V-8 Power?

Anybody ever seen an MGB with a V8? I've seen pictures of them, but am curious as to how they actually perform on the street and on the track. Apparently the Buick Olds 213 V8 or Rover will fit in an MGB with minor modifications?


Dog

British Leyland actually produced the MGB GT V8 for a few years. Not many were built (around 2500) and none were officially import to the US (odd, since the US was the largest export market for MG).

Later, the Rover Group relaunched the MGB body with the MG RV8, a V8-powered roadster, in the early 1990s. Only a handful (not sure of the number) were produced as Rover readied the market to accept the MGF.

All of the V8s used in production in MGs were Buick/Rover-based units. The early MGB GT V8s used the 215cid engine while the RV8 used the 3.9L version found in Land Rovers.

From what I've been told, modifications are minimal to add the V8 engine to the B chassis.

I have not driven any, so I can't tell you how the perform or handle. I do know of a few places that specialize in MGs, some even specialize in V8-powered MGs.

Thanks for the information. I own a '80 MGB and am contemplating moving to a V-8 at some point. Not a high priortiy right now though.

Dog

My dad used to own a factory MGBGT V8. At that stage I was still too young to drive so I cant give any impressions on that.

I remember it though, the Hp figure is dismal but ignore that its the torque thats important.

The only problem with the factory car is its gearbox, you cant thrash it at low speeds or youll lose 1st gear. The only successful way to change this is to put a different gearbox in it, a popular conversion is the 5sp unit from the Rover SD1. It does not bolt straight in however and requires transmission tunnel modifications.

In 1973 the engine bay was modified to fit the V8 motor in, this change was carried through into the 4cyl shell as well so any shell after that date will fit the motor quite easily.

We have alot of literature on this conversion here so if you have any specific questions just post them here.

I have heard the V8 spoils the handling somewhat. I dont really know, though. It would understeer alot more, because of the extra weight. Weight is the enemy:angryfire

Originally posted by Chris
I have heard the V8 spoils the handling somewhat. I dont really know, though. It would understeer alot more, because of the extra weight. Weight is the enemy:angryfire

Its not much heavier at all, its alot lighter than an MGC motor.

The reason is its an alloy block as apposed to the steel B-Series block

I'm sure there was an MG that had a handling-ruining V8, but if this unit is lighter, then by all means, GET IT!!!!

Originally posted by Chris
I'm sure there was an MG that had a handling-ruining V8, but if this unit is lighter, then by all means, GET IT!!!!

Not quite there was an MG that had a handling-ruining IL6. According to contemporary road tests anyway.

Ive been in one (MGC) and was most impressed with the handling, think it must have just been the road testers were taking corners faster than in the MGB

Id rather have an MGC Roadster than an MGBGTV8 anyday

So the MGBGTV8 was crappy?? I'm afraid my MG knowledge is sadly lacking:( .
But with extra weight over the front, its gonna make the car handle worse. SO just imagine how good it would have been with a lighter engine:)

OK Chris since you seemed to be ignoring me I looked it up a V8 engine is only 40lbs heavier than a B Series

I was just getting confused. So:
They had 4, 6 and 8 cylinder models.
The 4 was lightest
The 6 was heavier
The 8 was not much heavier than the 4 (Is it related to the current Rover V8?)

Do I have it now??

Originally posted by Chris
I was just getting confused. So:
They had 4, 6 and 8 cylinder models.
The 4 was lightest
The 6 was heavier
The 8 was not much heavier than the 4 (Is it related to the current Rover V8?)

Do I have it now??

Pretty much yes. The MGC used a C series inline 6 that was related to the 6 Cylinder engine used in the Austin Healey 3000, it was similar but different. The final design was much heavier than MG intended when they designed the suspension, thats where the problems came from.

Yes its the same rover V8 that has been used since about 1970 in many cars including the Range and Land Rover, the Rover SD1 the MGBGTV8 and the RV8. Its now got alot more displacement than its original 3.5 litres so perhaps the block has been modified but its still essentially the same engine.

BTW the Rover V8 origiannly came from Buick if anyone didnt know

I knew!! I knew!!!:D

Thanks.
Just one more thing: Was teh 6 heavier than the V8?

Originally posted by Chris
I knew!! I knew!!!:D

Thanks.
Just one more thing: Was teh 6 heavier than the V8?

Yes, By alot.

Its a 3 Litre C series Austin Motor, and in stock form it put out slightly more Hp than the stock V8 in its detuned MGB Form, however the was the V8 was detuned was easily changed back so I doubt theres a stock detuned MGBV8 left in the world

Originally posted by Maddog
Anybody ever seen an MGB with a V8? I've seen pictures of them, but am curious as to how they actually perform on the street and on the track. Apparently the Buick Olds 213 V8 or Rover will fit in an MGB with minor modifications?


Dog ya my dad owns one wit a V-8.

i own a v8 mg roadster 1973, which is very very fast.
its up for sale if anyone fancies it. but be warned...you wont stop smilling for weeks after driving it
e mail me for pics

Id really like to see some pictures of this car, as I am not familiar with it.

Check out my progress on my web site:

http://www.angelfire.com/blues2/mgbv8/

I'll let you know how it drives when I am through.

Yeeehawwwww!!!!



:smoka:

ya my dad owns one wit a V-8.

These cars are special! I have driven a 79 with a rover 3.5 engine. The car handles as well as the original. THe difference in weight between the 1800-B motor and the rover is 40 pounds. not too much right. also with modifications to the suspension ie; urethane bushings, heavier sway bar and performance shocks, the car will probably handle BETTER than original.

Fun Progect!

I have read that a Chevey V-6 works well, just REALLY heavy compared to the 3.5-218. There was a car in Massachusetts 15 years ago? , that had a 350 with a chopped rear end. Thing was insane, so I am told.

You can get quite alot out of the 4 cylinder if you bore it out. Read the Book on Power -Tuning the B series engine. It is a great read with alot of tuning recipies!

Rover Didnt Make A V8 Roadser They Were All Gt's, They Stole The Idear From (crap!, Cant Remember The Guy Name I'l Look It Up).he Built A Few With The P6 Rover Engine In,whey Al Had A Power Bolge In The Hood As The Carbs Didnt Clear.if Its One Of These Its Very Rare

ken costell built the first mgbv8, theres only 3 left in canada.

This is the first time on any kind of forum..so be gentle...I've got a 1977 MGB convertible..what I'd like to know after reading of the pros and cons of the V-8. Straight 6 and the 4..(which by the way was excellent reading) what would be the optimum modifications to my '77 (money is only a little problem!)to make it smoke and handle well without a complete machine shop and an MIT engineer to figure out...