MGBGT performance engine rebuild… it goes in…and first start

My MGBGT Autocrosser’s new performance engine is off the stand, and is finally going back into the car. After dropping it in and adding all the other bits that have to be installed to make it run, we take a pretty detailed look at my priming method for the oil system to get it ready for the first start and then discuss why you need to take the time to do it this way .
We are then joined by Mike from the ‪@98eck‬ KZbin channel as a second pair of eyes to keep tabs on everything during the initial cam break-in. After the 20 minute break-in we start to play with ignition timing, carb balancing and fuel mixture to get things close. It will need more tuning to dial it in, but we get it close enough to be safe and ready for a test drive once the suspension and brakes are buttoned up.

[@michaelstoliker971]

I'm playing catch-up on your build. I was down last week with a heart attack so I'm getting some good viewing while I recuperate.

[@mgbgtguy]

Hopefully your recovery goes well and you are not too limited on what you can do moving forward 👍🏻

[@Knonk-nh3ir]

Love the bumper sticker.

[@mikemoran8757]

Great job, kick ass motor!

[@TheLostWrenchGarage]

Man that sounds great!! Can't wait to see it on the track!

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

I’ve been contemplating an Audi 5 cyl project and a B/GT rolling chassis is at the top of the list of potential engine swap candidates.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Always an outstanding video and presentation.

[@mgbgtguy]

Thanks again!

[@mundanestuff]

must be a proud moment, for sure, white knuckles even if you've done it a hundred times (and you probably have, LOL)

[@tbon88]

Love that choppy idle from that VP12 cam. Im just about to do the cam break-in on our fresh rebuild on our 1958 MGA 1600 with one of those VP12 cams. Hopefully mine goes as smoothly as yours did haha.

[@mgbgtguy]

Hopefully it does

[@stuwhite2337]

Sounds good! What ignition timing settings are you using?

[@mgbgtguy]

After getting the cam bedded in, I set the timing to about 31° total timing with the vacuum unhooked as a starting point

[@ianrenshaw6653]

Nice! Just wondering why the back wheels were turning?

[@mgbgtguy]

Drag in the transmission usually from the oil can cause that

[@michaelstoliker971]

Can't you drive the oil pump from the distributor on the B? My Spitfire, I can pull the dizzy and spin the oil pump with a drill motor.

[@mgbgtguy]

No, not on this engine

[@philipschmid9352]

What exhaust is fitted?

[@mgbgtguy]

A completely homemade exhaust. I made the header and the muffler. The muffler is basically a copy of a Flowmaster, Delta flow, but made the fit in the space available under the car.

[@bladerunner6282]

why not just set the idle adjustment to idle at 2500 RPM before starting? or just stand ready with a screwdriver to do it as soon as the engine starts? shouldn't take more than a couple of seconds.

[@mgbgtguy]

You really want the RPMs to vary a little bit not stay at exactly the same RPM the whole time

[@grahamandrew9755]

Get ride of that plastic fan . Replace it with an electric one , you will pick up 2 Hp

[@mgbgtguy]

I did put an electric fan on it for a while, but it just wasn’t pushing enough air to keep it cool enough so I went back to the engine driven one