Ecotec for your MGB : MG Engine Swaps Forum : MG Experience Forums : The MG Experience

Re: Ecotec for your MGB #21
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: January 20, 2012 11:42AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

In reply to # 1961120 by BillC bottom line is although a damn fine engine the dimensions of the Ecotec engine just do not lend itself to fitting in the MGB very well.

Not sure how you come up with that conclusion. The dimensions are close to the OHC B series engines and will indeed fit in nicely. My own measurements indicate that it is so close that you might get away without any bonnet bulge or scoop. Some ancilliaries would need to be moved from the location they use at the front of the engine in the Kappa cars, but some of these wouldn't be used anyway - air conditioning, and power steering pump, and could just be discarded.

Here is a picture of an Ecotec in a Triumph TR-4. No harder than the Zetec, I should think, although I agree that the Ecotec would be about 50 lbs. heavier than that engine.

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #22
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: January 20, 2012 11:58AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

PS - from another thread:

Quote: Weight on the NA Ecotec is 307 lbs. fully dressed. Engine dimensions are o/a height 25.15", width 25.16", and length 24.64". A Rover V8 is about 27" high (and 26" W and 28" long) so there should be no problem there. I agree that one would need to choose an oil pan and pick up that suited the MG frame, and would certainly have to move some engine accessories about just as one does on the GM V6 swaps.

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #23
BillC Bill C Hoover, Alabama, USA 1977 MG MGB	Posted: January 20, 2012 01:04PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 135

This is the dimensions of the Duratec , it is about 13" across the oil pan , 17.25 " from crank center line to the top and it just does fit. You have to remove the oil filter and use a remote. Measure the width of a Ecotec oil pan then measure the width between the MGB rails then come back and tell me it will fit okay. The Rover is not 26" at the oil pan , measure the Ecotec were it counts and you will see what I mean. Cutting the frame rails is not option for me, but it will be for whoever wants to put a Ecotec in their B. I'm through with this debate , I already figured the fit and scraped the idea over two years ago if anyone wants to put a Ecotec in a MGB then go for it and good luck to you, I would love to see the how it was done.

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #24
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: January 20, 2012 02:20PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

No, you're right, the dimensions were overall, in other words, widest, not any specific height above the bottom of the pan, which is indeed wider than a Duratec pan, being almost flat and rectangular.

You would have to actually have the pan in hand to get the final answer on what needs to be done to get it in there. Notching frame members is no big deal. Here's what I had to do to get the V6 in my MGA frame - reduce the depth of the whole suspension crossmember substantially and add a reinforcement to make up for any rigidity lost.

Starting point:

End point:

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #25
MGAdavid David Werblow Connecticut, USA 1954 MG TF 1959 MG MGA 1966 MG MGB GT	Posted: January 20, 2012 02:27PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 51

Bill C.

Do you know of a source for plans or a kit to install a Duratec engine in an MGB. I have a '67 GT that will have to have an engine rebuild, so I'm thinking--why not re-power.

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #26
mg man 75 maurice sallee Campbellsville, Central Kentucky, USA 1976 MG Midget	Posted: January 20, 2012 05:06PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 1,625

Good book on those engines. Good dimensions start on page 100 and on. Lot of ,mods, racing etc. If considering this extremely good resource. Maurice
http://gmtunersource.com/media/racertech/ECOtec_Build%20_Book/104742-enginehandbook-complete-web.pdf

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #27
MGAdavid David Werblow Connecticut, USA 1954 MG TF 1959 MG MGA 1966 MG MGB GT	Posted: January 21, 2012 07:09AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 51

Bill And others,

Thanks for your help. I'll keep you posted as to what I do with the power plant. It'll be a-while; at present I'm putting floors in.

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #28
Retro Fit Tony Zito Los Angeles, USA	Posted: January 21, 2012 01:32PM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 503

It does look like you'd have to shift it from the back seat.

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #29
Jim Blackwood * BlownMGB-V8 Gunpowder Rd., USA	Posted: January 22, 2012 12:35PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 2,248

In reply to # 1961120 by BillC ... I am of the opinion that anything over 300hp in an MGB can't be used unless you are building a drag car with big slicks.

Bill C

Have to disagree with you on that one Bill. The MG-Roadmaster certainly exceeds 300 hp and is an absolute joy to drive. Tame as a pussycat putting around town yet plenty tractable enough when you add power. I think 300+ CAN be dangerous and difficult, but it doesn't have to be.

Jim

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #30
danmas Dan Masters Alcoa, Tennessee, USA 1974 MG MGB GT "Powered By Ford"	Posted: January 22, 2012 01:21PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 1,198

In reply to # 1963217 by Jim Blackwood

In reply to # 1961120 by BillC ... I am of the opinion that anything over 300hp in an MGB can't be used unless you are building a drag car with big slicks.

Bill C

Have to disagree with you on that one Bill. The MG-Roadmaster certainly exceeds 300 hp and is an absolute joy to drive. Tame as a pussycat putting around town yet plenty tractable enough when you add power. I think 300+ CAN be dangerous and difficult, but it doesn't have to be.

Jim

I'm with you, Jim. I've got 3 1/2 years, 10,000 miles on a 300 plus HP MG, and I love it. No big slicks, and zero time on a dragstrip. Here's a pic of it on " The Dragon" doing a pretty good imitation of a sports car.

http://www.photoreflect.com/store/Orderpage.aspx?pi=04RK01DD000684&po=147&pc=680

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #31
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: February 04, 2012 08:50AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

Here's another one - excellent deal with all the trimmings for $3500, with a larger turbo already!

Quote: HAVE COMPLETE ENGINE , TRANNY , ECU ,DEJON 50g TURBO , HAHN INTERCOOLER , EXHAUST-MAGNA FLOW , HIGH FLOW CAT , 6000 MILES ON ENGINE , 3000 MILES ON EVERYTHING ELSE. CONTACT MARV AT fdowner@bendbroadband.com

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #32
jimfai James A Madson minneapolis,MN, USA	Posted: February 04, 2012 09:56AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 351

wow, great thread with lots of info and specs, have read it all a couple times to process it better. i think these little 4 bangers are going to be the way of the future for reliable powerful swaps. will it fit in a midget??

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #33
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: February 04, 2012 11:15AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

In reply to # 1975706 by jimfai wow, great thread with lots of info and specs, have read it all a couple times to process it better. i think these little 4 bangers are going to be the way of the future for reliable powerful swaps. will it fit in a midget??

I don't know the answer to that as I don't know if anyone has tried. OTOH, if they can get a Jaguar engine into a Midget......

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #34
Jim Blackwood * BlownMGB-V8 Gunpowder Rd., USA	Posted: February 04, 2012 11:18AM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 2,248

In reply to # 1975773 by bills OTOH, if they can get a Jaguar engine into a Midget......

For God's sake, WHY???

Jim

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #35
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: February 04, 2012 11:34AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

In reply to # 1975774 by Jim Blackwood

In reply to # 1975773 by bills OTOH, if they can get a Jaguar engine into a Midget......

For God's sake, WHY???

Jim

For the challenge?

http://www.britishv8.org/Other/AaronCouper.htm

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #36
danmas Dan Masters Alcoa, Tennessee, USA 1974 MG MGB GT "Powered By Ford"	Posted: February 04, 2012 12:03PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 1,198

In reply to # 1975774 by Jim Blackwood For God's sake, WHY???

We get a lot of questions on this forum that are hard to answer. This is not one of them. The answer is easy - because he wanted to!

And he did a damn good job of it too.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/04/2012 12:04PM by danmas.

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #37
Kill R B x x x, USA	Posted: February 04, 2012 12:55PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 729

Isn't this engine ran by wire and uses a C.A.N. system? Real bad news if no one has found a way to run it.

Dann BCC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #38
bills Bill Spohn W. Vancouver, BC, Canada 1956 MG MGA 1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam 1962 MG MGA MkII Coupe 1965 Jensen CV8 1969 Lamborghini Countach → more	Posted: February 04, 2012 01:47PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 9,160

In reply to # 1975859 by Kill R B Isn't this engine ran by wire and uses a C.A.N. system? Real bad news if no one has found a way to run it.

Dann BCC

No problem, you run the stock GM ECM and use a replacement accelerator pedal.

Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
1958 MGA Twincam (race car), 1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe
1969 MGC roadster, 1957 Jamaican MGA
1965 Jensen CV8, 1971 Jensen Interceptor
1969 Lamborghini Islero S, 1988 Fiero GT turbo
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe
West Vancouver BC

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #39
mgbgts Rob Meier Johnstown Ohio, USA 1956 MG Magnette ZA 1957 MG Magnette ZB 1962 MG Midget 1966 MG MGB GT 1969 MG MGB GT → more	Posted: February 04, 2012 08:58PM Registered: 5 years ago Posts: 1,729

For the conversion I am about to start. I was seriously thinking about the Ecotec as I though it would be a great engine to use, but went with the LS as the there is enough info on the electronics for me to actually make it run, plus they make such great sounds....he he

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Re: Ecotec for your MGB #40
Kill R B x x x, USA	Posted: February 05, 2012 06:30PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 729

Thanks Bill S. for your needed answer. Is there any other photos available, especially of the steering shaft in the TR4. I had a bit of a time with the conversion of a TR3 using a 3400 engine and I won't do that again. I told the guy to get an aftermarket frame for his car but he still drives it without any frame mods. Brrrrrr, gives me the shivers!

Dann BCC

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