> I've never been in a new MGB (or one with a 'new' engine), so I'm
> basically unfamiliar with this firsthand. Frankly, you're the first
> person has ever told me MGB's are reliable. Everyone else I've ever
> talked to has said, "Yeah I (or someone 'I' knew) had one, but I sold it
> because it was always breaking down." <snip>
Of course MGBs can be reliable. I put atleast 100mi a week on my 76,
driving it to school & back (70 miles) atleast once a week.
<snip>
> never seeing it again, so I'm trying to find a fix that will give me
> dependability and a certain amount of economy. I truly thought that's
> what I'd get with a rebuilt American motor (and what I wouldn't get by
> putting lots more in the current engine).
A rebuilt MGB engine can be purchased from around $1800 (give or
take some). Converting to a foreign engine will probably cost less,
but will be much more difficult...you'll be doing a lot of fabricating
to the car, etc. Plus resale value, should you ever sell it, would
go down I would imagine.
> You're right, of course. I guess a different engine wouldn't change
> the fact that I'd have to order some parts. I was thinking of things
> like water pumps, though. I've had one go on the MGB, and I was down for
> quite a while. But, that was before I knew of Victoria or Moss. But the
> economy thing still is pretty important. Looking in my JC Whitney I see
> engine rebuild kits for several engines ranging from $130 to $230, which
> includes gaskets, rings, pistons, and bearings. For my 'B, Moss wants
> $250, just for the pistons alone. <snip>
Special Interest Car Parts wants $300 for an engine rebuild kit...the
typical
replacement parts required.
Tyson Sherman
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