Paul Schils 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

Paul Schils' 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

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

Owner: Paul Schils
City: Fredonia, WI
Model: 1973 MGB-GT
Engine: Buick 215

Engine: Buick 215 aluminum V8 engine, rebuilt with 0.030" overbore. New pistons, rings, bearings, etc. ARP studs for main bearings and cylinder heads. Balanced rotating assembly. Crower 232 camshaft and lifters. Offenhauser dual plane manifold. Carter AFB carburetor (400cfm). Mallory Unilite distributor. Mallory Promaster coil. High volume oil pump.
Cooling: modified MGB radiator and MGB electric fans (pushing).
Exhaust: block-hugger headers (ceramic coated), with balance tube. Spin-Craft mufflers.
(Note: centered fuel tank facilitates dual exhaust all the way to the rear.)
Transmission: Rover SD1 5-speed.
Rear axle: Chevy S10 (narrowed) with 3.08 gears and open differential.
Front suspension: Moss coil-over kit, plus caster reduction wedges. 3/4" anti-sway bar.
Rear suspension: British Automotive composite leaf springs. British Automotive anti-tramp bars. British Automotive panhard bar. KYB tube shocks.
Brakes: Wilwood calipers. Cross-drilled rotors.
Wheels/Tires: Panasport 14x6 wheels with Bridgestone Potenza P195/65/R14 tires.
Electrical: Odyssey PC1200 dry-cell battery. Delco-Remy alternator. Hi-torque starter. VDO gauges. Cruise control.
Body: New floorboards, inner sills, castle rails, rockers, etc. PPG basecoat/ clearcoat paint job. Webasto roof.
Completed: 2001.
Miles Since Conversion:   about 9K (as of the British V8 2006 meet).

The following upgraded components have been installed since the How It Was Done article (above) was originally published: D&D aluminum radiator. Spal cooling fan and thermostatic controller. RV8-style through the fender headers, ceramic coated. New fuel tank and fuel pump.

Paul Schils' 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

Temporary brace spans door opening while sills are repaired
Temporary brace spans door opening while sills are repaired

This mod provides clearance for the Rover SDI tranny
This mod provides clearance for the Rover SDI tranny

1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

Paul's 1973 MGB-GT

Studs in lieu of bolts...
Studs in lieu of bolts...

MGB-GT with Buick 215 Engine

MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8

73 MGB-GT with Buick Engine

Fitting of the moon roof. Note use of Cleco spring-loaded clamps.
Fitting of the moon roof - note use of Cleco spring-loaded clamps

1973 MGB with Buick V8 Engine

Paul Schils' 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

Paul Schils' 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

Mallory Promaster coil
Mallory Promaster coil

Packard (Delphi) Weather-Pack Sealed Electrical Connectors
Packard (Delphi) "Weather-Pack" sealed electrical connectors

Though block-hugger headers were fitted, vent-holes in the RV8-style header location aide cooling
Though block-hugger headers were fitted, vent-holes in the RV8-style header location aide cooling

Upgraded brake light switch
Upgraded brake light switch

Odyssey PC1200 dry-cell battery
Odyssey PC1200 dry-cell battery

VDO gauges


Paul Schils' 1973 MGB-GT with Buick 215 V8 Engine

LED third brake light
LED "third" brake light

Centered fuel tank facilitates dual exhaust all the way to the rear.
Centered fuel tank facilitates dual exhaust all the way to the rear.

Panasport 14x6  wheels with Potenza P195/65/R14 tires
Panasport 14x6 wheels with Potenza P195/65/R14 tires

Saab compact spare tire and wheel
Saab compact spare tire and wheel

Before
"Before"

After
"After"


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