BUDGET RACE CAR: Turbo SRT4 RWD '73 MG Midget [EP1]

[@andyk3950]

I like the direction the channel is taking. Watching all the Deboss Garage crew get some screen time is refreshing. Keep up the great uploads! -A

[@markhall7646]

"Gimme another two inches and I can do it." "That's what she said." lol

[@bulldozer7656]

Excellent idea for the MG, keep us updated. It will be worth it in the end. No one will have the same setup. Great job.

[@EvanMoon]

I am glad that you have as much care about PT cruisers as I have, none

[@SadPuppySoup]

Love them midgets, I had a '74 with double carbs, header and mild cam (work was done before I got it) all my friends laughed at me a 6' tall long haired hippie screaming down the road with my hair just flowing behind me in this tiny car. I now own 98 neon and 3 dohc turbo engines and one srt4 turbo yet to be built, can't wait to see my two favorite small cars come together in your build.

[@johnwarren4217]

KZbin knows me well recommending this video, love deboss garage diyness

[@angusandleigh]

...I have a '61 Midget in the garage that I've owned since the late '80s...bought it out of a bush just south of Waterford ON...had a 948cc...ended up installing a '74 1275cc instead....plugged up the air injection ports and set it up like the 948 (no emissions junk). Other than the engine, I swapped out the original axle and rear suspension for '65 bits and pieces...and did a disc brake conversion also from a '65 (if I remember right)....that car was one of the most reliable car I've owned (besides my new stuff)...still has all the Lucas (original) electrics....was my daily for years, except the winters of course....drove it to work in Stoney Creek for five years (an hour and a bit drive each way). Love that little car, not super fast, but very fun in the twisties....that thing you have is going to be something interesting. What you're doing is what I was planning to do to mine (widened the front and rear with independent in the rear)...but I never really had the time...that and the MK1's aren't as common as the later Midgets.

[@juanf4739]

Great combo of parts I always wanted to build a SRT for a RWD application and this make sense. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@N.I.R.A.T.I.A.S.]

"It's a project, right? Everybody needs like thirteen of them." That was the moment I clicked the like button.

[@oto169]

Great video. I didn't know you had your own shop with so much potential. Looks like Rich may have some competition or a build off coming up.

[@billygreenhorn9275]

I like how everything has a percentage factor on it ..."90% sure? I donno" Great vid man...lookin forward to it !

[@dumpsterstu4474]

ICF houses are super nice. Love how they keep warm they come insulated.

[@nikitanadein]

Throw out the balance shafts and pan situation will be THAT much easier. It will also slightly improve oiling since you block passage for balance shaft bearings. And those things are heavy, throttle responce will be noticeably sharper.

[@Projectblackkjack]

thanks for the info!

[@njinthemj52]

Have you ever ran a 4 cylinder without the balance shafts? Just wondering, because I haven't, but I can't imagine it would run very well. Would also likely reduce longevity greatly. I had a non turbo 2.4 with solid motor mounts in a PT... It vibrated my mirrors to the point I could hardly focus on anything, with the balance shafts and perfect maintenance. 4 cylinders are naturally unbalanced.

[@Projectblackkjack]

Ive been reading about them and it looks like the pros are far better then the cons, like having one less thing to fail and blow the motor

[@nikitanadein]

I also have a non turbo 2.4 in a donor car that i plan swapping into my gaz 24. Donor is later model built on same chassis and factory had to make new lowered cross member and delete part of hood reinforsment over the intake because balance shafts make this motors crazy high. Yes stock 2.4 is really smooth for a 4banger this big, but stock motor in my car is 2.5 pushrod 4cyl and it shakes only at idle. Another one was dohc 2.3 and it doesnt noticeably vibrate at all. Both doesnt have balance shafts. So i plan to delete shafts on 2.4 to make it sit lower and send it. From what i read it shall affect only idle and very top rpm.

[@bobroberts2371]

There are not many choices for oil pans. The Wrangler / Liberty might offer a shorter solution but I doubt it. If you move from a PT oil pan you must change the oil pump. Jeep and minivans have the filter on the oil pump where as the PT has the filter on the pan. I'd look really hard at a home made dry sump. Use a hydraulic pump as a single stage scavenge and stock oil pump for pressure. Also, leave he balance shaft in unless this is a full race car. With so little vehicle mass to absorb vibration, this might not be so fun to drive without balance shafts.

[@mattruth778]

This is my favorite build yet guys love it anyone thats had an mg has alwys thought of this kind of build

[@Projectblackkjack]

Thanks man

[@nathanielbarbeau4821]

Awesome build!! My Greatest memories growing up include SRT4 shenanigans.

[@damonhallsworth1948]

Nice too see an appreciation for our cars over there. Not muscle power but hell you can rag em and have serious fun.

[@user-ct2vt1wt3p]

Love your build! Have fun! I like when people actually work on their own stuff and thrash on it!

[@pocketdimes1048]

My dad had a red 1971 MG Midget when I was in high school. Looked nearly identical to this one. I remember having to push start that fucking thing every morning because of the shitty charging system. Man, I loved that car.

[@figifister]

Make the pan wider like you said and flatter. That's my vote. You could also put in an oil blocking plate around the pick up tube to help alleviate oil starvation.

[@jasonstrout4502]

Dude this lil car is going to be a tire smoking ANIMAL!!! Can't wait to see it ripping around.

[@figifister]

It's started! I'm excited!

[@royshirley2747]

Stefan needs to have his own videos he's got some good projects. You guys are becoming my new favorite show on KZbin. Keep up the positive attitude and great work y'all .

[@funtdrv]

You are likely way past this, but if you haven't found an oil pan solution, get the pan and oil pump from the Liberty. The pump housing has the filter portion integral to it, and the pan is meant for this type of application. Swap all of the guts of the PT turbo oil pump into the Liberty's pump body for maximum pump volume.

[@markwood2389]

It helps when ya have a Friend like Rich that can build a poll barn build a Cummins build a house build a shops build a awesome bbq pit with the rock work thats awesome..Lol..I can see you are learning from Rich..The Deboss guarage Family is Friendly for all to learn and for good clean good times..Keep up the videos,GOD Bless You Stefan & the Deboss Family!

[@bgdwiepp]

this car is going to be nuts, everything you suggested to put on there is way huge! Not the way I wouldn't done it, but hey, the world would be a boring place if everyone did everything the same way.

[@hotrodderrecycler3202]

Gasser racer build. Making a full frame. Cut the front clip behind the wheel well opening and stretch the front. Wheel opening in front can be moved to where needed. Steering cross arm between the motor and radiator. Stretched so the engine trans moves forward till the shifter in a better location. Gasser front suspension would allow the engine and trans to mount little lower. Making floor foot room. Could of cut the body end to end and made it wider by a foot. Sorted out the windshield later. Also note that a gasser front leaf spring set up would later lend to an easy 4x4 conversion.

[@djyjrlz]

so excited for this series

[@mrgearheadfromhell]

While I can't offer a part, I can say you will need a windage tray. Using a wider oil pan to maintain capacity works, however when cornering the oil climbs up the pan.

[@Projectblackkjack]

thanks man, I plan on making a custom pan with windage tray and baffles to keep the oil around the pick up

[@LLJKotaru]

My kind of swap, you guys are fun as snot to watch and if you ever make your way down to Texas for what ever reason I'll happy take you out for some beers!

[@theejoeylee]

Got a 8.8 in my 2wd ranger, that B been takin rev n dumps it's whole life just about

[@andrewwilson8317]

There is a rather lairy midget that races on the local hill climb track. Looks pretty cool but goes like hell- it has a turbo charged Suzuki Hyabusa engine fitted! Over 350 horses and crazy rev limit. Goes like no midget you have ever heard or seen!

[@nou8257]

Just thinking of the sound of that thing revving up would be cool

[@Jack-tx2ve]

Always undo the hard stud or bolt first. If you have trouble getting access to a bolt etc target that one first. You can even put bolts back in around the one you cannot get out just to relieve the tension on it.

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

Someone get some decent Tool's to him, so we can see more cool build's.

[@CrookCountySoftwear]

If he pays shipping i will send all my plug in tools as i only use battery tools now days.

[@ShizaP]

Crazy man crazy. I love this build's concept; it's truly amazing. This is out of the box for sure. Everything is weird about it, but tasteful. 👍👍👍

[@mikestefano7198]

You guys are my favorite Canadians!

[@cmsracing]

Great build, looking forward to the rest of it!

[@Skwisgar2322]

OMG I love this build. I have loved Midgets for years, I have even owned 3 but never got any actually on the road. Alas I am a bit on the heavy side (ok ALOT on the heavy side) to fit behind the wheel. This is just the kind of swap I have always wanted to do on one of these.

[@MrKaizerWEM]

That man is my spirit animal.

[@TheTyrial86]

When you popped the hood on your running MG. I was thinking that the motor wasn't big enough. Seriously, this build is pretty sweet.

[@tleuven]

"I just want to get the minimal cutting." Continues by basically cutting the car in half, hahaha! Love the project, keep it up!

[@nathanielrittenhouse9965]

A Nissan sr20 turbo would kill in that tiny car. Awesome project

[@Projectblackkjack]

i really consider putting one in, but i can get lots of srts from nothing

[@dixoncider7882]

Awesome swap ! Would love to see more of this conversion

[@TheTontomtoofat]

This is going to be GREAT!

[@brandoncox5790]

Can't wait to see more of this build

[@GOOBER_MODZ]

Nice JCB Loadall, that old 508C is a tank! Im a District Support Manager for them here in the states. Let me know if you need help with part numbers or schematics.

[@DEBOSSGARAGE]

We appreciate that! This is why we love making videos, being able to help each other.

[@WBOS72]

Excellent vid Stefan. Keep them coming.

[@a89proof]

This will be a riot to drive with no engine modifications necessary. I wouldn't worry about changing turbos, injectors, or ecu tune, leastwise not until it's on the road and otherwise sorted. Even the non-turbo 2.4 / 5 speed was reasonably responsive in a ~3250 pound car, so a stock turbo 2.4 in something closer to 2000 pounds shouldn't disappoint. People are being overly critical of this engine choice, but aside from head gaskets and timing belts, they've been pretty reliable, and in many places they're cheap and abundant. Another junkyard option people often overlook is the Ecotec 2.4

[@stump426]

sweet. I'll be following this very closely.

[@TheGreenmeeny]

Looking forward to this build, always wanted to do one of these with a modern twincam and independent suspension all round.

[@Vendettanjm]

Great editing in this one!

[@tacticalrepair]

Stefan, these engines were bad for blowing headgaskets with the stock turbo. If you put a larger turbo on it, you will have a problem child. If you ever drove a good running 2.4 turbo, you'd see they have more than enough power with the stock turbo.

[@marspen629]

Awesome build looking forward to watch this Frankenstein car get build.

[@gavinjones6376]

I had one of these back in the day, ex-race car, full race engine. Suggest you really reinforce the chassis as with hard cornering it will start to rip apart at the seams. Oh and the front end lifts off the ground at over 110mph. Have fun.

[@Projectblackkjack]

sounds amazing

[@Levibetz]

About the AR5, it's also the same basic trans as the Jeep AX15 and Toyota R154. So lots of bellhousing choices there, lots of proven power run through em. I'm going to run the AX15 behind my 4.0l powered AMC Eagle I'm building.

[@DeceptiveCobras]

put a bigger turbo on it..and the Oil pain look at maybe a dirt track side baffle pan ( you can find them on summit or edlbrock ) im a brit and me and my dad used to turn them MG into nice little race Cars you can also look at a 3 Speed Hydro Gearbox from a try 5 Chev im sure you can mod the Bell housing to fit.. it will give you a smoother Shift as for the rear end a cut down ford 9 inch will fit ( with a lot of work but it will be bullet prof ) if a 8.8 will fit so will a 9 and you will need a under brace as well as a 3 point "hidden" cage just to make sure she is good but a fun project mate Good luck with it..

[@beckywatt5048]

DeceptiveCobras An 8in would be enough, they're a pretty tough rearend.

[@martindinner3621]

Might look into building a dry sump system for it. It would fix the clearance issue and allow you to put the oil filter, reservoir and pump where YOU want them. Also it means you can start the lube flowing BEFORE you crank the starter. Good idea on the weight distribution. Keep in mind that the new trans is much heavier than the stock one too. Pontiac Solstice and the Saturn Sky

[@SMGoertzen]

That looks like an awesome project. With the oil pan issues, look up DIY Dry Sump systems. They aren't too bad if you have decent fab skills.

[@hotrodpetesgarage699]

Try going to a dry-sump oiling system, mounted externally on the side of the block-- you said you have width available to you. A dry-sump will allow an oil pan that is barely any deeper than the crankshaft itself. Basically, no oil pan depth at all. Costly, though. And, certainly more complicated. But, boy, would it work great!

[@sophiegamer6679]

Stefan, you're super cool and I enjoy seeing more of you on here. Midgets are such fun little machines, and that motor is going to hurl you into hyperspace. Watching this makes me long for a space and a little budget just to work on an idea on my own. I already know what I'd love to build. If you do show the cams through the bonnet, I will very happy, haha!

[@Projectblackkjack]

Thanks for the positivity:)

[@xxMidNightHuskyxx]

On the subject of power, I'd imagine that this thing will probably only weigh like 8-900 kg's so call me a woos but 300hp sounds like plenty. Cool build can't wait to see more.

[@CarswithNash]

This is gonna be so awesome!

[@nathaniellangston5130]

Relieving is a really nice way of saying hacking haha. Love this build!

[@travismcvey]

When it comes time for the rad take a look at a jeep cherokee rad. They are short, wide, and did a decent job keeping that big hot running 4.0 I6 cool. The coolant flows from the top right to the bottom left.

[@FOOKYOUTUBENUMBERS]

Nice Shop sweet build.

[@spudsmckenzie4123]

Oh hells yeah! I love ya Rich but seeing Stefan tell some of his stories is great! More please! :D

[@scottgiebler5858]

if you go with a slimmer pan you may need to loose the balance shafts. also a 420a head is the same but backwards, so your turbo and intake manifolds will point foward

[@StreetMachine18]

Scott Giebler that would be brilliant if he could spin the head around to have the exhaust on the other side and the intake point forward out of that turbo. Would you have to spin the cams around? And the coolant passages line up on each side?

[@scottgiebler5858]

StreetMachine18 you'd just use the 420a cams. The head gasket stuff us all the same i believe. It's been years since I messed with dodge 4 cylinders. Even a slick neon srt4 intake manifold would fit.

[@letterpool]

Dude, Cool build! Looks like its gonna be a blast to drive!

[@iwtommo]

Good shout on ditching the lucas alternator. Here in england lucas are notorious, for inventing both the flashing turn signal and intermittent windscreen wiper. I also hear they hold the patent on the short circuit.

[@migueljgonzalez]

I love that whenever watching car videos, the subtitles say [music] when an engine is running

[@malcolmyoung7866]

'If you ain't got underfloor heating?'...well, then your not 'Rich'...(but your not Rich anyway!!). Love the Midget project. it's going to 'fly' when it's finished...

[@ericcorse]

Nice shop and a cool project. That is going to be a beast.

[@edwardweston8359]

Do believe I'm one of those mg midget racers in the U.K. With the full race car you spoke about 😀

[@afhyoutube]

Sick shop. That thing is a tank.

[@tristanmemmons]

New favorite channel!! I am an MG/Triumph mechanic in new orleans. I am planning to build a track midget or mgb soon, just trying to sort out the details this year. Great idea taking the powertrain from a pt cruiser i am curious how the rwd conversion will play out. Keep up the awesome work!

[@rustybottoms8859]

Hey man I really like the project. One thing to keep in mind is if you go bigger turbo you may have to change other components like injectors etc. To take full advantage you will want a programmable ECM. I am sure you know this but just throwing it out there. You can put all the "upgrade" components you want on a motor but if you do not change the tune its all for not.

[@Projectblackkjack]

got a china turbo and im looking at injectors, i'll probably use hp tuners

[@user-js4vh2lw6n]

Love the video and the build! I've always wanted to put a 4 cylinder from a ford turbo coupe thunderbird in a midget.

[@DinosaurJuiceCars]

good luck it will be nice to see it when it is done. i love my MG.

[@wyattoneable]

Fun car and your going to be so happy you insulated the garage. Nice space.

[@rusty2029]

Stefan this is great you are a modifying monster keep up the good work! 😎

[@deankdx]

already hooked, looking forward to the build progress.. would have thought most people would fit the toyota 4age or nissan CA18 etc.. this looks totally overkill.. I like it!

[@Projectblackkjack]

deankdx i looked at both I liked the layout of the srt4 better

[@thahitman2]

Good ol Canadian stamped steel on that PT there.

[@RobertKohut]

Nice!! Great video! looking forward to more on this project!

[@richarddoire2872]

Great shop you have . And project.

[@StreetMachine18]

Wow this car is gunna be sick when you finish it in 2 years!

[@zabnat]

I'm so jealous of your cheap junkyard parts. I just checked the local "junk yard" and just the engine for 2.0 PT cruiser is 1500 euros. Then again you can get a whole car for like 700. :)

[@Ivo--]

I like how you relieve your body.

[@gregweber8951]

Dude gotta ditch the stock turbo, go with a bmw 330 rear diff for independent rear and you can adjust axle shaft length on the cv axles... would hold up to the power all day and drive like a dream! Love it, absolutely gonna need to strengthen the frame with round or square tubing to not twist it with that amount of power and structural cutting you did... I would put a bar under the dash with a few 45’s connecting to tunnel and inner fenders but leaving leg room for Rich

[@StreetMachine18]

Greg Weber yeah notch out the tubs and slide the seat back. If you need room for tires just stick them out thru the fenders and cut the car a bit more for a rocket bunny kit like chris on b is for build!!!!

[@krisolof7998]

Always love more build series to watch, wouldn't mind seeing a shop build series on your new shop either. One piece of constructive criticism, MORE LIGHTS! I am sure the natural lights is great for working in but the background lighting makes the engine compartments very dark on video.

[@Projectblackkjack]

I dont have any lights yet, im just shopping right now

[@Erated78]

Great vid Stefan, very entertaining thanks.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Good job man! We're also from Ontario and are restoring a Triumph GT6 ... Likely will not be changing any of the drivetrain on ours but you've sparked some ideas in my head! Keep us updated on this!

[@ernovuolahti]

This comment made me smile. Great content and relatable tooling etc on your channel 👍

[@FanatikBuilds]

@@ernovuolahti The iorny here is off the charts!! ... I guess a lot can happen in three years eh. Thanks man, means a lot 👊😊

[@ziprock]

interesting mish mash of parts, looking forward to more of this project

[@johnderekmitchell1510]

Love'en it. Keep'em coming. Want see this sucker screaming down the road.

[@canadacatalyst]

Good work Jack black !

[@boostaddict_]

I think a KKK24 would be a good turbo for that engine. Can be found on MK2 VW turbo Diesels. Or a T3. They also came on MK2s some years.

[@pferris3591]

Hi Stefan! I really like the project you've got going there and am looking forward to seeing more on it. Great choice on the engine; I've always been curious to see them used as swap candidates. Throwing a turbo 2.4 in TJ, XJ or YJ is something I've wanted to see for a while now. Nice gray YJ there at the beginning! Overall, great video. You have an easy rapport with the camera and keep things lively. If you start adding videos of your own alongside Rich's, I think that this channel can skyrocket with views. ☺

[@Projectblackkjack]

Thanks man

[@kiiiisu]

this is sick build nice

[@ModernGarage]

"Well, there's gonna be a lot of butchering" LOL Story of my life :P Awesome stuff

[@afpreppie04]

I don't know how I missed when this came out, I've been waiting for updates since the unveiling with Rich. I'm also doing a budget Midget swap, but I'm using a turbo Volvo redblock and my Midget is a 79 so square wheel arches.

[@michaelblacktree]

Looks like a fun project! Although, I'd be tempted to use an Ecotec instead of the Chrysler engine.

[@brianbrians3157]

I love this kind of content. Nice editing too!