Steve Dillen <SDILLEN@ismbc.com> writes, regarding his "new" '74 'B:
> The crankshaft could be polished and has been left STD. Cylinders are being
> bored to .030", and new pistons are on the way. I need new lifters as the
> old ones are extremely pitted (not exactly sure why. . .). Also need to
> replace 1 valve (seems to be bent), and am looking at changing the oil pump
> since there's scoring in it where it apparently picked up ring pieces.
>
> Now -- a few questions
>
> 1. What advice can anyone give about having the head work done, especially
> related to the valve seats? Do I need to replace the valve seats for any
> reason other than pitting/wear?
MGBs didn't come from the factory with valve seat inserts; they were
simply machined into the face of the head. Some people strongly
advocate the hardened seat inserts advertised for use with unleaded
gasoline. Others believe it's a complete waste of money. It's a real
Holy WarŪ . I'm not getting into it.
> 2. I've read a number of comments about head gaskets -- leaking between cyl
> 2 and 3? Advice or comments?
If allowed to continue, such leaking can erode the surface of the block.
You might ask the shop to check for this. The Moss catalog (among
others) suggest countersinking the stud holes for a better gasket seal.
> 3. At this point I'm leaning on building the engine as stock. Of course
> I keep hearing these voices that say 'since the engine's torn down anyway. .
>.'
> What are reasonable things to do to the engine from a performance/reliability/
> durability standpoint -- the car will be driven daily. . .
Hoo boy! A few random thoughts among those that routinely parade
through my noggin, regarding suitable modifications to a '74 MGB motor
(which I plan on doing to my own mill very soon):
- Mild porting of the head. A little of this goes a long way. See any
good book, like Vizard's or Burgess'. Note that boring to .030 will
unshroud the valves a bit, which also will help flow.
- Balancing makes for a smoother revving engine.
- Double timing gear for longevity.
- Double valve springs if you like the sound of redline.
- TotalSeal rings.
- GOOD QUALITY FASTENERS. Race-spec if you can afford it.
I'm sure others will add to this list.
--
Todd Mullins
Todd.Mullins@nrlssc.navy.mil On the lovely Mississippi (USA) Coast
'74 MGB Tourer, ugly, but back from the dead
(witty quote here)
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