I've owned a few, but have never fiddled with the original 1.8 Twin SU engine.

Does anyone know what the point of diminishing returns are for engine-power v's chassis-capability?

do you really want to go for more than a 3.5 rover v8? cos thats quite a common engine for them

Of course all depends on how much filler is holding it together

Nooo.... I said 'trick' engine - not prehistoric asthmatic boat-anchor!

quote:

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Originally posted by scootz
Nooo.... I said 'trick' engine - not prehistoric asthmatic boat-anchor!

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Trick in an MGB? How about a T16 motor... been done before many time's, on here, PPC etc.

At first glance I thought the title said 'truck' engine and the Dodge Vipor immediately came into my head

People have fitted Zetecs and Duratecs in them I believe. The little 1.7 Puma/Sigma engine would seem like a good choice too.

Type 9 boxes are a popular conversion too to get a 5th gear.

fit anything you want then, the v8 may be prehistoric but it still puts out a heap of torque even compared to a modern engine and you only asked how strong the chassis was

Truth is it’s the limits of the brakes and suspension that will let you down first

I'm sure the v8 version is a right handful anyway, sure you want even more power in such a small car or are you like that guy who fitted a jag v12?

If you really want a proper handling one, why not build a spaceframe irs chassis similar to a 7 and drop the MG shell over it? that would be a laugh.



[Edited on 13/2/09 by Mr Whippy]

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
Fit anything you want then...

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quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
If you really want a proper handling one, why not build a spaceframe irs chassis similar to a 7 and drop the MG shell over it? that would be a laugh.

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there a few on here building spaceframed classics

wheelbase and running gear layout look close to a 7, don't see why you couldn't go that route and then weld a floorless shell to the new chassis. Only bit to 'make up' is the sheeting between the two. Certainly save a fortune buying upgraded MG bits to try and bring a 60's car up to date

Take a look in my archive, I've put a zetec in mine.

Brakes and suspension can all be successfully upgraded, MGRV8 front is the ultimate, many coil over aftermarkets too. Vented drilled etc discs readily available as are multi pot calipers - Austin princess used to be the locost way but not any more, SD1 4 pots fit in steel wheels but not wires. You can get 4 link setups fro the rear etc. etc.

The chassis is imensely strong, and every component is available so no reason to have a patched up rust bucket.

quote:

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Originally posted by Mr Whippy
don't see why you couldn't go that route and then weld a floorless shell to the new chassis. Only bit to 'make up' is the sheeting between the two. Certainly save a fortune buying upgraded MG bits to try and bring a 60's car up to date

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there is a good blog of a guy putting a rover k-series vvc engine in one. Think the site is called mg spigot or something. Google will help you.

There is loads of info on K series into midgets so that would seem a good choice. My friend has one and there is a lot of parts/advice/solutions etc which would transfer well to the b.
Also there are established experts in MG to k series. A big place in Bath which I can find out about from said mate if you like. May be worth a call.
At track days with that midget there is so much power that half shafts have gone, diffs exploded and brake in urgent need of upgrading!
For the B at least you can get up-rated V8 bushes and components, in fact uprated almost everything through the club including light weight panels.

I Have been thinking of this for a while

I would love a modern engine in a MGBGT as everyday transport

My idea was BMW engine and sebring arches

It would be good to go for BMW running gear

I would be really interested if there were some webs to read

Lee

How about this?

quote:

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Originally posted by uklee70
I Have been thinking of this for a while

I would love a modern engine in a MGBGT as everyday transport

My idea was BMW engine and sebring arches

It would be good to go for BMW running gear

I would be really interested if there were some webs to read

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Rover T16 or M16 is the best bet very smooth engine -- as much low down torque as the 18 B series but once past 3500 revs it really comes on song.
Non-turbo produces 140 bhp in mpi form
Turbo version output depends what version you find. as the pistons on the 172bhp non- Sport variant don't like much more boost than standard. but 220 bhp is available with a simple mod if you find a Sport spec 192 bhp engine

[Edited on 13/2/09 by britishtrident]

Have a pep at this;

http://forums.nicoclub.com/zerothread/380424-1977-mgb-roadster-with-ca18det

or this;

http://www.britishv8.org/MG/ToddBudde.htm

or this;

http://www.britishv8.org/MG/KyleBingham.htm

or these;

http://www.fastcarsinc.com/mgbv8.htm

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline/index.htm

Met these guys the other day. Up to 350bhp from their K series conversions on Spidgets and B's.

quote:

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Originally posted by 02GF74

quote:

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Originally posted by uklee70
I Have been thinking of this for a while

I would love a modern engine in a MGBGT as everyday transport

My idea was BMW engine and sebring arches

It would be good to go for BMW running gear

I would be really interested if there were some webs to read

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me too but thniking of space framing a frogeye sprite - I believe banham do the body parts.

NB a roadster is better mind.

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Frontline were the people in Bath I was takling about.
They are superb and well worth a visit on the midget/sprite front.
They can even build a lightweight spaceframe sprite with their own suspension and drivetrain and lightweight panels.