Kieran Anderson's 1980 MGB with Rover 3.5L V8

Kieran Anderson's 1980 MGB with Rover 3.5L V8

as published in British V8 Newsletter, Volume VIII Issue 3, September 2000

Owner: Kieran Anderson
City: Wurtsboro, NY
Model: 1980 MGB
Engine: Rover 3.5L V8
Conversion By: Owner

Engine: 1970 Rover 3.SL, SilvoLite pistons, Iskenderian lifters, pushrods and super cam, Offenhauser 7001 intake manifold with 390cfm Holley 4bbl carburetor. High volume oil pump with remote filter.
Transmission: Triumph TR-8 5-speed manual. Completely rebuilt with all new bearings, seals, pump and gaskets.
Bellhousing: 1980 Rover.
Clutch Actuator: Triumph TR-8.
Clutch: B&B Rover clutch and a strengthened clutch fork.
Flywheel: Lightened Rover 3.5L.
Exhaust: Stainless steel block hugger headers with complete Falcon dual stainless steel system.
Brakes: Cross drilled front rotors with Mintex pads and stainless steel braided hoses.
Wheels/Tires: 185-70R14 XGT4 Michelin tires on Minilite wheels.
Suspension: Lowered (2") front and rear springs.
Cooling: MGB radiator turned around with repositioned inlet and outlets. I made the outlet smaller to keep the coolant in the radiator longer so it will dissipate more heat. Three cooling fans.
Rear End: MGB with Mike Satur 3.07:1 ring and pinion gearset, machining required.
Instruments: Recalibrated tach and 120 mph speedometer. VDO voltmeter in place of cigar lighter.
Information Sources: I spent a day with Glen Towery in Delaware. Best place for parts, ideas and know how. Also used TS Imported Automotive, D&D Fabrications, Ian Pender, and of course the MG V8 Newsletter.
Recommendations: Before you start, make sure you know where to get most of the parts and the whereabouts of a GOOD machine shop. Have lots of time, patience and, of course, money. Being in the automotive business helps too. Also, I installed most electrical components using fuses and relays.
I have driven my V8 500 miles so far (only on weekends) with no problems. It is a real pleasure to drive and to look at. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A V8 UNDER YOUR FOOT, especially when it is in an MG.
Cost of Conversion: (Excluding Original Car): $15,000 and three years.




British V8 Home:        Read the Magazine        Photo Gallery        Web Forum        Annual Meets        Contact Us        Site Map