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MG MGA - MGA V8 project on ebay

Looks like an interesting project for someone - what do you all reckon- what will it be worth when complete?
ebay listing number 110262308025
Cam Cunningham

Probably somewhat less than if it had the original engine. These projects never hold value compared to a stock restoration, although they can often attract starry eyed buyers on a one time basis, looking for Cobra style performance at a bargain price.

Of course they won't get that with a 135 BHP V8 lump in there, although it will certainly be significantly better than a tuned 4 cylinder (I except out the supercharged 1800 option which I understand is about equivalent to the stock V8 route).

The Rover engine does not fit happily into an MGA and you have to cut out a lot of structural bits to make it go in, bits that most people never bother to replace with any alternative.

A much better fit is the GM V6 which weighs about the same, is similar displacement and has similar power, although both engines can be tuned to higher outputs. The big advantage is the the 60 deg. V engine is narrower than the 90 deg. 8 and a tad shorter as well. It also comes with a nice electronic injection system that far too many people throw away to install a carb, usually a downdraft 4 bbl, which necessitates a hood scoop with means an arguably uglier car, which means..... and so it goes.

I say all this from the unusual perspective of someone that has done it both ways - a 215 into an MGA in my youth, and a V-6 into an MGA chassis (the Jamaican) much more recently.

For a certain segment of the public, you aren't really a 'man' unless you have a V8 in your car, probably the result of reading too many Hot Rod magazines as a child. For a more enlightened group, any engine will get consideration for swapping. Personally, I favour the Honda S2000 and GM turbo Ecotech (260 bhp from a 2litre 4 cylinder) for an MGA (if one MUST cut one of these lovely beasts up - better to sacrifice a mundane MGB, IMHO)
Bill Spohn

This thread was discussed between 15/06/2008 and 16/06/2008

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.