Trevor, poor lost wayward soul. A nice two litre B-series engine is STILL
just the ticket to a rip snorting MGB. Even a 1800 cc but very well built
engine can be wicked fast.
Converting to V6 or V8 is:
#1 TOO DAMN EXPENSIVE! any junkyard engine that cost less than a B engine
needs to be rebuilt. MGB engines can be rebuilt rather inexpensively, 6 and 8
cylinder engines have more parts and cost more. Don't let anyone charge you
Lotus prices for a B engine.
#2 TOO DAMN HEAVY! Unless you get Rover V-8, realize that most engines out
there are cast iron. Nasty stuff cast iron. You'll soon be budgeting for
springs and a handling kit. Add that to #1
#3 NIGH ON IMPOSSIBLE TO SELL OR INSURE! Most insurance companies won't
touch a car with a funny engine in it. Alot of buyers aren't too keen on
home-job engine swaps.
As nice as the factory V-8 was, if you don't have enough money to go full-
setup, realize that the next best option is a well built standard de-
emissioned B-engine. I just got one that was built in Scotland for about
$1200, and it is a sweet running free reving engine that the original never
was. A heavy V-6 out of some sedan is nearly immpossible to set up properly
in terms of carburation and ignition. You will save no money going for a V-6,
and unless you spend a fortune on the engine, get little more usuable
horsepower.
I like B engines if you get my drift... Others apparently don't.
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