Just come across your channel after watching Johnny smith with your MGB GT awesome . Your such a talented guy I would love an MGB but would cost me a fortune as im not a mechanic . Love the resto mod look and using different engines cant wait to see it finished .
@colinblick8946 thank you so much for the support 👌 Hopefully I will have you anouther update this week with a tail wind it might be up and running for the end of the month 🤞
Always planned to do this swap! Although I will saying owning both an BGT and MX5 (1.8vvt) I'm not convinced of you MPG figures 🤣 from Devon to Goodwood both cars used the same amount of fuel (within a litre) averaged around 30-36 from both. But much better power from the 5! Also the MK1 MX5 gearbox can have the linkage cut to being the lever forwards. Great video!
Interesting RE the gearbox! Im guessing I would have to remove though to fit that now. Hmmm definately one to remember and thank you for mentioning as it may be helpfull for someone trawling the comments 👌 As for the MPG I dont think the mods I had on the B series helped and obviously its condition but I struggled to break the 30mpg barrier. Il definately log some figures when I get the mx5 engine up and running 🤞
@mike_wallhead yeah you're lucky it's only set backa couple of inches so it's not the end of the world. But the MK1 box can have the linkage shortened a good couple of inches. Yeah, I'm just running a fairly standard B with only exhaust and air filters so nothing that'll add much to the consumption!
I have a 67 MGB GT and a 64 MGB Roadster...doing the same in regard to the engine swap. The MX-5 1.8L is in keeping with the look of 4 cylinder engines of the time like Alfa Romeo.
@ I am working through my GT6 reducing weight. 5kg on a Denso Alternator and bracket alone. To save 100kg will make a totally different car. It can be better spending money reducing weight than increasing power?
@@bernardwarr4187 5Kg is a nice chunk back from an alternator! Nice job! I have always said an 80Kg passenger gives a noticable decline in a classic cars performance. Anything around that mark would be a great on a GT6? What do they weigh around? 900Kg? I set you the aim of 10% You can do it 💪
@ I would like to get close to 800KG. We are using a TR6 150bhp engine. I have Alloy timing and adapter plate removed everything that’s not use, wires, brackets, only one horn, alloy hubs and loads of other bits. One of the guys at Santa Pod has a 3000hp car and did a major weight saving, 100kg, carbon bumper, thin wall wiring etc and said it helped his trap time massively. Definitely the way forward
@bernardwarr4187 thats a nice challenging yet achievable aim 👌 will make a massive difference with power to weight. Somebody once told me on a 13second 1/4mile street car 50kgs gets you .1 of a second, im not sure how true that is but seems reasonable! When your fighting for less than 1/10 second every KG counts. Plenty of other gains to have from moving the weight around too and lowering COG. Its all exciting stuff :) gets your brain working. I love that you mentioned the Horns aswell Iv always ripped secondary horns out for an easy 500grams. Not only from a speed and performance factor but imagine the Co2 emmisions, fuel and brake wear that could be saved on a global level if everyone could shave 50kg from there car 😬
I can tell you're a good bloke by the fact that what seemed like 5 guys showed up to be stuck in a tiny shed with you when you needed a hand EDIT: wait, when did you manage to hammerite the engine bay?
@@StanleyKubick1 Thank you for the kind comment, this made my day! I would say for sure that they are the good blokes for turning up when I needed a hand though :) what goes around comes around with these kind of things and I do try to help people wherever I can. Thanks for the kind comment I really appreciate the support
Great video! I’m really enjoying this build. I have a 71 mgb gt that I’m planning to do a swap in about a year depending if the engine keeps running that long.
Thanks for the support. Hopefully the videos help and I can get you a few more measurements and bits of info to help you get moving in the right direction.
Hahaha I started one for you but this roadster has been hogging the limelight this month 😬 Sit tight though I promise its coming soon! Appreciate the support though thank you :)
Some really good info in the video and great to watch, thanks for that. I'm thinking if weight is a real factor for you then the Rover K Series is an even better option as that would shave about another 20-30Kg off, but you do then need to find a transmission for it and there is the cost point you said at the start. And let's face it, if only for peace of mind you're going to whip the head off to check the liner heights and put a fresh head gasket on it before you even begin the swap, although those MX5 lumps can get top end clatter and would need a rebuild too in time. At least that ship anchor of a B Series has gone though! Just a last one but a big reduction in front end weight is surely going to mean new springs and dampers?
I did consider a K series to keep it all 'MG' but the RWD box is the issue adaptor plates add a chunk of cost in but it is a great shout otherwise. You are not wrong that b series is 'anchor' heavy! The front suspension will indeed be getting an overhaul once the engine is done, a set of coilovers and possibly some lighter brakes down the line aswell
@mike_wallhead Definately use what you have or is readily available. In western Canada the 2.3 and 2.5 are around everywhere. The 6spd MX5 transmission needs looking for, but available. The older MX5 bits are more difficult to find.
@@daledavies2334 interesting! We seem to have an abundance of mk2s with rotten bodywork and good mechanicals this side of the pond. They did the 6 speed on these boxes too, but the 6th gear ratio seemed so similar to the 5 speed I figured with the cars weight the shorter gearing might actually be slower to 60/70mph due to more shifts. Either way this box came with the engine and if it does feel like its needed, a 6 speed could be something to look at in the future.
@@willsimm6695 Hi Will, thanks for the support! I did look at Speeduinos, I will always try to turn my hand to new skills and I do love learning and building, however, I know Im not so great at soldering (read that as TERRIBLE!!) Also the biggest factor was Im already so fluent with the Emerald setup and maintenance so it saves me a chunk of time learning new software, Im not the most tech savvy person! :) Great shout though, I would love to try a self build ECU at some point! Thanks for the suggestion.
IMHO, I would look to install a newer Mazda 2.3 or 2.5 engine with the MX5 6 spd gear box. Torquier engine. The 2.5 is recognized as the smoother running.
@@daledavies2334 Its definately a good shout! I gather frontline do a similar swap on there cars? So it would appear to fit, perhaps a missed oppertunity on my behalf, however, I just had easy access to this engine and box from a freind and perhaps more a convenience and impulse by that decided the fate of this project👌
@@stuwhite2337 I'm glad I'm not the only one! I know the brake boosters are all very old now so perhaps tired seals mean your pushing against them rather than with them? But they definately seem a pointless addition! Very happy to shave the weight :) thanks for the support Stu!
This is a great idea thus how you improve a classic British car by over 100% by fitting a reliable Japanese engine to it how many classic British cars have had Japanese engine swaps also l have seen even in Australia a lot of engine swapped British cars because the good Japanese engines are 1000 times more reliable than the original crappy British engines infact British engines are all crap have to reconditioned every 100000 miles 160000 kilometres were a good reliable Japanese engine can do at least 400000 500000 up to 1000000 miles there are many especially Toyota engines that have done over 1000000 miles and you can't deny that is reliability plus and the most important thing in any car is reliability and l practice what preach because l own a 1997 Toyota Hilux with the engine that is famous for its reliability the 22R engine at the time of purchase 5 years of my Hilux l didn't know about what l had bought probably the best vehicle ever made getting back to your engine swapped MGB an absolutely brilliant idea don't worry about what the MG fan boys say you tell them my MGB has an MX 5 engine and so much more reliable than your British engined MGB and reliability is the most important thing in any car and with modifications you have an MGB you can use daily and it will not break down and you did mention you will be using the MGB as a daily driver
@@octohumboldt5214 Do you mean the MX5 engine? They could roughly be 230lbs I suppose. The B engines are most definately not 230lbs though, even the early workshop manuals state 400lbs (181Kg) for an engine. That could have been early cars as mine was a touch lighter and a 1976 car
@ MGB is 230lbs, MG V8 210lbs and MGC 526lbs. I have them in my garage and have had the engines out several times. I can lift an MGB engine by myself and I definitely can’t lift 200kg.
I reckon you’ll come under fire for this, but it does make sense, lookin forward to the next installment.
@@John-q1h3o quiet possibly! thank you for the support John
Just come across your channel after watching Johnny smith with your MGB GT awesome . Your such a talented guy I would love an MGB but would cost me a fortune as im not a mechanic . Love the resto mod look and using different engines cant wait to see it finished .
Having listened to what you said…… I’d do the same….. emerald ecu as well , tuneable set up….weight saving…….im enjoying your project😎💪🏼
@colinblick8946 thank you so much for the support 👌 Hopefully I will have you anouther update this week with a tail wind it might be up and running for the end of the month 🤞
Thank you for your videos I am retiring soon and want to build a mga with mx5 engine and transmission I’ll be watching
Always planned to do this swap! Although I will saying owning both an BGT and MX5 (1.8vvt) I'm not convinced of you MPG figures 🤣 from Devon to Goodwood both cars used the same amount of fuel (within a litre) averaged around 30-36 from both. But much better power from the 5!
Also the MK1 MX5 gearbox can have the linkage cut to being the lever forwards.
Great video!
Interesting RE the gearbox! Im guessing I would have to remove though to fit that now. Hmmm definately one to remember and thank you for mentioning as it may be helpfull for someone trawling the comments 👌
As for the MPG I dont think the mods I had on the B series helped and obviously its condition but I struggled to break the 30mpg barrier. Il definately log some figures when I get the mx5 engine up and running 🤞
@mike_wallhead yeah you're lucky it's only set backa couple of inches so it's not the end of the world. But the MK1 box can have the linkage shortened a good couple of inches.
Yeah, I'm just running a fairly standard B with only exhaust and air filters so nothing that'll add much to the consumption!
I have a 67 MGB GT and a 64 MGB Roadster...doing the same in regard to the engine swap. The MX-5 1.8L is in keeping with the look of 4 cylinder engines of the time like Alfa Romeo.
Great video as always mate 👍
@@danielhagan1451 thanks Daniel, I do appreciate the comment and support
Great job and great weight saving, that’s a great benefit
@@bernardwarr4187 thank you and thanks for the support! Im hoping it will all add up to be a nimble nippy little car!
@ I am working through my GT6 reducing weight. 5kg on a Denso Alternator and bracket alone. To save 100kg will make a totally different car. It can be better spending money reducing weight than increasing power?
@@bernardwarr4187 5Kg is a nice chunk back from an alternator! Nice job!
I have always said an 80Kg passenger gives a noticable decline in a classic cars performance.
Anything around that mark would be a great on a GT6? What do they weigh around? 900Kg?
I set you the aim of 10% You can do it 💪
@ I would like to get close to 800KG. We are using a TR6 150bhp engine. I have Alloy timing and adapter plate removed everything that’s not use, wires, brackets, only one horn, alloy hubs and loads of other bits. One of the guys at Santa Pod has a 3000hp car and did a major weight saving, 100kg, carbon bumper, thin wall wiring etc and said it helped his trap time massively. Definitely the way forward
@bernardwarr4187 thats a nice challenging yet achievable aim 👌 will make a massive difference with power to weight. Somebody once told me on a 13second 1/4mile street car 50kgs gets you .1 of a second, im not sure how true that is but seems reasonable! When your fighting for less than 1/10 second every KG counts. Plenty of other gains to have from moving the weight around too and lowering COG. Its all exciting stuff :) gets your brain working. I love that you mentioned the Horns aswell Iv always ripped secondary horns out for an easy 500grams.
Not only from a speed and performance factor but imagine the Co2 emmisions, fuel and brake wear that could be saved on a global level if everyone could shave 50kg from there car 😬
Brilliant video, I really love your cars, looking forward to the next video
Thank you :) and thank you so much for the support!
I can tell you're a good bloke by the fact that what seemed like 5 guys showed up to be stuck in a tiny shed with you when you needed a hand EDIT: wait, when did you manage to hammerite the engine bay?
@@StanleyKubick1 Thank you for the kind comment, this made my day!
I would say for sure that they are the good blokes for turning up when I needed a hand though :) what goes around comes around with these kind of things and I do try to help people wherever I can.
Thanks for the kind comment I really appreciate the support
Awesome stuff Mike
Great video! I’m really enjoying this build. I have a 71 mgb gt that I’m planning to do a swap in about a year depending if the engine keeps running that long.
Thanks for the support.
Hopefully the videos help and I can get you a few more measurements and bits of info to help you get moving in the right direction.
Interesting build.
Nice video!! Please please please do a video on the pick up truck! I’m going to keep going on about it until you do 😂 Keep em coming fella
Hahaha I started one for you but this roadster has been hogging the limelight this month 😬
Sit tight though I promise its coming soon! Appreciate the support though thank you :)
Some really good info in the video and great to watch, thanks for that. I'm thinking if weight is a real factor for you then the Rover K Series is an even better option as that would shave about another 20-30Kg off, but you do then need to find a transmission for it and there is the cost point you said at the start. And let's face it, if only for peace of mind you're going to whip the head off to check the liner heights and put a fresh head gasket on it before you even begin the swap, although those MX5 lumps can get top end clatter and would need a rebuild too in time. At least that ship anchor of a B Series has gone though! Just a last one but a big reduction in front end weight is surely going to mean new springs and dampers?
I did consider a K series to keep it all 'MG' but the RWD box is the issue adaptor plates add a chunk of cost in but it is a great shout otherwise.
You are not wrong that b series is 'anchor' heavy!
The front suspension will indeed be getting an overhaul once the engine is done, a set of coilovers and possibly some lighter brakes down the line aswell
Nice work mate!
@@adamtaylor1226 thanks Adam, I appreciate that, Its all coming together now!
@mike_wallhead Definately use what you have or is readily available. In western Canada the 2.3 and 2.5 are around everywhere. The 6spd MX5 transmission needs looking for, but available. The older MX5 bits are more difficult to find.
@@daledavies2334 interesting! We seem to have an abundance of mk2s with rotten bodywork and good mechanicals this side of the pond.
They did the 6 speed on these boxes too, but the 6th gear ratio seemed so similar to the 5 speed I figured with the cars weight the shorter gearing might actually be slower to 60/70mph due to more shifts. Either way this box came with the engine and if it does feel like its needed, a 6 speed could be something to look at in the future.
Sweet!
Great video get a spare engine .....more miles for future as it seems this lady is a stayer!!!
Have you tried speeduino? More in keeping with the ethos of your build?
@@willsimm6695 Hi Will, thanks for the support! I did look at Speeduinos, I will always try to turn my hand to new skills and I do love learning and building, however, I know Im not so great at soldering (read that as TERRIBLE!!)
Also the biggest factor was Im already so fluent with the Emerald setup and maintenance so it saves me a chunk of time learning new software, Im not the most tech savvy person! :)
Great shout though, I would love to try a self build ECU at some point! Thanks for the suggestion.
IMHO, I would look to install a newer Mazda 2.3 or 2.5 engine with the MX5 6 spd gear box. Torquier engine. The 2.5 is recognized as the smoother running.
@@daledavies2334 Its definately a good shout! I gather frontline do a similar swap on there cars? So it would appear to fit, perhaps a missed oppertunity on my behalf, however, I just had easy access to this engine and box from a freind and perhaps more a convenience and impulse by that decided the fate of this project👌
I deleted my brake servo as well. They really are pointless on a B
@@stuwhite2337 I'm glad I'm not the only one!
I know the brake boosters are all very old now so perhaps tired seals mean your pushing against them rather than with them? But they definately seem a pointless addition! Very happy to shave the weight :) thanks for the support Stu!
This is a great idea thus how you improve a classic British car by over 100% by fitting a reliable Japanese engine to it how many classic British cars have had Japanese engine swaps also l have seen even in Australia a lot of engine swapped British cars because the good Japanese engines are 1000 times more reliable than the original crappy British engines infact British engines are all crap have to reconditioned every 100000 miles 160000 kilometres were a good reliable Japanese engine can do at least 400000 500000 up to 1000000 miles there are many especially Toyota engines that have done over 1000000 miles and you can't deny that is reliability plus and the most important thing in any car is reliability and l practice what preach because l own a 1997 Toyota Hilux with the engine that is famous for its reliability the 22R engine at the time of purchase 5 years of my Hilux l didn't know about what l had bought probably the best vehicle ever made getting back to your engine swapped MGB an absolutely brilliant idea don't worry about what the MG fan boys say you tell them my MGB has an MX 5 engine and so much more reliable than your British engined MGB and reliability is the most important thing in any car and with modifications you have an MGB you can use daily and it will not break down and you did mention you will be using the MGB as a daily driver
Awesome video mx5 swap is gay tho 😂😂😂😂😂
Yeah! Best stick with that Corsa
B engine is 230lbs not kg.
@@octohumboldt5214 Do you mean the MX5 engine? They could roughly be 230lbs I suppose.
The B engines are most definately not 230lbs though, even the early workshop manuals state 400lbs (181Kg) for an engine. That could have been early cars as mine was a touch lighter and a 1976 car
@ MGB is 230lbs, MG V8 210lbs and MGC 526lbs. I have them in my garage and have had the engines out several times. I can lift an MGB engine by myself and I definitely can’t lift 200kg.