New Block needed.

tetlow · Post by **tetlow** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:10 am

I am in the middle of updating my gearbox on my B and have just got to the point where I should be avble to fit the new starter motor.

Oh Poo.

Guess what!!! To get the std B starter to fit onto the adapter plate the whole area around the original starter motor mounts was ground away. I now have a 3.5 block, LT77 box with no starter motor. I could park on a hill.

As I have put a lot of time and money into this motor and box I don't now want to do a frig.
The only part of the unit that is not been replaced is the block.

It would be a good time to replace it and maybe go larger than 3.5.

What do you guys recommend? I am hoping I could buy a block with some history so if anyone has a block that would do I would be very interested.

The kit I have is as follows. I would like to keep most of the new stuff I have bought to keep costs down but I would upgrade if recommended to.

Webber 500 carb, Dual Port JWR manifiold and Mr Gasket 2" filter.
Mallory twin Point dizzy with electronic module. (points removed)
SS Ceramic coated Tubular Block Hugger Exhaust manifolds going into a twin balanced system
New timing chain, sprockets, cam (std), lifters and rocker gear.
9.75:1 pistons
SD1 std heads
Hi volume oil pump

The block is from a 1970 RR.

I would appreciate any recommendations but I would like the motor to have not more than 200bhp and keep as much as possible of the equipment I already have .

Dave

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:44 am

Dave
What gearbox did you have before? I thought you always had an LT in there.

I have just helped with a V8 conversion on a RB GT. And there were no probs with the LT77 regarding the starter motor from what I can recall.

Are you saying the block has been cut so the starter motor bolted onto an old adaptor plate instead?

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 11:53 am

i have a complete 3.5 short engine in bits in my garage (except camshaft). Block has been chemically cleaned, bores are fine just need a hone. Rest needs cleaning etc.

Its only taking up room in my garage and I have no need for it now or the future, so make me an offer thats between 99p and £99 and its yours lol, but you gotta collect!

tetlow · Post by **tetlow** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:09 pm

I had the MGB std 4 sync box which was fitted to the block with a adaptor plate.
It uses a modified MGB flywheel to take a MGC clutch.
The starter motor was std MGB and fitted the adapter plate. To allow the motor to fit to the plate the side of the block with the starter mountings on was machined off.

I have fitted the LT77 to the block, all looks good except now there is nowhere to attach the new starter motor.

Hi Chodjinn, which part of the Outer Hebrides do you live in.

Dave

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:32 pm

you'll probably find that trying to use a standard starter motor with an RV8 and LT77 will cause clearance issues with the chassis like on mine. Think the way round is to loosely bolt the starter on, then jiggle everything around and use a rubber mallet. I have yet to endure those joys, but the time is coming close lol . . . that is with an SD1 type starter tho.

And I live in Liverpool, not too far from the Outer Hebrides hehe . . .

tetlow · Post by **tetlow** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:37 pm

I now have the RV8 flywheel, clutch and starter.
Pic of the block attached I hope

Can I do anything with this block?

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:42 pm

oh dear! Any chance you could tap it an make an adapter for the starter?

tetlow · Post by **tetlow** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 1:46 pm

I am taking the car to do a trip of the USA next year and want to make it bomb proof.
If I can't sort out something locally I might take you up on your offer.

We have friends in Birkenhead so I could get the boss to come too.
Regards
Dave

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:25 pm

you're more than welcome to Dave, just let me know via PM and I'll send you my details

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:36 pm

Ouch Dave!!
I dont know if I would want to mess around trying to repair that if I was taking the car across America. You should be able to get a courier to bring the block down from Liverpool for under a 100 quid. Dont sling your old block though. I can stick it the fiesta for next year. I dont care how it starts, it wont be road legal anyway. I can bolt some contraption up to get a starter drive in it somehow.

chodjinn · Post by **chodjinn** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 2:49 pm

when i sent the block to gav it was about £50 to courier it; that was for just the block on its own though as that alone was at the limit of the couriers weight IIRC (50kg?)

tetlow · Post by **tetlow** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 4:12 pm

When I get a another block the the old one's yours if you want it. Any MGB starter would fit, infact I may have a gold seal one that's free.
Dave

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 9:22 pm

Cheers Dave
I got my last full block sent by courier from the midlands for 80 quid 3 months ago.
It was a full assembly minus heads. It had to be put on a pallet though.

tetlow · Post by **tetlow** » Thu Jun 28, 2007 10:08 pm

Actually that's a dumb statement from me

You won't have the MGB flywheel so my starter will be

You could always park on a hill

Dave

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Fri Jun 29, 2007 6:37 pm

My flex plate is modified to bolt onto the Rv8 crank. It has been altered to take the Chevy torque converter, and has a standard RV8 ring gear fitted. Thats why I got the kit. You just bolt the standard starter back on (when you have something to bolt it to).
I'm really happy with the auto conversion as a whole. Very easy job to do.