Chris,
The GM T-5s ( I don't know about Fords) generally have a .75 or .63 fifth
gear. With the .75 changing out the rear gear is your choice and really
comes down to what you want to do with the car, with the .63 you don't need
to change out the rear gears because the fifth gets so long legged that you
will have to start downshifting to get back into the powerband.
James Nazarian
71 MGB Tourer
71 MGBGT V8
85 Dodge Ram
----- Original Message -----
From: "Chris Thompson" <ct-mg@cthompson.com>
To: <mgs@autox.team.net>
Cc: "Chris Thompson" <ct-mg@cthompson.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2003 6:27 AM
Subject: Re: MGB V6 Upgrade
> Thanks to all who have replied so far.
>
> Some points:
>
> First, the most obvious, is that yes, putting an American engine in a
> British car does detract from the "Britishness" of it, makes it non
> original, will get it disqualified from Concours events, etc. I guess
> that's something that everyone needs to draw their own personal line on.
> I'd never do it to an MGA, and I probably wouldn't do it to an MGB earlier
> than, say, 1971. No, I can't tell you why that date is my comfort zone.
> Perhaps it's because I was born in 1969, so 60s era cars seem more special
> to me, and 1970 cars are unique due to the split bumper, so I wouldnt want
> to modify one.
>
> My car is a 1973 MGB titled in 1974. I won't be taking it back to 1973
> originality anyway, as it will get 60s style grille and early style
> bumpers. It's getting Fiero seats. If I do rebuild the 18V, it will be
> built to 1967 specs, desmogged, with AUD135 HS4's and not the later HIF4s.
>
> For me, the car is about driving, not as a value object. That's a personal
> choice, and I respect the opinions of those who disagree.
>
> Second, there are different ways to do the V6. The Bill Guzman conversions
> tend to use Rear Wheel Drive early GM engines, usually 2.8L. Apparently
the
> KillerB uses the later Front Wheel Drive engine, in 3.1 or 3.4L, and a
> custom bellhousing to tie it to a Ford or Chevy T5, Ford preferred, and a
> modified drive shaft.
>
> Using a late model V6 with the Fuel Injection is preferred as it is a much
> refined engine, aluminum heads vs. earlier steel, and with the FI setup it
> fits inside a B engine bay with no hood modifications. It runs cooler
> and stronger.
>
> I saw no mention of changing out the differential, so I will make sure to
> ask.
>
> As for space...
>
> http://www.killerbv6.com/engines/pictures.html
>
> It doesn't look excessively crowded, and I've read that it actually takes
> up less room than the V8 (As it should with a smaller block) which
> contributes to its lack of cooling problems.
>
> I'm not disagreeing with anyone, I appreciate everyone's opinion. I've
> decidedly never done anything like this. The comments above are the result
> of digging through the web, and so could be radically wrong.
>
> I'm going to contact the guy at Killer B and ask a few questions. I'll
keep
> reporting back.
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