We built my ULTIMATE MGB GT in just 5 Days!

[@HomeBuilt]

Awesome video mate, thanks again for having us down and sharing our channel. You guys can probably tell all 3 of us were knackered by the end of this, took us 3 days to recover 😂 Thanks again everyone who watches amd supports both channels me, Charlie and James really appreciate it.

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers bud

[@daveevs18]

That looks awesome. The colour really modernises it. Interested to see what wheels you put on it. Top job!

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks! 👍

[@htimsid]

Reminds me a little of BMC Grampian Grey.

[@geraldhill7671]

What a transformation, the MX5 power pack makes the car more usable. Well done to Steve and Charlie for great paintwork. Not forgetting you James.

[@ChopsGarage]

Lol, cheers

[@Squium]

Had a 1963 MGB roadster: sky blue with red leather interior (smelled great), wire wheels with knockoffs, real toggle switches, minimal chromed steel bumpers, 98 hp, 107 mph. Loved the car. After wearing out the 63, got 1967 MGB-GT: British Racing Green, with red interior, still had wire wheels with knockoffs, real toggle switches. Great cars both!

[@JakobusVdL]

The grey colour is great, the blacked chrome is great, the MGC bonnet is great, the arches not so much.

[@JohnClark-ew8dh]

MG looks great James, it gives it a nice modern look without losing the character. Personally, I'd go throttle body conversion on the MX5 engine, they sound fantastic

[@iankane2847]

Absolutely stunning finish, brilliant video

[@ChopsGarage]

thanks

[@johnmcmahon4364]

WOW fantastic James, great video again, and well done Home Built, another great channel

[@johnelbro127]

It is an incredible job, and car looks brilliant. Well done home built 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Glad you like it!

[@nicolabennington203]

Love the colour, but personally I like the windscreen chromes fitted. N reg is the cross over date from Chrome to rubber bumper. Rubber bumper cars have the same inner wings as the V8 making conversions easier. I had a factory V8 for 15 years and a V8 BGT conversion. Currently running a MGC GT you may see it about local to Barnstaple.

[@nialloconnell5895]

Love the grey and black, but personally the wing extension spoil the sleek look as they are.

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@Jason-dd4be]

I agree looks good but wheel arches look cheap and tacky

[@malcolmcowan9554]

I love the arches there for bigger wheels

[@jonathanfabian7297]

black on grey looks great. Drop. The wheel arches though.....

[@joehopkins1889]

I love the wheel archers. I think they make the car

[@stevo4649]

thankyou James,a cracking job youve all done on this,,brilliant teamwork ,, Steven and Charlie are outstanding in all they take on,well done boys,👏👏👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@davidlang3625]

That looks like the Mk1 MX 5 1.6 engine to me. The most obvious feature of this 1.6 v the later 1.8 engine is the position of the thermostat housing which sits horizontally rather than vertical on the 1.8's. Power was 115 BHP but was then reduced to 89 BHP in 1994 when the 1.8 was introduced. I think that I really need to get a life! 😆

[@ChopsGarage]

LOL, good info though

[@roystonvehicles9129]

​@@ChopsGaragethe 1.6 is the best to turbo apparently.

[@ChopsGarage]

@@roystonvehicles9129 yep

[@roystonvehicles9129]

@@ChopsGarage can be done in a day bud, expensive tho, needs a stand alone ecu, maybe 600 quid plus, so 2k min really, but 280 bhp would be awesome, dangerous tho in a b I'd have thought, I run a nb 1.8 sport Mx5 and it's great. 143 bhp I think.

[@24567442]

Look forward to more MGB fun. Those cars make me smile and remind me of the world when it was a better place

[@tombarker9765]

Love the new look of this MGB, grey and black really suit it. Hope to see more of this one

[@keelanoconnell97]

My 1975 GT will need a respray at some point in the next year or two… I’m currently considering putting it back to it’s original Tundra Green (previous owners did a very quick respray in Brookland Green 😢) with blacked Chrome and a Sebring body kit on it. Seeing how this one looks is making me excited to start the project in the new year! Love the Nardo Grey and blacked trim 😍

[@keithposter5543]

Supercharging rather than turbo would suit the MG much better. No lag 👍 Where is the turboed MX5 for sale?

[@alanedwards3180]

Love it James ,i think the arches will look mint once you've filled them with bigger wheels . Im doing a spitfire 1500 up at the moment and im hoing to paint it next year . Its white at the moment and was toying with the idea of painting it nardo grey ,now im really tempted

[@PaddyWV]

I did read, a long time ago, that when designing the MX5, Mazda had an MG in the studio - and tuned their exhaust to match. Nice story if true.

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Yes they did, copied the lotus elan as well

[@woollyted1666]

Really nice job. I really like that it's restored but modified. Great compromise.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thank you very much!

[@paulmoore6345]

That's a really nicely done conversion The repaint is the icing on the cake

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks!

[@MatthiasSartorius]

Which product did you for your fender lates (bubbles) use? Would like them for my Spitfire...

[@Ro32da72]

That modern colour looks well on an old shape, good choice! Amazing work in such a short time.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@michaelmaltby6203]

Very nice car and a very interesting conversion. Has anyone ever put the rear suspension from the MX5 on an MGB as well as the power plant?

[@kevoc3268]

Seems to be a great friendship there.Fair dues to all three of ye for the effort,personally not that shade of grey for me but not my car,looks great overall.

[@byronmills5952]

Those arches! 😩😩. Looks brilliant otherwise - pass me the screwdriver!! 🤣🤣. Terrific effort to turn the car around so quickly though by one and all 👍👍

[@roystonvehicles9129]

I'd not bother with fibre glass panels mate, adding lightness (as Colin Chapman said) will make it stand high, you'll be messing about with spring rates, also Mx5 engine is probably a fair bit lighter anyway.

[@Garffey]

Interesting that James....Now get the Sebring done!....😂😂....The Mk1 1.6 wasn't much down on power compared to the 1.8 but the Mk2 1.6 is around 90 BHP....The later Mk2.5 1.8 is around 148 bhp (and capable of handling a turbo without internal work) so would be good in the Sebring, but as you say with some suspension work!....And at least it will be reliable!

[@ChopsGarage]

We will get on it

[@Garffey]

@@ChopsGarage Look forward to it James!.. 👍

[@bone0944]

My dad had loads of MG's on which I spen many a long day working so I have a deep seated affection for the brand. Yours looks great in Audi grey with the exception of the black arches. In my opinion they would of looked much better in grey. Overall a fantastic job.

[@marekkonarzewski4543]

Beautifully done - if you decide to raffle it off for i’m in! lol you’re going to need a third unit there at the rate you’re going - showroom - service bay - toy department. 👍🏻

[@elveggoloco]

Small correction, that's not a cold air intake because it's sucking the warm air of the engine compartment, especially so since it's right above the exhaust manifold. Re-route it so the filter is forward of the compartment and THEN it'll be intaking cold air. :)

[@GaryHerschell]

Blooming good job in that time scale. Took me about 6 - 8 weeks to do my TF although I did have to make repair panels for the back of the sills.

[@adrianflower3230]

Nice one James . Huge transformation, well done👍👍 Shame there's no 8 track stereo 😁😁

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@musoseven8218]

Didn't realise you were such an MGB fan, a man after my own heart, my last was to "clubman" spec. My MK1 AH Sprite was similar to Sebring tuning, without the supercharger (they eat A Series - even if you could get one). Always wanted a B with Mazda 1.8 running gear. Your grey version looks great. My dad had a V8, that was a fun drive✌️😲💜😊

[@martinudall1318]

Absolutely mega!! You boys should collaborate more often 👍🏻🚘🔥

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers

[@leonismyname6573]

Looking forward to seeing it with the wheels on! Looks good in the grey.

[@bonhoff67]

Nice one James. You must be well pleased 😁

[@ChopsGarage]

I am!

[@Lizzard-t]

What a transformation, and what a great bunch of men to get that done!!!!?

[@MISTERHEALTH.]

Quick question, where did you get the arch flares from? Im currently looking for some for mine. Cheers.

[@ChopsGarage]

Generic from ebay , bent to fit , added foam strip to back edge so any small gaps taken up

[@davidbrodie5044]

Its good to see the MG getting the love but I'd rather see it looking more traditional personally, each to their own though - wider wheels will make a big difference to the look.

[@red9zero]

The screen seal filler strip is easy to fit with the correct tool. Put some heat shielding around the air filter and either fit some much wider wheels or lose the arches. Other than that, very nice !

[@ChopsGarage]

As said in vid wider wheels being sorted

[@red9zero]

​@@ChopsGarageA set of nice wide Minilites should do ! I like the stereo in there. I bet that wasn't cheap.

[@jujuUK68]

Just needs an MX5 body, brakes and suspension, to transplant that engine into, and you'll have a decent sports car that handles well.

[@ChopsGarage]

But dull as dish water

[@jujuUK68]

@@ChopsGarage you might be right - my Early Mk1 Eunos V Spec was much quicker, more reliable, and comfortable, but not as entertaining as the Mk IV Midget RWA I had at the same time. There's a time in one's life when 46 bhp on a wet roundabout on cart springs and lever arm dampers can make you feel like Tony Pond, if you can handle being blown away at the lights by Mrs Bouquet in her Nissan Micra.

[@fanfeck2844]

@@ChopsGaragehow very dare you 🤬

[@thegasguy]

Love it mate and looks great , exhaust looks cool

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@tariqmahmood6497]

Pukka 👌🥳💯 lads, nice mowtaaa

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@BrearleyTV]

Any news on the MG? I’m thinking of buying one myself, yours is a massive inspiration!!

[@TheSkskitey]

Great paint job , the only thing for me is those wheel arch flares . If your going to fill them with wider wheels and tyres fare enough but they are not a good look with stock wheels and tyres and the original MG appearance is gone for good :-)

[@ChopsGarage]

As said in vid mate new wheels on the way

[@doloresmyatt9737]

Nice vid, I have known about Mazda engined MGBs but is there an engine swap for a MGCs with a more modern 6 cylinder engine.

[@ChopsGarage]

Not sure

[@stevenmoran4060]

According to the number plate it’s 1974/75 vintage. Back in the 1970’s I went out in a V8 newish at the time. It didn’t impress me at all whereas the SD1 did impress me,

[@davevernon4993]

Great job in the time frame, but the little dings in the top of the front nearside wing spoils an overall decent Jobby

[@chrisaris8756]

Understand theMX5 swap but why go to all that work and not fit the 1.8 or 2.0?

[@ChopsGarage]

later 1.8 did not have much more horsepower and 2.0 is not as easy a fit and not as tuneable

[@anomamos9095]

Apparently the trick to getting the chrome strips in the rubber seal is to put them in first after putting the seal on the glass and before putting the glass in the vehicle. You use an appropriate lube and rope to fit the glass in the vehicle

[@kbrickell4732]

i think wing liners and fitting kit should be made for these cars and other old cars

[@alansimpson835]

Another quality collaboration Mr Chops and I love the engine swap. I think it looks great on the original wheels too.

[@ChopsGarage]

Many thanks!

[@robstaples6649]

New subscriber - what a car and transformation! Perfect resto daily.

[@ChopsGarage]

Welcome aboard!

[@deanstockton-beesley3835]

The MG looks amazing James 👍

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@kimhorton6109]

Absolutely killer paint IMHO. 😳

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers!

[@sausageroll2695]

what paint its still in primer

[@MattMcKimmie]

Great you guys are working together again

[@Lou_Kyr]

That is an amazing job and very cool MG

[@davercs]

Omg I love the colour great paint job considering the amount of time it took

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@bobhill5227]

Amazing job guys, 👏

[@jimmyquinn9639]

Car looks fantastic chops 👍👍👍👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👏👏👏👏👏

[@ChopsGarage]

Glad you like it

[@Endfloat]

HP is a function of RPM, so if the engine revs to 6k, it's going to make more HP, all other things being equal. I'd argue that the B series engine is a lot more drivable, although heavier. And I didn't think it sounds the same at all.

[@djzcarr]

Been waiting for this. Epic result. Wheel arch not fully to my taste but its your car. MGBs are 10 a penny so brilliant to see something different. Needs a supercharger

[@ChopsGarage]

Couldn't agree more!

[@teamhandsome1974]

A mk2 1.8i Sport donor car would have the SVT 146bhp engine and possibly the 6 speed box and LSD too! I’ve often wondered about the old Auto IS200 as donor cars for something. The Irish boys have nicked all the manual cars, but the in-line 6 with either the 5 or 6 speed box from the MX-5 (think the mark 3 box was the same as the IS200 manual box). That’d be another way to 140ish bhp. Bit of a MGC clone!

[@ChopsGarage]

I like it, something for the sebring maybe

[@ChishanFipz]

That's the first MGB GT I really like - shame the MX5 suspension isn't a straight swap. Be careful of the stereo - They stay lit and don't switch off properly, even when wired correctly. The backlight stays on.

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers

[@highpath4776]

The Green MGB should be kept original

[@grahamepigney8565]

A full Sebring silhouette would be nicer, proper bubble flared arches and perspex headlight covers. The B-series engine produced 95 bhp peaking at 5400 rpm and redlining at 6000 rpm

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

Wow! That car has had some transformation and looks out this world! It's almost too nice to drive lol. I'd have gone for a steel exhaust as that colour goes a bit better than copper but that's also not a bad choice

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks!

[@malcolmcowan9554]

There was mg restored on the discovery channel years ago with that color of grey bodywork and a red interior it look smart if im honest .love your mg mate its stunning car.the home built guys done great job

[@michaelclarke3684]

Great job James looks amazing

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@christopheremerson2892]

Hello, that’s not the standard MGB bonnet, that’s off of an MGC, in aluminum?

[@ChopsGarage]

No fibreglass

[@guy4469]

i want this but i dont get the arch thing looks wrong and candy apple red .

[@stevie007]

Awesome stuff 👌👌

[@racketman2u]

like the bolt-on flares; sort of like a Brit version of a Rat Rod!

[@hephaestus4587]

I do like an MGB GT and thats a great colour combination. Hows the Trans Am coming along? Ive got a 78 and an 83 T/A, perhaps i'll swing round sometime when I get them on the road (I think im only about 20 miles away.... just the other side of the M5).

[@ChopsGarage]

Unfortunately Moors have not been able to look at it but its going to another garage on Wednesday. Defo come by!!

[@paulbryant5712]

Hi, where did you purchase the arch flairs from? I 1:58 would love some for mine. Yours looks brilliant great blog

[@philtucker1224]

Really?

[@roystonvehicles9129]

That mgc bonnet looks great

[@grahamepigney8565]

Possibly 1973/1974 given the grill, the Rostyles, where the reversing lights are, the switch gear. Although an N reg is 1/8/1974 to 31/7/1975. MGBs didn't go to rubber bumpers until 1974, but perhaps this has been modded back to chrome bumpers. So this on the cusp from chrome bumpers to rubber bumpers

[@kevincrowley4586]

James, look at the Thumbnail, keep the Rostyles - they really compliment the car !

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes going to band them

[@michaelgauld4683]

Love it . Great colour combination. What style of wheel are you looking to put on ?

[@ChopsGarage]

Might band these ones

[@tim205Mi]

Great job, will look great as you say when wheels on, deep dish mini lite style?

[@ChopsGarage]

Thinking of banding the wheels on it

[@Bull-dj3fx]

The MG looks awesome 😎

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers

[@henrykravitz468]

Awesome Video, loving the content and the car looks amazing

[@ChopsGarage]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@scotthawkins1011]

Brilliant video!👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Thank you! 👍

[@roystonvehicles9129]

Get them down to profit share on all your long termers, you could all make some good money.

[@vespa7265]

Love the grey. Do you have a paint code?

[@ChopsGarage]

Pass Nardo Grey

[@vespa7265]

Thank you very much.

[@davewhittles]

looks great nice colur

[@ChopsGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@broomad]

Love the colour James 👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers mate

[@MrMaxeemum]

I'm loving the de-bumpered look and colour change. Nice.

[@ChopsGarage]

Cheers

[@steveb9989]

"Cold air intake".....directly above a hot exhaust manifold. 🤔🤣

[@MrRedfreds]

Reminds me of a ford capri Great job everyone 👍

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@johnsharpe4131]

Gray primer, will look nice when the top coat goes on. Your car your choice i am not a fan of the current dull gray trend. thanks for the videos.

[@ChopsGarage]

That fair enough, at least you are being polite about it. Its what cars are all about I guess, personal preferences

[@robc5955]

That looks how I would want one, fantastic.

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@Captain_Scarlet_SIG]

That’s not a cold air intake if anything it’s a warm are intake, don’t they loose their 40yr old classic historic status ( MOT,Tax,ULEZ) exemptions when modified and in some cases may need an IVA certificate and be registered on a Q plate if it falls short of DVLA points scheme, a lot to consider.

[@ChopsGarage]

Yes could be repositioned , right name, wrong location

[@landmonkey22]

Love those little mgs

[@bobrose7900]

Not my choice of colours but looks a really nice job, respect.

[@slave2damachine]

Good job , that colour would look great on a capri .

[@ChopsGarage]

cheers

[@tonywatson1412]

If you're not happy with the previous welding and body repairs ... will you sort it before painting

[@ChopsGarage]

We sorted the quarter and the doors and bootlid are being swapped out

[@michaelwaite6725]

Nice end result 👍

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@AUCHTERMUCHTYZZ]

Is it possible to band the original wheels? so they keep the character of the MG

[@ChopsGarage]

yes msgd company today

[@AUCHTERMUCHTYZZ]

@@ChopsGarage thanks for the reply