Hey guys. This may actually happen. There's a good bit of interest in it building up on the MG Experience board and if we can get the major components together we'll build it as a group project, here at my workshop in Florence, KY if a more suitable shop isn't chosen, and take it to the shows to tempt other MG owners over to the Dark Side and otherwise promote the sport. (Not to mention driving it!) The really cool thing about it is that the MGB-V8 started out with the smallest V8 Buick ever built and this car would complete the loop with the biggest Buick V8. And it would leave something for MG and Buick posterity. So there are a BUNCH of reasons to do it, not to mention the most compelling one, simply that it CAN be done so it MUST be done. It looks like the 430 Eric has might be the potential engine though we haven't discussed what he needs for it. Can it be bored out to 455 size so we can meet the "largest BBB" claim? Then we need to find a suitable body, trans, axle, and the usual assorted parts. Naturally anyone here who wants to contribute will get credit for it and we'll make a point of bringing it to Buick shows also. Current thought is that a rubber bumper GT would be the best body to use if we can get one of those. It is also coincidentally the least sought after, but for reasons of strength, space, and safety it is probably the best choice. But if a roadster shows up... I'll keep y'all updated. Jim
People that should know here have said you might but you still need 455 heads. So if you can start with a 455. http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=117529&highlight=bore+430+455
if the 430 is a late production engine such as late 68 or any 69, it has the 455 water jackets. This means the block could probably support the 455 bore. If it is an early block then it will need to remain a 430. Should be scary fast!:3gears:
better to start with a 455. if the heads are right on your 430 those may be choice heads for your 455 project. atlanta buick has block and head number decoder.. can't find a link right now.... maybe someone can help.
I would be interested in this myself. We have a rebuilt 215 on the stand now ready to go into my brother's 77 MGB. Who knows, a BBB might be a better choice.
I had my share of Austin Healeys and Triumphs. The engine bays ares so narrow I would think a nailheads would be a better fit.
Nailheads were designed narrow to fit where straight eights were meant to go originally. Remember later Jensen Healeys had I think a V8 in the same basic engine compartment as an Austin Healey.
Why is it that I need the 455 heads? For big valves and ports? Somehow with a 2500lb street driven car I don't think that'll be much of a concern. See, the concept here is a little different, the idea being to build a car that will be durable and safe enough that we can basically let anybody drive it who wants to, so that they can get the feel of what driving a big block sports car is all about. We want good brakes, great handling, and decent protection and I really think any BBB we put in there is going to have all the power we want and more, so a stock 2bbl 400 would probably be plenty and more besides. At least that's the objective right now. Tomorrow it could change. I think the engine is probably a 68 or 69, I guess those thicker liners are the reason why the 430 is a little heavier than the early 455, huh? Anyway, to do this the steering will need to be re-routed, the slam panel and radiator will need to be moved all the way forward, and a gear reduction starter will be needed. A custom compact set of headers will need to be made up also, and the corners of the shelf might need to be cut back a little but the heater can stay and it might be possible to keep the stock oil filter mount. A T5 tranny should work fine, the common axle choices should do, and the forward leaf spring mount reinforcement will be needed but aside from that I think it'll go pretty smooth. A 77 MGB would be an excellent choice for this. It may not be necessary to notch the shelf at all and there will be ample room underneath for the exhaust. Honestly, I don't really care who does it, I just want to see it done. And I'll help out in any way I can. Jim If I remember right the nailheads were kinda heavy. Otherwise they do look good for that. There's a real nice on on a stand at the local shop that they've just finished up. But then there's that thing about the biggest Buick V8 too.
I have a bare block and heads if a rough mock up is interesting. I was thinking Aluminum heads for less weight. At least one could see if the thing would fit :beers2:
Well, John is in East Tennessee, Ted is in Cincinnati, Eric and I are in N.Ky, and I think we may be close enough to make this work. Where exactly in Tennessee, John? Jim
Just to toss in my 2 cents if you want to do this conversion i think it would be a hand full ,but more fun then should be. But be carefull of the equipment you will use i already saw in the posts T-5 trans and IRS rear.The idea is good but you probably wont get across town as both will not hold up to the massive torq these motors generate.Still though i have a T-10 4spd in my LUV behind the 455.This swap would be work ,but even lighter than my LUV pick/up, now if i can find me a Midget for my spare 455 and T-350 and 9" rear.I hope you know this would have to be called a Mongoose as it would be a Cobra killer.
Jim, I'm in Johnson City which is in the Tricities region. Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol are all here together. My problem is time. I have had this engine on the stand for my bro's MG for a couple of years now. Too many irons in the fire. I am currently in a rush on the extra time to get the Rivs ready for the Asheville show in June. After that it will be time to put a 62 Skylark and a 70 Cutlass back together. They are just sitting and waiting on me straight from the paint shop.
I see John, well I've put out some feelers for a car and there's enough interest building up that I think it's going to happen. You guys can read the other threads on the project here: [SIZE=-0]http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=thread&access=31856785204047&subject=36&source=T&thread=2007040716030628069 http://www.mgexperience.net/phorum/read.php?40,538455 http://www2.mgcars.org.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=mgbbs&mode=thread&access=31856785204047&subject=70&source=T&thread=2007040704481719942 If someone here with close ties with TA wanted to approach them about sponsorship I would encourage that. They might be more receptive if I'm at least introduced by someone they know. I'm going to broaden the search area for the car. In thinking about it, we have plenty of people who could help with getting it delivered, even if it has to be done in stages. Mongoose huh? I like that. You may be right about the tranny, and I'm not sure an IRS was ever a consideration since the vast majority of conversions use 8" ford, dana 44, 8.8" ford, 10 bolt GM, some 9" ford and only a few have gone to IRS. No reason why a 4 speed wouldn't be enough, but I'm sure the project will evolve as we go. The one thing we have to make certain of is the reliability and safety of the car. Jim We now have a T5 transmission donated and a line on a car. Details are to be worked out but it's moving forward. I need some advice here, if the BBB is a mild build and the tires are kept skinny enough to keep it in the "sleeper" category is the T5 going to live? Thanks. [/SIZE]
Hi John, Jim & I are long-time MG V8 fraternity bro's. I live in Colonial Heights near Kingsport (between KPT & Gray, actually). You're doing a Buick MG conversion? Shoot me an email if you would like to see one. Carl Floyd
Ted, I think we might want to use your block and heads, at least for fitting up the engine in the car. There's a car one of the local MG guys has said he'd donate. It may not be the car we actually use (it's a convertible) but it should work fine for test fitting at least. I hope to look at it Wednesday and maybe get it here a few days later. I'll stop by to see Eric within a few days to see what we can work out on his 430, I think it's a '68 or '69 so there's at least a chance it has the lighter block and better ports if I understand what I've been told correctly. I'll try to get some casting numbers. It will definitely need to be torn down and gone through as he said it turned about 1/4 turn and stopped, but it's been inside on a stand since it came out of the car and it's conceivable that it could just have a dented pan. Seems he said about 90k miles is on it. Hopefully the air compressor I've got on ebay will sell and I can make some room in the shop. If anyone around cincy needs a real good 3 phase compressor you better jump on it, for about a grand it's going to be a real bargain and it's dam* near new. <table style="border-style: solid; border-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-width: 1px 4px 4px;" border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="3" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td nowrap="nowrap" valign="top"> </td> <td valign="top">[FONT=Arial, Verdana]http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130096994682&sspagename=ADME:B:AAQ:US:1[/FONT]</td></tr></tbody></table> I'd keep it but I don't have 3 phase power. I also have a 5hp hydraulic unit and a big vacuum pump I need to dispose of. I was going to use the hydro unit to run a press but don't need it now either. Hope I didn't break the rules saying that here. I figured it's related to making room for the project so maybe it'd be ok, but any inquiries probably ought to go to my email rather than here. Ted, could I get your phone number? Maybe we could meet somewhere, Filmore's on rt 18 in Florence is the local hot spot here. Also, I want to vouch for Carl and should have done so sooner. He's a real good guy and a real car enthusiast who drives a 215 powered MGB and is just an exceptional driver. One of those boys from the hill country who's so good at it that with a bone stock 215 he can keep up with the built up 302 Ford powered cars on the track or the mountain roads and look good doing it. He's the number one supporter of this project on the MGB side and has already donated the transmission and volunteered to drive a goodly distance to help put it together, so I just want everyone to know he's a kindred spirit and hope you will all give him the same warm welcome you've given me. Jim
I just wonder what thte balance will be like on the car with a Buick 430/455. My uncle owned the MG/ Austin Healey dealership here locally. I saw a lot of the the MGB engines and they were little boys. They never looked like they weighed too much. On the other hand a Triumph TR2,3 or 4 engine was just a Massey Fergusen tractor surplus engine. That engine and the 6 cylinder Healey engine weighed a ton. The overdrive trans from a Healey weighed a ton too.
Not sure if this will help,but I've been driving a 462" mildly built 2400# 32 roadster with T-400 etc. since 1993. Balance seems not too bad and it does ok on the mountain road twisties which is a little surprising considering the disparity in tire size. Typical street roadster stuff, 24" tall and 6" wide tread in front 30 1/2" tall and 8" tread width in back. About 400 HP fwiw. The 31 on 32 frame roadster shown in the pic will weigh abt 2200# and the slightly more radical 462" engine will have about 460 HP. Handling on corners may be better than the 32 and that's considering the difference between the narrower tires on the 31 and the wider tires on the 32. The 31's tires are 25" tall in front and 28" tall in the rear fwiw. The 31 also has a T-400 trans. The engines sit in the same locations in the frame longitudinally speaking. Transversely, the 32's engine sits 1" to the right and the 31's engine is on center. As for driving the fairly lightweight 32 with the big engine, lots of fun and it seldom gets spun over 4000 rpm. Don't forget to put some big brakes on the MG . . . you'll need em....:laugh:
