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V8 Conversions

190 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2012 at 6:43 AM

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What is this discussion about? Convertible, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 15 of 19

#141 of 190 Re: [Mr_Shiftright] by jim_blackwood

Apr 22, 2006 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Apr 22, 2006 9:50 am)
I think you miss the point, or perhaps it's just that your perspective is so different. The list of things that made the MGB such a popular car were led by handling and fun. Changing to the V8 doesn't diminish either one, in fact it increases them. The engine is actually a bit lighter so it doesn't hurt the handling at all, in fact it doesn't have any effect whatsoever. And most people that I know of don't actually prefer the exhaust note of a 4 cylinder engine over the sound of a v-8 engine. So I'm having a real problem understanding your objection here.
 
If it's the power, well the MGB always was a little underpowered, no getting around that. It never did have enough to get throttle induced oversteer under most conditions and so was lacking in handling there. And I suppose a mere 50% increase in power by going from the 100 or so horses from the 4 to the 150 or so horses from the 8 could be described as a marginal increase but then it truely makes me wonder what you would consider more suitable.
 
Actually your comments tend to persuade me that you have never actually driven a V8-MGB at all but are simply regurgitating some old negative press disdainfully presented on behalf of the old Triumph faction. Or if you did, perhaps it was such an old and tired example as to be scarcely capable of rolling out of the driveway, because I can tell you from experience that even a very mild 215 with under 7:1 compression is a joy to drive compared to the 1800, due in large part to the exceedingly wide powerband.
 
But a Cobra? BAH! What on earth do the two cars have in common that you would be cheeky enough to suggest I might like one of those better than an MGB? Clueless, I'd say.
 
Jim

#142 of 190 Re: [jim_blackwood] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 22, 2006 (8:13 pm)

Replying to: jim_blackwood (Apr 22, 2006 8:06 pm)
By all means, we should all drive what we like.

#143 of 190 Every once in awhile... by andre1969

Apr 24, 2006 (7:48 am)

I'll see a 70's Dodge Colt 2-door hardtop show up at the various Carlisle shows. It's one of the older RWD models, and is sporting a 440 in the engine bay!
 
I'd be curious to see how something like that performs and handles.

#144 of 190 Re: Every once in awhile... [andre1969] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 24, 2006 (10:13 am)

Replying to: andre1969 (Apr 24, 2006 7:48 am)
Probably a lot of push in turns and hard work to drive around town. With a tricked out suspension and good brakes and decently quiet exhaust, it might make a decent straight line highway car. I would imagine you wouldn't nail the gas pedal on a turn or you might forfeit your life.

#145 of 190 Colts by turboshadow

May 16, 2006 (8:36 am)

Ronnie Sox had a hemi powered Colt pro-stock in the mid seventies. He abandonded it because with the short wheelbase, the handling was horrible and the car was quite skittish.
 
Anyone remember the pro-stock 4 door Mavericks from the mid seventies?

#146 of 190 remember when ..... by reallandyacht

Jul 10, 2006 (5:40 am)

the thing was to put a Dana rear end into a Chevy?
 
.... or those little cars (sort of like a Citation) that used to be modified with a 350?
 
Isn't there a BIG car show in Pa. next week?
... and a cruise, too?

#147 of 190 There is a car show... by andre1969

Jul 10, 2006 (5:58 am)

in Macungie, PA the weekend of August 5. I had intended to put a car in, but I just checked the registration sheet and missed the deadline, which was July 1. Dangit. Well, I'll keep it in mind for next year.

#148 of 190 v8 conversion by chicos48

Apr 22, 2007 (10:19 pm)

I have a 48 chrysler windsor and am wanting to change the factory 6 cylinder/6 volt to a 8 cyclender/12 volt but keep the original gages is this possible if so what do I need to do thanks

#149 of 190 Re: v8 conversion [chicos48] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 23, 2007 (7:38 am)

Replying to: chicos48 (Apr 22, 2007 10:19 pm)
You mean change over to a Chrysler straight-8 from a Saratoga or New Yorker of the same year, or to a modern V8 engine?
 
If it's a modern V8, the best thing to do is buy a plastic full-size dummy of the engine you wish to use. This allows you to figure out your clearances and motor mounts and exhaust/manifold paths and radiator clearances and cooling. Once the dummy engine has been properly located, you can worry about the transmission mounting and clearances and floor tunnel cutting, probably using a gutted transmission case. Then you've have to fabricate a driveshaft. Depending on the power of this V8, you may need to completely change your differential, but maybe not.
 
As for the gauges, simple resistors should protect them but I'm not sure how you'll get the speedometer to work. That's going to take some research.
 
You're in for a big job.

#150 of 190 fuel trouble by doty805

Apr 24, 2007 (8:34 pm)

My name is Carlin Doty and I am 16. I own a 1960 Chrysler windsor four door sedan with a 383 big block V8. I have been having problems with getting enough fuel to the carbuerator. I have replaced the fuel pump recently so I am wondering if I should bipass the old metal fuel line that goes to the gas tank in case it is blocked and install a rubber one.

Messages Page 15 of 19

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