Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal

Updates

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 09:03:55 -0600

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

After about a year's worth of work, here is where I am at. I got the car roadworthy in July of 2015. I drove it through the summer and then did some modifying. This winter, I have changed the rear end to a [url=http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?40,3195453] 3.31 gear set [/url], replaced the thrust washers in the diff, changed out all the bearings, and added [url=http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/read.php?40,3204645] anti-tramp bars [/url]. So far, I have been able to test the car on the road briefly because of the unusually warm weather we have been having. The new improvements have changed the characteristics of the car a ton. The gear set makes starting from a stop much easier, as well as drops the overdrive RPMs to a pleasing level. The traction bars have made starting from a stop and going up hills much nicer as well, because the axle does not twist when torque is applied.

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Posted 2016-02-29 09:03:55 by Alec Stuckey

Wiring

Mon, 25 May 2015 16:43:41 -0500

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

I received the graft in portion of the BMC harness a few days ago. I have been working on the entire vehicle wiring to delete any unnecessary wires in order to alleviate any confusion down the road. The seatbelt 'electrical fire' warning system has been completely removed along with a few other unused wires, such as those for the GT rear window defroster. I am about half way through the vehicle wiring. I have to rerun all the speaker wires because there was previously an amplifier in the trunk, which I will not be using. All of my wires are soldered together or soldered to quick connectors. I am using some of the best shrink-wrap ever; it creates a nice seal at both ends. I should be receiving the rest of the harness (the engine part) soon. Brian did not have any in stock so he sent me the first half so I could get started. I mounted the new relay box where the old fuse box and relay went. I was able to mount the old fuse box below in the body of the engine bay. After I get everything wired, I will wrap it up with new, blue wire wrap from moss. I ordered a radiator and I have my fuel setup at home, ready to install. Getting close!

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Posted 2015-05-25 16:43:41 by Alec Stuckey

In With The New

Tue, 19 May 2015 21:36:06 -0500

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

Its been a while since I've posted. I have been busy getting the engine in place. After modifying the firewall in order to install the engine, I found that I needed to move the gas pedal. This actually was pretty easy; I made a small bracket and used the bolt that is in front of the old throttle linkage on the firewall (I think it was for the fuel cutoff switch) to secure the new gas pedal setup. I also installed the throttle body, alternator and belt, oil pressure sender (I had to use the hose from the 1800 engine to get the sensor to a good location - it wouldn't fit with Bill Guzman's engine mount), and more. I welded in O2 sensor bungs onto the lower part of each manifold, which worked quite well. I have my dashboard all wired up and ready to install. I am working on wiring next. I received the wiring harness from BMC the other day so now it is time to remove all unnecessary wires and clean everything up. I was going back and forth on the wiring harness from Brian because it is so expensive but now, I am glad I did it. After reading some of the issues with the manually installed Camaro wiring, I am glad that I have this system. Everything is laid out in a concise and intelligent manner with labels and instructions. I plan to create a quality setup that has no leftover wires. I also need to rewire the speaker system... the car came with an amplified 1200 watt system with an oversized subwoofer in the back. While the previous owner did a wonderful job implementing the entire system into the car, I am not overly interested in an overpowered sound system in an MGB. I plan to sell the complete system (minus the regular speakers) in the near future. I bought a new head unit from Crutchfield the other day so I will be able to wire that in seamlessly. All thats left after wiring is fuel (which I bought an in tank pump for), minor hood modification to accommodate the throttle body, radiator (which I am undecided on), and air filter.

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Posted 2015-05-19 21:36:06 by Alec Stuckey

Out With The Old

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 09:51:51 -0500

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

The engine is out and it is time to start on bodywork: removing the welded engine mounts and creating space for the exhaust manifold. After a little struggle with removing freeze plugs, the new engine is de-gunked and the new water pump is on. I am also going to prime and paint the exhaust manifolds with some high temp paint I picked up before I install them. Any takers on an overdrive transmission?

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Posted 2015-04-07 09:51:51 by Alec Stuckey

A Bit Of Progress

Mon, 30 Mar 2015 18:45:28 -0500

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

I've made some progress... I cleaned up the valve covers, painted the engine block and the manifold. Using a dermal, I shaved the paint off of the '3.4 SFI' logo and used a sanding wheel to get it nice an polished. Next will be the alternator and ignition coil brackets. I also have to get the water passages cleaned out. Luckily, the brownish gunk looks more like 4 year old coolant instead of rust, but I am sure I will find a bit of both in the block.

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Posted 2015-03-30 18:45:28 by Alec Stuckey

3.4 L32 Engine Work And New Gauges!

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 15:51:04 -0600

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

Just a smidgen of progress... I took the oil pan off, cleaned it, inspected the internals, painted the pan and put it back on. I will do the same with the intake manifold in the near future. I plan on ordering some parts from BMC Autos soon! In the meantime, I got my new, custom Speedhut gauges today. I will get to work on installation in the next few days.

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Posted 2015-03-06 15:51:04 by Alec Stuckey

First Post: Bought It

Thu, 26 Feb 2015 21:52:53 -0600

Alec Stuckey's MGB V6 Conversion Journal --

I bought my car (my second MGB ) in the beginning of this February, 2015 in Maryland. Had it shipped up on a car hauler, washed it off VERY WELL (It arrived in a snow storm here in Maine), and threw some clean car towels over it for a week or two. I located and purchased a 3.4l SFI GM engine that I am currently working on cleaning up. The car body is in great condition and I hope to do very little work to the car other than the engine conversion. I do know that their are some wiring issues, however, those will be solved at a later date. I also ordered some Speedhut gauges that are taking their time at the factory. Hoping to have the car on the road by mid April. I will get everything essential done to get it on the road and do finer details such as rear diff 3.31 conversion later down the road.

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Posted 2015-02-26 21:52:53 by Alec Stuckey