1979 MGB powered by a Rover 3.5 liter all-aluminum V-8.
- I'm selling off a few of the cars and motorcycles that I don't get to use very much and this is the second one to get advertised. It's a very nice car, please take a look at the pictures in the link. MGB's are seeing a very steady increase in popularity and value over the last few years.
- I've owned several MGB's over the years, all of them with the stock 4-cylinder engine. This car is SO much more enjoyable to drive with the added power of the V-8. Lots of torque and an intoxicating exhaust note make it a true joy to cruise in. It's not a race car, just a fun and quick weekend cruiser that will surprise you when you step on the gas.
- From what paperwork I have, the conversion was done in at least 2006. The gentleman that I bough the car from purchased it in 2011. A copy of the title shows that the person he purchased it from titled it in his name in 2006.
- the engine is the ROVER 3.5 liter all aluminum British "lump" that was known here in the states as the BOP(Buick/Olds/Pontiac) 215. The same unit used in the Triumph TR-8 and MGB GT V-8. It's not a huge powerhouse of a motor, but more than doubles the horsepower from stock. The original B motor made 70 horsepower +/- in 1979 and the car now has 160hp and you can really feel it!
- It breathes thru an Edelbrock 500cfm carb and exhaust thru a new "true dual" exhaust. From tubular fenderwell conversion headers to 2" collectors, then FlowMaster Series 40 mufflers and finally out dual stainless tips. Looks nice and has a very nice exhaust note. Not what you would expect from this car, but turns many heads when driving by! The exhaust system was installed last year as soon as I bought the car.
- The transmission is the stock MGB 4-speed and mounts to the motor with a conversion plate.
- The rear is a Ford 8" unit sourced from a Mustang II and has a 3.00:1 ratio. Feels just right with this gearing, not a rocket but a very nice compromise between city and highway cruising. There was also a rear tube shock conversion done at some point.
- Wheels are what people like to call "Minilite replicas", but these are actually made by Minatour. They are 14x6 and shod with 165R14 tires. They look GREAT on this car.
- No rust in the trunk, floors, rails, jack points, etc... Of all the MGB's that I've owned over the years, this is by far the nicest uni-body that I've had.
- Good paint but it has been repainted above the chrome trim and it is a shade "off" of the lower portion of the car. I notice it, but I'm very critical and writing this description so that there is full disclosure of the cars current condition. If you go far enough and read the MG Experience thread, you will see why I want full disclosure.
- Radiator was just "hot tanked" and had a small hole repaired. Car is equipped with a water pump mounted flex fan and also retains the 2 stock electric fans mounted in front of the radiator and are controlled by a dash mounted switch. Runs fine with no over heating.
- I've also added a 14" Mountney steering wheel, a Longacre billet shift knob, boot cover, new headlight switch, K&N air filter and probably a few more little things that I can't recall at the moment.
- A new carpet kit is included, but not really needed. A friend found out that I bought this car and he had it left over from a previous project and figured I would get some use out of it, so gave it to me. Also included are a set of Amco rubber floor mats.
Titled in my name and the car is inspected/registered in PA.
Link to the MG Forum with a thread from when I first purchased the car: http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?1,3374963
Link to the BAT auction where that car was purchased: http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-mgb-v8/
Here is a link to photos: http://s31.photobucket.com/user/w650gb500/library/MGB%20V-8?sort=3&page=1
The car is located in northeast PA(Exeter zip 18643 or Dallas zip 18612).
$8900.
Thanks for looking and feel free to reply with any and all question or additional photo requests. If you would like to discuss the car rather than typing, forward me a phone number and a good time to call.
Dan
