Hank Kleban's 1972 MG Midget, with 229cid Chevy V6
(originally published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume 10 Issue 2)Owner: Hank Kleban
City: Lebanon, NJ
Model: 1972 Midget
Engine: Chevy 229 V6
Conversion performed by: Owner
Engine: | Chevy 229cid (3.8L, 90 degree) V6, approximately 275-300HP. Isky hydraulic cam, lifters, and roller rockers. Holley intake manifold, Edelbrock carburetor, K&N air filter. Mallory distributor with Taylor spark plug wires. Electric fuel pump, Russell high performance fuel lines and filter. Cast aluminum valve covers, polished aluminum ram air scoop. |
Transmission: | 350 Turbo Hydromatic, modified for a higher stall speed. B&M shifter and linkage with reverse lockout. |
Exhaust System: | Chrome side pipes with mufflers. |
Rear Axle: | Narrowed Ford 9inch with posi-traction, 3.70:1 ratio, and Strange axles. |
Front Suspension: | MG Midget with disc brakes, and MG Midget rack and pinion steering. |
Rear Suspension: | Bilstein coil over racing shocks with 250#/in springs. |
Brakes, Front: | MG Midget Disc brakes |
Brakes, Rear: | 1995 Ford Sable discs with emergency brake. |
Brake Modifications: | two Tilton 3/4 inch master cylinders with adjustable balance bar (for front/rear bias). Wilwood rear brake pressure adjustment valve. |
Wheels/Tires: | MG Rostyle front, aluminum racing wheels rear. Dunlop GT Qualifiers, 9 inch wide on the rear. |
Interior: | Sports car racing bucket seats, Simpson racing 3 inch seat belts. Momo type racing steering wheel. Aluminum racer-style dash. |
Body: | Fiberglass front end hinges forward for complete access to the engine. Twelve gallon aluminum fuel tank, racing style quick fill gas cap. |
Electrical: | The car is street legal. Windshield wipers, speedometer, and all lights are in working order. |
Gauges: | Autometer racing gauges |
Frame: | Complete 2" x 4" rectangular-tube frame. Rear chassis tubbed to keep wide tires within body. |