Keith Wheeler wrote:
>
SNIP
> This thread is really a question of how to make an MGB engine last,
>
Not really, the guy asked about 5-spd versus OD for his money. Either
way, he wanted the highway revs down.
SNIP
> As far as actual wear is concerned, I'd be willing to bet that driving
> back and forth to work causes more wear on my engine than my long high
> speed stints.
One can use the OD in town; just have to pick your spots.
>
> You guys who are so concerned about longevity, I have to ask: how many
> high speed miles do you actually do a year?
Personally, I live in a small town. When I take the B out it's
usually going on the road.
>
> Taking that (probably low) number into account,......
You can't possibly know that to be true.
> to pull the engine to swap gearboxes. Hmmm.....pull the engine out to
> swap gearboxes to make it so the engine will last longer but don't freshen
> up and balance the engine while it's out....is this a question of having a
> cool gizmo next time you go to a show or the MG club meeting?
Nope, I had a fresh engine when I pulled it out to install the OD.
But let's face it Keith, you are not the average sporty car owner.
"Freshen" the engine, while you're at it for sooth! Sounds simple to
you. Look at the questions being asked on this list. Then tell me all
those people are going to "freshen" the engine.
>
> I think the official drivers handbook also has a blurb about "for > extending
>cruising above 90 MPH..."
Oh yeah? What page? A stock MGB at 90 MPH is running just about 90%
as fast as it will go.
> My personal theory is build the engine right, drive it like a sports car, and
> when you pull it every couple of years for a clutch job, re-ring it, >maybe
>new bearings.
Yeah, you and all the other ace mechanics in Team Sanctuary.
Look, I own a knock-down engine hoist and engine stand, plus piles of
tools because I used to buy, repair and sell cars on the side to keep my
own enthusiasms afloat. What percentage of other LBC owners do you
figure have that equipment and the know-how to use it?
>If you aren't putting a new clutch in an MGB every few years,
> then you're not driving it enough to really worry about how long the >engine
>will last.
Keith, if you have to replace the clutch every couple of years, you're
flogging the car. If you want to do that, fine, but it's not what most
of us are doing. And you don't need to adopt a patronizing tone about
it.
--
Charley Robinson
Kerrville, TX, USA
NAMGBR 8-3530
`69 B Roadster
|