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MG MGA - Missing Engine Serial Number Conundrum

I recently had a five bearing 18G engine rebuilt and we are now installing it into my 56 A (to replace the three bearing engine that leaked oil like the Exxon Valdez...even after an unsuccessful attempt to add the aftermarket rear seal). Last night I noticed that the engine came back from the machine shop sans serial number plate. The shop does not have it; it is long gone. The new engine is an 18G, and will be duly noted in the modifications log into the flyleaves of the factory manual (a log that I have maintained and which was started by the previous owner when the p.o. did a body-off resto in the early 90's). You need to know this new block was not pulled out of a B...it was a spare block that a local MG shop had on hand. So there's no looking at the plate on the donor car.

So, here's the conundrum. I kinda think there should be a plate made up for the engine. I suppose I could be cute and put "18G SOMETHING" on a plate and at least that way someone could i.d. the engine as a five bearing 1800. Or I could have a plate made up that would match the Florida vehicle registration number on the car's title (that title number is the car's original engine serial number). But of course that would be a 1500 engine number, and to me that would be like the guys who fake engine numbers on collectible cars to sell those cars as having "matching numbers". Not ethical, not correct for the new engine, not the right thing to do for future owners (god forbid there should be any).

Or I can just note it in the log and get over it. (probably what I will end up doing).

Ideas, thoughts, opinions, gentlemen?
Frank Nocera

I would be inclined to make up a plate that said, "18G REPLACEMENT"

Rich
R.J. McKie

Why not 18G and then the original 1500 engine number
dominic clancy

This thread was discussed on 26/09/2006

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