Pelican Parts Forums - Need info on MG engine conversions

Pelican Parts Forums (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/)

- Off Topic Discussions (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/)

- - Need info on MG engine conversions (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/off-topic-discussions/753520-need-info-mg-engine-conversions.html)

Quote:

Originally Posted by madmmac (Post 7474268)

If going Mazda, I'd go Mazda rotary!

I like the way this one turned out:

Brian Kraus's 1976 MG Midget with 1986 Mazda 13B rotary engine

zero to sixty in 4.2 secs...:eek:

I think the 4.0 rover motor is a good choice. Gotta be a lot of them out there. Seems to be best way to go keeping it all 'English'. BTW the 4 cylinder motor IS from a tractor originally. It was designed as an industrial power plant which is why it's soo heavy AND makes no power. It think it has a total of 3 main bearings.

I've seen several apart and look like the R&D was from a Ford model T engine.

Isn't the Miata engine and iron block motor itself? I think the Rover swap is probably supported more readily in the aftermarket.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Bob (Post 7474204)

A friend of mine has a 69 MG.....wants to do an engine conversion for more than a few reasons.....mainly cost, power and upgrades and cost......

Does anyone have first knowledge of what has been done, what is to avoid, etc.....he has in mis mind of dropping a low mileage Miata motor inside.

REAL advice, please.

I love my Miata... but... the motor... not so much.

Ask the Miata guys and they will tell you not a lot of extra HP in the N/A engine to be found (reminds me of the 2.5 N/A in my old 944) the only way to get significant HP increase is to go forced induction (ack, back to the 944!) and of course you have to beef everything up to deal with the added HP.

So if you are going Miata N/A best be happy with the stock 130 HP (or look into a Mazdaspeed turbo).

And don't get me started on the PITA it is to replace the heater hoses!

To repeat myself, I love my Miata but if you are looking for big HP I would look elsewhere.... for me it is a blessing and a curse... detours me from spending big $$$ on engine upgrades ;)

There was/is a local guy with a MG that is highly modified, if I bump into him I'll ask what he has under the hood.

Turn up at a classic car race, and wander around the pits talking to the guys. There will be plenty of cars that fit your wish list of things, and the thinking has already been done. These guys will be pleased to share their wisdom ;)