Jim Ray's 1980 MGB with Buick 215 V8

(originally published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume 9 Issue 1)


By: Jim Ray
City: Ellijay, GA
Model: 1980 MG MGB
Engine: Buick 215 V8


How It Was Done

Engine: Buick 215 bored to 3.53". Cast aluminum pistons. 10.1:1 compression. Balanced. Three angle valve grind. 1.3575" exhaust valves. 1.575" intake valves. Heads ported and polished. Offenhauser Dual Plane intake manafold with Edelbrock 500 cfm 4-bbl carburetor. Manual choke.
Exhaust: Jet hot coated V-8 headers. Exhaust pipes are 2.5", custom bent. Turbo muffler Monza resonator tip.
Transmission: custom built World Class Borg Warner T-5 5-speed with 0.68:1 fifth gear ratio.
Clutch: 1986-92 Chevy S-10 (4 or 6 cylinder) clutch disc. Stock Rover/TR8 pressure plate. McLoed hydraulic throw-out bearing. Lightened Buick 215 flywheel.
Driveshaft: Turbo 350 front yoke. MGB rear yoke.
Cooling: stock type MGB V-8.
Suspension: V-8 bushings in front A-arms. 1" front sway bar. 3/4" rear sway bar.
Wheels: stock MGB LE wheels with 205 x 40 x 14 tires.
Conversion By: Barry Rosenberg at British Car Service in Smyrna GA (770) 432-8411.



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