MGA 1500/1600 Engine Swap/Fun Build | FerrariChat
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MGA 1500/1600 Engine Swap/Fun Build

Discussion in 'British' started by 19633500GT, Feb 19, 2017.

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  1. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
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    Nov 9, 2010
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    Muffin-Tops
    #1 19633500GT, Feb 19, 2017
    Hey guys, I'm in the first stage of planning for this project and would love some opinions or expertise, especially if anyone has gone through a build like this.

    Here are my plans.
    -I'm obsessed with MGA's but their downfall to me is inability to keep up (well) with modern traffic, brake fade, and overall, just a bit to slow....

    I am going to build one for fun. And so far, this is my outline

    MGA Roadster shell

    -Miata pre-2001 block, gearbox, with a medium psi turbo

    Stock appearance interior (I'd like a subtle CNC'd gated pattern if I can build it)
    Stock appearance exterior (I want a patina' car though, it'll be sanded and clear coated, no fancy paint)
    Better brakes
    Slightly larger exhaust
    Wire or cast wheels (unsure yet)
    I never run a top, so it'll always be in roaster form
    Sebring racing screen
    Hidden FMIC
    Lower valance up front

    That's about it for now

    Anyone built something like this? My goals 200 or so streetable HP ina gorgeous curvy car like these A's
     
  2. eastwest7

    eastwest7 Karting

    Oct 1, 2014
    119
    roseville,ca
    #2 eastwest7, Feb 20, 2017
    Get r done!!!!
     
  3. afwrench

    afwrench Formula Junior

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    Mike
    #3 afwrench, Feb 21, 2017
    Do some frame bracing. Don't want to twist it into a pretzel.Good luck,sounds like fun. Mike
     
  4. JCR

    JCR F1 World Champ
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    Mar 14, 2005
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    #4 JCR, Feb 21, 2017
  5. GT4 Joe

    GT4 Joe Formula Junior

    Oct 19, 2010
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    Joe Williams
    #5 GT4 Joe, Feb 22, 2017
    The MGA frame is plenty strong.
    If you put a jap motor in it, it is no longer an MGA.
    The B series block can be made to make plenty of HP. Google Prather Racing.
    A stock MGA can keep up with traffic no prop, even if a little dull.
    Always more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.
     
  6. 19633500GT

    19633500GT F1 World Champ
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    #6 19633500GT, Feb 22, 2017
    All good comments. Thanks guys

    As to not having a traditional MGA. I'm ok with that.

    Through my short live I've realized what I like and don't like. And a buy what you love attitude.

    Well now I want to build what I love.

    I love cool little cars that scoot. I don't care about it being correct, I just imagine hugging curves here in CT shifting up through the boost, the whoosh of a bov, I think it would be a riot.
     
  7. afwrench

    afwrench Formula Junior

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    #7 afwrench, Feb 22, 2017
    Good for you. Do what makes you happy. Life is too short.Good luck,Mike
     
  8. steveintoronto

    steveintoronto Formula Junior

    Mar 24, 2007
    256
    #8 steveintoronto, Mar 1, 2017
    Nothing wrong with an engine swap, but for the record, my MGA 1600 keeps up with traffic without difficulty. We do tend to stay in the right lane on the highway for the most part, but she has the power to pull out and pass if we desire.

    Much more fun on the back roads, however.
     
  9. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
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    #9 dm_n_stuff, Mar 1, 2017
    Shoot a PM to JoeZaff here. He did a very similar project, maybe 2 or 3, with MGB's, as I recall.

    Probably can save you considerable time and effort on some of the tricky stuff.

    D
     

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