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Lynn Kirkpatrick

Lynn Kirkpatrick

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I have a '68 MGB GT with a '74 lump in it. The car has 63k+ miles, the motor about 38k miles. It runs OK, I tuned the carbs, set the timing, etc. last year. The plugs burn clean, starts on the first try, doesn't burn/blow oil, BUT it just doesn't have the grunt that I had hoped for. It has ths stock ignition (points, condenser) and HS4 carbs. I checked cylinder compression (130-140 psi). Years ago I drove a friends rubber-bumper B ('76 or so) and it pull a lot harder.

So what are the things that I can do to make this thing accelerate, not just gather speed? I would not want to go to a V-8 conversion. Will a hotter cam really do much, and what else is needed (different carbs, headers)? What about the electronic ignitions? I got an estimate to super-charge it for $2000+.

I would like your ideas. Thanks!
 
get your ports and your intake manifold bored and polished, and get your carbs bored. theres a B around here that pulls 130 hp (allegedly) with some 2" SUs and a little head work
shocked.gif
 
I called Surrey Motorsports in Niles, Mi. (They advertise in British Car.) They just gave me a WAG at the price. I don't think he said there is a kit to do it, because he thought they would have to make brackets. That's all I can remember, it was 2-3 months ago that I called and the gray cells are getting harder and harder to find.
 
Personally, I just got mine going and can't believe the 'pull' that it has!! It pulls real strong from about 1800rpm to 4500rpm! I haven't taken it over 4500 yet, because it only has 400 or so miles on it!! It is real strong!! Of course,I did a little head work, cammed it and put a little more compression into it and balanced it!! I will bet that when she is broke in, she will be close to 130 hp!!

[ 03-21-2003: Message edited by: Gary Lloyd ]</p>
 
A simple but somewhat expensive option is an uprated MGB engine from Paeco...you'll spend a lot less time and the car will be "down" less too....it might even end up cheaper..although an engine swap can be "fun", it can also turn into a nightmare.

https://www.paeco.com/shortblk.html

Order their catalogue....if nothing else, it'll give you some good ideas.
 
I haven't heard anything good about Paeco, what is your experience?
There are several reasons why your car doesn't pull like you think it should. Especially if you have a catalytic converter, the exhaust may be restricted. The cam may be worn or cam timing off a cog, the carb may be in need of replacement or repair, the rings or bore may be damaged, bearings shot...I once had to adjust the idle every time I drove, until it just wouldn't run any more. Turned out the main bearings were shot!

I just spent over $4K on my engine because, like you, I decided another make of engine would damage the car's value, and MG's seem to be increasing nicely now. (Sorry, John, Ty has it in Calif.)
 
Re: Paeco:
I haven't bought any engines from Paeco, but two of my friends have; both were race engines (Formula Ford and Alfa); both engines were good (but this was over 10 years ago).
Paeco has been in business for over 30 years and they have had thousands of customers (including lots of SCCA regional racers), so it would be easy to see what their work is like today...I know they provide warranties, but if I were buying, I'd look at forums and listserves to see what being said about the work they presently do (I know they've increased their Asian-engine service).

Some other MGB engines sources:

https://www.fast-mg.com/Pricelist.htm

https://www.britishclassiccarspares.com/engine.html

https://www.oselli.com/engine.html

https://www.universitymotorsltd.com/services.html#engines

(Personally, I've enjoyed rebuilding engines myself.....but not everyone has time/setup to do this.)

As far as max power in an MGB: some of the healthy regional racers I've seen make 110-120 BHP

But apparently it's possible to get 180 BHP if you go over-the-top:

https://www.chpltd.com/mgworld/crossfire.html

[ 03-22-2003: Message edited by: aeronca65t ]</p>
 
I could kick myself for forgetting Fab Teck. Dave Headley is at the top of his class for building anything MG B
 
I don't know, but if you have the money, Tom Bedenbaugh can build yopu the best!! Chuck has already posted his website, but make sure you call him!! He is as good as they get!!
cheers.gif
 
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