Dan Algarin's 1974 MGB with Rover 3.5L V8 engine

Dan Algarin's 1974 MGB with Rover 3.5L V8 engine

as published in BritishV8 Magazine, Volume XVI Issue 2, October 2008

Owner: Dan Algarin
City: Hewitt, NJ
Model: 1974 MGB
Engine: 3.5L Rover V8
Built by: owner

Engine: Rover 3.5L engine, fitted with "factory" MGB GT V8 model intake manifold, dual SU HIF6 carburetors, thermostatic air cleaner system, wiring, etc.
Cooling: MGB GT V8 spec radiator and cooling fans. MG oil cooler.
Exhaust: complete MGB GT V8 exhaust system (including factory cast iron manifolds).
Transmission: stock MGB GT V8 four speed transmission, complete with its distinctive bellhousing, original gear ratios, and Laycock overdrive (on fourth gear only). Original spec flywheel, clutch system, and driveshaft.
Rear Axle: Salisbury axle with original MGB GT V8 gear set (3.03:1 ratio).
Front Susp.: Moss UK coil-over suspension.
Rear Susp.: British Automotive tube-shock conversion and Panhard rod. Moss anti-tramp bars. Lowering blocks. Polyurethane bushings.
Brakes: servo assisted single-circuit brake system, similar to factory MGB GT V8,
(front) Rover SD1 brake calipers, operating on MGB GT V8 rotors, and
(rear) stock MGB.
Wheels/Tires: 14x5.5 Minator knock-off wheels with Yokohama 165/70R14 tires.
Electrical: factory "V8" tachometer. MG factory spec Delco alternator, Rover starter, and Lucas points-type distributor with Lucas coil.
Interior: all leather interior, featuring leather seats (black with red piping) sourced from The MG Centre (aka "Elite MG") in the UK, door panels from Moss Motors, dash and middle console covered in leather by an upholstery shop in Guadalajara, Mexico. Chromed defroster vent bezels.
Exterior: stainless steel wire mesh grille. Aston fuel cap. Tripod headlamps. Mohair-fabric top (fully lined inside) supplied by Prestige Auto Trim UK. Painted MG "Glacier White", which was the original color of this particular MGB and also the most popular color for the MGB GT V8 model.
Completed: April 20, 2008.

Engine Installation

dual SU HIF6 carburetors

engine steady bar
Engine steady bar made from parts ordered from McMaster Carr, cost less than $20.

thermostatic induction system

Unipart decal

y-pipe

Rover 3.5L engine, fitted with MGB GT V8 cast iron exhaust manifolds.
Rover 3.5L engine, fitted with MGB GT V8 cast iron exhaust manifolds.

MGB GT V8 4-speed transmission, with distinctive integral bellhousing and Laycock overdrive.
MGB GT V8 4-speed transmission, with distinctive integral bellhousing and Laycock overdrive.

How It Was Done:

Paint

scary photo

firewall

battery boxes

bonnet alignment

boot lid alignment

painting the interior (replaced floorboards)

masking... and painting the interior

finish coat

Re-Filling The Engine Bay



oil cooler... interestingly, mounted below the shelf

single circuit master cylinder for the brakes

dual electric cooling fans

remote oil filter
Remote oil filter.

remote power brake servo
Remote power brake servo.

transmission tunnel

Chromed defroster vent bezels.

Installation of the Suspension and Brakes

Moss UK coil-over suspension
Moss UK coil-over suspension

in this view, the sway bar isn't installed yet

Rover SD1 brake calipers, operating on (extra thick) MGB GT V8 rotors
Rover SD1 brake calipers, operating on (extra thick) MGB GT V8 rotors.

lowering blocks

Panhard rod bracket on the axle

anti-tramp bar
Anti-tramp bar.

MGB fuel tank, and Panhard rod bracket on the floorboard

brake drum cover

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Interior and Dashboard

instrument panel wiring

Custom leather-covered MGB dashboard.
Custom leather-covered MGB dashboard.

factory V8 tachometer

leather covered MGB steering wheel

leather seats from The MG Centre (Elite MG) in UK


Exterior

tripod headlamps

14x5.5 Minator knock-off wheels.
14x5.5 Minator knock-off wheels.

Aston fuel cap

convertible top

V8 badge


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