Thanks to all who have replied so far.
Some points:
First, the most obvious, is that yes, putting an American engine in a
British car does detract from the "Britishness" of it, makes it non
original, will get it disqualified from Concours events, etc. I guess
that's something that everyone needs to draw their own personal line on.
I'd never do it to an MGA, and I probably wouldn't do it to an MGB earlier
than, say, 1971. No, I can't tell you why that date is my comfort zone.
Perhaps it's because I was born in 1969, so 60s era cars seem more special
to me, and 1970 cars are unique due to the split bumper, so I wouldnt want
to modify one.
My car is a 1973 MGB titled in 1974. I won't be taking it back to 1973
originality anyway, as it will get 60s style grille and early style
bumpers. It's getting Fiero seats. If I do rebuild the 18V, it will be
built to 1967 specs, desmogged, with AUD135 HS4's and not the later HIF4s.
For me, the car is about driving, not as a value object. That's a personal
choice, and I respect the opinions of those who disagree.
Second, there are different ways to do the V6. The Bill Guzman conversions
tend to use Rear Wheel Drive early GM engines, usually 2.8L. Apparently the
KillerB uses the later Front Wheel Drive engine, in 3.1 or 3.4L, and a
custom bellhousing to tie it to a Ford or Chevy T5, Ford preferred, and a
modified drive shaft.
Using a late model V6 with the Fuel Injection is preferred as it is a much
refined engine, aluminum heads vs. earlier steel, and with the FI setup it
fits inside a B engine bay with no hood modifications. It runs cooler
and stronger.
I saw no mention of changing out the differential, so I will make sure to
ask.
As for space...
http://www.killerbv6.com/engines/pictures.html
It doesn't look excessively crowded, and I've read that it actually takes
up less room than the V8 (As it should with a smaller block) which
contributes to its lack of cooling problems.
I'm not disagreeing with anyone, I appreciate everyone's opinion. I've
decidedly never done anything like this. The comments above are the result
of digging through the web, and so could be radically wrong.
I'm going to contact the guy at Killer B and ask a few questions. I'll keep
reporting back.
_______________________________
Chris Thompson
1974 MGB Chrome Bumper Roadster
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