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Transition from early to late MGB´s

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Transition from early to late MGB´s #1
Raulgarci Raul Garcia Tijuana, B.C., Mexico Sign in to contact 1958 MG MGA 1960 MG MGA 1972 MG MGB	Topic Creator (OP) Oct 2, 2014 05:16 AM Joined 14 years ago 673 Posts

Hi guys, I am a neighbor from the MGA forum!!!

I would like to know more about the transition of the MGB´s from the 60´s into the 70´s, what are the major mechanical changes?,
engine, suspension, etc. Thanks!!!

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #2
Welshie Iwan Davies Cardiff, Wales, UK Sign in to contact	Oct 2, 2014 05:31 AM Joined 13 years ago 1,107 Posts

I speak for the UK here but there were no 'major' mechanical upgrades as far as I'm aware. The early cars had a 3 synchromesh gearbox, and from around 1967 they went to 4 speed synchromesh. Early 1800 engines had 3 main bearings, later ones had 5. I know in the US most of the changes were down to safety/Emissions reasons and while we had twin SU carburettors mostly I believe the US had a number of variants.

Ride height increased when rubber bumper models came in (a stepped crossmember and longer springs). Early cars had the 'steel dash' but changed to the padded 'Abingdon pillow' in the late 60's. In the UK we kept the steel dash until shortly after rubber bumper models were introduced.

I'm sure others will know lots more than I, but thats a basics.

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #3
purdysmg John Harrison Gjettum, oslo, Norway Sign in to contact 1971 Morgan 4-4 "Pretend Norton" 1971 Morgan 4/4 1978 MG MGB "Topless Go Go Girl"	Oct 2, 2014 05:37 AM Joined 14 years ago 2,055 Posts

If you like the MG A a lot then go with the chrome bump MGB you are likely to be very disappointed in the later rubber bump cars. They can be made to handle/perform like the earlier cars but it takes some time and money. Other than that it is as Iwan states.

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #4
Speedy1 John D Gonzales-Lusk Los Lunas, NM, USA Sign in to contact	Oct 2, 2014 09:10 AM Joined 17 years ago 4,796 Posts

Raul, if you just seeking information then Iwan has pretty much listed the basic differences. If you are thinking of purchasing a later model yourself, then I think it's going to come down to age - your age. A young man might make the transition easily; an older person, maybe not. Age sometimes favors age. I have a '65 MGB - I'm 80 years old. I would never swap out my B for, say, a rubber bumper model. I would, however, consider buying, and driving, a TD. Or a MGA.

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #5
Raulgarci Raul Garcia Tijuana, B.C., Mexico Sign in to contact 1958 MG MGA 1960 MG MGA 1972 MG MGB	Topic Creator (OP) Oct 2, 2014 12:24 PM Joined 14 years ago 673 Posts

In reply to # 2813139 by Speedy1 Raul, if you just seeking information then Iwan has pretty much listed the basic differences. If you are thinking of purchasing a later model yourself, then I think it's going to come down to age - your age. A young man might make the transition easily; an older person, maybe not. Age sometimes favors age. I have a '65 MGB - I'm 80 years old. I would never swap out my B for, say, a rubber bumper model. I would, however, consider buying, and driving, a TD. Or a MGA.

Hi John, you are right, your point is correct! But no I am not going to MGB´s earliest or latest, what I want to do is to restore a MGA using parts from the B´s, as mentioned, Engine, transmission, suspension, shocks.....the B´s still a lot in the market for sale, and the A´s are difficult to find, that´s basically the reason of my enquire, I do not want to let die my MGA.

Right now and finally I am finishing another A (1960), just to keep in it the garage, maybe to have a ride once a year! Because as you mentioned age and prejudices are a deterrent for old crazy guys with young hearts!

thanks Iwan and John Harrison for your inputs, and yes I like the metallic bumper of the B´s.

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #6
mrobin michael robinson fort pierce, FL, USA Sign in to contact 1975 MG MGB MkIII 1977 MG MGB 1990 MG Maestro	Oct 2, 2014 12:32 PM Joined 16 years ago 836 Posts

Another item to consider, from 1963 to 1971 they had higher compression and better reving engines. Those engines would be more like the mga engines you are used to.

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #7
mvheim Mark Heim CA, USA Sign in to contact 1966 MG MGB "Uroboros"	Oct 2, 2014 06:01 PM Top Contributor Joined 18 years ago 1,927 Posts

Actually, I would end the high output engine at 1967. In 1968 they added a smog pump and from that point the engine output decreased, bottoming out around 75-76, with a tiny uptick in the last few years. 68 was also when they introduced the "pillow" dash, so if you prefer the classic pre-smog, pre-safety era cars, 67 would be your end point.

Max Heim
'66 MGB "Uroboros"

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Re: Transition from early to late MGB´s #8
ohlord Rob C A tiny Island off the coast of Washington State, N.W., USA Sign in to contact 1957 Land Rover Series I "EYEYIYI" 1957 Land Rover Series I "OVRLND" 1971 MG MGB 1971 MG MGB "Bedouin 2" & more	Oct 2, 2014 08:40 PM Top Contributor Joined 12 years ago 28,877 Posts

2hp drop with the smog pump and compression remained the same high Comp till 1971 remove the pump and you have the same output,same cam,same carb. power didn't drop in any measurable amount till the advent of the low compression 18V and even that can be fixed
Pillow dash won't affect performance.

LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'

1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION

FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED

RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972

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