QuestionQUESTION: I have a 1976 MGBGT with a good engine and a bad body. I have a 1968 with a good body and bad engine. I was hoping that I could use the engine from the 76 in the 68, but understand there may be a problem with the 68 accepting the 76 engine. Any advice on this? To complicate matters a bit more the 76 has a downdraft weber.
ANSWER: Hi Jerry,
If you change the engine backing plate you can put any MGB in any other MGB or if you change the engine and transmission you should be able to make the change. MGB never came with a down draft Weber which was probably much better than the 76 single Stromberg carb but not as good as two SUs used on the 68.
If it were mine I would swap the 68 intake and exhaust system over to the 76 engine and use the 76 engine and transmission unless the 68 had an overdrive then I would switch the engine backing plate and and use the starter, backing plate and overdrive transmission on the 76 engine.
Howard
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks,
I was reading this technical article and on page 3 it says their is a problem with the motor mounts. I was hoping that if that were the case, them I could change the mounts.
http://www.sterlingbritishmotoringsociety.org/files/mgbtunings.PDF
The weber is an after market on the 76 which was a plus to me since the SUs need to rebuilt and I was trying to make the car a little more simple as it will be my son's first car. I do like the dual SU's and may end up going that route if there is a clearance issue as the article say.
I like your advice better and hope it works for me. Thanks for the reply.
AnswerYes, you may have to do a little modifying to use the round 76 mount but it should be an easy fix as the 76 just has a single stud mount.
If at a later date you decide to install the twin SU carbs, be sure to change to the earlier exhaust manifold too.
Howard
