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MGA MGB engine for MGA

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JoeTKohler

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What MGB engines will fit in an MGA with MGA tranny without any modifications to chassis, tranny cover, etc. If this has been covered before please tell me how to find that topic. Thanks.
 
Toss an early 3-main with a late head in it
 
What Tony said about the 3 main. Did one in 1970. Slipped right in. Makes it jump.
 
OK, I bought a 1959 A today. It is literally a basket case. The engine that came with it is in several boxes so I think I will do the B-engine thing. Since I can't really do anything but assemble an engine, am I better off to just buy a rebuilt than farm out all the pieces. I do have things like a refinished valve cover and oil pan that came in one of the baskets that fit a 1600 engine. Will they fit an 1800. Any good sources in the northern new england area. Any advice would be helpful. Joe
 
Joe - from whom are you planning to buy a rebuilt MGB engine?
 
Well, that is the question. I have not been in the loop, so to speak. All I think I know is that I would like to put a B engine in this car (no substitute for a few more cc's). The 1600 engine is in a zillion pieces, all tossed about in several boxes so I think I should start with an 1800. I heard some prices today for rebuilt engines of $3000 plus. I don't really need a "rebuilt" engine because realistically I don't drive these cars much; I just like rebuilding them. But of course I don't want to put a piece of junk in an otherwise nicely rebuilt car. I am sure I could rebuild the engine myself if I educated myself and farmed out the shop work. I am plenty mechanically inclinded. I guess the first task is to locate an engine to work with. Any advice would be appreciated.
 
My question was tongue-in-cheek because ytou can't just go buy a crate motor...you almost have to find a builder...& that depends on the area of the country you're in...Tom Bedenbaugh in Memphis builds a mean engine, so does Glewn Towry in Delaware....you'll find somebody in your neck of the woods who'll build you an engine
 
I am thinking of selling my apart 1600 MGA engine pieces. However, I wonder if any of the parts are common to the 1800 3 main MGB engine. For example: crankshaft, camshaft, timing chain and gear, oil pan, etc. Should I hold on to any of these.

Since the engine is in pieces, would I do better to sell the pieces individually, or all together.
 
Joe...good luck selling those items...I've about 20 MGA/MGB engines & they - or their used internal parts - don't sell easily....even crankshafts! Heads are about the only used engine part most folks buy (them & cranks)
 
I was afraid of that. There are probably more engines than cars out there. So I should be able to find the 3 main bearing engine I hope.
 
hi joe where abouts in NH are you?...Rutland Vermont here.
i might want that 1600

mark
 
I am in Alstead, NH, which is near Walpole, which is across the river from Bellows Falls, etc., probably about an hour from Rutland. I think the 1600 engine is in good shape; it is completely taken apart so it is easy to inspect. Maybe I should rebuild it because it is the "original engine", but I sort of thought why not put an 1800 in the car and build this car for "me" rather than be absolutely true to the heritage. For one thing I am absolutely going to paint it an original RED, which was not the original color of this particular car.

I would like to get any thoughts on the pro's and con's of original 1600 vs. 1800 engine from anyone who wants to comment. I am going to do a frame off restoration and I would rate my work as pretty decent. Am I making a mistake to not use the original engine. I guess from a drivability point of view, it would be nice to have the 10 extra HP. Thanks.
 
You should try Scarborough Faire, they are a great source of parts and tech information. Talk to Cecilia. They are in Pawtucket, RI (401) 724-4200. I would stick with the 1600 and keep the car original. You can get most parts either used or NOS as you require.

Best of luck
 
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