what is the best and cheapest way of getting more perforrnance from my mgb?

Question

what is involed in stage 2

Answer 1

If its the 'B' series engine - supercharge it, probably not the absolute cheapest method but the long stroke engines don't take to cam and head mods.

For stage 2, you will need to rebuild the bottom end with new bearings ( ends and mains), new oil pump and St2 cam, vernier timing gear and duplex chain assembly.

Although this is a five bearing engine its best to strap the mains using high tensile bolts.

Have the flywheel lightened and balanced and a new type diaphragm clutch instead of the old spring type.

Bores will have to be checked, any lip at the top of the bore will need attention preferably by re-boring and new hepolite pistons.

The head will need to be reworked for port matching and gas flow with additional valve seat inserts being fitted to use unleaded fuel.

Use composite head gaskets and ensure the rocker gear is in good condition, preferably using the solid arm rockers from the newer engines, if using the old pressed steel rockers have them welded along the top seam to prevent them splitting.

Ensure all pushrods are straight and the same length.

Use two SU HS8 carbs on a water heated manifold, DO NOT use the hot air pickup type air filters.

Use a Lucas 45D4 distributor with electronic pickup and decent leads.

Use a Pacet Gold fuel pump with pressure maintaining valve and tank return circuit to prevent fuel vaporisation in hot weather.

Fit an oil cooler AND thermostat if not already fitted, remove the old engine driven fan and fit Kenlowe or similar electric unit.

Use a free flow exhaust from either Janspeed or Peco.

Get the whole thing Dyno tuned once its run-in.

Answer 2

For huge and relatively cheap power gains, transplant in a Rover V8 from a junkyard. (Or the aluminum Buick/Olds/Pontiac 215 V8, which is the same thing.) The factory made a few B's that way so the parts to make this motor look like it came from the factory are out there.

If you want to keep the stock engine and want more horsepower, I'd go with headers and an aftermarket intake manifold / carb combination. And a better muffler.

If you'd prefer handling, I would start off with some good shocks like Konis and some good tires. Maybe add sway bars or performance springs depending on just what handling problems you find after that.

Answer 3

Only use it downhill.