Looking for opinions - best conversion

t.lay · June 06, 2008, 12:34:22 AM

Looks like I'm heading for a 302/T5/8.8 conversion with my 72 GT. Just curious what the benchmark is for the the best looking/cleanest conversion. Not that my skills are quite there, but looking for ideas for what makes a head turner to you guys/gals. I think I've read a zillion how it was done articles and hit the photo gallery. What features trip your trigger? Photos appreciated!

Moderator · June 06, 2008, 12:45:03 AM

Gee... I like mine best.

Except if I did it again, I'd use a bigger engine, fuel injection, smoother shifting tranny, and lighter weight rear axle. (The 8.8 is kinda heavy - but it was a good deal.) I'd probably spend more time up front on proper rust repair, or else start with a cleaner tub. I would definitely bring the headers through the fenders, RV8 style. You're definitely on track with the chrome bumper GT shell!

Bill Young · June 06, 2008, 08:16:18 AM

Tom, for me it's all in the details. Everything has to look like it "grew" there. Excess wiring in the engine compartment is rerouted and hidden, hoses routed neatly. If worm drive hose clamps are used, they should all be oriented the same way if possible. Chrome or polish isn't necessary, but painted things should be smooth.
Sticking with a "theme" is also nice. A polished brass radiator tank is beautiful, but if it's the only brass item under the hood then it really sort of looks out of place, a nicely detailed cover might be more in keeping with the theme of the car.
There are a couple of cars that have that certain "thing" that grabbed my attention the first time I saw them. one is Bill Jacobson's car with it's new blown engine. That compartment is stunning, follows a good theme. http://www.britishv8.org/MG/BillJacobson.htm
The other car that really looks great even unfinished is Dan Master's GT. Even in the construction shots you can see the attention to detail of design, The custom body touches such as the front turn signals are slick. Check the routing of the exhaust pipes, some thought went in there. http://www.advanceautowire.com/mgbgtv8/
Another car that I think is stunning is John Mangle's MGA. Not flashy, but very well put together. http://www.britishv8.org/MG/JohnMangles.htm
I think that gives you the idea of what makes my heart go pitter pat. Of course I don't follow my own ideas when I build my own cars, but I did try to keep things as neat as possible under the hood, rewrapping the modified harness in colored tape to match the body was one small touch. I did hide as much of the wiring as I could and routed the hoses as neatly as possible within the tight confines of the Midget compartment. http://www.britishv8.org/MG/BillYoung.htm

MGBV8 · June 06, 2008, 11:03:24 AM

Like Bill said, if you are looking to benchmark a V8GT, keep you eyes on Dan Masters car!

rficalora · June 06, 2008, 11:21:47 AM

It's all the little things -- clean engine bay like Bill mentions; also things like where your tires line up to the body; fit & finish; interior details; etc., etc.

danmas · June 07, 2008, 10:32:33 PM

The link to my car is http://www.advanceautowire.com/mgbgtv8/

I just talked to Ted today, and he's bringing the car back from the paint shop Monday, and then the uholstery shop will start on it.

MGBV8 · June 08, 2008, 12:00:03 AM

You may make it, yet, Dan !

t.lay · June 08, 2008, 01:30:54 AM

Dan,
I've been following your build. Your GT looks fantastic, even in primer. I love the frenched in beehive signals. Great attention to detail. Can't wait for more pics.

danmas · June 09, 2008, 09:03:21 PM

Taken today.

danmas · June 09, 2008, 09:16:52 PM

engine bay.

MGBV8 · June 09, 2008, 10:49:27 PM

Woohoo! It's GREEN!!!!

Downhill now,

Moderator · June 09, 2008, 11:20:27 PM

Wow - that car will be magnificent!

RMO 699F · June 09, 2008, 11:51:45 PM

Dan, the car looks great....I love the color...and a front crossmember to match! Doesn't get any better than that!

302V8 · June 10, 2008, 04:21:04 PM

Dan,

It looks awesome.......WOW.

MG four six eight · June 10, 2008, 08:15:12 PM

Looks good Dan!

Bill

74ls1tr6 · June 11, 2008, 12:45:57 AM

Dan,

I believe your car build will turn quit a few heads and make rubber neckers as they double take.

Very Sharp Looking! Great Looking Flairs!

Calvin

djw090 · June 12, 2008, 11:55:29 AM

Dan,

Are those what you call Omni flares?

I dawned on me the other day that a Dodge Omni is what we know as a Chrysler/Talbot Horizon. I can't remember when I last saw one.

David

MGBV8 · June 12, 2008, 12:35:11 PM

Yes, Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon.

t.lay · June 14, 2008, 01:10:35 AM

Very nice! Looks like clearance is tight for air cleaner. Does it clear the hood - c hood?

danmas · June 14, 2008, 12:27:21 PM

t.lay Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Very nice! Looks like clearance is tight for air
> cleaner. Does it clear the hood - c hood?

The air cleaner was custom made for this car by Ted, using a standard B hood.

BlownMGB-V8 · June 14, 2008, 10:39:03 PM

It's certainly going to be a beautiful car. Very nice color.

Jim

Dave · June 15, 2008, 01:59:29 AM

Wow. It will be beautiful.

danmas · June 16, 2008, 01:20:41 PM

Who is this guy, and why is he sitting in my car?
I may need a crowbar to get him out.

t.lay · June 20, 2008, 12:41:56 AM

Very nice. You've done an incredible job with the details. You're definitely setting some standards for a quality build!

BlownMGB-V8 · June 20, 2008, 10:11:02 AM

I'm not sure a crowbar will do it.

Jim