Crap to Cream, MX5 gearbox fitted to MGB 18V engine. Problem free ATM

Done this before, second engine, I was so impressed with fitting the MX5 gearbox to my 1978 MGB that I had to do this conversion to my second 1974 MG considering the issues and oil leaks I had with the original gearbox.
Going quite well at the moment.
This engine will also be having a VMax supercharger fitted which you will be seeing in other videos.
As also mentioned in the video I’m having some eye surgery next week which might obstruct my ability to progress the rebuild and install the refurbished engine for a couple of weeks. Hang in there, I’ll be back…….

[@jonbuckley5175]

Woo hu! Well done and good work. I have a Mazda gearbox in my MG BGT V8 that was built around five years ago and it works well. I have added a chrome tube to the gearstick to be more original than the black Vitesse version. I am sure that yours will do equally as well when it is all installed.

[@stuwhite2337]

Interesting. I might try a diy version.

[@CrapToCream]

Hi Stu, interested in what you mean by "try a DIY version? The MX5 gearbox has a custom cast front cover / bell housing that matches the original MG back-plate, unless you are thinking to try matching the original MX5 front cover / bell housing to the original MG backplate. Not sure how the distances will work, I haven't seen an original MX5 gearbox.

[@stuwhite2337]

@@CrapToCream yes, either make an adapter plate or modify an MGB engine to gearbox plate. It's not overly difficult, just takes a bit of time

[@CrapToCream]

@@stuwhite2337 I was under the impression that the thrust bearing setting was too far out, well I wish you the best of luck no doubt would be a lot cheaper. Also the conversion kit comes with an internal release bearing not an external one which would or at least used to be classified as “normal”.

[@stuwhite2337]

@@CrapToCream may well not work but usually by mixing and matching clutch components it can be made to work. I've certainly seen it done on other engines

[@CrapToCream]

@@stuwhite2337 certainly like the can-do approach, wishing you every success, make sure you post something when you have an outcome.

[@Nicknofish]

Washers on the clutch cover. Not to sure about that? Balance being one? Just a thought!

[@CrapToCream]

The washers are supplied with the gearbox kit, if you don’t use them the fingers of the pressure plate go in to far that the release bearing is at its limit and the clutch pedal doesn’t engage until right at the end of the pedal travel. Thankfully I remembered them last time before I fitted the engine, one of the good things about reading the instructions 😂😂.

[@smithp573]

What’s an 18V engine please?

[@CrapToCream]

Hi there, The 18V engine as far as I’m aware is the later engine, typically the 5 main bearing crankshaft, also this engine comes in two variants, high compression or low compression, I have one of both. Personally, not sure the difference between the LC and HC engine, can only assume it’s either the head or the pistons all the five bearing crankshafts are the same. I’m sure someone out there will be able to shed more light onto this, always willing to learn myself.

[@andrewwood6728]

This is a good upgrade, but it would be cheaper, easier and a faster more reliable car with the mazda engine AND gearbox....

[@smithp573]

@@andrewwood6728true but it’d lose a lot of its character. That’s a subjective thing. Doesn’t bother me but some wouldn’t cross that particular line. Me, I’d just put a V8 in it and call it good enough.