Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does the kit cost?
The cost of the kit is $625.00 plus $40 S & H. The kit comes with headers, gaskets, bolts, motor mounts, motor mount brackets, transmission cross member and instructions.
How long does it take to receive the kit?
Shipping of the kit takes about a week or less via UPS. The kits are shipped as soon as we receive a money order, a cashier’s check or notification from PayPal that a credit card payment has been made. Backorders may require two weeks if the kit is not in stock.
What modifications do I have to do to the engine bay for the V6 to fit?
No modifications are necessary on the Rubber Bumper car.
On the Chrome Bumper car, the area next to the steering column has to be dressed ¼" to clear the header flange. On the firewall, two dents the size of a ball pen hammer are necessary to clear the top two bolts of the bell housing.
Where can I get an engine?
The V6 engine can be found in 1985 to 1994 Camaro and Firebird cars with a T5 5-speed transmission. The V6 can also be found on the S-10 truck series or the Jeep Cherokee. New engines can be purchased through GM or rebuilt engines from many suppliers.
How much hp can I get from the V6?
HP is not as important as the torque that the V6 develops. Hp is for magazines. The V6 2.8 is capable of producing 160 hp with 9:1 compression and a cam of split duration of 260 Int. and 270 Exh. and an Edelbrok manifold and a Holley 390 CFM with 11/2 primaries with a 2" collector.
The torque is about 170 lb and more with higher compression pistons and more aggressive camshaft. All of this depends on how is assembled and tuned. A 3.4 crate engine fro GM with 4V carb and headers can produce 220 hp and 210 lbs of torque.
How about the clutch?
The clutch used for the swap is the one that fits the T5. This is the same clutch that the Camaro or Firebird uses.
What do I use for a slave cylinder?
Due to space constraints, a regular type slave cylinder is not used. A hydraulic clutch bearing is used. This bearing acts as the slave cylinder making the installation a lot simpler.
What type of radiator should I use?
The stock radiator is good enough for the V6. Some modifications have to be done for the radiator to work properly. The inlet and outlet on the radiator have to be modified to the same size as the V6 uses. Another alternative is to use the V8 MGB radiator
Do I have to change my rear axle?
No, only if you are not happy with it. The drive shaft will have to be modified to fit the T5 transmission.
How much does it cost to convert my MGB to a V6?
The cost depends on the cost of the engine and transmission. With a new engine from GM it could cost up to $7000.00. With a used engine about $3500.00 and your time. Some swaps have been done for less. I bought an engine with 40k miles for $100 and a transmission for $75.00, a used manifold and carb at the swap meet for $150.00, plus clutch, hydraulic bearing, Crane camshaft, new water pump and other miscellaneous parts for a total of $1500.00 plus the kit.
What about instrumentation after the engine swap?
The best way is to change the speedometer with an electronic type. The tach should also be changed to match the V6 ignition pulses. Some of these gauges look like the originals. The stock water temp gauge is reusable, as is the rest of the instrumentation.
Manufacturers: TPI gauges have the best features, such as oil change reminder, calibration for different axle ratio hours traveled, speed warning, max speed setting and more. The gauges are priced the same or lower than others. See Links section for web page.
Are your headers legal in California?
Our headers are not CARB (California Air Research Board) certified. It would require lots of $ to buy the CARB number.
Will the carburetor set up fit under the hood of the MGB?
Yes, everything fits under the hood. The carburetor requires the use of an air cleaner adapter such as the one used on the Jeep Cherokee V8. It uses a cone air filter or GARRETS modified manifold top. This allows the use of a regular air cleaner.
How do I measure the needed length of the drive shaft?
The way to measure the needed length if from the tail shaft seal face to the differential mounting face.
Which T5 should I use, the V8 or V6?
We like the V6 transmission, but some like the taller ratio of the V8 with the 3:90 ratio of the stock differential. The best combination if taller gearing is desired is the 8" Ford or GM differential with 355 or 3:42 gears. But the stock 3:90 with the V6 T5 is a good combination.
Why are you using the alternator on the driver side?
We mount the alternator on the driver side for simplicity. The V6 engine has staggered heads and the driver side has room for the alternator mounting and aligns with the pulley set.
What camber and toe settings are best for my new Front End Kit?
The settings depend on the driver's style of driving. Camber setting is best on 0 or 1/2 degree negative for the street and 0 toe to 1/8 toe in.
Recommended gauges and accessories
