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2.8 B

To: mgs@autox.team.net
Subject: 2.8 B
From: Steve Hammer <hammers@pa.net> (by way of Jim Boyd <gumby@joshuanet.com>)
Date: Mon, 14 Oct 1996 08:12:42 -0700
Jim,

I saw you ansewer to the oil problem and liked the solution.  I have been
considering a similar engine swap, but have feared the unknown.  What do you
know?

Have you looked into this swap, and  or similar ones?  

Is there any good reason to use one V6 as opposed to another?  Chevy makes a
narrow V6 that goes in their S10 with the 5 speed that should be a natual
for replacing a 4 cyl.  However, camaro and Trans Ams can be had with v-6s
not much in such a heavy car, but should really be something in  a light
roadster.

Your thoughts?

Steve

Steve, I've posted this note to the list so we can get some input from
others, too.  Disclaimer:  I'm nowhere close to being a novice on engine
transplants!

My ideal goal is to shoot for a Rover 3.5L aluminum V8 transplant.  Check
out the MG Owners page...they have detailed the pro cess (not "process", PRO
cess - at least we can sound British!) of installing the Rover in a "B".  

The Ford 2.8L as I recall is a 60 degree (i.e., narrow) engine, so it fits
pretty well.  As we've talked before, the donor car seems to dictate how
simple the pro cess will be.  I personally prefer the pre '68 cars because
of the metal dash, but also because of the roomier cockpit space.  (In '68,
BL enlarged the transmission tunnel 1 " on each side, knowing full well that
Yanks would be looking for ways to "hot rod" their aging "Bs"!)

BL actually sold GTs with the Rover engine starting in 1975 but they were
never exported to the US.  So if you are going to do an engine transplant,
staying with the Rover 3.5L has some history to it, which makes the whole
pro cess more palatable to other enthusiasts.

Of course, here in California, it is almost impossible to modify later cars,
so one must stick with a pre-smog car, such as a 1966 or earlier.  Who ever
said it would be easy?

Last week I spotted a rubber bumper "B" across a field (is this an indicator
that my disease is pro gressing!?).  Turns out someone started putting in a
Toyota engine w/5speed.  I can't understand why they did that!  Now to me,
this car is practically worthless, since motor mounts have been destroyed,
etc.  Keep this in mind if you contemplate such a project...most never
finish and leave the car in worse (If even sale able) condition.

summing up, last weekend I came across a '76 TR7 that had an approved Buick
225ci V6 transplant.  After researching this engine, turns out that it was a
fairly common transplant among owners.  The engine is essentially the same
as the sought after Buick/Rover 3.5, minus two cylinders!  I'm sure that
there are other key differences, but the "heritage" is certainly there!  It
fits quite nicely in the TR engine bay.  I will probably pick it up
(includes another parts coupe and a nearly complete convertible, 3 cars
total) since the owner wants $75 in cash money!  Just do me a favor and
don't tell my wife.  Hey and that includes you too, Doug Gaither, if you're
reading this!

later, Jim Boyd
Paradise, CA                    "The only place on earth where British cars
have eternal life"



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