The V8 - the MG with effortless performance
Interest in MGBV8 Conversions is very strong amongst MGV8 enthusiasts and particularly for MGBV8 Roadsters as many feel that V8 power in the MGB Roadster body is just about the ideal sportscar. It is nimble, has good handling and above all has that smoothness and flexibility you get with V8 power. The number of conversions has increased substantially since Heritage shells became available and specialist parts suppliers, including Clive Wheatley and Moss, have been able to supply essential parts for the conversions. But building a good quality MGBV8 Conversion is not a low cost exercise - if you have one built by a leading MG specialist, a realistic budget has to be around £25,000 and probably more if you aim for a high specification in either power or trim - or both!

The V8 Register is very keen on MGBV8 Conversions, in fact it is one of the fastest growing parts of our membership, particularly V8 Roadster conversions.
Tartan Red 4029 owned by Geoff King in Kincardineshire - externally his V8 Roadster looks standard with only the RV8 bonnet bulge and V8 badges - but it is a thoroughly modern car and a delight to drive. (Photo: Geoff King)
Tahiti Blue 4477, a V8 Roadster conversion built by Kim Walker in New Zealand from an unloved rubber bumper LHD US import to a personal specification. (Photo: Kim Walker) More
Teal Blue 4180, an attractive V8 Roadster conversion completed in 1993 and owned by Brian Marshall in Surrey. (Photo: Victor Smith)

Dragon Green 4325 has a Lucas fuel injected Rover Vitesse V8 engine in a Heritage shell, uprated suspension and brakes with four pot callipers and vented discs, and 195 65 15HR Continental asymmetrical tyres on KN Minilite type alloy 6 x 15 wheels. Inside it is neatly trimmed with magnolia half leather seats, a walnut dashboard and electric windows. This superb V8 Roadster was completed in April 2002 and is owned by Mike Barnfather from Lancashire.

The engine bay of Dragon Green 4325 is a delight. (Photos: Mike Barnfather)
Red 4205, a beautifully prepared V8 Roadster conversion with a rear disc brake set up installed by Larry Beesley from Essex.
(Photo: Victor Smith)
Royal Blue 3029: John Targett in the US has sent over photos of "an MGBGTV8 prepared meticulously to US Vintage Race regulations by Keith Burnett. It is a wonderful piece of kit!" The car has a 3.5 litre V8 engine producing around 330bhp with a dry sump and was built mostly with bits from John Eales. (14.6.09) More

Many V8 enthusiasts occasionally muse over the specification for their ideal V8 Roadster Conversion and just occasionally details of an exceptional car come to light. Well recently Geoff Broad posted an advertisement for his V8 Roadster Conversion on our popular "MGV8s for Sale" webpage in February 2003 and by any standards it is a well built car with a mouthwatering specification! You can see further details of this car. (Photo: Geoff Broad)

 Roger Parker is an acknowledged expert on V8 Conversions and he has prepared a very comprehensive set of notes on converting an MGB to V8 power and other upgrades, with links to photographs which illustrate the detailed points he covers.
V8 Conversion notes

More information on V8 conversions is available at the mgcars.org.uk website which you can find at www.mgcars.org.uk
MGBV8
Conversion
Profile

Back to Classic Power Profiles

This note is part of the Classic Power Profiles from the V8 Register - the leading specialist group for MGV8 enthusiasts. The V8 Register is part of the
MG Car Club.
Roger Parker is an acknowledged expert on V8 Conversions and he has prepared a very comprehensive set of notes on converting an MGB to V8 power and other upgrades, with links to photographs which illustrate the detailed points he covers.
V8 Conversion notes

Remarkable V8 Roadster Conversions
Glacier White 4327
Tartan Red 4029
Tahiti Blue 4182

V8 Conversion in New Zealand
Tartan Red 4246 was built by the MG Car Company of New Zealand and is now a concours competition car owned by Charles Clark
Tartan Red 4246

Where can I get a good book on V8 Conversons?

How to give your MGB V8 power - one of the best sources of information on building a V8 engined MGB Roadster based on a new Heritage bodyshell shell. "Revised edition 1999".

V8 restoration references
Guide

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V8 Register of the MG Car Club, PO Box 888, London SW14 7YT
V8 Register - MG Car Club - the leading group for V8 enthusiasts at www.v8register.net