Jim Watson's 1979 MGB with Rover 3.5L V8
Owner: Jim and Melinda WatsonCity: Maryville, Tennessee
Model: 1979 MG MGB
Engine: Rover 3.5L V8
Conversion by: the Manly Men of Blount British Car Club (and Jim)
Features and Specifications
| Engine: | Rover 3.5L V8 engine bored 0.020" over and balanced.
Crower camshaft (level 1).
Ported cylinder heads.
Buick 4-barrel intake manifold.
Edelbrock 500cfm carburetor.
Lucas distributor.
Pertronix Ignitor electronic igntion module.
Pertronix Flamethrower ignition coil.
Remote oil filter.
|
| Cooling: | Howe aluminum radiator.
Stock electric fans, pushing. |
| Exhaust: | RV8-style four-into-one headers.
Two-into-one out the back. |
| Transmission: | Borg-Warner T5 5-speed.
Ford clutch and pressure plate.
Ram Hydro hydraulic throwout bearing. |
| Rear End: | stock MGB Salisbury axle (open differential and 3.909:1 ring and pinion.) |
| Front Susp.: | lowered and uprated springs.
Heavy duty shock absorber valves.
7/8" sway bar. |
| Rear Susp.: | stock springs.
Monroe telescoping shock absorbers.
Stock MGB rear sway bar. |
| Brakes: | late model MGB pedal assembly with power brake booster. |
| Wheels/Tires: | VTO 15x6 8-spoke aluminum wheels.
195/60R15 tires. |
| Interior: | restored beige interior. |
| Electrical: | battery relocated to trunk.
Nippondenso alternator. |
| Instruments: | stock MGB. (Tachometer rebuilt for V8 use.) |
| Body: | removed front and rear bumpers.
Preform Resources front and rear valances.
Austin-Healey front turn signals/marker lights.
Shaved side trim.
Shaved side marker lights.
Shaved back-up lights.
Body-color license plate lamps.
Russet Brown paint. |
| Completed: | December 2014 |
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Engine Installation
Rover 3.5L aluminum V8 engine.
Interior
Stock MGB instruments and dashboard.
Beige interior.
Battery relocated to trunk.
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Exterior
Preform Resources fiberglass front valance, with Austin Healey turn signals.
VTO 15" eight spoke aluminum wheels.
Shaved side trim and marker lights.
Preform Resources fiberglass rear valance.
Shaved back-up lights. License plate lamps painted body color.
Photos by Jim Watson for BritishV8.org.
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