Unlike the black bumper MGB, the chrome bumper model requires a number
of modifications to the engine bay. Once these have been completed, the conversion
is continued as for a black bumper model.
If you
are using a pre SD1 Rover V8 engine i.e. P6 or P5 the front of the sump pan
will have to be modified to clear the front suspension cross member.
The
following modifications have to be made to the engine bay:
1.
Fit new chassis
rail engine mounts
2.
Modify steering
shaft
3.
Remove radiator
mounts and fit later type
4.
Cut away front
pan and strengthen
5.
Cut away bulkhead
6.
Resite brake light switch
7.
A dish is
required in the inner wing to clear the exhaust manifolds
Details of these modifications are given below.
After removing both front cross-member fixing bolts, the original 1800
chassis rail engine mountings should be cut away completely and the surface
cleaned up. The new chassis rail engine mounting for the steering side is
relieved to give clearance around the steering shaft. Both engine mount front
supports have to be formed around the front cross-member bosses. When the new
mountings are in place, access to the studs of the engine mounting rubbers is
very limited, so before the mounts are welded to the chassis rail a depression
should be made in the side of the chassis rail adjacent to the slot in the
mounting.
It is advisable to tack the mounts
and check the installation before finalising the welding.
The original steering shaft is fitted with a large universal joint at
the bulkhead. This obstructs the V8 exhaust manifold, so a special shaft and
pinion have to be fitted, with 2 smaller joints, one at the bulkhead and one at
the rack. The lower end of the column should be dropped in its brackets as far
as possible.
Because of the extra length of the V8 engine, the
original radiator mountings have to be removed and the later radiator mounting
plates welded in place.
The front pan has to be cut back to allow the V8 radiator to be fitted.
A section of steel U-channel is fitted into the front to strengthen the
structure. If the oil cooler is to be retained, it can be mounted in front.
This is best done when the cooling fans are fixed, as space is rather limited.
The bulkhead has to be cut back to give adequate clearance for the
Rover heads and also to assist in engine/gearbox fitting and removal.
The brake light switch mounted on the off-side inner wing is extremely
close to the V8 exhaust manifold, and should be resited.
A dish will have to be fabricated in the inner wings to clear the front
of the exhaust manifolds. This can be dressed back or a section could be cut
out and a flat or concave panel welded in place. On later chrome bumper and
rubber bumper vehicles a dish already exists however this will still need
increasing at lower edge.
Tel: 01689 858716 eMail: V8Conversions@mgbv8.co.uk