Bought a new MGB in 1964 when I was young and soldiering. Drove it 7 times across the US. Loved that car. Now at age nearly 80 (me, not the car) I couldn't get in or out of it. Nice video, it brought back a flock of memories. Thanks.
Whenever I drive mine more than twenty miles I make sure I have complete toolkit and spare alternator, carburettor and distributor. And always carry spare fuel pump. Car runs good if a little heavy with all the necessities
I have a roadster which has had a v8 installed. Huge performance and eye bleedingly gorgeous. These cars were never the best nor fastest but they get better and better with age. They will last forever with care and 20% of those ever made are still in existence. What a car!
I have a 1971 MGB GT that I bought 15 years ago and, due to life events, I have not put on the road yet. It was resprayed by a previous owner in a Peugeot white which is close to the English white, but not as bright. I had started out looking to buy a roadster but then I found my GT which had a highly modified engine so I went for it, and I'm glad I did. As I said, the car has sat in a garage for the past 15 years waiting for me to take care of a few small items befoe being road worthy. In that time I have seen the GT surpass the roadster in interest and value. Only 25% of MGB's were the GT hardtop model, and since they weren't the more desirable convertibles they were often canabalized and used as parts cars for roadster restorations. The result is that nowadays the MGB GT is becoming more scarce on the ground, and interest has increased due to this relative rarity vs the roadster. The GT is a more practical car, especially in a climate such as upstae NY where I live. The GT has a higher windsheild so it has more head room, it has a back seat that works for a passenger in a pinch, but which is great for holding groceries or a pet, etc. The rear hatch holds more luggage for weekend road trips, and the hardtop provides more security if you leave a briefcase, laptop, or valuables in the car. While MGB's (thankfully) will not be a rich person's car anytime soon, the GT has been appreciating faster than the roadster over the past few years. In the end I am glad that I bought a MGB GT instead of the MGB roadster - it is roomier, more rare, and more practical, and was designed by Pininfarina; and retains the charm and character which all MGB's posess. Congrats on a nice car, and thanks for the motivation to get mine on the road this year.
Joey Shmoey great stuff! I agree that the GT is an easier car to live with than the roadster and in my opinion better looking too but people are quite divided on that front! Good luck with your build and I hope you enjoy every minute behind the wheel 😀👍
I have had 3 B's. I have a 73 roadster now. My advice for making them go faster and handle better:1. Fit a Piper BP270 fast road cam2. Fit a vernier caliper to correctly time the cam3. gas-flow the head and balance to combustion chambers to equal volume4. Replace the weber carb with twin SU HIF4's5. Take great care to mate the inlet and exhaust manifolds to suit the head to reduce turbulance6. balance all moving parts including a lightened flywheel7. Remove the LCB exhaust manifold and put the original back on8. Reduce the height of the car using 4mm spacer blocks between springs and axle9. Fit a Brown & Gammons castor angle kit on front suspensionThis is not expensive if done yourself. Good luck.
Hey Granblogismo thanks so much for posting this video. I drive a late 1968 GT and I would like to recommend replacing the Wire Wheels and hubs with the same thing. I bought a set of new MWS wire wheels, it was a big outlay for me, but they are identical to the originals and even made in the same factory in India. They seal properly so no need for inner tubes, 185/70R14s fit perfectly, and I bought Michelin Defenders which were made in the UK (I'm in Canada). As far as balancing you do need to find someone who has the correct device to do it. Regular tyre shops try and fail. It should be done with the wheel on a simple cone with a bubble level in the middle, old school. Nothing compliments the body shape better than wires. I would also like to mention that my car has four speed synchro with overdrive, and no sunroof. To me that is the best combination, although I do envy your paint job.
Thanks for the comment! Yes I do also prefer the wire wheel look but in the end I bought some cheap minilites, I’m hoping to get some wires in the future as a ‘best’ set of wheels and use the minilites as a winter set maybe but as time goes on I’m warming to the minilites 😆 oh well, I’m sure I’ll change my mind a few times before I can afford some MWS wheels, thanks very much for watching!!
My 67 was even more enjoyable than I imagine it would be... with the wool carpeting, leather piped seats, and chrome appointments it made me feel I was driving an Aston Martin.
Jett Rink it’s funny you should say that as the comparison has been made a few times, one memorable one was a classic car magazine article of someone driving an MGB GT for the first time, they openly said that they’d always dismissed these cars as background noise to more notable classics (Ferraris, Astons, Jags) but once they were behind the wheel they found out what people see in these cars. Not the fastest, not the sharpest handling but very enjoyable and they stated it ‘was like driving a mini DB4’ which I think is praise indeed for a car a) they weren’t even that fussed about and b) costs hundreds of times less! I think they’re great 😎👍
My Dad (before I was born) had a MG-TD, then (after I was born) an MG-A. My oldest brother had a New (from factory) '71 or '72 MG-B (we time and distance rallied in it). I learned the finer points of shifting after practicing in a '64 Corvair convertible. Finally I had a '72 MG-B that I had painted from a dark green to a British Racing Green like my brother was. ;-)
T'airn'KA excellent! Sounds like classic MGs run in the family 👍 I’d love an MGA to compliment my B but prices of the older MGs are quite high these days! Your B sounds cool, they look great in British Racing Green 😎👍
@@granblogismo I no longer have it. I sold it a decade or two ago. ;-( It's a shame my dad didn't pass them down. There was a hillman and a mini copper in the family at one time. Oh, I forgot my 1966 Corvair Corsa convertible.
Must say I agree with your comments about the BGTs sunroof. Bought my first BGT, a 1967 model in 1970 and since then have owned 3 more BGTs, 1 MGC, 1 1953 TF and 3 MGB Roadsters. Now at the ripe old age of 73 I have a nice '70 B roadster
rogerwilco wow, sounds like you’re an MG enthusiast then! Which was/is your favourite? I’ve always liked the idea of an MGC but I’ve heard mixed reviews... what do you think?
@@granblogismo The C was most definitely favourite but sold it back in 1985 before moving overseas. It was in original mineral blue and had wire wheels and overdrive, the latter i consider essential if buying a B. Regret having to sell the C and would love to get another but unfortunately they are now out of my price range so im content with the B
@@granblogismo the mgc handles much better today than it did when first released due to the advancement in tyres however it was a bit of a handful during heavy breaking as the rear end wanted to overtake the front but once you understood that you drove it accordingly
rogerwilco yes they are on the expensive side these days but maybe one day ... I did hear that the handling was something to watch for but could be improved with modern components, would love the opportunity to see for myself! MG Motorsports do a nice MGC GTS replica which I suspect handles and drives rather well but a standard or maybe slightly fettled one is what to go for, an understated gentleman’s GT 😎
@@granblogismo yes i'm a "pureist" and i always like my cars to be as original as possible which is what attracted me to my current 70 B.about the only non standard item is the steering wheel however i just picked up a second hand one in mint condition but have yet to fi it
Nice. The only thing I would have done differently is spend the money for new analog gauges and left the android at home, but that is just my preference. Nice work and good luck with your restoration.
Jason Jardina thanks! Yes the tablet does divide opinion somewhat, I doubt it will remain long-term as technology dates so quickly but it’s an interesting experiment and helps satisfy my inner James Bond haha!
Bit late to this video, but I enjoyed it. Like the down to earth review: you have to enjoy something like this for what it is. Back in the day I believe a lot of owners just put something heavy in the boot to lower the back end and improve the handing, particularly in poor conditions! Off to see what else you've done on the car in the rest of your channel...
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks very much for watching and for the comment, I have noticed that when I’m actually in the car the ride height looks fine 🤣 not sure if that says something about the suspension or my weight haha 😂
@@granblogismo 😂 Wonder how the ride height is after Christmas! By the way after seeing your Jag vid I was wondering does a child seat fit in the front of the B?
Great looking car and interesting video. Many thanks. I had a GT when I was younger and now looking to buy another. Or possibly a V8 or MGC GT.. Looking forward to seeing more videos. I like your XK8 as well!
Thanks Martin! I really love the BGT but would really like an MGC just to compare and for the rarity factor! Same with the V8 I guess but I prefer the styling of the ‘C 😎
granblogismo I have read lots of conflicting reports on the MGC and comparisons to the V8.. off to try some out next week hopefully... I am looking for tourer rather than a sports car. The MGC apparently does well as a tourer. With some tweaks to the suspension it can also go round corners swiftly too! Apparently...
Yes I don’t think the MGC is supposed to be quite as good to drive as the v8 but I think there are lots of things available now to go some way to remedy that, if you get to try some of both let me know how you found them, I’d be very interested to know!
A supercharger would make a material performance improvement, but would probably require upgrading your brakes and possibly cooling. I had a 1970 BGT in Bermuda Blue back in the 70’s. Nice car, but I could never solve the water leaks into the cabin……
granblogismo hey, it’s close enough to please an old sports car junkie like me. I’m 72+ and have owned numerous cars that make people slobber over themselves. 61 Corvette with a 2, 4 barrel carved 283, 4-speed and 4.11 gears. It was my first car at 16. It scared the living crap out of me. (2) Honda coupes while in Japan in the late 60’s. One was an S600 & the other an S800. I also owned a Toyota Sports 800 (look that one up on-line. Back in the States, an 1967 L-88 Corvette coupe, the entire car not just the 427 engine. A 1974, 454, 4-speed corvette. That was the most uncomfortable car I ever owned! A 1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV, a 1968 Karmann Gaia coupe with a Porsche 911S engine and 5-speed gearbox. That was a corvette eater! A Porsche 912, one of my favorites. And my latest, a return to stock 2002 Audi A4, 3.0 V6, Quattro. As soon as I finish the Audi I WILL get an MGB GT to turn into a “Q-ship”.
Art Tafil wow that’s a pretty cool car history! Good luck with the MGB project, sounds like an interesting idea to put in an Audi engine, if you can get it to work I can imagine the performance would be fairly decent!
Hey Mark, great video ! I'm off to see a 1967 MGB GT tomorrow and hopefully (if its ok) come back with it. Long old trip from Surrey to Preston to see it but fingers crossed it works out. You have a great presentation style and south of England too ! Keep up the good work
Iain Sutcliffe wow thanks for the feedback, watching myself back I think it looks cringey and awkward so good to hear nice comments🤣! Exciting about your prospective purchase, good luck! Hopefully it’s a good one 👍 let me know if you buy it!
@@granblogismo I definitely will. Went to see another actually just down the road today. 'Snowberry white' with lots of suspension work done but it was very tired inside and some oil leaks on the diff and Gearbox. Plus it was a 1970 so not a Mk1 which I want. How do you find the 3 Syncro unit? I've never had anything but a full syncro box so i'll see how I get on with it. If I get it i'll let you know ! Hope you're going to enjoy the bank holiday in either the Jag or MG !
Iain Sutcliffe I find the 3 synchro box is a bit noisier and as I mention in the video first gear is challenging without practice but I find it’s things like this that add character to the car and make it special 😊 Yep hoping to get a drive in both cars this weekend if I can!!
granblogismo well after seeing LOTS of BGT’s I finally found one in Wimborne, Dorset. It’s a 1972 model, nice and solid car in blue (not the colour I wanted but will do until I paint it) and came with an unfitted recon gearbox with overdrive, spare seats and some other interior trim and some other spares as well as a trolley jack lol. And was a bargain price as well so I’m very happy !! I need to sort the timing and fuelling so I’ll get that done over next few weeks
Iain Sutcliffe great stuff! 👍 Good that it came with some spare parts, especially seats if you plan a retrim at some point since you can take your time refurbing the spare set but still enjoy use of the car 😎 Good luck with it all and hope you enjoy your classic MG!!
Lovely car and nice detailed review. Personally I'd stay with twin SUs (or larger ones if required ….. but I guess the Weber removes the need to balance the 2 carbs?) and fit a K & N air filter (which I think you may have with the Weber carb). At least you've retained an air filter unlike some people! I'd certainly reinstate the vacuum advance for better fuel economy even if it means you've got to drill & tap a new connection. Have you fitted a Kenlowe electric fan? They're good and come with an adjustable thermostat. Would be nice to fit overdrive too for relaxed cruising one day. I think you mentioned your instrumentation inaccuracy - the rev counter appears to over-read.
Thanks for the comment! Yes twin SUs are generally better for normal use but a previous owner fitted the Weber (and the k&n filter) so I’d have to fork out for new carbs to revert plus the Weber makes a great noise at WOT 🤣 A vacuum advance is on my list of things to do for sure and an electric fan kit but I find the mechanical one adequate for now. I have overdrive already and it is a welcome addition on longer journeys! Finally yes my rev counter over reads so need to get that sorted but the digital dash readout is accurate so I have that to revert to in the interim! The work is never done on this thing that’s for sure 🤣
@@granblogismo Thanks! Oh I'm glad that you didn't get rid of the twin SUs, it didn't fit with your love for originality regarding the gearbox etc. The power requirement of the standard fan is often exaggerated by people but at max RPM revs you must be loosing about one HP? I wonder has anyone ever measured it. In the Winter the MGB is rather over cooled, I remember as a passenger in my friend's MGB watching the temperature gauge going up and down, up and down as the engine thermostat short cycled open closed in the cold weather, continually letting slugs of cold water into the engine. No doubt could have been cured by partially shuttering the rad with some plastic bag or similar or perhaps changing the thermostat with a less sensitive one. Of course since you've got an oil cooler it makes sense to run the engine (coolant) temperature quite hot for better efficiency which with the vacuum advance you're going to fit will make the car a better daily driver. Surely you should still get induction noise with SUs & K&Ns and you won't get starting problems like you had at the end of the video (I'm rather prejudiced for constant depression carbs, especially SUs). Sorry to waffle on !!
Haha, not at all, thanks for the reply, yes quite a lot of things on my list to do in the future, electric fan would be more efficient and not too expensive or difficult to fit, hardest part probably removing the existing one with rusty bolts!!
Very nice review, love the sound of that throaty tourist trophy exhaust system. You've picked well with a Mk1, there a little harder to drive, like what you said with the 3 synco gearbox, but they are made out of better metal than the later ones, and there more rare
Hi! Im buying one soon that has been restored. I was wondering if you were doing a follow up video of yours because I really like what you have done with the mods. Also, it sounds perfect Sir
James Dean hi! Yes I am planning a follow up video as I have some new parts that I’m waiting to get fitted and also waiting for some better weather! Thanks for watching the video and good luck with your purchase! Cheers!
Well lad I have driven on my original parts for 40 years. My dad and I rebuilt the motor... a high lift cam but still the SU Hif carbs. try to keep as much original...less problems. Any car I modify to webers did not work. I will send to pics etc...if you want
Just found your channel! Enjoying the videos. I also own a 67 GT, which I imported from the U.K. back in the 80s. It's now here in Canada, and running quite well this summer. I have a question about one particular 'spare' I'm looking for: Can you direct me to a SUNROOF HANDLE in working condition? Here in my area, I can't find anything suitable. The big spares company - *oss Motors - doesn't sell a mew handle. So, I must find a second hand one. If you know where I can find a handle, please advise. Really appreciate it. Lastly, mine is leaking a bit of oil...it's not going out the exhaust..it's a leak on the engine....where would you start to remedy this problem? Thanks!!
Ignacio Morande thanks! I can’t recommend the rear seats for passengers for a few reasons, there really isn’t much space so child seats are out, children may fit just about if the seat isn’t all the way back and although an adult may fit sideways the headroom is really restricted so it would be really uncomfortable, finally there are no seatbelts! You could fit some but in my opinion this still wouldn’t make that seat a safe or comfortable place to sit! Hope that helps? 🤣 Also, thanks for watching!! 👍
@@ignaciomorande9489 The rear seat is really a bench, you can easily get an adult in the back resting across this and I've done it many times for short journeys (I've even had 4 adults in the car at one time!) but lying across the back without seat belts is probably not particularly safe and I wouldn't want to be there for more than say 20 minutes at a time. It is nice to have the option occasionally though if you're doing a local trip and want to take a couple of friends.
Magnus Olstad Ditlevsen hi! Yes, actually I made a video on how I did it with photos and things, if you look on my channel it’s in the MGB playlist I think 😎👍
Hi Simon, yes it was Ian Taylor Body Repairs in Horley, Surrey... in terms of recommendations, I’m pleased overall with the work that was done and Ian knows his stuff having worked on many MGs in the past. However, in a couple of areas rust is coming through.... now... I can’t say that this is down to the paint shop since I didn’t have a ‘full’ restoration but I did have a full outside respray so I’m surprised it has started to come though so quickly.... but then again these cars do rust 🤷🏻♂️ My advice would be to find a marque specialist and also discuss in detail the work and any guarantees that they offer, bit of a vague answer I’m afraid!
@@granblogismo Thank you so much for the reply as i have the very same car and the same year and wanted some small paint items done, not that they end up being small! Thank you once again.
Porsche 928s hi! 69 is a good year for the MGB in general and the electronics are pretty simple (which is the case for all MGBs) but I do recommend upgrading to electronic ignition which will prevent common issues with the distributor, I just made a video on that if you want to know more about it?
Iain Sutcliffe hi, it’s the non-vacuum one that I have simply because the Weber carb and corresponding inlet manifold have no vacuum port, people tap their own ones in sometimes but I haven’t bothered! On standard carbs I don’t see a reason not to go with the vacuum as I hear it gives better running/fuel economy 👍
@@granblogismo Thanks Mark, I'll probably upgrade the carbs at some point but think i'll go for the programmable unit with vacuum (if there is such a type) as I like the idea of seeing the RPM on my phone to compare to the tacho.
lipsee100 hi! Yeah you could fit a more modern gearbox but I find the original one is part of the charm and really rewarding if you get the shift to first right on a 3 synchro one! Definitely not the most refined at speed but then again you don’t buy a 50 year old MG for refinement! Each to their own though and if people fit more powerful engines a modern 5 speed is the way to go 👍
Haha, thanks, they’re Vans Spicoli sunglasses which are about £10 or £15 so not very expensive, these ones might be the foldable ones but I also have the normal ones as well which look almost identical but cheaper. I don’t bother with expensive shades as I’m prone to breaking/losing them 🤣
I've got a mgb gt 1800 engine in my car. Its had 60thou head skim, polished ports, 40 thou bore, lightened and balanced, fast road cam. The standard su carbs with AAA needles, k and n air filters. It will cruise at 80mph on just a fraction of throttle but putting your foot down doesn't make a great difference. I'm not impressed one bit with these engines. The 1275 was much better. Wish I bought a Morris minor instead 🤔😯☹
Stuart Lever hi, what I have is a normal android tablet rather than a head unit so the GPS is built in rather than a sensor, takes a while to lock onto the satellites since it’s under the dash but seems ok after a while, no idea where would be a good place for a sensor, maybe the rear deck somewhere?
Hi Francis, thanks for watching, the gadget in the centre console is just an old android tablet (I did another video on how to install), the information comes from my electronic ignition distributor which is a 123 TUNE+ for the MGB and it connects to an app on the tablet so you could just use a phone instead of the tablet which would be easier 👍
Nayib Noyola actually I would quite like to do a project like that but maybe not this exact car, a post 1976 shell is better suited to something like that as it has more room in the engine bay plus the wider transmission tunnel 👍 maybe one day!!
MrAthrouw It’s not my daily car but people do use them as daily drivers, the 1968 year and later are better suited to daily use as they have nicer gearboxes and brakes
I owned Three mgs as a young guy,and looking back i was allways under the bonnet.The engines were from a austin cambridge ,i believe also the front suspension,and leaf springs on the back.Looking back they were dreadfull things,slow,not at all economical,could never get more than 27mpg.I got more mpg from my porsche boxster s.The handling on the mg was dreadfull with oil leaking from front and back suspension arms,and last of all god would they ROT, I know you can up grade but i dont believe you should do that to make the car better,Just buy some thing better.
It depends on your expectations, if you expect a car to be more fuel efficient than a car designed 30 years later then I think that’s a bit unrealistic! Performance and handling were inline with similar cars of the time in the 60s but since the car didn’t really change during the 17 years in production it was behind its peers by the end. Rust/rot is also not especially worse than other cars of that period in my opinion e.g. classic mini and e-type are just as bad! Mechanical issues are normally caused by poor maintenance or bad electrical parts and otherwise reliable in my experience but not more so than more modern machines. If you want a fast, reliable by modern standards, low maintenance and fuel efficient car then look elsewhere, if you want an affordable, quintessentially British classic sports car and all that entails then these are just the ticket 🤣
@@granblogismo Thanks for the reply,the reason i mentioned the mpg was the fact you can have more fun in a boxster with the same mpg. when i look back i thought my MGs were the dogs doodahs,i agree that nearly all british cars of that time were not the best. hence the demise of the british car industry.
I think it depends what you enjoy, I agree that the Boxster is a great car especially for the money these days but its a different genre to a 50 year old MG, but that’s what makes cars interesting in my opinion, everyone likes different cars for different reasons and life would be dull if we all liked the same thing! I agree that the British car industry was laughable by the end of the seventies which is a shame because there were some great marques around in the 50s that got swallowed up by BL or went out of business, I think that mismanagement and lack of product development was to be blamed for most of it and exciting hot hatches from other manufacturers outclassed these ageing ‘sports’ cars by the 80s, which is fine really because that’s a whole different bunch of cool cars to enjoy! Thanks for the comment! 👍
Whyman1993 yeah the rust is coming from pinholes at the bottom of the rear rain gutter which must have been an oversight, something on my list to fix! The clear wrap idea is good but I fear rust on these cars comes from the inside out rather than from stone chips 😬
Whyman1993 yeah should be pretty solid, I just think the wrap is maybe overkill on a car like this, newer cars then might be worth it but unless you get a new body shell or total strip-down restoration I don’t think you can totally eliminate rust and ongoing maintenance (rust management 😂) might be easier without a wrap to contend with?
Might be worth it on some front end panels maybe, like the front valance, bonnet, maybe wings 🤔 more for protection from chips to keep it looking nice?
Bought a new MGB in 1964 when I was young and soldiering. Drove it 7 times across the US. Loved that car. Now at age nearly 80 (me, not the car) I couldn't get in or out of it. Nice video, it brought back a flock of memories. Thanks.
Armond Edge excellent! You’re far braver than me, I get worried taking mine across town let alone across the US! Glad you enjoyed the video 😎👍
Whenever I drive mine more than twenty miles I make sure I have complete toolkit and spare alternator, carburettor and distributor. And always carry spare fuel pump. Car runs good if a little heavy with all the necessities
Yes I always carry a spare distributor and some tools! Fuel pump is a good idea too I’ll have to get a spare 🤣
I have a roadster which has had a v8 installed. Huge performance and eye bleedingly gorgeous. These cars were never the best nor fastest but they get better and better with age. They will last forever with care and 20% of those ever made are still in existence. What a car!
I have a 1971 MGB GT that I bought 15 years ago and, due to life events, I have not put on the road yet. It was resprayed by a previous owner in a Peugeot white which is close to the English white, but not as bright. I had started out looking to buy a roadster but then I found my GT which had a highly modified engine so I went for it, and I'm glad I did. As I said, the car has sat in a garage for the past 15 years waiting for me to take care of a few small items befoe being road worthy. In that time I have seen the GT surpass the roadster in interest and value.
Only 25% of MGB's were the GT hardtop model, and since they weren't the more desirable convertibles they were often canabalized and used as parts cars for roadster restorations. The result is that nowadays the MGB GT is becoming more scarce on the ground, and interest has increased due to this relative rarity vs the roadster. The GT is a more practical car, especially in a climate such as upstae NY where I live. The GT has a higher windsheild so it has more head room, it has a back seat that works for a passenger in a pinch, but which is great for holding groceries or a pet, etc. The rear hatch holds more luggage for weekend road trips, and the hardtop provides more security if you leave a briefcase, laptop, or valuables in the car. While MGB's (thankfully) will not be a rich person's car anytime soon, the GT has been appreciating faster than the roadster over the past few years. In the end I am glad that I bought a MGB GT instead of the MGB roadster - it is roomier, more rare, and more practical, and was designed by Pininfarina; and retains the charm and character which all MGB's posess. Congrats on a nice car, and thanks for the motivation to get mine on the road this year.
Joey Shmoey great stuff! I agree that the GT is an easier car to live with than the roadster and in my opinion better looking too but people are quite divided on that front! Good luck with your build and I hope you enjoy every minute behind the wheel 😀👍
I just bought a 1980 MGB GT in the same colour. While they may not be fast by modern standards, driving it at 50 mph feels more like 70!
James Pell yes absolutely! Hope you’re enjoying it?
I've got a '78. It's a real bone-shaker on North Cambs Fens roads.
Always wanted an mgb gt, one of my favourite classic cars, yours is lovely enjoy it 👍
leeboymtb thanks!
i’m 15 and am saving every penny to some day be able to buy one for when i’m older
I have had 3 B's. I have a 73 roadster now. My advice for making them go faster and handle better:1. Fit a Piper BP270 fast road cam2. Fit a vernier caliper to correctly time the cam3. gas-flow the head and balance to combustion chambers to equal volume4. Replace the weber carb with twin SU HIF4's5. Take great care to mate the inlet and exhaust manifolds to suit the head to reduce turbulance6. balance all moving parts including a lightened flywheel7. Remove the LCB exhaust manifold and put the original back on8. Reduce the height of the car using 4mm spacer blocks between springs and axle9. Fit a Brown & Gammons castor angle kit on front suspensionThis is not expensive if done yourself. Good luck.
Thanks for the advice! Seems like a good checklist 🤣 I’ll have to work through those improvements when funds and time allows I think!!
* 40mm thick spacers
Yes do, it's all well worth it.
Hey Granblogismo thanks so much for posting this video. I drive a late 1968 GT and I would like to recommend replacing the Wire Wheels and hubs with the same thing. I bought a set of new MWS wire wheels, it was a big outlay for me, but they are identical to the originals and even made in the same factory in India. They seal properly so no need for inner tubes, 185/70R14s fit perfectly, and I bought Michelin Defenders which were made in the UK (I'm in Canada). As far as balancing you do need to find someone who has the correct device to do it. Regular tyre shops try and fail. It should be done with the wheel on a simple cone with a bubble level in the middle, old school. Nothing compliments the body shape better than wires. I would also like to mention that my car has four speed synchro with overdrive, and no sunroof. To me that is the best combination, although I do envy your paint job.
Thanks for the comment! Yes I do also prefer the wire wheel look but in the end I bought some cheap minilites, I’m hoping to get some wires in the future as a ‘best’ set of wheels and use the minilites as a winter set maybe but as time goes on I’m warming to the minilites 😆 oh well, I’m sure I’ll change my mind a few times before I can afford some MWS wheels, thanks very much for watching!!
My 67 was even more enjoyable than I imagine it would be... with the wool carpeting, leather piped seats, and chrome appointments it made me feel I was driving an Aston Martin.
Jett Rink it’s funny you should say that as the comparison has been made a few times, one memorable one was a classic car magazine article of someone driving an MGB GT for the first time, they openly said that they’d always dismissed these cars as background noise to more notable classics (Ferraris, Astons, Jags) but once they were behind the wheel they found out what people see in these cars. Not the fastest, not the sharpest handling but very enjoyable and they stated it ‘was like driving a mini DB4’ which I think is praise indeed for a car a) they weren’t even that fussed about and b) costs hundreds of times less! I think they’re great 😎👍
My Dad (before I was born) had a MG-TD, then (after I was born) an MG-A.
My oldest brother had a New (from factory) '71 or '72 MG-B (we time and distance rallied in it).
I learned the finer points of shifting after practicing in a '64 Corvair convertible.
Finally I had a '72 MG-B that I had painted from a dark green to a British Racing Green like my brother was. ;-)
T'airn'KA excellent! Sounds like classic MGs run in the family 👍 I’d love an MGA to compliment my B but prices of the older MGs are quite high these days! Your B sounds cool, they look great in British Racing Green 😎👍
@@granblogismo
I no longer have it. I sold it a decade or two ago. ;-(
It's a shame my dad didn't pass them down.
There was a hillman and a mini copper in the family at one time.
Oh, I forgot my 1966 Corvair Corsa convertible.
This brings back memories, my new MG B GT was a friday night issue, not particulary fast and sold after many issues
Your car is what’s known as “Experienced” and a fine example of one as well.
Thank you Art! It’s not perfect but I do like it 😊
Hi Mark, another great video, thanks. If you fancy covering what overdrive is and how to use it sometime, that would be useful 😉
Aha! Good idea 👍 might do something on that in the future, cheers!!
Must say I agree with your comments about the BGTs sunroof. Bought my first BGT, a 1967 model in 1970 and since then have owned 3 more BGTs, 1 MGC, 1 1953 TF and 3 MGB Roadsters. Now at the ripe old age of 73 I have a nice '70 B roadster
rogerwilco wow, sounds like you’re an MG enthusiast then! Which was/is your favourite? I’ve always liked the idea of an MGC but I’ve heard mixed reviews... what do you think?
@@granblogismo The C was most definitely favourite but sold it back in 1985 before moving overseas. It was in original mineral blue and had wire wheels and overdrive, the latter i consider essential if buying a B. Regret having to sell the C and would love to get another but unfortunately they are now out of my price range so im content with the B
@@granblogismo the mgc handles much better today than it did when first released due to the advancement in tyres however it was a bit of a handful during heavy breaking as the rear end wanted to overtake the front but once you understood that you drove it accordingly
rogerwilco yes they are on the expensive side these days but maybe one day ... I did hear that the handling was something to watch for but could be improved with modern components, would love the opportunity to see for myself! MG Motorsports do a nice MGC GTS replica which I suspect handles and drives rather well but a standard or maybe slightly fettled one is what to go for, an understated gentleman’s GT 😎
@@granblogismo yes i'm a "pureist" and i always like my cars to be as original as possible which is what attracted me to my current 70 B.about the only non standard item is the steering wheel however i just picked up a second hand one in mint condition but have yet to fi it
To get that best into First Gear just touch it into 2nd for fraction then it will go in easily. Worked well on the MGA I had.
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Excellent well balanced review. Enjoyed your video. I may be biased as I also have an Old English White 67 BGT! Cheers
Mgbgt Carguy great! Thanks for watching!
If you change the wheels, consider getting 15 inch ones as that gives a better choice of tyres. The Minilite style look good as well.
Nice. The only thing I would have done differently is spend the money for new analog gauges and left the android at home, but that is just my preference. Nice work and good luck with your restoration.
Jason Jardina thanks! Yes the tablet does divide opinion somewhat, I doubt it will remain long-term as technology dates so quickly but it’s an interesting experiment and helps satisfy my inner James Bond haha!
Bit late to this video, but I enjoyed it. Like the down to earth review: you have to enjoy something like this for what it is. Back in the day I believe a lot of owners just put something heavy in the boot to lower the back end and improve the handing, particularly in poor conditions! Off to see what else you've done on the car in the rest of your channel...
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks very much for watching and for the comment, I have noticed that when I’m actually in the car the ride height looks fine 🤣 not sure if that says something about the suspension or my weight haha 😂
@@granblogismo 😂 Wonder how the ride height is after Christmas! By the way after seeing your Jag vid I was wondering does a child seat fit in the front of the B?
Alloy wheels for sure.
Thank you for the honest and informative update, I’m currently toying with getting the same model so this video is really enlightening
Thanks for the video, I just bought one today!
VHSpal congratulations!
Thank you!
Lovely looking car, very pretty, 67 best year too!
Jon West thanks!!
granblogismo Really need to take mine out for a drive! Not driven it for weeks now , they get under your skin don’t they.....
Jon West haha yes they do that!
Great looking car and interesting video. Many thanks. I had a GT when I was younger and now looking to buy another. Or possibly a V8 or MGC GT.. Looking forward to seeing more videos. I like your XK8 as well!
Thanks Martin! I really love the BGT but would really like an MGC just to compare and for the rarity factor! Same with the V8 I guess but I prefer the styling of the ‘C 😎
granblogismo I have read lots of conflicting reports on the MGC and comparisons to the V8.. off to try some out next week hopefully... I am looking for tourer rather than a sports car. The MGC apparently does well as a tourer. With some tweaks to the suspension it can also go round corners swiftly too! Apparently...
Yes I don’t think the MGC is supposed to be quite as good to drive as the v8 but I think there are lots of things available now to go some way to remedy that, if you get to try some of both let me know how you found them, I’d be very interested to know!
granblogismo will do!
hi I ended up buying a MGC GT. Had it for two weeks and love it..
Great review. Really nice
Thanks! 🙌
A supercharger would make a material performance improvement, but would probably require upgrading your brakes and possibly cooling. I had a 1970 BGT in Bermuda Blue back in the 70’s. Nice car, but I could never solve the water leaks into the cabin……
I still love your GT.
Art Tafil thanks very much! Not a perfect car but I get a lot of enjoyment from it 😊👍
granblogismo hey, it’s close enough to please an old sports car junkie like me. I’m 72+ and have owned numerous cars that make people slobber over themselves. 61 Corvette with a 2, 4 barrel carved 283, 4-speed and 4.11 gears. It was my first car at 16. It scared the living crap out of me. (2) Honda coupes while in Japan in the late 60’s. One was an S600 & the other an S800. I also owned a Toyota Sports 800 (look that one up on-line. Back in the States, an 1967 L-88 Corvette coupe, the entire car not just the 427 engine. A 1974, 454, 4-speed corvette. That was the most uncomfortable car I ever owned! A 1968 Alfa Romeo 1750 GTV, a 1968 Karmann Gaia coupe with a Porsche 911S engine and 5-speed gearbox. That was a corvette eater! A Porsche 912, one of my favorites. And my latest, a return to stock 2002 Audi A4, 3.0 V6, Quattro. As soon as I finish the Audi I WILL get an MGB GT to turn into a “Q-ship”.
Art Tafil wow that’s a pretty cool car history! Good luck with the MGB project, sounds like an interesting idea to put in an Audi engine, if you can get it to work I can imagine the performance would be fairly decent!
granblogismo, If I could find an 1.8 turbo engine from an early Audi TT they made 225 hp.
Hey Mark, great video ! I'm off to see a 1967 MGB GT tomorrow and hopefully (if its ok) come back with it. Long old trip from Surrey to Preston to see it but fingers crossed it works out. You have a great presentation style and south of England too !
Keep up the good work
Iain Sutcliffe wow thanks for the feedback, watching myself back I think it looks cringey and awkward so good to hear nice comments🤣! Exciting about your prospective purchase, good luck! Hopefully it’s a good one 👍 let me know if you buy it!
@@granblogismo I definitely will. Went to see another actually just down the road today. 'Snowberry white' with lots of suspension work done but it was very tired inside and some oil leaks on the diff and Gearbox. Plus it was a 1970 so not a Mk1 which I want. How do you find the 3 Syncro unit? I've never had anything but a full syncro box so i'll see how I get on with it. If I get it i'll let you know !
Hope you're going to enjoy the bank holiday in either the Jag or MG !
Iain Sutcliffe I find the 3 synchro box is a bit noisier and as I mention in the video first gear is challenging without practice but I find it’s things like this that add character to the car and make it special 😊 Yep hoping to get a drive in both cars this weekend if I can!!
granblogismo well after seeing LOTS of BGT’s I finally found one in Wimborne, Dorset. It’s a 1972 model, nice and solid car in blue (not the colour I wanted but will do until I paint it) and came with an unfitted recon gearbox with overdrive, spare seats and some other interior trim and some other spares as well as a trolley jack lol. And was a bargain price as well so I’m very happy !! I need to sort the timing and fuelling so I’ll get that done over next few weeks
Iain Sutcliffe great stuff! 👍 Good that it came with some spare parts, especially seats if you plan a retrim at some point since you can take your time refurbing the spare set but still enjoy use of the car 😎 Good luck with it all and hope you enjoy your classic MG!!
Lovely car and nice detailed review. Personally I'd stay with twin SUs (or larger ones if required ….. but I guess the Weber removes the need to balance the 2 carbs?) and fit a K & N air filter (which I think you may have with the Weber carb). At least you've retained an air filter unlike some people! I'd certainly reinstate the vacuum advance for better fuel economy even if it means you've got to drill & tap a new connection. Have you fitted a Kenlowe electric fan? They're good and come with an adjustable thermostat. Would be nice to fit overdrive too for relaxed cruising one day. I think you mentioned your instrumentation inaccuracy - the rev counter appears to over-read.
Thanks for the comment! Yes twin SUs are generally better for normal use but a previous owner fitted the Weber (and the k&n filter) so I’d have to fork out for new carbs to revert plus the Weber makes a great noise at WOT 🤣 A vacuum advance is on my list of things to do for sure and an electric fan kit but I find the mechanical one adequate for now. I have overdrive already and it is a welcome addition on longer journeys! Finally yes my rev counter over reads so need to get that sorted but the digital dash readout is accurate so I have that to revert to in the interim! The work is never done on this thing that’s for sure 🤣
@@granblogismo Thanks! Oh I'm glad that you didn't get rid of the twin SUs, it didn't fit with your love for originality regarding the gearbox etc. The power requirement of the standard fan is often exaggerated by people but at max RPM revs you must be loosing about one HP? I wonder has anyone ever measured it. In the Winter the MGB is rather over cooled, I remember as a passenger in my friend's MGB watching the temperature gauge going up and down, up and down as the engine thermostat short cycled open closed in the cold weather, continually letting slugs of cold water into the engine. No doubt could have been cured by partially shuttering the rad with some plastic bag or similar or perhaps changing the thermostat with a less sensitive one. Of course since you've got an oil cooler it makes sense to run the engine (coolant) temperature quite hot for better efficiency which with the vacuum advance you're going to fit will make the car a better daily driver.
Surely you should still get induction noise with SUs & K&Ns and you won't get starting problems like you had at the end of the video (I'm rather prejudiced for constant depression carbs, especially SUs). Sorry to waffle on !!
Haha, not at all, thanks for the reply, yes quite a lot of things on my list to do in the future, electric fan would be more efficient and not too expensive or difficult to fit, hardest part probably removing the existing one with rusty bolts!!
Hi well done good description....nice E reg ...... ....regards 101G
Ron Bean thanks!
Very nice review, love the sound of that throaty tourist trophy exhaust system. You've picked well with a Mk1, there a little harder to drive, like what you said with the 3 synco gearbox, but they are made out of better metal than the later ones, and there more rare
road race cam stage 3 head and tuned downpipes and Webber carbs should do it, plus lightened and balance flywheel.
Sounds good!
Compare to the Triumph GT6+, and the bigger engine and sleeker body still win my vote.
When I finally get my B GT, I may look into the feasibility of installing an Audi 2.0 turbo engine.
Great car. Thumbs up
Love It Or Scrap It thanks!!!
Hi!
Im buying one soon that has been restored. I was wondering if you were doing a follow up video of yours because I really like what you have done with the mods.
Also, it sounds perfect Sir
James Dean hi! Yes I am planning a follow up video as I have some new parts that I’m waiting to get fitted and also waiting for some better weather! Thanks for watching the video and good luck with your purchase! Cheers!
new speedo cable and rev counter will fix that
I had a 1972 MGB that I had (not me) repainted BRG.
T'airn'KA nice! They do look good in BRG 👍
You’re short-shifting! Rev that little lump!!
Well lad I have driven on my original parts for 40 years. My dad and I rebuilt the motor... a high lift cam but still the SU Hif carbs. try to keep as much original...less problems. Any car I modify to webers did not work. I will send to pics etc...if you want
Sounds great! I’d prefer the original carb setup over the Weber but this is how it came to me and the Weber does make a nice noise 🤣
10:25 "apart from catastrophic engine failure it gave little trouble" Lol
Just found your channel! Enjoying the videos. I also own a 67 GT, which I imported from the U.K. back in the 80s. It's now here in Canada, and running quite well this summer. I have a question about one particular 'spare' I'm looking for: Can you direct me to a SUNROOF HANDLE in working condition? Here in my area, I can't find anything suitable. The big spares company - *oss Motors - doesn't sell a mew handle. So, I must find a second hand one. If you know where I can find a handle, please advise. Really appreciate it.
Lastly, mine is leaking a bit of oil...it's not going out the exhaust..it's a leak on the engine....where would you start to remedy this problem? Thanks!!
Hi, really nice car! Question, I'm really curious about the back seat of the car, can you fit someone there? What about two child seats? any chance?
Ignacio Morande thanks! I can’t recommend the rear seats for passengers for a few reasons, there really isn’t much space so child seats are out, children may fit just about if the seat isn’t all the way back and although an adult may fit sideways the headroom is really restricted so it would be really uncomfortable, finally there are no seatbelts! You could fit some but in my opinion this still wouldn’t make that seat a safe or comfortable place to sit! Hope that helps? 🤣 Also, thanks for watching!! 👍
@@granblogismo thanks a lot, this does help! In other words, the car is a two seater, except for the extra luggage room...
@@ignaciomorande9489 The rear seat is really a bench, you can easily get an adult in the back resting across this and I've done it many times for short journeys (I've even had 4 adults in the car at one time!) but lying across the back without seat belts is probably not particularly safe and I wouldn't want to be there for more than say 20 minutes at a time. It is nice to have the option occasionally though if you're doing a local trip and want to take a couple of friends.
can you tell more of the installation of the andoid tablet. maybe some photos.
Magnus Olstad Ditlevsen hi! Yes, actually I made a video on how I did it with photos and things, if you look on my channel it’s in the MGB playlist I think 😎👍
Hi can I ask who did the restoration work on your MGB, and would you recommend them to others?
Hi Simon, yes it was Ian Taylor Body Repairs in Horley, Surrey... in terms of recommendations, I’m pleased overall with the work that was done and Ian knows his stuff having worked on many MGs in the past. However, in a couple of areas rust is coming through.... now... I can’t say that this is down to the paint shop since I didn’t have a ‘full’ restoration but I did have a full outside respray so I’m surprised it has started to come though so quickly.... but then again these cars do rust 🤷🏻♂️ My advice would be to find a marque specialist and also discuss in detail the work and any guarantees that they offer, bit of a vague answer I’m afraid!
@@granblogismo Thank you so much for the reply as i have the very same car and the same year and wanted some small paint items done, not that they end up being small! Thank you once again.
No probs, good luck with the work, it’s tricky finding a body shop or even a garage these days that caters for these cars!
I’m looking at a 69 gt from your experience how are the Lucas electronics now the car
Porsche 928s hi! 69 is a good year for the MGB in general and the electronics are pretty simple (which is the case for all MGBs) but I do recommend upgrading to electronic ignition which will prevent common issues with the distributor, I just made a video on that if you want to know more about it?
Mark - is your 123 ignition vacuum advance or have you blanked that off ?
Iain Sutcliffe hi, it’s the non-vacuum one that I have simply because the Weber carb and corresponding inlet manifold have no vacuum port, people tap their own ones in sometimes but I haven’t bothered! On standard carbs I don’t see a reason not to go with the vacuum as I hear it gives better running/fuel economy 👍
@@granblogismo Thanks Mark, I'll probably upgrade the carbs at some point but think i'll go for the programmable unit with vacuum (if there is such a type) as I like the idea of seeing the RPM on my phone to compare to the tacho.
Just a suggestion,,but why do,nt you fit a Mazda Mx3 gearbox,it would be five speed and give much more relaxed cruising...
lipsee100 hi! Yeah you could fit a more modern gearbox but I find the original one is part of the charm and really rewarding if you get the shift to first right on a 3 synchro one! Definitely not the most refined at speed but then again you don’t buy a 50 year old MG for refinement! Each to their own though and if people fit more powerful engines a modern 5 speed is the way to go 👍
I know this is not a fashion channel, but those shades are really cool - where are they from?
Haha, thanks, they’re Vans Spicoli sunglasses which are about £10 or £15 so not very expensive, these ones might be the foldable ones but I also have the normal ones as well which look almost identical but cheaper. I don’t bother with expensive shades as I’m prone to breaking/losing them 🤣
@@granblogismo Cool, thanks :-)
I've got a mgb gt 1800 engine in my car. Its had 60thou head skim, polished ports, 40 thou bore, lightened and balanced, fast road cam. The standard su carbs with AAA needles, k and n air filters. It will cruise at 80mph on just a fraction of throttle but putting your foot down doesn't make a great difference. I'm not impressed one bit with these engines. The 1275 was much better. Wish I bought a Morris minor instead 🤔😯☹
I have a slightly later model than yours and thinking of putting an android head unit in. Where did you put the GPS sensor?
Stuart Lever hi, what I have is a normal android tablet rather than a head unit so the GPS is built in rather than a sensor, takes a while to lock onto the satellites since it’s under the dash but seems ok after a while, no idea where would be a good place for a sensor, maybe the rear deck somewhere?
@@granblogismo Thanks. I have one in my daily car and the gps sensor is under the dash but that is made of plastic. Great cars though
May I know where can I purchase the Bluetooth gadget found in your center console?
Hi Francis, thanks for watching, the gadget in the centre console is just an old android tablet (I did another video on how to install), the information comes from my electronic ignition distributor which is a 123 TUNE+ for the MGB and it connects to an app on the tablet so you could just use a phone instead of the tablet which would be easier 👍
This is the model I have: www.123ignitionshop.com/gb/tuneplus-lucas-distributor/184-123tune4rvg-bluetooth.html
@@granblogismo Thank you my friend for the prompt reply.
I'm looking at one that doesn't run so I can put a 180+ HP motorcycle engine in it. I can only do it to a non collector quality car.
Keep 'er Lit. Let 'er Rip! Excellent! Sounds like a cool project!
lets put an ls in it
Nayib Noyola actually I would quite like to do a project like that but maybe not this exact car, a post 1976 shell is better suited to something like that as it has more room in the engine bay plus the wider transmission tunnel 👍 maybe one day!!
Do you use it as a dailycar ?
MrAthrouw It’s not my daily car but people do use them as daily drivers, the 1968 year and later are better suited to daily use as they have nicer gearboxes and brakes
go to DK Engineering and buy a new old Ferrari 250 V12 Colombo engine and gearbox, then put it in this car.
I owned Three mgs as a young guy,and looking back i was allways under the bonnet.The engines were from a austin cambridge ,i believe also the front suspension,and leaf springs on the back.Looking back they were dreadfull things,slow,not at all economical,could never get more than 27mpg.I got more mpg from my porsche boxster s.The handling on the mg was dreadfull with oil leaking from front and back suspension arms,and last of all god would they ROT, I know you can up grade but i dont believe you should do that to make the car better,Just buy some thing better.
It depends on your expectations, if you expect a car to be more fuel efficient than a car designed 30 years later then I think that’s a bit unrealistic! Performance and handling were inline with similar cars of the time in the 60s but since the car didn’t really change during the 17 years in production it was behind its peers by the end. Rust/rot is also not especially worse than other cars of that period in my opinion e.g. classic mini and e-type are just as bad! Mechanical issues are normally caused by poor maintenance or bad electrical parts and otherwise reliable in my experience but not more so than more modern machines. If you want a fast, reliable by modern standards, low maintenance and fuel efficient car then look elsewhere, if you want an affordable, quintessentially British classic sports car and all that entails then these are just the ticket 🤣
@@granblogismo Thanks for the reply,the reason i mentioned the mpg was the fact you can have more fun in a boxster with the same mpg. when i look back i thought my MGs were the dogs doodahs,i agree that nearly all british cars of that time were not the best. hence the demise of the british car industry.
I think it depends what you enjoy, I agree that the Boxster is a great car especially for the money these days but its a different genre to a 50 year old MG, but that’s what makes cars interesting in my opinion, everyone likes different cars for different reasons and life would be dull if we all liked the same thing! I agree that the British car industry was laughable by the end of the seventies which is a shame because there were some great marques around in the 50s that got swallowed up by BL or went out of business, I think that mismanagement and lack of product development was to be blamed for most of it and exciting hot hatches from other manufacturers outclassed these ageing ‘sports’ cars by the 80s, which is fine really because that’s a whole different bunch of cool cars to enjoy! Thanks for the comment! 👍
Rusting after two year man something isn’t right there 😮 why not clear wrap the car just to protect it from stone chips and starting rust through them
Whyman1993 yeah the rust is coming from pinholes at the bottom of the rear rain gutter which must have been an oversight, something on my list to fix! The clear wrap idea is good but I fear rust on these cars comes from the inside out rather than from stone chips 😬
granblogismo yeah but surely if you felt with the rust, seal and stone chip the bottom of the car then wrap it it should be pretty solid? 😮
Whyman1993 yeah should be pretty solid, I just think the wrap is maybe overkill on a car like this, newer cars then might be worth it but unless you get a new body shell or total strip-down restoration I don’t think you can totally eliminate rust and ongoing maintenance (rust management 😂) might be easier without a wrap to contend with?
Might be worth it on some front end panels maybe, like the front valance, bonnet, maybe wings 🤔 more for protection from chips to keep it looking nice?