would a TF 1.6 engine and gearbox fit in my mgb??
Discussion
HI I have a mgb gt 1980 and i love it to bits!
I was wandering if a mg tf 1.6 160hp engine and gearbox would fit in my mgb gt to make it more reliable and better fuel consumption, not to mention faster
but still keep it as stock looking as possible.
heres a few questions:
1. Would i have to move the engine mounts?
2. How hard would it be
3. Would i have to cut and shut anything(thinking about engine room and space for the gearbox)
4. Can i keep the mgb's diff
5. has anyone done it before if so are there any hidden problems?
6. is it worth it?!
I'm 21 new to all this and my dads the machanic but i wanna give it a good go!
I was wandering if a mg tf 1.6 160hp engine and gearbox would fit in my mgb gt to make it more reliable and better fuel consumption, not to mention faster
but still keep it as stock looking as possible.heres a few questions:
1. Would i have to move the engine mounts?
2. How hard would it be
3. Would i have to cut and shut anything(thinking about engine room and space for the gearbox)
4. Can i keep the mgb's diff
5. has anyone done it before if so are there any hidden problems?
6. is it worth it?!
I'm 21 new to all this and my dads the machanic but i wanna give it a good go!
JJ you need to be over on the MG BBS on the Twin cam 16v K ser - Midgets and B's forum and perhaps the Modified MGAs and MGBs for information about this - http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgb...
most Bs (and classics generally) are well away from going at their best due to owners over many years not driving the cars enough or carrying out full and proper servicing, maintenance, repairs and getting the car properly set up
most owners have no idea that their cars are performing so poorly as they are not aware of how the car really should perform or how they can drive them
many youngsters with classics on here think that their car is going well when it isn't as they've never had the opportunity to drive a well sorted car in good condition and fully serviced
with that in mind for laughs and inspiration there's Young Guns Classics - http://younggunsclassics.forumcircle.com/
no matter that your dad is a mechanic it's your car so get yourself a paper reprint copy of the original Driver's Handbook and you'll know about your car and it's servicing requirements and more about the car than many long term owners - (Ref:0053) - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
you might be putting the cart before the horse, good luck to you whatever you decide to do
quick quiz:
do you know about the "donkey's dick"?
do you know the first thing you check after raising the bonnet?
most Bs (and classics generally) are well away from going at their best due to owners over many years not driving the cars enough or carrying out full and proper servicing, maintenance, repairs and getting the car properly set up
most owners have no idea that their cars are performing so poorly as they are not aware of how the car really should perform or how they can drive them
many youngsters with classics on here think that their car is going well when it isn't as they've never had the opportunity to drive a well sorted car in good condition and fully serviced
with that in mind for laughs and inspiration there's Young Guns Classics - http://younggunsclassics.forumcircle.com/
no matter that your dad is a mechanic it's your car so get yourself a paper reprint copy of the original Driver's Handbook and you'll know about your car and it's servicing requirements and more about the car than many long term owners - (Ref:0053) - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...
you might be putting the cart before the horse, good luck to you whatever you decide to do
quick quiz:
do you know about the "donkey's dick"?
do you know the first thing you check after raising the bonnet?
Edited by nta16 on Saturday 1st June 04:03
yeah i am a bit reluctant to change it from stock
I have given it a quick service (timing, checking valves and carb tuning)
it has had 12 owners and the and needs body work repairs.
the engine swap was just a thought and wandered if it was possible, I was really thinking of doing it when then mot runs out next year or not at all.
donkeys dick?? no idea
I have given it a quick service (timing, checking valves and carb tuning)
it has had 12 owners and the and needs body work repairs.
the engine swap was just a thought and wandered if it was possible, I was really thinking of doing it when then mot runs out next year or not at all.
donkeys dick?? no idea
JJSMITH said:
I have given it a quick service (timing, checking valves and carb tuning)
sorry JJ but that's more of a tune-up not even an engine service let alone a full service of the car and is done after a full serviceget that Driver's Handbook and go thorough the 36,000-mile service in stages and by the end of it you might not feel it needs an engine change - you'll probably want to do the tappets, timing and carbs again after this servicing as things will be much better
as said there's a lot to changing to a K-serires and different and gearbox
JJSMITH said:
donkeys dick?? no idea
well you need to find out unless you and your passenger want wet legs 
- Search on here I've posted it several timesna said:
do you know the first thing you check after raising the bonnet?
chard said:
Okay I'll have a bash................................The bonnet stay is secure?
do you know, that went through my mind too and of course it is something you probably check without thinking about itwe'll assume the self locking prop is working
I was putting the question as most youngsters don't seem to learn or realise what the answer is
chard you'll know the answer but don't shout it out
Edited by na on Sunday 28th August 20:33
The engine used in the 1.6 TF is 115bhp. The 160bhp engine is a 1.8VVC (variable valve control) and used in the TF160.
I dont know if you are aware, but the TF is mid engined and rear wheel drive. If you were to drop the engine and gearbox as is into the engine bay of an MGB, you would effectivly convert it to FWD.
I you want to retain the B's RWD then you will need to look at other gearbox options.
Frontline Developments offer K-series conversions and kits for the MG Midget and MGB. A look at thier website should give you an idea of what parts would need to be purchased or fabricated. Certainly doesn't look easy or cheap.
http://www.frontlinedevelopments.com/products/mgb/...
One thing I cant spot on thier site is how the K-series engine management system is hooked up to the MGB loom. I would have hoped they would offer some form of conversion loom, but I cant spot one.
I dont know if you are aware, but the TF is mid engined and rear wheel drive. If you were to drop the engine and gearbox as is into the engine bay of an MGB, you would effectivly convert it to FWD.
I you want to retain the B's RWD then you will need to look at other gearbox options.
Frontline Developments offer K-series conversions and kits for the MG Midget and MGB. A look at thier website should give you an idea of what parts would need to be purchased or fabricated. Certainly doesn't look easy or cheap.
http://www.frontlinedevelopments.com/products/mgb/...
One thing I cant spot on thier site is how the K-series engine management system is hooked up to the MGB loom. I would have hoped they would offer some form of conversion loom, but I cant spot one.
To be honest it's not exactly a dishonest statement.
There are certainly engines in MGs history that last for shorter periods between rebuilds, but these are old engines and it's expected, they also tend to rebuild well hence why so many are still on the go.
The K series (and I like the engine) is a modern engine with a modern design that hasn't been totally right from day one, will be interesting to see if the chinese mods improve it. Plus once they do start to go it's a small percentage that are successfully repaired and don't end up expiring permanantly after a while.
It isn't an engine I'd consider transplanting tbh. Unless on a low mileage fun car like a midge, indeed if I end up getting an elise soon planning to lose the K will be on the list of jobs.
There are certainly engines in MGs history that last for shorter periods between rebuilds, but these are old engines and it's expected, they also tend to rebuild well hence why so many are still on the go.
The K series (and I like the engine) is a modern engine with a modern design that hasn't been totally right from day one, will be interesting to see if the chinese mods improve it. Plus once they do start to go it's a small percentage that are successfully repaired and don't end up expiring permanantly after a while.
It isn't an engine I'd consider transplanting tbh. Unless on a low mileage fun car like a midge, indeed if I end up getting an elise soon planning to lose the K will be on the list of jobs.
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