billymgb1000

OmC8 I am starting the build soon. where I live ( north east ) By now my car is put away usually, but so far this year its been very mild. So I been still driving her I love to drive this car so much it's like an addiction. It is a go-cart on steroids. she weighs about 2300-2400 lbs and with the cammed 4.8 i'm at 300 or more hp.But next couple weeks for sure the motor will be out. Have an awesome christmas everyone!!!!!!!

omc8

iTrader: (7)

Cool, the first stick I'd ever drove was a MGB . Just a suggestion before you start on 5.3 build ...... Look for aluminum block gen 3 LM4 or L33 the later will already have flat tops you seek and have 243/799 heafds to boot. These blocks will also take a 3.9x bore if you like later down the road. LM4 is much cheaper to buy , has dish piston and 706/862 heads .That MGB w/ iron block ,has to be like Morganna the kissing bandit ..... LM4 block will save over 100lbs over the nose.

G Atsma

Gen IV 5.3 aluminum block engines are LH6, LH8, LH9, and LC9 if you can use a Gen IV, I believe they all have 243/799 heads on them.

omc8

iTrader: (7)

Yes I prefer the gen4 ,. and all those will give a 9.9 cr except the LH9 . But Op has two gen3 engine to start with. If he is fi , he needs to make changes to the harness to run gen4 block. My guess he's carb so no problem then. These gen 4 command more money .I have found complete LM4 for $300

G Atsma

In usable shape? Pretty good!

omc8

iTrader: (7)

Yes one of last one I purchased was complete good runner with 118k for $365 didn't have do anything to it and had 60 day warranty.Some have been core motors so didn't care as long as the block is good and keep a std bore.

billymgb1000

At first I thought it was going to be really heavy over the wheels. So I put the engine as far back as i could. Then some one from the mg web site I am a member of weighed the orginal mg motor, rad, and tranny. I forgot the exact weight but they then took a 5.3 iron block with a turbo 350 and the orginal mg set up was 60-70 lbs lighter. and I have a alum rad. so there is such a minimal weight difference you dont notice it . Makes for a fun fun car. I had to put an auto in it because of 4 lower back operations and a weak left leg i would rather not shift.

omc8

iTrader: (7)

I remember when I was in High school there was a MG parked in the street .Me and a friend picked it up and put it on the side walk. The rear end is very light. LS alum block would save 110 lbs so it be 40- 50 lighter than ,MG weight .

G Atsma

Yeah, you would think those "little 4-bangers" would be flyweight engines, but being cast iron blocks AND heads, plus not being modern thin-wall castings, they are BOAT ANCHORS comparatively! It does not surprise me that an aluminum block LS would lighten the front end of one of those cars.

Darth_V8r

iTrader: (4)

LOL!! My college roomate had a triumph spitfire. Similar story. His friend had parked the car all douchy and kept the keys, so the two of us just picked up the *** and put it in the parking spot.

whatsa347

iTrader: (6)

It's insane what you can pick up an LS1 shortblock for now a days, they're even cheaper than iron blocks a lot of times.

omc8

iTrader: (7)

There are only two LS1 block castings that I would build from......probably has a big part in any. decline in cost !

lamrith

Let us know how it goes. I built a 5.0L MGB 18yrs ago. I was one of 1st to do that swap, and it was a PITA. With Iron block and Alum heads and a T5 I was within 50# of stock weight up front. Car weighed 2430 with tank of gas and a toolbox in the trunk. Very fun car though when I had it done! Rear axle didn't last long though. The LS is even lighter, so your car should handle very well if you go Alum block!

omc8

iTrader: (7)

So what you do about the rear axle ....... let me guess you went to 8.8 irs . Yes the alum LS with a upgraded T5 would be a good light weight combo.

lamrith

I had stock MGB rear in that car. 1st was useless, always just started in second gear. Lot of guys back then and now though use a ford8. I had planned to go 8.8 before I sold the car.

Right now I am gaining parts (and here researching) to put and LS in a 944.

omc8

iTrader: (7)

Yeah there's a guy here locally that has a 911 with a sbc .He has changed the exhaust 4x it's a bundle of snakes