Mgb gt /rs3 engine conversion

Mgb gt /rs3 engine conversion

Author
Discussion

Matt mgb

Original Poster:

4 posts

48 months

Wednesday 21st October 2020
quotequote all
Ok I'm new to this so take it easy on me.

I'm planning on doing a 3/5 year build and was wondering if anyone had some idea on the possibility and difficulty of putting an audi rs3 engine into a mgb?

I also want to know views on trying to keep it 4wd and getting shorter shafts.

I'm at the very start of planning so I'm up for all ideas.

Flying Phil

1,657 posts

151 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
Hi Matt
Are you new to car modifying or just new to PH? It is pretty much possible to put any engine into any car (Allison into Fiat 500!) but it usually costs far more money than you think and takes much longer.....unless you spend even more money.
Modern engines will need more electronic knowledge with ECU/Fuel injection etc.
There are also issues with registration/DVLA when you start doing extensive bodywork/monocoque changes.
Driveshafts can be easily shortened but then you might have suspension movement issues.
PS.....Good Luck and keep posting.

xstian

2,010 posts

152 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
Any reason for choosing an rs3? Would of thought something with a proper chassis would be an easier place to start, although options for that are thin on the ground.

Something like a subaru maybe a better starting point. More information about conversions with these I would have thought.

Matt mgb

Original Poster:

4 posts

48 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
Flying Phil said:
Hi Matt
Are you new to car modifying or just new to PH? It is pretty much possible to put any engine into any car (Allison into Fiat 500!) but it usually costs far more money than you think and takes much longer.....unless you spend even more money.
Modern engines will need more electronic knowledge with ECU/Fuel injection etc.
There are also issues with registration/DVLA when you start doing extensive bodywork/monocoque changes.
Driveshafts can be easily shortened but then you might have suspension movement issues.
PS.....Good Luck and keep posting.
Hi I'm new to both but have always fixed and moded all mine and families car/Van's. I know this is a huge jump but I really have no time frame. I have a few mechanic mates that are more than willing to lend a hand and hopefully people such as yourrself to help 😀

Basically wanted to do somthing different and I know with modification a v8 can fit so would of guessed a v6 would.

You basically highlighted the one area I'm unsure of and that's the suspension, mainly front suspension and control arms.

Matt mgb

Original Poster:

4 posts

48 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
xstian said:
Any reason for choosing an rs3? Would of thought something with a proper chassis would be an easier place to start, although options for that are thin on the ground.

Something like a subaru maybe a better starting point. More information about conversions with these I would have thought.
Iv been thinking about different engines for about a year, started with rb26 then thought to much work on
the engine to get to above 400bhp. looked a the 350z engine (cant remember code) still a bit of work to hit 400bhp. I then decided to drop power goal and go for honda k20 supercharged engine running 350bhp ish(use to have ep3). settled on rs3 engine as remap, plugs and exhaust you hit 400bhp easy.

Dont get me wrong the sound of a flat 6 is amazing but amazing in a scooby 😄, I see where your coming from though. I just wanted to push the limit of my knowledge and probably my wallet and do something different.

niva441

2,022 posts

237 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
Matt mgb said:
Hi I'm new to both but have always fixed and moded all mine and families car/Van's. I know this is a huge jump but I really have no time frame. I have a few mechanic mates that are more than willing to lend a hand and hopefully people such as yourrself to help ??

Basically wanted to do somthing different and I know with modification a v8 can fit so would of guessed a v6 would.

You basically highlighted the one area I'm unsure of and that's the suspension, mainly front suspension and control arms.
Front driveshafts will require serious reworking of the front suspension, once done I suspect there wouldn't be much carry over. A new knuckle will be required for the driveshaft and hub, also the spring will need to move from the centre of the lower arm. At least the rethink will allow a move away from the lever arm dampers.

InitialDave

12,168 posts

125 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
If I'm reading this right, you want to fit the transverse engined, FWD based powertrain into the longitudinal engined, live axle RWD MGB?

Yes, it can probably be done. Anything can be done with sufficient skill/money/bloodymindedness, but I think this will be an obscene amount of work to achieve something that could likely be done in an easier manner.

I think you'd be far better served to look at using a more modern powertrain from something longitudinally engined and RWD, for example a turbo MX5 engine may do what you need.

Flying Phil

1,657 posts

151 months

Thursday 22nd October 2020
quotequote all
If you are looking for real power and an easier life, then putting an American alloy V8 engine and gearbox manual or auto would be a better option. There is a "British V8" website with Lots of MGB/V8 versions.
My versions of BGT were with a tube chassis and Rover V8, then the last one was with XJ-S running gear ie V12, auto box and narrowed IRS.

PositronicRay

27,390 posts

189 months

Friday 23rd October 2020
quotequote all
Matt mgb said:
Flying Phil said:
Hi Matt
Are you new to car modifying or just new to PH? It is pretty much possible to put any engine into any car (Allison into Fiat 500!) but it usually costs far more money than you think and takes much longer.....unless you spend even more money.
Modern engines will need more electronic knowledge with ECU/Fuel injection etc.
There are also issues with registration/DVLA when you start doing extensive bodywork/monocoque changes.
Driveshafts can be easily shortened but then you might have suspension movement issues.
PS.....Good Luck and keep posting.
Hi I'm new to both but have always fixed and moded all mine and families car/Van's. I know this is a huge jump but I really have no time frame. I have a few mechanic mates that are more than willing to lend a hand and hopefully people such as yourrself to help ??

Basically wanted to do somthing different and I know with modification a v8 can fit so would of guessed a v6 would.

You basically highlighted the one area I'm unsure of and that's the suspension, mainly front suspension and control arms.
An audi RS3 isn't a V6

awooga

401 posts

140 months

Saturday 24th October 2020
quotequote all
The height of the engine is one of the biggest factors. Most replacement engines need extensive modifications to the front cross member, which tends to weaken it. And / or you also end up with a large bonnet bulge.

Engines that do fit in a B without much work are the Rover V8 (still need to modify the bulkhead for the wider gearbox and bell housiing and usually the inner wings to allow better clearance for better manifolds), the GM 90 degree V6 (quite difficult to find in the UK) and the Mazda MX5 engine (still a 4 pot, but tuneable to about 300 bhp).

Even 'small' engines like the Rover K, O and T series require a lot of work.

If you've got a bottomless wallet, then we'd all be interested to see how you get on. But you're almost deliberately making it hard for yourself. If you think Project Binky was a bit of a squeeze, it's still easier than what you're trying to do!