Bill,
You might want to check out the article in the February 2004 issue of
Grassroots Motorsports regarding Dan Stewart's Volvo 2.3 liter powered MGB.
Seems
like it worked well (the engine swap) with a minimum of modifications. Since
the MGA and MGB drive trains are similar, I'm thinking a Volvo engined MG can't
be too bad a thing. If the rest of the car is in good condition and
unmodified like Bill McCleod has pointed out...I'd say go for it! Then, you
can always
work on converting it back to an MG engined car, and have the luxury of
working on the MG drive train at your leisure while driving the Volvo engined
MGA.
Good Luck!
Donny V
1978 MGB
In a message dated 01/10/2004 7:31:31 PM Eastern Standard Time,
wbmcleod@cox.net writes:
> Unless they cut the frame, inner fenders or firewall, or modified the
> driveshaft or rear axle, the only downside in value I could see would be
> the expense of replacing the drive train. It would probably go better
> with the Volvo, which was a very sturdy engine and tranny.
> Good luck!
> Bill McLeod
> Slightly Classics
> Tucson, AZ
>
> William T Snyder wrote:
>
> >I am looking at purchasing a 1958 MGA that is in really good condition.
> >The down side is that the engine and tranny have been replaced with an
> >early 1960's 1800cc Volvo drivetrain. Other than the obvious decrease in
> >worth, can anyone think of major problems with such a purchase if the
> >price is right. I have an 18GA engine and 3-synchro tranny which could be
> >rebuilt and installed, or I could probably also find the proper 1500 MGA
> >drivetrain as well.
> >
> >The Volvo engine looks surprisingly similar to my MGB's engine with the
> >major exception being placement of the twin SU's (passenger side) and
> >spark plugs (driver's side).
> >
> >Can anyone venture a dollar figure guess on devaluation?
> >
> >Thanks to all.
> >Bill Snyder
> >'66 MGB
> >'72 BGT
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