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MG MGB Technical - Fitting alternative engine

The "O" series engine was intended as the replacement for the "B" series engine but MGB production ceased before the engine became used by BL.
The Marina, Princess and Sherpa all started with the "B" series and ended up with the "O" series so they are readily available. In fact the SD1 Rover 2000 used the "O" series and the later LDV/Freight Rover RWD vans also used this engine so a matching 5 speed box is available without a conversion kit.
Anyone tried the 2000cc version of this this engine as a transplant as an alternative to building a "big bore" "B" series unit ?
I bet, after shopping through the various engine mounting brackets produced, that it may be a "bolt in with out modification or welding transplant" ?
Comments or view anyone ?
Paul Humphries

Paul,
There is a reasonable amount of commentary in the archives on this subject which may be worth a search for.

In my view there are better two litre engines than the "O" series which is getting on toward twenty / thiry years old now. As good a choice as it may have been at the time; that time has long passed.

Another point is that because the engine was also made by Leyland there are no certainties it will bolt in as simply as many people suggest.

Given there will be some work involved my thoughts would be to look for a more modern twin cam engine such as those from Toyota, Nissan, Mazda etc which are also attached to a five speed box suitable for rear drive applications.

Some thoughts anyway.

Cheers, Pete.
Peter Thomas

Thanks for feedback.
I have a late model Freight Rover which is fitted with the diesel version of the "O" series - the Perkins Prima. This engine blew recently and I adapted a Maestro deisel to fit without any trouble due to the interchangeabilty of parts.
The Freight Rover is the modern version of the Sherpa and still has the same engine mounts on the chassis as when fitted with the "B" series - the "O" series just bolts in with the apporiate brackets which I assume will do the same if fitting into a MBG. The Freight Rover uses the LT77 gearbox (same as Rover SD1 V8 so commonly used in MGB's) and has a hydraulic clutch operation. I admit the "O" series is an old engine - but not as old as the "A" series fitted to midget's, the "B" series fitetd to MGB's nor the Rover V8 all of which are 1950's designs!
Another thought, for me, is the Monetgo EFi / turbo engine or the current K series. Like you say the choice is endless - it's just I don't like Jap engines even though I admit they are good.
Paul; Humphries

Paul

Steve Williams in Wakefield who sometimes posts here is building either an O or S series engined BGT - I saw it in the summer and it was installed but not finished then - he had spent a lot of time on things such as engine mounts etc

He will be able to give you information - he last posted here wanting B piston rings if you search the archive

Christopher Storey
chris

Whar about the DOHC Ford Zetec engine? I see them in the Birkins (Lotus 7 type car) and they appear to compact and they can put out a lot of horses and hook up to a small, lightweight box - T9 I think. Just wondering ...
Wade Keene

This thread was discussed between 18/11/2002 and 21/11/2002

MG MGB Technical index

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