Keith wrote: I've driven a Rover-engined MGB GT. It's the car that started me thinking about V8-powered ones. But I don't care much for the engine. The car I drove made a stupendous noise but I think a stock 1.6 Miata could have taken it in a straight line. Then the Miata would have slaughtered it under braking and cornering, and run off into the distance laughing. In the UK where the engines are more common and the SBC is only a legend, it makes sense. Over in North America, it's a difficult one to justify.
Don't know why, as the Rover V8 weighs less than teh stock MGB 4 cyl, at 318 lbs. Which means it's BARELY heavier than the Miata motor.
I've been contemplating this for my B, as well. The V8 woudl be fun, but an injected Miata engine would start and drive like a modern engine, and it'd have a nicer transmission. But weight and handling woudn't enter in my decision either way, as that part would be near identical.
Sorry, I'm not a big believer in drum brakes and lever arm shocks. In the case of the GT I was driving, both the braking and handling were less than exemplary. Weight is always a factor, but it's not the only factor.
