Tim Curran's 1979 MGB with Chevy LS1 (5.7L) V8 Engine
as published in BritishV8 Magazine, Volume XX Issue 1, July 2012
Owner: Timothy Curran
City: Holland, Pennsylvania
Model: 1979 MGB
Engine: Chevrolet LS1 5.7L V8
Conversion performed by: owner
"How It Was Done"
| Engine: | 2002 Chevrolet LS1 5.7L V8.
Stock fuel injection.
Fast Fuel fuel rails.
Big Stuff 3 EFI computer.
(Engine installation outsourced to AG Automotive of Ivyland, Pennsylvania.) |
| Cooling: | custom aluminum radiator. |
| Exhaust: | custom headers and dual exhaust. |
| Transmission: | Tremec T56 6-speed.
Custom driveshaft. |
| Rear Axle: | narrowed 8" Ford rear axle from Fast Cars Inc.
3.25 to 1 ring and pinion. |
| Front Suspension: | Fast Cars front suspension. |
| Rear Suspension: | custom four link rear suspension. |
| Brakes: | four wheel disc brakes, utilizing Wilwood calipers and rotors. |
| Wheels/Tires: | American Racing Hopster 16" aluminum wheels.
Goodyear F1 205/50ZR 16 tires. |
| Body Mods: | All body seams welded.
Reinforced rear frame rails.
Shaved door handles, side view mirrors, side marker lights, back-up lights, and body side trim.
Door windows (both roll-up and vent-a-planes) removed.
Rubber bumper removed.
Fiberglass rear valance with frenched license plate. |
| Interior: | Flaming River tilting steering column.
1986 Pontiac Fiero seats, with the headrests removed.
Refinished/reworked MGB Mk1-based dashboard, in body color.
Custom carpet and upholstery. |
| Electrical: | AutoMeter C2 gauges.
American Auto wire harness.
Battery relocated to trunk. |
| Completed: | November 3, 2011. |
2002 Chevrolet LS1 5.7L V8.
Custom aluminum radiator.
Narrowed 8" Ford rear axle from Fast Cars Inc. Custom four link rear suspension.
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Entirely custom interior, featuring Pontiac Fiero seats with headrests removed.
This is a fair weather car... with no side windows and no convertible top.
Shifter for the Tremec T56 6-speed transmission.
AutoMeter C2 gauges.
Flaming River tilting steering column.
Battery and fuel filler have both been relocated into the trunk.
American Racing Hopster 16" aluminum wheels.
1973-1974.5 style MGB grille.
Goodyear F1 205/50ZR 16 tires.
Shaved door handles, side marker lights, back-up lights, and body side trim.
Fiberglass rear valance with frenched-in license plate.
