At 5:06 AM -0400 5/7/2003, Chris Thompson wrote:
>I was wondering if anyone on the list has any experience with putting a GM
>V6 in an MGB.
>
>Tony Barnhill linked to a site, http://www.killerbv6.com/ about the
>conversion. That site, of course, promptly removed all its pages for a
>"rewrite". Some google cache surfing showed me their old pages.
>
>Here's what I've gathered...
>
>The 3.4L Fuel Injected GM V6 is 160HP and 194ft/lb of torque, bone stock.
>The 215 Rover V8 Fuel Injected is 148HP and 180ft/lb of torque, bone stock.
>
>The GM V6 weighs 30lb less than the V8, and 80lb less than the 18V.
>
>The V6 is readily available and dirt cheap, as it appeared in mid 90s
>Chevy's from Camaros and Firebirds to Minivans.
>
>The V6 can easily be tweaked to even higher heights due to a flourishing
>aftermarket of guys upgrading their Camaros.
>
>The V6 can be dropped into an MGB engine bay with little problem by simply
>removing the stock engine mounts and installing the new aftermarket mounts
>which are specifically designed for this application.
>
>The engine is, from what I gather, physically smaller and runs
>substantially cooler than the 215 V8, with no endemic cooling problems.
>
>The engine can trivially fit under teh MGB hood without any bumps.
>
>So I turn to you guys and ask what the downside. From what I see on the
>web, the V6 is cheaper (I've seen people say that the engine can be had for
>$200 and the T5 transmission for $120), more Horsepower, more torque, no
>cooling hassles. I've always wanted a V8 but simply haven't had the cash,
>this conversion looks like it could be done dirt cheap.
>
>I'm comparing the cost of what I'm going to ahve to spend to rebuild my 18V
>with its cracked head and probable interior damage and numerous oil leaks
>to this conversion, and the opportunity cost to go to the V6 seems low.
>
>So what's your verdict?
>
>
>
>
>_______________________________
>Chris Thompson
>1974 MGB Chrome Bumper Roadster
>
Bone stock on the RV8 is with the two SU carbs. With a 4 barrel carb
a more accurate figure is 185 HP. With a cam and headers it is over
200, with room to expand beyond this. Be certain that, If you go with
a T-5 you know which ratios you want and what the transmission you
are buying has. They vary greatly. There is also the problem with
wiring in the control system for the FI on the V6.
But, in the end, its your car. You should do what you think makes the
most sense to you.
--
Bob Shaw
Check out Shaw's Garage at http://www.mlcltd.com/shawsgarage/
My British Car is NOT leaky - it's merely marking its territory.
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