Triumph Repair: A prior question you answered, differential engine, ford diff

Question
QUESTION: I noticed that you indicated that one could adapt an MGB drive train to an MG TD. I have a 1971 MGB engine and drive train and a 53 TD without drive train. I was recently told that the MGB engine and transmission would not fit, because the transmission shift would be too far back. Is this the case? Is it possible to do what I am attempting? Thanks so much roni hines yourpetsfriend@gmail.com 956 266-5309

ANSWER: Hi Roni,
At a MG dealership in Jax FL in the 60s we put a complete MGB drive train in a TD. I don't remember all of the details as I was just one of a team of mechanics that did the job, however, I do remember that we were surprised at how easy it turned out to do. We replaced the differential, engine and transmission. I don't remember the shift lever being much different in position. I do remember we had to fabricate motor mounts and transmission mounts as it was not just a bolt-in project. I do remember the mechanic that had to adapt the clutch release had to do some fabricating as the TD didn't have a hydraulic master cylinder. I don't remember if he mounted a master cylinder or just was able to make a linkage for the TD mechanical links.

I presently am doing a transplant of a Olds V-8 w/a Tri TR-7 trans and Ford diff. into an MGB-GT and I have to do a lot of fabricating but You should not have such a big job.

Before you start, you should do a detailed measurement of the TD positions. Start at the rear end (depending on if you are going to change out the differential) Spring mounting points Wheel to wheel (wire wheel or disk wheel) Trans mount to front and back of the engine and motor mount position. Shift tower position from back of engine. Overall length of engine and trans.

By doing the transplant on paper first, you will be able to see what needs to be done as you progress. If you don't have cutting and welding equipment you will need to make mounting and adapters for the engine & Trans mounts out of cardboard or such and take them to a welding shop to fabricate for you.

I found that sketches first then measurements and make drawings with the measurements detailed. Even doing this as best you can, you will still run into details that need to be altered from your original drawings.

Good luck and let me know if any advise will help.
Howard

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QUESTION: Dear Howard,
Thank you so much for this information. I have put so much time and effort into the MGB drive train that I would have been really sad if the project couldn't have worked. I am a veterinarian, but I love tools and can do most anything in the garage at my house. Have metal lathes,Bridgeport,welders, metal brake and shear. Its really cramped!  The big problem is that I started with a big pile of salvage parts from 10+ TDs and have nothing to go on other than trying to match up bolt holes. The nearest TD I can find is in Corpus Christi, 250 miles north of me. But my only real concern is the position of the shift. I plan to drop the engine,trany,drive shaft and diferential in next week and then start welding the mounts. Thanks again, Roni Hines

Answer
Ronni, You are far better equipped than most of the fabricators that modify cars. You should not have any trouble with this project. It would help to purchase an MG "T" series manual or a manual that has all of the older MGs like; "The MG Workshop Manual" It is a Robert Bentley manual. The ISBN # is 0-8376-0117-7 The last address I had was Robert Bentley, Inc. Ayer Bldg. Lawrence, MA 01843
Bentley may have a manual just for the "TD" also.

The above manual covers the MG "M" type (1929)up to the "TF" 1500 (1955)
I think if you measure from the existing shift hole to the firewall you will see that the MGB (shift lever to rear of the engine) is close.

Let me know.
Howard