MGB & GT Forum

Hello everyone im new here but not to the ol mgb. Mines in need of some restoration but ive started considering making a restomod. Nothing super serious just really want to modernize the car so i can drive it and make it easier to maintain. I dont wanna go v8 id like to stay in the 4 cyl range. Been thinking maybe Acura Integra 4cyl? Please feel free to post your ideas or any links. I seen one article where they used a mazda Miata 4cyl but they didnt include and build details.

Jarrod,
Welcome to the forum! Check out the engine swap forum in the left hand column.
Rut

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1960 Bugeye,1275, 5 speed
1970 MGB, Pale Primrose
1967 Triumph TR4a
1966 Triumph TR4a
When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down 'happy'. They told me I didn't understand the assignment, and I told them they didn't understand life. John Lennon

Perfect! Thanks ill check it out.

Jarrod, welcome.

Yes, the swap forum is best for that, but I don't find a thread of yours there, so I'll put this here.

Be careful with Honda / Acura engine, from memory some turn the other way, making a rear wheel drive swap untenable financially.

I believe the backwards rotation was limited to their Front Wheel Drive applications, and I am uncertain if they all were.

If Honda and Acura turn out to be unusable, fear not, there are many other options.

Everything from the Ford "Pinto" (which was manufactured for the Ranger until 2000) to the late model 4s from GM, Ford, Mopar, and yes all the imports.

Are you planning on injection, or carburetor?

Thanks i thought about that and i cant use the honda engines because they are sideways. Ill probably stick with fuel injection.

http://www.classicconversionseng.com/index.htm

Thanks ill keep those in mind. Id also like to convert to disc brakes if thats possible? Im gonna check moss motors for a upgrade at the starting system. I probably wont be able to get a Miata parts car. The acura integra is the closest thing to me i just dont know if i could turn engine.

"Id also like to convert to disc brakes if thats possible"

Presumably you're referring to the rears! There are many topics here about it one as recent as last month or earlier this. Unless you want to do it "just because you can" then don't bother. The disc/drum set-up is perfect for the B. Although I have changed to Wilwoods on the front of my GT I'll keep my rear drums. Why Wilwoods? Well apart from them being standard on FC's IFS I'm required by my DoT to at least match the Factory system supplied on their V8.

On this forum in a nutshell there's 3 "restomod" (I'm not sure what that word means) camps: rebuild stock, rebuild with performance bits (see my signature block) or rebuild and install a supercharger. On the swaps forum there's all sorts of 4cyl, V6 & V8 options discussed. You may well find some direction by asking Mr Google something like "alternative 4cyl engine for MGB" and follow his links (or use the advanced search function top rhs - you can leave the author section blank).

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Mk1: CKD 11/66 first registered 8/5/67; owned since 3/77. 18GB +40 balanced. Peter Burgess BVFR head. Piper 285. 123. FidanzaFW. 4synch c/r box. Lots more as I did a nut and bolt rebuild; finished 2015. Tartan Red.

GT: December '78. VW Golf guards, flush fit front and rear valances. Torana XU1 vents, frenched indicators & Mk1 rear lights. 'Worked' Rover V8 with Monsoon ECU for EFI. GM4L60E, Lokar tiptronic & Quick4 controller. Vintage Air A/C. FC IFS. CCE 4 link rear. Salisbury with Quaife. Jaguar Storm.

Thanks a lot. Looks like its time to do some digging. I appreciate the help ill post any updates as to what direction i might go.

FYI, there were no 1978 MGB Limited Editions. The LE variants were all either 1979 or 1980 models....

When we bought the car thats what we were told. I cant remember so ill have to look up the vin and see. The car was originally marron then got this horrible repaint to kobota orange. Which they didnt even strip the car they just painted right over it. I do know that the knock off wheels were only an option in the later years.

The car is not an LE. The year is wrong and the wheels are wrong.
Post some engine photos so what we can see what you got.
I drove a MGB daily for 8 years and the car was reliable after some initial maintenance.
Mostly cleaning the bullet ends of the wiring and replacing the connectors.
I did install an upgraded fuel pump.
The rear disc brakes cost you a few miles per gallon. I saw no reason to upgrade to rear disc.

It's not an LE
In the US any LE WAS Black with alloy rims and other marketing gimmicks
Thousands upon thousands were built so it wasent very limited at all.
Just shy of 7000 made

July, 1979

To: All Jaguar Rover Triumph Zones, Distributors, and Dealers

Subject: MG”B” Limited Edition

The following part numbers are listed for your convenience as a reference listing for you when in need of information concerning the MG”B” Limited Edition.

PART NUMBER DESCRIPTION
BLM 105226 MG”B” Limited Edition Silver Stripe Kit
BLM 105100 Luggage Rack
BLM 105110 MG”B” Black Front Spoiler
JRT 800113 MG”B” Limited Edition Dash Plaque
BHH 2421 MG”B” Limited Edition Steering Wheel
CHA 748 Boss – St/Wh
BHH 1994 Motif – St/Wh
BHH 2451 Road Wheel
BHH 2269 Nut – Road/Wh
88-160053 Spring – Center Trim Retainer
CHA 747 Motif – Road/Wh
ICI 122 Black Paint

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1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION

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RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972

LEs were all black.

Knock off wire wheels were available during the MGBs entire run (1962-1980), but the LEs had alloy wheels that were specific to those cars and not offered on any other MGBs.....

Coolies thanks thats interesting. So mines possibly 78 or earlier. If i can find a suitable power plant ill probably continue with the restomod. Im only asking about the brakes because i dont wanna have to pump em to stop. I cant drive a standard so ill be putting a auto in it as well. The engine looks correct but i know the carb is after market. Mine has a weber two port, i think thats whats its called, side draft carb.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-09-28 11:01 PM by 78LimitedEdition.