Rover V8 into Sprite/MG Midget

Post any info regarding parts for conversion and swaps.
and any posts regarding swaps help.

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Flying Phil
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Post by Flying Phil »

The engine and gearbox are installed over the front cross member. On the 1500 chassis this has a lowered centre section to clear the lower front pulley from the longer triumph 1500 engine. This actually makes the installation easier. Image
The 1500 chassis also features reinforcement front and rear to suit US crash testing of the "rubber bumpered" cars.
The 4 speed Rover manual gear box is used as it is smaller than the 5 speed. Also the remote gearchange has been cut off and the gear stick goes direct onto the ends of the selector rods.


Flying Phil

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Post by Flying Phil »

The engine mounts onto brackets welded onto the lower box section of the chassis, with bolt in quarter inch thick 3" wide sleel plates and standard rubber engine mounts.
I now have the Quad Weber 36 IDF 44 (Ex Alfasud/Sprint Ti) downdraught carb set upon a fabricated manifold. (I have also used the twin standard SU and for racing a twin 34 DCD Weber set up)Image
Flying Phil

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Post by Flying Phil »

The frogeye fibre glass bonnet from my original "modified"" Muscle Sprout" JM26 and Comp Altered "Muscle Sprout"JCA 4, DCA 4 was used with a section from an L88 corvette style hood scoop. It is hinged at the front. At the back, the rear fibre glass wings were bonded in place around the opening boot. The Roll cage is welded in place, braced to the scuttle and to the rear boot rubber bumper mounting rails.Image
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Post by Flying Phil »

The car as it is today with a second bonnet (Larger hood scoop to clear the 6" ram pipes!) It also has the stripped doors which I used for the RWYB. Normally I use the standard Spridget ones with the wind up windows.Image
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Post by Flying Phil »

Just a quick update as I ran the car at Santa Pod RWYB (Oct2nd). I decided to change the Quad Webers for the old Aluminium Hi Rise manifold with the twin 38 DGAS Webers that I ran on my old Pro Rover MGBGT. I have not reconnected the Nitrous jets as I doubt the Ford Anglia Axle would take much more power!
The car ran a 14.25 @99mph so I was pleased.
It had previously run a 14.88 @87 and 15.1 @96 at the SCR Nostalgia Nationals/Rover Racers Reunion.[imgImage][/img]
Flying Phil

mgbv8
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Post by mgbv8 »

Some good numbers there Phil :)

I was there as well. I wish I had known the Sprout was on site. I would have come for a chat ...

I wasnt with my MGB. I was ragging the old Fiat turbo front wheel drive. Best I could get was 14.0 with 101mph... And that was with an 50 shot of gas + a real smoky clutch :)

I'll be back out next year with the MGB. Will you be able to make the Retro Show with the Sprout?
The Sprout and the B were part of me deciding to go for a 1/4 mile record with my own MG ;)

Regards
Perry

Perry Stephenson

MGB GT + Rover V8

9.62 @ 137.37mph

Now looking for 8 seconds with a SBC engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVscbPHgue0&list=UUqIlXfSAoiZ--GyG4tfRrjw



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3avnsNKrc&index=2&list=FLqIlXfSAoiZ--GyG4tfRrjw

Flying Phil
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Post by Flying Phil »

Hi Perry
It was a shame that we didn't meet - I was looking for the BGT but MG's were scarce! But I think you were only there on Saturday and I was only there on Sunday. I hopefully will be going to the Retro Show but don't know the date yet? I don't know whether to put the Super Sprite back into road trim or keep it "race ready"?
Flying Phil

mgbv8
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Post by mgbv8 »

Keep it race ready Phil!!
Spend a year making it as quick as possible on track, and then put it on the road ??

Perry Stephenson

MGB GT + Rover V8

9.62 @ 137.37mph

Now looking for 8 seconds with a SBC engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVscbPHgue0&list=UUqIlXfSAoiZ--GyG4tfRrjw



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3avnsNKrc&index=2&list=FLqIlXfSAoiZ--GyG4tfRrjw

Flying Phil
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Post by Flying Phil »

Hi Perry
Don't tempt me!! I went through this back in 1988 and ended up starting again and building the BGT! The problem with really racing the Sprite is that to be serious I need to have a bigger narrower back axle and stronger gearbox - so a serious rebuild and moving much further away from street.
But if I could find the BGT (if it still exists?????) I would offer to buy it back in a flash............
Flying Phil

kev_the_mole
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Post by kev_the_mole »

But if I could find the BGT (if it still exists?????) I would offer to buy it back in a flash............
What would Mrs. Phlying Phil say :lol:
Image


It's an engine Jim.....but not as we know it ;)

kev_the_mole
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Post by kev_the_mole »

Here's Flying Phil cutting his lonely furrow

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....and stuffing the Escort in the right hand lane :D
Image


It's an engine Jim.....but not as we know it ;)

Flying Phil
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Post by Flying Phil »

kev_the_mole wrote:
But if I could find the BGT (if it still exists?????) I would offer to buy it back in a flash............
What would Mrs. Phlying Phil say :lol:

Ahhh! Ummmm - I would have to introduce the concept very gradually - with pairs of shoes and exotic holidays - and selling off a car or two!!
Flying Phil

mgbv8
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Post by mgbv8 »

Front wheels almost off the gorund!!
Torque roll for most of the track !!


Go for it Phil!!
Stick a stock MGB V8 rear axle in there :)
Stick some bigger rubber on the back :)

8) 8) 8)

Perry Stephenson

MGB GT + Rover V8

9.62 @ 137.37mph

Now looking for 8 seconds with a SBC engine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVscbPHgue0&list=UUqIlXfSAoiZ--GyG4tfRrjw



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eg3avnsNKrc&index=2&list=FLqIlXfSAoiZ--GyG4tfRrjw

kiwicar
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Post by kiwicar »

Supercharge it! :chase
Oops there I go again :lol:
Best regards
Mike
poppet valves rule!

Flying Phil
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Post by Flying Phil »

Hi Perry and Mike
- I shall have to stop posting on this forum if you keep giving such evil advice!! :lol:
Flying Phil

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