MGB & GT Forum
Transition from early to late MGB´s
Posted by Raulgarci
Topic Creator (OP)
Oct 2, 2014 05:16 AM
Joined 14 years ago
673 Posts
|
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
mrobin
michael robinson
|
Oct 2, 2014 12:32 PM
Joined 16 years ago
836 Posts
|
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"
Max Heim
'66 MGB "Uroboros"
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
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
Forums
Having trouble posting or changing forum settings?
Read the Forum Help (FAQ) or contact the webmaster