MGB GT K conversion
Discussion
Hi I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about, or has done a K series conversion in a B GT. I'm aware of all the usual arguments about putting modern engines in old cars... is it right etc but its just something thats been crossing my mind increasingly often lately.
I know that frontline do a conversion for midgets which is meant to be relatively straight forward but I can't seem to find too much about a B conversion anywhere but I'm sure it must have been done. The sort of information I need is how much fabrication of crossmembers etc is involved, what gearboxes and drive trains etc have been used.
Any information would be greatly appreciated
Jimi
I know that frontline do a conversion for midgets which is meant to be relatively straight forward but I can't seem to find too much about a B conversion anywhere but I'm sure it must have been done. The sort of information I need is how much fabrication of crossmembers etc is involved, what gearboxes and drive trains etc have been used.
Any information would be greatly appreciated
Jimi
JimiGT said:
Hi I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about, or has done a K series conversion in a B GT. I'm aware of all the usual arguments about putting modern engines in old cars... is it right etc but its just something thats been crossing my mind increasingly often lately.
I know that frontline do a conversion for midgets which is meant to be relatively straight forward but I can't seem to find too much about a B conversion anywhere but I'm sure it must have been done. The sort of information I need is how much fabrication of crossmembers etc is involved, what gearboxes and drive trains etc have been used.
Any information would be greatly appreciated
Jimi
There's someone on here who races an MBG with a K series in it....can't remember his name...I know that frontline do a conversion for midgets which is meant to be relatively straight forward but I can't seem to find too much about a B conversion anywhere but I'm sure it must have been done. The sort of information I need is how much fabrication of crossmembers etc is involved, what gearboxes and drive trains etc have been used.
Any information would be greatly appreciated
Jimi
You'll need to find an O series sump from a Sherpa van (rocking horse poo) or fit a dry one to make the K fit. The K series were used in the Freelander and Discovery range. Ditch the transfer box and you have a lt series five speed box a lot cheaper than hunting down a SD1 (anyone who's ever built a Cobra kit car will tell you that). You can get a conversion kit for the Midget I think Frontline Costello do one, but expect to pay through the nose. A far cheaper alternative would be to buy a rear wheel drive car and swap the engine, box and loom in one hit.
My MGB GT currently has a 2.0 Nissan 200SX Turbo engine (254bhp at the wheels). When I bought the car she had a (knackered) 2.0 Ecotec Omega lump and box. There are plenty of RWD cars to chose from. How about a 2.5 Vauxhall V6 and five speed box sat further back the weight distribution would make the car stick to corners. 210 bhp off the shelf without the Cat' and a decent set up (also an LPG kit would go well). A modern (arguably more reliable than the K) engine would be a 1.8 Mazda MX5. I got the SX for £450 from a breakers as a cat B write off (rear end shunt). Under the bonnet looked like a HKS catalogue and got most of my money back selling the bids I didn't use on ebay. All in my car cost less than £1500 to build and I have already turned down a £10,000 car as a straight swap. I wouldn't swap or sell my B for anything. It's worth every penny when a Ferrari 355 on a track day can't catch you.
Good luck with you project; they are brilliant when they are finished.
My MGB GT currently has a 2.0 Nissan 200SX Turbo engine (254bhp at the wheels). When I bought the car she had a (knackered) 2.0 Ecotec Omega lump and box. There are plenty of RWD cars to chose from. How about a 2.5 Vauxhall V6 and five speed box sat further back the weight distribution would make the car stick to corners. 210 bhp off the shelf without the Cat' and a decent set up (also an LPG kit would go well). A modern (arguably more reliable than the K) engine would be a 1.8 Mazda MX5. I got the SX for £450 from a breakers as a cat B write off (rear end shunt). Under the bonnet looked like a HKS catalogue and got most of my money back selling the bids I didn't use on ebay. All in my car cost less than £1500 to build and I have already turned down a £10,000 car as a straight swap. I wouldn't swap or sell my B for anything. It's worth every penny when a Ferrari 355 on a track day can't catch you.
Good luck with you project; they are brilliant when they are finished.
I love modern engines in old cars. I helped build a 69 GT6 with a 3.0 24V Senitor engine and five speed manual. The new MX5 has a six speed box and the engine's really under-rated and would sit pretty under a classic hood.
My B has a standard S14 gear box and performance clutch, the B axle has been rebuilt with V8 internals, and a four link set up (Escort Agency) and coilovers (Ebay purchase £118), relocated battery tray, rebuilt front cross member with engine mounts, Westfield wish bones and coilovers, drilled and groved disks with green stuff pads (looking to replace calipers with more modern ones, four pots?) and a Ali-Sport slim universal front mounted intercooler behind the hole in the Special Tuning Vallance.
Not sure about the engine spec' but it has a T34 Turbo.
My B has a standard S14 gear box and performance clutch, the B axle has been rebuilt with V8 internals, and a four link set up (Escort Agency) and coilovers (Ebay purchase £118), relocated battery tray, rebuilt front cross member with engine mounts, Westfield wish bones and coilovers, drilled and groved disks with green stuff pads (looking to replace calipers with more modern ones, four pots?) and a Ali-Sport slim universal front mounted intercooler behind the hole in the Special Tuning Vallance.
Not sure about the engine spec' but it has a T34 Turbo.
How about a BMW 540 engine and 'box?
On the Rover front - why not use the T series instead of the K series? It's a direct descendant of the B series and in turbo form puts out a reliable 200 bhp in standard spec.
I'd suggest getting something pre-cat just incase Greedy Gordan tries any more nasty stunts.
On the Rover front - why not use the T series instead of the K series? It's a direct descendant of the B series and in turbo form puts out a reliable 200 bhp in standard spec.
I'd suggest getting something pre-cat just incase Greedy Gordan tries any more nasty stunts.
Ed Braclic (spelling?) has a MGB GT with a supoercharged K-series in it. Think he is part owner of Frontline. It was pictured in PPC Mag a few months ago when Dave Walker (Emerald) had it on his rollers. I'm fitting a Ford Zetec into my MKI GT - http://turbosport.co.uk/showthread.php?t=127484
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