Starting to look for spare motor, differences?

[drooartz]

So I'm starting to make some long term plans for my MGB, and eventually I'll want to either rebuild the current (original) engine or replace it with a rebuilt one. I'm considering keeping an eye out for a good condition spare motor that I can experiment on first -- I've never rebuilt an engine before, so I could use some practice. Besides, building a spare means less down time, just a weekend to do the swap.

Anything I should be looking for in a spare motor? Years/series to avoid? Whatever I eventually find will get a full rebuild no matter what (and I still have to decide on supercharged vs naturally aspirated, but that can wait).

I'm trying to get some research in now so I can keep my eyes open for any local deal that might come along.

 

[bob67bgt]

Any 5 main from 65 to 80 will work. The earliest GB series engines did not have the spots drolled for a alternator. They used the side split rods which is probably like whats in your car now, Later engines 18V started in 72. They ran bottom split rods. Sometime in 71 there were rods that were bottom split and had circlips on the pistons. Not easy to find these rods. They are my favorite. Any will work fine on a street engine. Rubber bumper cars were 18V series engines but had a different front engine plate. Engines up to 67 had a different rear engine plate. All are interchangable. Pollution heads are known to crack and non pollution heads are pretty tough. When MG went to the 18V engine they also went with a single row timing chain. If we lived closer I would hook you up! Bob

 

[drooartz]

Thanks, Bob. If we were closer I'd just drop my car off with you for a while...

The engine in the car is an 18GG (UK spec), no idea what's inside it. November 1970 build. It'll eventually get a rebuild as well.

I'd love to find a local, rusty-but-running car to pull some other spares as well, but we'll see what comes up. No money right now to do anything, so just trying to keep an eye out for a deal.