Group,
You guys seem interested in these cars so I'll tell what I know. When
in college, myself and a couple of friends used to buy these cars for $0-50,
fix them up and sell them for $500-1000. A lot of work for not that much
money, but it was better than flipping burgers !
Both engines 1600cc and 2000cc (I forget the exact displacements) are
superior to the MG engines. The 1600cc pushrod engine made the same horsepower
(96 if I remember right) as the 1800cc MGB engine. I had the 1600cc engine in
a Datsun sedan (my first car), and despite my best effort, I just couldn't kill
it ! The SOHC 2000cc engine, power wise was great. Redline around 7500 and it
would pull all the way there. As a factory option, the 2000cc could be ordered
(or installed by dealer) with 2 twin choke Solex carbs, hotter cam, and deep
sump oil pan for a solid 150-160 HP. The only down side to the 2000cc engine
was the timing chain tensioner was by oil pressure and, from personal
experience, it worked about as well as the Porsche design (bad !!). Both
engines had aluminum heads. Early versions had 1500cc engines - I never tried
one of the 1500 cars.
2000cc cars had five speed trans, 1600's had four speeds. Trans
shifters were horribly sloppy but not bad enough that you couldn't find the
correct gears. I never drove one with bad syncros or trans noise, a big
complement since most of the cars I drove were trashed.
The biggest disappointment was the cars had zero steering feel. They
cornered OK but were light in the rear and the rear would really hop if a bump
was hit while turning. Cornered a little better than a TR-4 - not as good as
an MGB. Suspension about the same as an MGB - independent with coils in the
front and live with leaf springs in the rear.
Body would rust about like an MGB. Better quality metal but thinner.
Hope I remembered all that correctly. If you get a chance to drive
one, go for it, especially a 2 liter car.
Skip '74 B
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