advice sought on fitting 1.8 MGB engine to moggie!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 7:55 pm

The 'B' engine really came first - both engines have common Austin source and v similar design. They use the same cam followers and timing gear & chain!

Post by **plastic_orange** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:05 pm

bmcecosse wrote:The 'B' engine really came first - both engines have common Austin source and v similar design. They use the same cam followers and timing gear & chain!

I don't think this is the case - depending on year, different followers listed, and timing chain is duplex with tensioner.
B series concept probably started off with the Devon in 1947 (I had 3 of them) - 1200cc. - great car.

Pete

Post by **The-Mog-Warden** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:14 pm

Thank you all SO SO SOOOO much for your responses to my question. I was THIS CLOSE to doing it... but have decided to recycle some parts and go 1275cc again....! Sorry!! I found a supplier for EVERY part- the internet is SO useful- there are LOADS of prop shaft manufacturers, and people prepared to make ANYTHING you desire... at a price! And its this that has pursuaded me in the end.. Still.... 110 MPH in a morris minor.... My license is TOO precious!!!!

Thanks again- Esp to Plastic orange- an oracle indeed!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Jan 09, 2008 8:57 pm

PO - there are various cam followers for all these engines - but all are basically the same - just depends on year was spec was in vogue at the time. Yes Duplex - but so are the 'best' A series. Sprockets and chain are the same - maybe even the timing case cover? Yes - was Austin Devon engine that was developed into both the B (upgraded to 14?? cc initially) and as A series downgraded to 803 cc initially. Same cam follower chest cover plates for both engines too!
Mog-warden -- I think you are wise to stick with A series. If you want more capacity then using a 1098 crank (later one with big mains) in a 1275 block gives ~ 1360 cc, and then you can start to look at overbores! Easy enough to get 1400cc without risking porous block.

Post by **dunketh** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:13 am

I was sure the exhaust was on the opposite side... I must be thinking about triumph engines. Help me, I must be feeling ill..

Post by **plastic_orange** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:19 pm

If you're thinking about Triumphs - you must be

Pete

Post by **ian-s** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 12:46 pm

bmcecosse wrote:PO - there are various cam followers for all these engines - but all are basically the same - just depends on year was spec was in vogue at the time. Yes Duplex - but so are the 'best' A series. Sprockets and chain are the same - maybe even the timing case cover? Yes - was Austin Devon engine that was developed into both the B (upgraded to 14?? cc initially) and as A series downgraded to 803 cc initially. Same cam follower chest cover plates for both engines too!
Mog-warden -- I think you are wise to stick with A series. If you want more capacity then using a 1098 crank (later one with big mains) in a 1275 block gives ~ 1360 cc, and then you can start to look at overbores! Easy enough to get 1400cc without risking porous block.

I dont think the cam sprockets are the same i believe the A series is 1/2 tooth different to the B series. Although I dont think that would make much difference in a road motor.

Post by **dunketh** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 12:32 pm

A mate of mine has an old B series clone on his boat, its a diesel!
Looks just like a B series, which he claims it is, only its an oil burner.

Its rigged up to power a winch and some other stuff.

Post by **Innovator** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 5:28 pm

dunketh wrote: How are you going to link the box to the axle - wont you need a custom prop?

Props are dead easy on all vehicles. A specialist company such as Dunning and Fairbank can sort anything.

The MGB and Minor use a very similar prop. When we put a MGB engine in my Dads A60 we used a Minor prop with the MGB reverse sleeve yoke and had the shaft shortened to suit.

I have never driven a MGB powered Minor and have read the posts about weight but I still think putting the MGB engine in a Minor is not a good idea when there are so many other "better" engines.........

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 9:05 pm

The B diesel engine was used in many BMC Tractors - built at Bathgate, Ecosseland! There was also a diesel version of the A series - for small tractor use, but I have never seen one in the flesh.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:14 pm

I've had a drive in an automatic diesel Wolsely 16/60 (cambridge style) - must have been the slowest car i've ever been in.

Pete