MGB & GT Forum

Woud a engine from say a 1968 fit in a 79 or 80 mgb? what would the complications be to the swap if possible? the late model has an overdrive.
thanks



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-07-24 08:16 PM by ronp.

The basic block is the same. The early models had different engine mounting hence a different front engine plate.

I think 68 to late model the rear plate is the same. It should bolt right on to your OD setup.

You'd transfer over accessories to match your gauges as well as late model lower and upper radiator gear to match the later radiator.

Probably a few other things I am not thinking about be there are no impediments I have heard about.

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If the 68 has the square motor mounts, you'll have to swap the front engine plate.

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Wayne Sanders
Rose Lodge, OR
(TD 4288)

"I don't care to belong to any club that accepts people like me"-joined Willamette Valley Club in 2011

79/65 MGB - Carmine- V-6 - T-5

This car is now very nearly completely done. Sure to find something else, but not now.........And 12 years later, I'm starting to fix things that were new when we built the car. It's pretty well de-bugged!

As others have pointed out, the motor mounts are different for chrome-bumper and rubber-bumper cars, and to accommodate them you must change out the front engine plate that lives behind the timing chain and sprockets.

Note that the earlier engine will not have the coolant outlet on the back of the cylinder head for the water-cooled choke on the later ZS carb, so if you plan on using the later ZS carb you'll probably have to convert to manual choke.

Note also that rocker arm lubrication is provided by a hole in the cylinder head that aligns with a hole in the rear rocker arm pedestal. On the early head this hole is centrally located between the two stud holes in that area of the cylinder head. On later engines this oiling hole is offset toward the front of the car, and so must be accompanied by a rear rocker pedestal with a comparable offset oiling hole.

Finally, you may encounter some interference at the left front motor mount, since the early engines had a raised boss for the oil gallery within, and this may foul the rubber bumper motor mount setup. If you encounter such interference, you may have to relieve the side of the block a little with a grinder to provide adequate clearance. Photos attached for your reference...

Dick

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Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
(Often wrong, but always certain)

Dick,

A word of thanks for the valuable pictures you included adding the late model engine mount brackets. I have a 67 rebuilt engine and bought a 79 MGB with a bad engine. I felt/knew I could do the engine swap. I was aware of the change in the front plate. I prepped the engine, went to mount the brackets and found the left side is a problem.

Thank you very much for adding these pictures.!! I will be grinding the engine for the bracket fit and another MGB will be on the road. I'm not a fan of the rubber bumper but a rust free car was to good to pass up in Michigan! I added the lowering kit and will swap out to chrome from rubber later on. Also adding overdrive by changing the back plate.

I also have a 74 GT and 73 roadster both close to paint with their own rebuilt engines. The 79 will keep the flame alive while I continue on the other two!! Thank you again for all your great advice and pictures!

Best Regards,

Kevin

Dick

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Errabundi Saepe, Semper Certi
(Often wrong, but always certain)