Filter Bracket
Black Poly X-member Pad Kit
Installation Hardware pack (Bolts, loctite etc.)
Kit Instructions and recommendations

Parts will arrive painted in Chassis Black, unless otherwise requested, with powercoat options also available.

The kit works by using stock RB crossmembers as cores, so a core charge will be added to the kit price, until a good useable core is shipped back to me.

The crossmember's ship as shown in the picture below. You will have to remove all suspension components & brakes, and install back onto the modified crossmember. Besides, it's a great excuse to install new bushings, upgrade brakes etc.

The engine mounts are adjustable. This will enable the installer to overcome MG manufacturing differences & Ford 302 engine revisions as this great engine has been manufactured in various forms for nearly 50 years. (i.e. harmonic balancer clearance near the steering rack.)

The burning question - kit price?

Price will be around $1300 plus UPS shipping with many additional options on parts and accessories. i.e. Ceramic Coated headers etc.
Exact price will be known within the next 2 weeks.

A Chrome bumper MGB 302 V8 Kit will also be offered in the future.

My website will be updated very soon to show the new kit and much more.

Please call 217-688-2463 or email pete(at)mantellmotorsport.com for more info on the kit or parts for your 302 install into a MGB.

This is great Pete.  Where were you 4 yrs ago?  Using your kit is modification to the firewall required or is about the only modification cutting the holes for the headers & maybe moving the radiator support forward on early RB cars?  Oh, and are you includng a template for cutting the header holes?  That might be a nice touch.

Very comprehensive and affordable......should make the 302 conversion process much easier for a beginner.

Hi Rob,

Only mods near the firewall/bulkhead will be by the lower gas pedal area and the usual trans tunnel 'lapped' area. Both of these are best accomplished with a hammer and only need to be dimpled about 0.5 inch.

Templates & diagrams will be provided for the RV8 style header install.

Radiator install info will be provided also and supports may have to be moved depending on model year etc.
Lower Rad panel will also need to be trimmed on all models (per usual V8 installs etc.)

Cheers
Pete

I'm holding out for the LS1 kit.  

I started my conversion a half year too soon. I would have paid $1,300 in a heart beat knowing what I know how.

This seems to be a very reasonable price and should increase the number of B's running around with SBFs.

Rick

Pete,

Well done, that makes you a market leader for a product thats well overdue.

You could also consider doing a rubber bumper shell to chrome bumper x member conversion, with the required modified rack and double jointed pinion shaft, as that is a major headache for a lot of people with earlier cars.

Another thought is that you could offer the option of a built in caster reduction mod for the crossmembers, have a look at the Brown & Gammons caster reduction kit for ideas!

Playing with modified cars is looking a bit bleak in the UK with revised legilation about to be introduced which will effect a lot of people and potentially make their cars worthless and undrivable on the road, fortunately my car. I think using the points system will still be legal, it needs a new MOT and it's now down to the MOT station as to whether they think it's legal or will have to referred to another body called BIVA who will charge £450 to test the car and you can only trailer it to the station and back presumably if it fails.

Dark days under our wonderful labour goverment, hopefully they will be gone by the end of May.

Regards,

Kevin.

Wow! This seems like such a bargain. I sort of wish I didn't buy two aluminum BOPR engines because I have a roller 302 that also needs a job. Installing a 331ci SEFI roller engine would make a MGB spooky fast.

Hi Kevin,

Thanks.

Yep, I had heard about the possible legislation in the UK about modified classic cars.
Sad indeed

Regards
Pete

Pete,

Do you, or will you, sell the headers?

"P"

Hi Paul,

Yes, all parts can be purchased separately, but it will be a slightly better deal to purchase them with the kit etc.

Thanks
Pete

Hi Guys, Thanks for all the great comments.

As promised here is the kit price.

$1325 plus core & shipping.

Core charge is $125. This will be refunded when a good, serviceable, solid RB crossmember is shipped back to me.
Of course you can always ship it in advance to prevent the core charge.

The first 5 kit orders will also receive a 'bonus gift' in their order!

All this info will be on my updated website. It should be live by this Monday (fingers crossed) I'll advise when it's ready.

Cheers
Pete