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MGB Engine ID help

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Rut

Rut

Obi Wan
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I'm looking for an engine and found one in MS, but it's a long haul and started looking closer. Found a GT rust bucket with this engine, but no letter after the 18G. Engines I've seen from the 68-71 timeframe have always had an 18GH, GK, etc...what year would you think this one was born?
Thanks, Rut
 

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from https://mgaguru.com/mgtech/engine/be100.htm


prefix bearings model market dates if known

18G 3 Mk1 GHN3/D3 all Oct 1962/April64
18GA 3 Mk1 GHN3/D3 all April 1964/Oct64
18GB 5 Mk1 GHN3/D3 all Oct 1964/67
18GD 5 Mk2 GHN4/D4 UK/Europe Oct 1967/69
18GF 5 Mk2 GHN4/D4 USA Oct 1967/69
18GG 5 Mk2 GHN5/D5 UK/Europe Oct 1969/71
18GH* 5 Mk2 GHN5/D5 Europe Oct 1969/70
18GJ 5 Mk2 GHN5/D5 USA Oct 1969/70
18GK 5 Mk2 GHN5/D5 USA Oct 1970/71
18V** 5 Mk3 GHN5/D5 see below Oct 1971 onwards

* After 18GH there were extra letters after the prefix, 'U' still meant central gearchange; 'RU' now meant overdrive; 'We' all synchromesh gearbox; 'RWe' all synchro with overdrive; 'Rc' automatic gearbox.
 
The "WE" would indicate it is a 4-syncro engine, so '68 - '71. Somehow there is a letter missing after that first G. Strange. What year GT?
 
Drew,
Thanks, it is listed as a 72 so it could easily be a 71...the 'missing' letter confused me and I asked for a picture in case I heard wrong. I'm fishing for an early 18V with forged crank, straight cut con rods, etc., AND an OD tranny!
Thanks, Rut
 
That is probably a GK series. The 2nd letter is very faint on some of the GKs I have had and stamped different. The later GK series had the straight rods with a full float wristpin (ie circlips) I think the early GK may have been side split rods. Worth checking in Clausingers original MG book. Its not a 72 MGB because it has the electric oil pressure sender on the block.
Bob
 
Bob,
Thanks, I was checking with Clausager and that's why I was confused...the owner gave me the engine number and then sent a picture since I requested it, but he can find nothing after the G, stamped or scratched. My guess is a late 70 block because of the oil pressure sender, but I've still got questions. I have a GH in my B, mfg in March, 1970.
Rut
 
I dug up the ID # on a MGB engine I have, can one of you guys tell me more about it? It is 18V672Z-L4230 . The engine is complete.
Kevin ( with more stuff than I need)
 
Kevin -

Your engine was built in the year beginning August, '72, low compression, negative ground, non-overdrive.

No, I'm not a know-it-all! Check here for the details: https://www.mgexp.com/article/mgb-vin.html
Scroll down to the engine numbers.

Also, on the right side of the block, there's a "clock" embossed just below the oil filter. There are three numbers denoting the month, day and year of manufacture, beginning on the lower left-hand side of the circle.

Mickey
 
I have engine 18GH-WE-H26450. All of the letters/numbers are stamped from the inside out except the 'H' which is stamped from the outside in. The 18GF and 18GK engines I have are all stamped from the inside out. I'm guessing an 18GH.
 
As the memory fades....Alan in Atlanta is correct. GH is the odd stamped engine plates. Alan, We need to get together for lunch soon! Bob
 
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I found two more 18GH engines where the 'H' is stamped from the inside like the rest of the figures. And yeah,Bob,it's been a while. I'll let you know if I'm in NC anytime soon.
Alan
 
On my 71 GT, the engine is an 18GJ series. On mine, the J is stamped from the opposite side of the ID plate than the rest of the numerals.
 
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