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MG MGB Technical - All of you na sayers

What is the problem with the Miata engine 1.6 or 1.8 and the crank location? Is it high in the block or same location as an MG engine? all of the input you can would be a great help. Thanks
The G

We don't need your stinking Miata engine.
The B

Anyone with something useful to say?

for the B's eyes only:

Hey The B I was also thingking of putting Miata seats in the MG just for you. Do you think the Miata dash will fit.


Everyone else:
Any help would be a great help. Thanks.
The G

G:

As the owner of a Miata and a B, and being a hopeless hot-rodder, I had the measurometer out to do some preliminary planning. My conlusions were that there would be a bulge in the hood where the front of the engine wants to be. The biggest problem with this swap was its justification. When I caught myself measuring the front and rear track, I said to myself: "Self, you already have a Miata. If you really want another Miata, go buy one. Used ones are quite affordable. Miatas do not breakdown or offer endless scope for improvement. What would you do with all your spare time"

So I put down that measuring stick and went into the garage to contemplate just how in H-ll I am ever going to get that 302 in there. Thats a different story;)

Pete
Pete

Those Miata seats might be nice but won't that dash be a lot of work?
The B

G,
I've seen a kit where you can put an entire Mazda Miata body shell onto the MGB frame, sounds like something you might be interested in.
I've heard the miata crank is to high in the block. If your insist on doing a mazda swap throw in a rotary for God sake. Much easier swap, much more power available, and smaller/lighter to boot.
Bill
Bill Mertz

Bill, that would be difficult, since the B has no frame to begin with.
Aaron Whiteman

Aaron,
Don't worry about it. Neither does the Miata.
George B.

I know that I am going to get ripped apart for this but here goes.

In my humble opinion, the little british sports cars are loved for what they are. The musty smell of horsehair and leather intermingled with hot oil, and a touch of petrol. The special skill needed to drive one with the synchros gone, the steering wheel rubbing your legs and having to hold your leg in the air off the clutch in traffic. The burning of your right foot and leg on a hot day, or the rag you keep handy for the windshield on a cold rainy day.

I too am guilty of wishing for more power and comfort but where does it end? Rover v-8, chevy small block, ford transmission, power steering, air cond. I don't know, maybe I'm way off base, but why not just get a Miata, or camaro instead. Why do we all want to change the very heart of these beloved little cars. When we look back on our lives, our fondest memories are of the times we overcame hardships with our spouses, our children, our British cars.

How about using the vintage race rules for modifications as a standard. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast, than to drive a fast car slow.

Excuse me while I dry my eyes a bit.

Fred H

Fred Horstmeyer

Well said Fred. I particularly liked the "driving a slow car fast" bit. I was following an old Nissan Sylvia Turbo this morning. I couldn't keep up at all!!! Hm, how about that V8 now???

Mike
Mike Howlett

Thats the joke Aaron;)
Both MGB's and Miatas are unibody, and who would want a miata body on an MG anyway, a bit rediculous ya know?
I'm sorry if my sarcasm didn't translate well over the internet.
Fred I agree with what you said. While I marvel at the skill and craftmanship that goes into a motor swap, I would never do it. I much prefer getting the most out of what the car has on it already. Sticking with more period modifications, and then blasting along as best I can. True I have a newer fuel pump and wider tires, but when I crank the motor I still get the MG valve chatter,I still smell oil, my exhaust note still has that sound similar to ripping canvas, and my right leg (RHD car) still gets toasty on long drives, actually both legs do, but especially the right one.
Too each his own.
Bill
Bill Mertz

I too am torn. I wonder if I should keep the engine close to stock, switch to a Weber carb, or just go balls out and run a supercharger. I'll probably end up with the Weber and some internal modifications for a few more horses, but the decisions are indeed difficult ones.

Now, regarding the Miata internals...I think you're better off with a Miata. Unlesss of course your end goal is to just be different. Bragging rights are always a good reason to do anything!

; )
Brian Salazar

Remember the fiberglass mgtf bodies for VWs. My old mentor(introduced me to British cars and single malt scotch), always quipped about making a fiberglass VW bug body to fit over an MGTF chassis.
Fred Horstmeyer

This comment has nothing to do with this thread, but it’s prompted by the last comment. I saw an article in a magazine once that had a Porsche 928 rebodied to look like a VW Rabbit or Golf. Other than the Porsche wheels, you wouldn’t know the difference. Contrasting logic, they claimed it had improved aerodynamics. This was way back when Porsche still made 928s so those responsible have probably been committed by now.
George Champion

Friend of mine is half way through a MGB/ Miata conversion... He's putting a Mark One B engine in a '99 Miata. . .
Ken R
Ken Rich

This thread was discussed between 24/11/2001 and 28/11/2001

MG MGB Technical index

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