how-do-engine-swap-right-way

Engine swaps sound cool—especially on paper—but actually getting that old engine out, dropping in a new one and having it run is an undertaking not for the faint of heart.

However, it can be done. Need proof? We’ve been running a whole series on engine swaps where we put the engine from an NA-chassis Miata into a 1967 MGB GT. Catch up right here and watch for more going forward.

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Comments

noddaz GRM+ Memberand UberDork
5/10/21 10:24 a.m.

1) Convince GRM to do a story on your swap.

2) Drop everything off at GRM.

Krichards167
1/4/23 7:14 a.m.

Excellent series of articles. Have you folks added AC to the list of attributes you are considering for this MGB swap?

Carl Heideman
1/4/23 1:39 p.m.

In reply to Krichards167 :

Thanks for the kind words. We did put a Vintage Air AC system on the car with a lot of custom fabrication, but didn't write about it for GRM. Here are some pictures from the Eclectic Motorworks website, where the work was done:

https://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/jtgt22.html

https://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/jtgt25.html

https://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/jtgt27.html

Sorry there isn't a lot of detail. We got pretty sloppy with the website during the harder parts of the pandemic.

The car was finished last year and is back with its owner in California. Not all the stories have been published yet. Here are a couple of pictures of the finished car.

bearmtnmartin (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
1/4/23 3:04 p.m.

Dont do it the way I do it.

wspohn SuperDork
1/5/23 11:20 a.m.

Nice job.

There is also a kit of parts to fit a 60 deg. GM V6 pretty easily - similar power to the Mazda, depending on which engine one chooses.

I stuck a GM V6 in an MGA which has no kit so it was a lot of fun and experimentation solving the same sort of issues your build series did. Very satisfying when the end result runs and nothing falls off!

Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
1/5/23 11:23 a.m.

Miata engine in an MG B is an excellent match. Looks right, sounds right, great transmission and will just keep working. I should have done that with my spare GT :)