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Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 11:36 pm
by JC.
I had a long conversation with Andy Frost the other day...
I'm going to be using a powerglide now... Can I reuse my TH350 mount with a 'glide or is it a different mount? :lol:

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 6:44 pm
by mgbv8
Same adapator plate Jon.
Chevy Th350 and the Chevy pattern glide are a straight swap, including the torque converter.

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 1:20 am
by JC.
Thanks, Perry.
I was refering to the eurothane rear mount though!!

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 8:42 am
by mgbv8
As I said, its a drop in replacement. The rear mount lines up exactly with the th350 mounting point.

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2007 11:35 am
by JC.
Thanks again! :)

I saw her yesterday for the first time. She looks lovely! 8)
I can already imagine her idling in the pits on open headers @ the pod. :)

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 8:34 pm
by mgbv8
Andy
I've just emailed some pics to you. I wont tell what I just called myself, but JC can probably guess the answer to this one.

If I wanted to take some pics of a TH350 modified to fit a RV8, why would I need to look under the bonnet of the car JC. Would there be a simpler way to get a pic of one of these in my garage???DOH!!

Posted: Fri Dec 07, 2007 11:52 pm
by JC.
Well, last time I was round your place, that spare TH350 you've got in the wrapper was burried pretty deep under a pile of miscelaneous household debris. (Thats the PC way of saying "utter utter shite"!!! :lol:)

So, depending on how deep your spare box is snowed in it might be easier to crawl under the MG for some photies!!! :D 8)

Posted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:06 pm
by andyv8van
Thanks perry,

yes the photos really help,ill be trying the engine and box back in the van on mon night,got a couple ofmates from our mini club coming to help lift it in,well guiding the van into the engine.lol

it might be okay without taking the top part off gearbox but if i need to i can do it.

flex plate is on its way from LA so will give it a clean up and then make if the converter brackets.

how long are the brackets welded to the flex plate perry,it gives my guess a bit of a nearly correct window....lol


Andy

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2007 7:19 pm
by mgbv8
Easiest way to make sure of the length of the adaptor spacers for the torque converter will be to bolt the flex plate on. Slip the torque conveter onto the input shaft. Bolt the box to the engine, then get it up in the air so you can make sure the coverter is fully home. Measure the distance between the flex plate and the converter lugs and DEDUCT 1/8 inch. This will be your final size for the flex plate to converter spacers and leaves you 1/8 inch expansion gap.

Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 8:07 pm
by andyv8van
Hi Perry
thanks for the measurement you have been a real help thanks.

well the engine and box is in....and witha bit of room to spare... :lol:

the engine ready to be lifted in.
Image


Andy :D

Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 9:21 pm
by mgbv8
Looking good mate!

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 8:42 pm
by mgbv8
Just a thought Andy!!

One problem you will have given the light weight of the Mini will be the 350 box upshifting in auto mode very early in the rev / power range.

What shifter kit are you using. For max performance on the strip you will need to fit a ratchet shifter so you can race by shifting manually to make the best of the engine.

I fitted the adjustable vacuum modulator to mine which helped a bit, but the box still upshifts in atuo mode way too early. I'm nowhere near the peak torque band before mine upshifts. So If I Want good performance I shift manually via the B&M while watching the shift light.

Just thought you might like to know this as it was a real niggle for me. My MGBGT is about 1200kg's all up and I bet your Mini is lighter than that mate.
Regards

Perry

Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2007 9:48 pm
by andyv8van
Hi perry,

yes its around 1000kg or so,bit more now new box.

i have a rachet shifter so,when i did drag it i did try it in both settings,ie drive or manually shifting.it took 1 sec of my time when i did it manually.

thanks for the info perry

Andy

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:10 pm
by mgbv8
Same as mine did Andy.
That taught a few non believers a lesson at the MG Club.
I improved further when I dyno'd the car and found my peak torque RPM.
I set my shift light at about 400 rpm above the peak torque at 5200 rpm.
On the upshift this drops her back to a few hundred rpm below and she quickly pulls away again.
What back axle are you running?
Perry

Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2007 6:41 pm
by chodjinn
Perry how is your MGB close to 1200kg?!?

They are about 940kg kerb weight (18.5 cwt).

The RV8 is about the same as the iron block B-series. Granted if you ahve beefed up brakes/suspension/rear axel it may be a bit more, but not much mate!

Mine is less than 900kg i think - absolutely no interior, light buckets, 1/2 front inner wings gone and fibreglass Sebring kit 8-)