70's MGB GT with a Duratec 2.3l or SA/FB RX7 with a Renesis?
Yeah I know, I haven't even started rebuilding this Daytona yet and I'm already thinking of other projects. Sue me. So what would it be for you? I love both cars lines, they are both strut/live axle RWD cars. Rotaries kinda scare me since I generally don't trust cars that use black magic to run.
Or just do as the Ortega girl asks.. Why not both?
MGBGT with Renesis and FB rx7 with Duratec.
MGB GT with Duratec. Because the Duratec won't be a gas-guzzling PITA, and no sports car should have drag-link steering.
EvanB wrote: MGBGT with Renesis and FB rx7 with Duratec V6.
FYP
RX7 with Renesis.
Would rather have a 427 with ITB's and the suspension and transmission to use in in the the Daytona for the same price.
alfadriver wrote:EvanB wrote: MGBGT with Renesis and FB rx7 with Duratec V6.FYP
That was my plan for my FB. I picked up the LS engine and transmission from Strike Zero, but damn that Duratec V6 is wide. If no one buys the car, it still might happen. Who knows.
And +1. I think the Duratec V6 in the FB would be perfect. Especially with just a little boost.
because pics:
SR20 MGB:
And I really want to do this visual treatment to mine except use a cream colored base color:
302 ford in an rx7 
MGBGT with whatever makes it go.
Swank Force One wrote: RX7 with Renesis.
^^ I'm with this guy here.
SyntheticBlinkerFluid wrote:Swank Force One wrote: RX7 with Renesis.^^ I'm with this guy here.
Same.
t25torx wrote: 70's MGB GT with a Duratec 2.3l or SA/FB RX7 with a Renesis? Yeah I know, I haven't even started rebuilding this Daytona yet and I'm already thinking of other projects. Sue me. So what would it be for you? I love both cars lines, they are both strut/live axle RWD cars. Rotaries kinda scare me since I generally don't trust cars that use black magic to run. Or just do as the Ortega girl asks.. Why not both?
Is the 2.3 coming from a Ranger (with trans)?
May need an intake from a Focus/Fusion to help fit, but can't remember the intake design on the ranger.
I am assuming that these purchases would be for fun and profit, not just fun.
Any lump that was not cast by MOWOG would make the MGB a better car. Especially if the 3 synchro gearbox goes away with it. The MGB suspension and brakes, IF in good shape are tolerable in today's traffic. So I cast my vote for this.
In my mind, the spinning triages have the same PR issue as the MOWOG lump. Regardless of what the reality may or may not be, the perception is that they are going fail. In 37 years of driving MGBs, never have they left me stranded, but the feeling that they were about to never leaves my mind. The spinning triangles have kept me from buying what I consider to be a heck of a nice car in the RX7.
Where the RX7 might have a slight advantage is that you might get a woman to actually sit in it. Who knows, possibly it will have AC and she might even go for a Sunday drive. Not a likely scenario with the MGB.
A Hot Rod RX7 might have resale value. The Hot Rod MGB not so much. The old guys who buy Brit cars want stock and the kids don't want them at any price. Course you only need one outlyer buyer to prove me wrong.
I'd take either the RX-7 or the MGB-GT with a 5.0 and a T-5. Simple, cheap and documented.
Or just put a 2.8 GM V6 in the MGB. I know, the 2.8 is a craptastic turd, the motor of choice for base model 3rd gen F-bodies and rusty S-10's. I'm pretty sure it got more than a couple of nominations in the "worst sounding motor" thread. So why would anyone want it in their MGB? Two reasons, as it was explained to me - 1) the conversion is practially drop-in, with no irreversible modifications to the MGB, and 2) even with a carb and mild tune you still end up with more HP than the MGB's the factory ran at Le Mans. Add to that the fact that a 2.8/T5 combo can be sourced for about the current going price of a working overdrive trans, and you are well on your way to a real daily drivable MGB.
Yeah, a 302/t5 is still a really nice swap in about anything.
SEADave wrote: Or just put a 2.8 GM V6 in the MGB. I know, the 2.8 is a craptastic turd, the motor of choice for base model 3rd gen F-bodies and rusty S-10's. I'm pretty sure it got more than a couple of nominations in the "worst sounding motor" thread. So why would anyone want it in their MGB? Two reasons, as it was explained to me - 1) the conversion is practially drop-in, with no irreversible modifications to the MGB, and 2) even with a carb and mild tune you still end up with more HP than the MGB's the factory ran at Le Mans. Add to that the fact that a 2.8/T5 combo can be sourced for about the current going price of a working overdrive trans, and you are well on your way to a real daily drivable MGB.
That is exactly what a friend did with his MGBGT. His has MS/EFI, though. It is also his daily driver most days. Yes, it's not a lot of HP, but a BGT doesn't weigh much.
In reply to NOHOME:
Thanks for that nice explanation, pretty much exactly the feedback I wanted. It would probably be for fun, with maybe the added benefit of it helping resale down the road.
I was purposely staying away from V8's for the fuel efficiency benefits of the small motors. I know the Renesis is not known for being a miser with fuel consumption, but in a lighter package I would think that returning low 30's highway with low 20's in town wouldn't be too hard. Or maybe I'm just dreaming there.
SA RX7 with what ever under the hood. I love my early 79 GS.
G. P. Snorklewacker wrote: MGBGT with whatever makes it go.
Second vote for this, because pretty.
mazdeuce wrote:G. P. Snorklewacker wrote: MGBGT with whatever makes it go.Second vote for this, because pretty.
Only reason I have not sent mine to the crusher is cause she IS good looking.
To those that want a V8 in an MGB, you really have to experience the heat in the cabin before you go that way. There is nowhere for the heat to go and the tub becomes an extension of the block and by default, so do the occupants.
t25torx wrote: In reply to NOHOME: Thanks for that nice explanation, pretty much exactly the feedback I wanted. It would probably be for fun, with maybe the added benefit of it helping resale down the road. I was purposely staying away from V8's for the fuel efficiency benefits of the small motors. I know the Renesis is not known for being a miser with fuel consumption, but in a lighter package I would think that returning low 30's highway with low 20's in town wouldn't be too hard. Or maybe I'm just dreaming there.
That's definitely a dream. The RX-8 is only 3000lbs. Dropping 500lbs. won't make the gas hog renesis suddenly turn into a Honda 4 cylinder.
I'd vote mgb, but I can't stand the gt version. I'm actually sort of looking for a clean roller.
The duratec four banger would be fun with a close ratio five spred and 3.90 gears.
What kind of grm challenge budget handling and brake upgrades are out there?
I think the rx7 would be a financially ruinous path. See a lot of nice swapped ones for little money, and driven a couple v8 ones. Just don't seem to get the same caliber of buyers for them.
Another vote for mgb gt with 5.0/t-5. 
Dusterbd13 wrote: I'd vote mgb, but I can't stand the gt version. I'm actually sort of looking for a clean roller. The duratec four banger would be fun with a close ratio five spred and 3.90 gears. What kind of grm challenge budget handling and brake upgrades are out there? I think the rx7 would be a financially ruinous path. See a lot of nice swapped ones for little money, and driven a couple v8 ones. Just don't seem to get the same caliber of buyers for them.
The deal with the MGB is that IF the stock suspension is in good shape, there is not much point in trying to improve it. Sure you can stiffen it up for track duty, but it is actually quite good from the factory.
The bad news here is that they are old cars. Doing a complete front end refurb (kingpins, bushings,shocks bearings and brakes) is going to eat $1000. And you still have the back end to do.)
If you want to go hardcore, there are some expensive (5k an end) suspensions out there. Pictured is the Fastcars front suspension with the optional rover v8
Or you can do what I am doing with the Molvo and drop an MGB shell over a $500 running Miata. Wheelbases are close enough. Just don't see the point when the Miata was a better car and a convertible already.
EDIT. Just noticed that is the Ford 302, not the Rover.
You'll need to log in to post.
