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MG MGB Technical - replacing MGB 1.8ltr with Midgets 1.5ltr

I have a 1978 MGB that is restored up to the engine which has its problems. I recently ran accross a deal for a 1974 midget with a pristine engine but the body is rutsting beyond repair. How much trouble would it be to replace the 1.8ltr with the 1.5ltr.
C. Mitchell

More than it would be worth !
T J Nicolson

Far more than it is worth. Get a V8 in it.
Richard Day

Go to the junk yard and get a V6 and put in it !!!
Moe

All of the options mentioned will probably cost more than it would to repair the engine in the car. Sure you can buy the salvage yard engine for less than rebuilding an MG engine, but who is going to install the V6 or whatever and make it work. You will need a different transmission, motor mounts, exhaust, fuel system and lots of alterations to the electrical system. Also most salvage yard engines will need a rebuild. FWIW, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

I just don't understand why you would want to install an engine with less power and reliability than the already underpowered engine. If you want relibility and power, then Moe is right. Install a Camaro 3.4 V6. My son Brian's sppeciallty. But, be prepared with lotsa' $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Grassroots Motorsports magazine did an article on the rubber bumpered car. Go to GRM online.

They retrofitted a set of dual S.U.'s with a header, and free flow exhaust. Installed a Pertonix in the dizzy. K&N air filters with the volocity stacks inside them. Trying different setups, they acheived 64 HP at the rear wheels. This is close to the pre-emmision earlier MGB's
A complete engine rebuild with the right carb., headers and ignition would be way less money than any combination.

Now if you want good reliable HP with economy, I would be tempted to install a light weight 16 valve 4 cylinder, like the 'K' engine. But it's not available here in the states.
But this kind of undertaking could take a long time.

Do the engine rebuild. Or find a good used engine.
My son Brian has one with 56,0000 miles out of a 1980 car that went through the V6 conversion.
Safety Fast
Dwight McCullough



Dwight McCullough

Clifton - is the "donor" Midget a rubber bumper? If it is, you're talking about, indeed, a 1.5L Triumph Spitfire motor, which was pretty underpowered for a Midget, let alone a 'B. If the car is a chrome bumper, then your talking about the 1275cc A - series, which is an even smaller motor. Neither of these are close to the B-series you have.

Transplants are nearly always a great deal of trouble - the other posters have a point, if you're going to have to fabricate an exhaust, mounts, hardware, etc., you might as well get a GM V6 or a Buick V8.

Just as a rule of thumb, you'll probably spend less by rebuilding (or getting a replacement) your B series. (Your instincts are correct) It won't be cheap, but I shudder to think about you spending as much or more on an engine which will be fabulously ill-suited to your MG B.

FWIW.
John Z

John Z, no big deal, but it wasn't me asking the question. The question was asked by C. Mitchell. I'm aware that later Midgets used a Spitfire 1500cc engine. The Midget he mentioned is a 74 and it should have a 1275cc engine. I suggested it will cost less to repair/rebuid the engine in his 78 MGB. Regards, Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Clifton - OOPS.

I was in a rush, thought you were responding to the earlier posts as the original poster.

Still wonder what Mr. Mitchell's reaction is.
John Z

The 1500 Midget engine is indeed a bit of a dead loss but the smaller 1275 A-series is a better bet which is CLOSE TO THE B SERIES in lots of ways.

Still better to get your B Series fixed.
Daniel

I love my B engine. Bet you can pick up a used good one, too, off a rustbucket somewhere. I have also had some luck pulling engines at pick-your-part wrecking yards, the last one costing $100 (a half-price special day). Where in Florida do you live?
Daryl

HUH?
Dudley Doright

This thread was discussed between 07/08/2003 and 10/08/2003

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