Talk Morgan Forums Community Vehicle Talk (non-Morgan) New toy - update (if you can be bothered!)

I'd say it would cost approaching 3x the asking price to build a car to a similar spec.

You're correct in that MG only built the MGB V8 in GT form until the later RV8 came along. An engineer called Ken Costello was one of the first to start turning out V8 engined MG's and, it's alleged, his cars prompted the factory to look more seriously into making a production version.

There should be no issue with overheating if the modification has been well executed and there is plenty of information and equipment available to assist in same.

One of the attractions of MG's is the availability of spares, upgrades and information that is readily available and affordable. Even the V8 modified cars are well catered for by the clubs and the specialist suppliers.

I meant over hot....not overshot!

That book and that car were my guide when I converted my roadster. So it’s been done for 30 years, I’ve seen it at the NEC and it was a very nice car 20 years ago. I think the MAF is a flapper which is unobtainable and not repairable either (I think). I’ve driven an MGB with those suspension mods too, felt uncannily modern.

BV8 Roadster conversions are similar to Trad Morgans in many ways. By that I mean built to the owners spec.So on paper they are all BV8 conversions, but in reality they are chalk and cheese. When looking it's a matter of matching what you want with what's available, because there's a massive difference in engine specs, gearboxes, rear axles, and suspensions, before you even get to colour and interior specs.

I must admit that the Rv8 still looks great value, for a factory specced production car and some remain in more or less original condition. Ok they have rot in the screen frame and no doubt by now some traditional MGB rot underneath, but safer in many ways than a Joe Bloggs assembly kit, because many people think they get it but don't.

Problem with the Rv8 is seat height, which if unmodified has you sitting on rather than in the car, much like early Cxs.

I looked at an rv8 recently as I was offered it at a very good price. Good looking curves.
But in the end the seating position and the inaccessibility of the rust areas put me off.
Lots for sale so they're due a price drop I think.
Nick