MGB ENGINE

Post by **geoff12** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:07 pm

Does anyone know whether you can fit an mgb 1800 engine and gearbox and back axel into a Morris minor without too much trouble obviously brakes and suspension would have to be upgraded, its just that I havent seen or heard of this transplant!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:28 pm

Yes - it has certainly been done. The Wolseley 1500 model was essentially the same 'platform' - and it had the B series engine - although only at 1500cc ! Snag will be getting the gearbox to miss the steering rack - the W rack was mounted higher up. The W1500 used the Minor axle - the MGB axle will not be a direct fit - but I expect it will be possible.
Whether it's wise or not - is your decision!

Post by **geoff12** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:33 pm

Thanks, Im only thinking about it at the moment ive still got to take measurements regarding mountings etc

Post by **jonathon** » Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:50 pm

I think Pete (Plastic Orange) has performed this mod. Should be okay but might need the bellhousing notching to miss the rack. Should make a good conversion with an overdrive box.
The axle will need new perches and some mods to the suspension, but its all do'able.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:14 am

I ran a B series engine in my Minor for a number of years - started with a riley 1.5, then a full race spec MGB, then a stage 2 5 bearing engine when the race motor popped. If starting again I would choose a lighter engine as there is a fair bit of weight up front which gave a bit of understeer particularly in the wet. However, overall it was a good conversion as the MGB engine has plenty torque to move things along. I mated a Riley 1.5 box to my engine, notching the bell housing to clear the rack, but an MGB O/D box could have the same mod. I used a Riley 1.5 axle, then changed to a capri 3 litre due to going through about 10 diffs and even more halfshafts.
You will have to uprate the front suspension as this was my biggest bug bear - sump bashing. You can get uprated torsion bars, and a coil over suspension nowadays which I didn't have (back in the 70's), so you'd have to factor in this expense. Don't forget decent brakes while you're at it.
I used a sherpa diesel radiator (after the usual trial and errors with alternatives) and this cooled things nicely. A60 engine mounts are the ones to use, but it's not too hard to make something up.
As far as performance goes, expect similar performance to a Fiat twin cam Minor, but obviously more if the engine is tweaked (loads of mods available).
Have fun, and feel free to ask questions.

Pete

Post by **GAS** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 4:51 pm

Any pictures Pete.and not of your 70's flairs

Post by **plastic_orange** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 7:16 pm

I have pics somewhere, but not digital.
You'll not be wanting my platform shoes pics either then.

Pete

Post by **geoff12** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:09 pm

Thanks everyone for your replies, a lot to think about!

Post by **GAS** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:18 pm

How long is the block,do you need to cut into the front damper cross member?

Post by **plastic_orange** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:05 pm

This depends on the bottom pulley you use. A standard MGB pulley will hit, but you have a number of options to modify cross member.
I could measure an MGB engine I have lying around if anyone wishes.
An MGB engine weighs the same as a Rover V8.

Pete

Post by **GAS** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 10:24 pm

could you measure from the back plate to the front of the pulley please Pete.Since I have a type 9 gbox, I would like it if I could change the bell housing and save me the effort in getting a new prop made.
no hurry though,I have to build my garage first...
Thanks.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Fri Nov 06, 2009 11:46 pm

No probs, I'll measure it tomorrow. I'm sure they do a bell housing kit for the conversion.
There is a local company here that does very quick B motors if you're interested.

Pete

Post by **plastic_orange** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:30 pm

Length from backplate to front edge of bottom pulley is 20 inches, and height to top of oil filler cap is 25 inches.

Pete

Post by **GAS** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 5:44 pm

Thanks Pete.keep a look out for some pictures next time your free(no rush)

Post by **plastic_orange** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:31 pm

Here's one:<br>

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Post by **plastic_orange** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:34 pm

Another:
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Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:35 pm

Certainly Orange - but is it plastic ? !

Post by **plastic_orange** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:40 pm

It's all steel actually, tis my bike that is orange - and plastic.
Pics are from around 1986 - last time it was on the road before taken to bits.

Pete

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Nov 08, 2009 11:42 pm

Shame! Looks a great car!

Post by **plastic_orange** » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:43 am

Looking back now - possibly, but I put the engine in a Wolseley 1500, and the running gear in another minor, so made a few bob on the subsequent sale.
I still have the bodyshell - it's got a 5.7 chevy in it now

Pete