John Mangles's 1958 MGA with Buick 215 V8 Engine

John Mangles's 1958 MGA with Buick 215 V8 Engine

as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume XIV Issue 2, August 2006

Owner: John Mangles
City: St. Charles, MO
Model: 1958 MGA
Engine: Buick 215
Conversion performed by: John Mangles ("The MG Doc")

Intake: stock Buick manifold, Edelbrock 500cfm carburetor, custom ductwork to K&N filter.
Engine Electrical: Delco-Remy alternator (from a GMC Astro van), stock Buick ignition and starter systems.
Cooling: MGB radiator, with replaced (high efficiency) core, over-sized ports, etc.
Exhaust: block hugger headers and custom exhaust.
Transmission: Borg Warner T5 5-speed, with GM hydraulic slave cylinder.
Rear axle: Volvo 240 (narrowed about 5 inches), and limited slip differential.
(Editor's note: the Volvo 240 rear axle is a Dana 30.)
Driveshaft: custom (1/2 Volvo / 1/2 GM).
Front suspension: stock MGB.
Rear suspension: stock MGA.
Brakes: MGB brake/clutch master cylinder assembly, MGB disc brakes (front), Volvo disc brakes (rear).
Wheels/Tires: Minilite (15" x5.5") with Toyo 300 Ultra tires.
Other: custom made wire harness, MGB gauges, MGB windshield wipers (with two speed motor, cleverly controlled by an MGA headlamp switch and a relay!), louvered hood, stainless steel mesh grille, heated seats, lumbar supports, cruise control, Offenhauser aluminum valve covers.
Completed: August 2005.
Miles Since Conversion: approximately 10K (as of the British V8 2006 meet)
John's Comments: "This car was built with mostly stock/shelf components, so if it breaks on the road I can get parts at AutoZone!"


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John Mangles's 1958 MGA with Buick 215 V8 Engine

Hood louvers and stainless steel mesh grille
Custom Hood Louvers and Stainless Steel Mesh Grille

Bleeder port for purging air from cooling system.
Rigid Copper Pipe in lieu of Radiator Hoses -
Bleeder in Upper Pipe for Purging Air from Cooling System

John hammer-formed this intake duct out of thin steel.
John Hammer-Formed this Intake Duct out of Thin Steel

John shows how an MG badge hides the air cleaner removal nut.
John Shows how an MG Badge Hides the Air Cleaner Removal Nut

Wrinkle-finish paint provides a finished appearance.
Wrinkle-Finish Paint Provides a Finished Appearance


John worked with a local paint supplier to formulate this mysterious deep aubergine (eggplant) color.
John Worked with a Local Paint Supplier to Formulate this Mysterious Deep Aubergine (Eggplant) Color

Custom dash board...
Custom Dashboard

Volvo disc brakes can be spotted behind John's Minilite 8-spoke wheels.
Volvo Disc Brakes can be Spotted Behind John's Minilite 8-spoke Wheels


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