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1973 MGB GT Engine Paint

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smithy202098 Mark G
Ipswich, Suffolk, UK   GBR
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Hi all,

After an afternoon of lifting out me engine, I though I would give the old girl a clean to see the condition of the block. Under 41 years of oil, dirt and grease low and behold the engine painted with a gold paint. If someone could give me a bit more information on this colour engine I would be grateful. I have heard lots of things about "gold seal engines" but not to sure what to believe, so I though I would put it to you good people one here.

Thanks

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gray Graham Moore
CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE, UK   GBR
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Mark, hi. welcome to the forum and the goldseal club! I have a 72 GT and pulled the engine a few weeks ago. mine was a goldseal and i have been working on it and should be putting it back in the car tomorrow. I am in Cambridge, not far from you.

It depends upon your engine number as to if it is a goldseal or not.

here : http://www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/goldseal.htm

you will find a list of engine numbers - if your engine starts with a 48G it is a goldseal - there are also some others as you will see.

you can check here if it is not to decode the engine number.

http://www.mgexp.com/article/mgb-vin.html

To be honest, a goldseal is not a pot of gold, but a bit different. they were replacement engines form the factory - usually supplied under warranty with new parts installed. however, when i stripped mine down, there was very little bore wear after 100k miles and was still on the original pistons.

any more questions fire away, sounds like i have just done what you are about to do.
G

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smithy202098 Mark G
Ipswich, Suffolk, UK   GBR
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Hi, Graham, thanks for the information got a matching engine number (48G 733) I am wanting to convert the head to run on unleaded fuel, would being a gold seal mean it would need bigger valves or anything?

Also is there any local clubs that you could recommend joining?

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gray Graham Moore
CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE, UK   GBR
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No not at all. the engine has standard size everything. if you take off your rocker cover there is a number 12Hxxxx towards the rear, on the top and that is the casting number which tells you what you have. there are a few sites but if you want to post the number i can tell you what it is. it is likely you have a head with large inlet valves which is the best should you decide to pep it up a bit.

i just had my head done.

local quotes were around the 250 - 300 mark which was about the same price as buying a ready reconditioned unit off the shelf from most of the MG outlets however, mine needed new valves, springs, valve guides... everything so if you only need valve seats then you will probably be looking around the £120 mark.

I eventually spent a bit more and went for a Peter Burgess econotune head (google peter, he is very well known in MG circles for quality work). depends on your motivation. a conversion could buy you a lot of the castrol valve mix stuff.

check out the MGOC and MG car clubs - they have regional club gatherings. you may also find you have local clubs for folks who have a variety of classics.

what do you plan to do now you have the engine out?

G

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about 1 week and 6 days later...
smithy202098 Mark G
Ipswich, Suffolk, UK   GBR
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Hi Graham, sorry for my really late reply busy with work etc.. Well progress since last time, head if off the engine now deciding what I am going to do with it (polished ports etc. lead conversion (any suggestion)) With the engine out I think I will rub back the paint get all the 40 years of grime off and give it a lick of paint.

Took your advice now a proud member of the MG Owners club, will look at going to one of there meets next year.

All in all going well, How is your project coming along?

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gray Graham Moore
CAMBRIDGE, CAMBRIDGE, UK   GBR
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all the books say if you want the biggest bang for your buck (increasing performance) start with the air filters (K&N or similar) and cylinder head.

all depends upon what you have to spend and what you want to achieve and if the money you spend on a head should really be spent elsewhere (like is your suspension & braking system sound.....).

Once you start spending, you really need to take control as it's easy to get carried away....

This is what I did with pics - back on the road a few days ago and loving every bit. it's transformed the car.

http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,2844151,2844371#msg-2844371

G

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