Classic/Antique Car Repair: Your Opinion, buick skylark, sunbeam tiger

Question
Hi Howard
I have an interest in building up a older classic to drive purposes (not frame up restoration to sit in garage.) I was interested in the ALPINE Tiger 289 Ford however a friend of mine who is very involved in building up MGB's to drive suggested to me that one could put a rover V8 in an MGB. Apparently the rover engine is a GM engine that GM dropped from the Buick Skylark in the 70's and Rover picked it up.
I have surfed the web and found UK site where the author lists all the things that have to be changed and the parts come to 3068 pounds or about $6000.00 in parts.  With your knowledge - which would be a more desirable vehicle and what obstacles do you see in V8.ing a MGB. Appreciate your reply and time.  Earl

Answer
Hi Earl,
I have experience with both the Sunbeam Tiger (the Alpine was a 4cyl. Sunbeam),the MGB and the GM,Rover "215" V-8 engine.
The "215" V-8 engine makes a good V-8 conversion because it is all aluminum and is not hard to find. Parts are available from different sources and there are several companies across the country that will do the conversion or sell parts kits for you to do it. There is also a British V-8 newsletter that has a wealth of info on conversions.
http://www.britishv8.org
I am building a MGB GT V-8 conversion and documenting each move as I proceed. I don't recommend my conversion as I am going overboard on some aspects. However, you may want to look at mine for ideas you may have on doing a conversion. http://mg-tri-jag.net/MGBGTV-8.htm
There are several versions of the "215" V-8. Rover copied the Buick version. Olds had two basic versions with a high compression head and a low compression head, each with manifold variations. There was even a turbo charged version. Parts are still available for most of the different GM versions and even high performance parts.
The Rover/Buick version came in several cars including the, MGB, Triumph TR-8, Morgan and others.
This engine was very popular for race cars and thus a wealth of info on internal engine modifications is available.
I hope this helps and if I can give you any more info let me know,
Howard