The MG MGB is a roadster / coupé produced from 1962 to 1980. That happened first by the British Motor Corporation and later by British Leyland. Of course, the open copies are the best known, but the coupes are just as fun and perhaps even more stylish. The MG MGB is a fantastic classic. He is in all respects except for the facts that no family can enter and no caravan. The range is wide and an MGB is structurally a good car. But it can always be better - while respecting the original.
Adjustments to the technology
Of course you can then opt for an aluminum crossflow head and injection. But that is perhaps a bridge too far. Just like the assembly of a compressor. But with a different air filter, a different carburetor set-up with adapted nozzle occupation and a different exhaust system, you can easily get 10 hp with it. Tumblers mounted on rollers are a good and easy to assemble upgrade. The assembly of a hotter camshaft quickly has advantages. And cons. Building in a V8 is of course a great fun action. But how far do you want to go?
Bigger is better. Yet?
The B series blocks can be drilled up to 2.1 liters for more torque, but 1950 cc is a cheaper approach. Balancing the rotating part and turning the heavy flywheel gives a smoother response to the throttle. But all in all it remains a well-behaved pushrod block, so the engine should have little at very high speeds. But stay away from imitation K&N filters!
A higher final reduction is a nice thing
An overdrive on the latest gears also. There is a conversion kit where a Mazda MX5 five-speed can be mounted. Mounting the box of an SD1 or a Ford type 9 box is a more appropriate approach from a nationalistic point of view.
The suspension and damping
The standard siphon shock absorbers are good enough for quiet daily use. The range of anti roll bars (torsion bars) is impressive and offers something for everyone. There are sets to adjust the caster so that the car steers lighter, but there are also power steering kits for sale.
Converting the damping to telescopic dampers is a good plan. The conversion sets are for sale over the counter. The montage is not witchcraft. Oh yes: to get such a high on the legs rubber bumper MGB a little closer to the ground, more work is needed than just lowering the blocks. Consult your specialist!
Modern tires give a much better road holding
The standard mounted 14 “wheels with diagonal tires now often wear 185 / 70 radial tires. They make steering harder because the front wheel geometry was calculated on the diagonal tires. And so we come back to the aforementioned sets to adjust the fusion angle.
A tired body can be replaced in its entirety by a fresh one that is welded at competition level and is therefore considerably more torsional.
With limited adjustments, there is even more fun to be gained from an MGB. Add to that the fact that there are numerous specialists, an almost endless supply of parts and that there is an active club.
Look outside. Think of the spring. Open driving will soon be fun again!
An overdrive also works on the 3rd gear !!
Love old-timers a lot, have an MGB of 1975, since 1995