MGB V8 - just got one!
Discussion
Hello all,
I've just got my hands on a 1970 MGB 3.9L V8, well impressed so far, but there are a few jobs outstanding.
1, The air filter is well past it's sell by date and I think it may be a bit on the small side. It's about 6 x 1.5 inches diameter, sitting on top of a Holley carb.
Does anyone know what size people normally use with a Holley?
2, The fuel gauge, a larger tank was fitted during the conversion, this may have something to do with the problem or not. When the tank is full, the gauge only reads half. The reading is steady, so I assume the voltage regulator is working. Can a normal MGB fuel gauges be adjusted, or do I have to look at the sender first? (not an easy job as the RHS exhaust is in the way)
Thanks
Colin............
I've just got my hands on a 1970 MGB 3.9L V8, well impressed so far, but there are a few jobs outstanding.
1, The air filter is well past it's sell by date and I think it may be a bit on the small side. It's about 6 x 1.5 inches diameter, sitting on top of a Holley carb.
Does anyone know what size people normally use with a Holley?
2, The fuel gauge, a larger tank was fitted during the conversion, this may have something to do with the problem or not. When the tank is full, the gauge only reads half. The reading is steady, so I assume the voltage regulator is working. Can a normal MGB fuel gauges be adjusted, or do I have to look at the sender first? (not an easy job as the RHS exhaust is in the way)
Thanks
Colin............
Congrats and enjoy
Gauge info under Spanners electrics
www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/
Filter depends what you can fit as I have a RV8 bonnet I use a K&N xstream 14x3ins
Paul
Gauge info under Spanners electrics
www.mgb-stuff.org.uk/
Filter depends what you can fit as I have a RV8 bonnet I use a K&N xstream 14x3ins
Paul
Newromancer said:hence the term "conversion". Yes all the British Leyland MGBGT V8s were Coupes or indeed GTs. Prior to this Ken Costello did some MGB V8s known predictably as "Costellos" and they were available as roadsters. Some people consider the Costello V8 to be a better car than the B/L version. Rich...
Good choice Colin - have fun 
Is it a conversion (3.9?) or an uprated original, or even a Roadster conversion? Pete.
I thought all the B GT's have been coupe's ?
RichB said:
hence the term "conversion". Yes all the British Leyland MGBGT V8s were Coupes or indeed GTs. Prior to this Ken Costello did some MGB V8s known predictably as "Costellos" and they were available as roadsters. Some people consider the Costello V8 to be a better car than the B/L version. Rich...
My old man picked up a B roadster built to Costello plans with a 3.5 V8 in it. (It may have been a proper Costello, but I can't rememeber) A year or so later it now has a 4.2 V8 in it, doesn't go bad for an old bird
trooper1212 said:
It may have been a proper Costello, but I can't rememeber...
The Costello usually had a grill somewhat different to the slatted MG job, sort of a black egg-crate affair rather like the sporting Volvo R's these days.
Rich... >> Edited by RichB on Monday 19th July 16:01
RichB said:
It may have been a proper Costello, but I can't rememeber...
The Costello usually had a grill somewhat different to the slatted MG job, sort of a black egg-crate affair rather like the sporting Volvo R's these days.
>> Edited by RichB on Monday 19th July 16:01
And the early ones had engines badged as Oldsmobile IRC.
Hello All,
The car I bought is an MGB Roadster, which (as the story goes) was re-shelled in 91 (Heritage) and at the same time fitted with a 3.9L Rover V8. The engine No. starts with 36D, hence a 3.9L Mind you, 3.9 or 36D, both interesting numbers!!!!!!!!!!!
The fuel gauge is now fixed (dodgy gauge) thank god it wasn't the sender.
As for the air filter, I'm not sure I can get a bigger one under the bonnet, so it looks like I'll have to replace the one I've got, for one of the same size.
The car I bought is an MGB Roadster, which (as the story goes) was re-shelled in 91 (Heritage) and at the same time fitted with a 3.9L Rover V8. The engine No. starts with 36D, hence a 3.9L Mind you, 3.9 or 36D, both interesting numbers!!!!!!!!!!!
The fuel gauge is now fixed (dodgy gauge) thank god it wasn't the sender.
As for the air filter, I'm not sure I can get a bigger one under the bonnet, so it looks like I'll have to replace the one I've got, for one of the same size.
trooper1212 said:certainly the Costello cars had a teardrop shaped bulge on the bonnet. Rich...
As for the air filter, I'm not sure I can get a bigger one under the bonnet, so it looks like I'll have to replace the one I've got, for one of the same size.
Unless you filter is very small I think you should be ok to replace like with like.
The is a shop
V8 Conversions
123 High Street, Farnborough, Kent. BR6 7AZ
Tel: 01689 858716 Fax: 01689 861211
Email: <v8conversions@mgcars.org.uk>
Specialists in the MGB sports car and modifications to V8
He worked with Costello and is lots of help.
PS (my site) www.mgv8.co.uk
The is a shop
V8 Conversions
123 High Street, Farnborough, Kent. BR6 7AZ
Tel: 01689 858716 Fax: 01689 861211
Email: <v8conversions@mgcars.org.uk>
Specialists in the MGB sports car and modifications to V8
He worked with Costello and is lots of help.
PS (my site) www.mgv8.co.uk
Also there is another site where a lot of people with MG V8 conversions (and GT originals) go:
www.v8register.net
www.v8register.net
Thanks Colin! Mine's a 1973 (so it's got chrome bumpers). So far, I've been pleasantly surprised at the availability and price of parts that are specific to the V8. I reckon it's probably the most 'bangs for bucks' I've ever got.
RPI apparently have a good reputation for engine components and ancillaries, they don't just do tuning kit. I've heard their standard components are good quality. For other MG components, you can't beat the service provided by the MG Owners Club (their mail order service is excellent) and Brown and Gammons in Baldock are helpful, too.
RPI apparently have a good reputation for engine components and ancillaries, they don't just do tuning kit. I've heard their standard components are good quality. For other MG components, you can't beat the service provided by the MG Owners Club (their mail order service is excellent) and Brown and Gammons in Baldock are helpful, too.
I used to have one - very ear;y factory car,modified to go even faster. A truely great drive.
The fuuny thing was the previous owner put a very large exhaust on it - it was so unbelievably loud it could set car alarms off in narrow streets. Or at least it did twice when I was driving.
Gone to a better home now
The fuuny thing was the previous owner put a very large exhaust on it - it was so unbelievably loud it could set car alarms off in narrow streets. Or at least it did twice when I was driving.
Gone to a better home now
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