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T-Series MG-TD V-6 engine

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beachbumbarry

beachbumbarry

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I have a MG-TD and wondering what would be the Best V-6 engine with automatic trans to install in the TD? I'm thinking of using a MGB rearend. I could go with a fuel injected Jap 4 cyl with auto trans. I would like at least 160 hp. This will be a ground up project.
 
I should have said more about it. I bought a tub and frame no rear end but has a front end with wheels. The person said that he dosen't have a engine/trans. He has other parts that will help me get most of the body together. So, to get a driveable car, I will need to do the best that I can. It will only be about 67.6% MG-TD, but it will be on the road and not rusting away in a field. To buy all the parts, to make it orginal, it would take about $23,867.33 and I can buy one already restored for that.Is it better to let a Classic car rust in the field or do what ever is necessary to get it driveable?
 
Hey, Barry -

Having done a conversion on a BGT, I can endorse the GM 2.8/3.1/3.4 60 degree V6. They are great motors and given the orientation of the cylinders, they are narrow enough to fit without too much trouble. Not sure of the application in a T-series, but there are some folks who've put V8's in, so anything's doable.

Check out the British V8 website if you haven't already for ideas:

https://www.britishv8.org/Photos-MG-Conversions.htm

Mickey
 
One thing to ask yourself, how much like a TD do you want it to appear. By that I mean, should there be nothing externally when going down the road that appears modified or are you aiming for more of an old hot rod appearance. If you want to look stock, set the hood amd radiator shell in place and start measuring the inside dimensions. You'll find it narrows towards the shell which will restrict the overall width of the engine and exhaust you can fit. Plus radiator size could be an issue for cooling.

Just a couple things to think about.
 
I was going to suggest that same GM V6 that Mickey suggested. Really good motor. Fellow local here (Tracy) just put one in his MGB. Looks great in there and really flies. No idea how well it would fit, but GM made a bunch of them, and finding one in a yard with an auto shouldn't be too hard. A flathead V8 fits in a TD, so there's some reason to think the GM V6 might as well.

Finding a Japanese 4 cylinder that would work in RWD configuration could be tough anymore. You're looking at car from the 1980s at that point, many of the Japanese stuff from then has been crushed by now or turned into drift cars. Suzuki has a nice twin cam that might fit (from the Sidekick truck). Mazda Miata would be another option.

Can't wait to see what you come up with.
 
Here's another good source for info on MG swaps, particularly V6s: https://www.mgexp.com/phorum/list.php?40 It will be really helpful if you can find someone else who has done the same swap as you want to do. It makes it so much easier if you can learn what works and what doesn't from someone else's experience.
 
Thank you-all for your replies. I will check out the web sites. I don't get the TD frame and tub for a few months, it's in AZ and I live in Ut. I would like the outside to look like a TD and if I through enough money at it, the TD will look good.
 
I recall from decades ago (oh, 1969 or so) a TD with a Volvo 4-banger and trans. Casual observer saw the SU's and didn't think it wasn't a MOWOG.
 
Another engine that might fit is the DOHC 4 cyl. from an Infiniti G20. My wife had one but it got wrecked when an SUV in front of her stopped short one dark night because of some stupid yuppie Darien joggers runnning in the middle of the road and she couldn't stop in time and wiped out the front of the G20. It had a 5-speed manual box as well. sweet car.
 
In the old days more than a few TDs ended up with Volvo 4 cylinder engines, possibly due to the resemblance to the original TD motor. Twin SUs and a nice gearbox (OD if you want one). You could do worse if you wanted a period looking car, which the V6 will never be.
 
Lots of options. I agree that it's better to have a 2/3 TD running than rusting in a field.

My engine and trans of choice would be from a rusted-out MGB.

Then it would be "all" MG and probably worth more. And not real hard to swap in (especially compared to a V6). Plus you could still get all your parts from Moss or Vicky-Brit. :smile:
 
Just about to post that video, Rick. Cool stuff.
 
Whatever you do, change the rear end. I put a Lea-Francis engine and gearbox in a TD many years ago but it was a disaster. Total mismatch of engine, gearbox and rear end. The TD rear is 5.125 to 1. Even the Mark II and TF were 4.875 to 1. Your big engine will be screaming away and you'll be going nowhere. You'll sure get to 45 mph in a hurry.
 
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