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MG MGB Technical - Engine Swap (Ford V6)

My 73 BGT engine is very tired and with limited budget for a performance rebuild I've decided to fit a 'spare' Ford V6 (Essex) and gearbox that I already have. The main reason is that to get 'more' performance out of the 18V I'd have to fit bigger carbs, better head/valves etc and still have approx. 120bhp. By fitting the Ford V6 I'll get 135bhp for about the same weight. I've done a drop-in fit and the engine and gearbox doesn't snag on anything, so I can make some mountings and a prop and that is about it.

I've got lots of time (retired) and quite like the challenge. Id like to know if anyone has attempted this particular swap before?

Ive also got a couple of tech questions for the engineers amongst the group; -

1) How do I remove the 'press-in-rocker posts' from the Ford Head? (two damaged)
2) Will the STD back axle take the increased torque?
3) Thoughts on the STD radiator being suitable for the V6.

Thanks for any replies; I'll be keeping a photo record of the swap if anyone is interested.
Mike Antony

Mike,

Pop on over to the "MGB GT V8 and engine conversions" group and ask over there.

Also, look into the British V8 web site for more info, at http://www.britishv8.org

Don't be put off by the "V8" in the title, V6s are covered there as well.
Dan Masters

Mike, can't help with the stud question, but the rear axle will handle the extra torque if driven moderately. You might find the 3.9 a bit low unless the gearbox is a 5 speed. A 'C' rear axle would help here.
The radiator should work ok, I use an early B radiator in my midget with a 2.8L Chevy V6. A well ducted electric fan is good insurance.
Bill Young

For the rocker stud, place flat washers, 3/8-drive sockets, whatever, on the stud and tighten the nut down on the stack-o-stuff. Add more washers if you run out of threads, and eventually the stud will pop out.

For installation, put an old nut on the stud flush with the top and drive it in with a hammer, being careful to hit it square. Use a long straight edge to make it even with the other studs.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Have a chat with Falla Classic's in Dorset as they did an amazing conversion with a Ford V6 as well as a 2 litre Cosworth. They have a web site that will give you their contact details.
Also just type MGB V6 in the search engine and watch the many sites that come up with loads of information.
If I had the time I would do the same with my 1972 BGT, perhaps when I retire.
Good luck
Doug
Doug Endean

Mike:

I stuffed a Cologne V6 into a '68 BGT once. The radiator worked ok, but needed an expansion tank as the block held much more water than the 4 banger. The rear end is fine, but as stated changing to a higher ratio will make the car more enjoyable. I used taller tires and an MGC diff.

Manifold height is an issue, so go with the lowest intake setup you can. In the US the engine came in the Capri with a progressive DGV mounted on a 90 degree adapter. This was way too tall to fit, so I made up an adapter to fit a Holley 2 bbl. I think the stock Euro Spec 2 bbl side by side carb should fit ok.

best of luck. The engine I used is now sitting in a Marcos (horror of horrors)

Kelvin.
KJ Dodd

Well Mike Antony,

We share the same idea as I intend to recycle my 2.9 Scorpio that way in a near future. There is this site where V6 swap was discussed.
http://www.mgaddict.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=31&sid=2ac90fc4d213491e087e3106d55a8e86

I saw in my BCClub few fellows having B's with V6. They are all found of this GM 2.8-60deg.and they run with standard B rear axle without any problem. And for all of them it was a custom swap without any major fuss. Personally I have in mind an EFI 2.9 as more powerfull that carb. type. but More complicated to do.

Cheers,
JGC
Jean Guy Catford

There are a lot of kits available for the gm 2.8-3.4 v6
The late gm engines have alloy heads, roller rockers and a low profile intake system, and are plentiful in junk yards. Alloy racing blocks are also available. With the cast iron block they are lighter than the B engine and stock have about 100 additional horsepower (175-180)
If you want to be creative and challenged go for the "other v6" If you want a kit that is a proven success with the kinks already figured out, check out the gm v6 kit providers.
my 2bits
Barry
Barry Parkinson

This thread was discussed between 14/03/2005 and 15/03/2005

MG MGB Technical index

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