Bill Jacobson's Supercharged, Fuel-Injected Buick 215cid MGB V8
BritishV8: the site for enthusiasts of modified British sports carsas originally featured in British V8 Newsletter, Volume 2 Issue 2
Read the full write-up at BritishV8: the site for enthusiasts of modified British sports cars ↗
Photo: BritishV8: the site for enthusiasts of modified British sports carsA 1973 MGB with a supercharged, fuel-injected Buick 215 V8
Bill Jacobson converted his MGB to a Buick 215cid V8 and later, in summer 2007, upgraded it with an Eaton M90 supercharger and sequential fuel injection on a MegaSquirt III controller. The write-up documents the drivetrain, axle, suspension and brake work behind the car, along with earlier records of the build dating back to 2003.
Specs
As stated in the original write-up.
- Engine
- 1962 Buick 215cid V8, bored 0.030" over, 10.25:1 compression, fully balanced, Isky 262 camshaft, ported heads, Eaton M90 supercharger from a 96 Buick 3800 V6, custom intake manifold
- Fuel system
- Edelbrock/Weber fuel injectors, Ross fuel rail, GMC Astro fuel pump shortened for MGB tank, MegaSquirt III EFI controller with JB Performance I/O expansion board
- Ignition
- Ford (Motorcraft) EDIS-8 coils, Taylor spark plug wires, Ford Taurus/Windstar V6 cam position sensor on custom mount
- Cooling
- Ron Davis aluminum radiator (20"H x 19"W x 3"T), 16" electric puller fan rated 2300cfm
- Exhaust
- RV8 stainless steel headers, 2" dual exhaust with crossover pipe, glass pack mufflers, resonator tips
- Gearbox
- Borg-Warner T5 five speed from a '92 Camaro, 0.73:1 overdrive, lightened flywheel, 10.5" clutch
- Clutch hydraulics
- Stock MGB clutch master cylinder, Toyota Land Cruiser (11/16") slave cylinder, shortened GM throwout fork
- Rear axle
- Chrysler 8.75" axle with Mopar Performance gear carrier, 3.23:1 ring and pinion, limited slip differential, Moser axles redrilled to GM/MGC 5-lug pattern
- Front suspension
- Fast Cars coilover front suspension, Pontiac Fiero steering dampener
- Rear suspension
- Adjustable tube shocks, traction bars
- Brakes
- Wilwood front and rear disc brakes, 1989 Toyota Camry (15/16") master cylinder, 1986 Isuzu Trooper reservoir, Wilwood residual pressure valves
- Wheels
- Genuine Minilite wheels, 15x7
- Tyres
- Yokohama S-drive tyres, W speed rated
- Interior
- VDO gauges (whiteface, with added A/F ratio and boost gauges), Southern Rods heater/defroster under dash, leather seats
Parts used
Parts named as used in the original write-up, grouped the way the Parts page groups them. Where one of the shops we index lists the same thing for this car, it is shown underneath with a link to the shop.
Engine 6
- 1962 Buick 215cid V8 block
Bored 0.030" over, 10.25:1 compression, fully balanced, used as the base engine
- Melling high volume oil pumpMelling
Fitted with enlarged oil passages in the engine block
In the shops
Oil Pump - High Volume - L-Series ↗
The Datsun Depot· $177.00 USD
Pump to Pressure Relief Valve High Pressure Pipe ↗
TRGB· £20.85 GBP
High Pressure Steering Hose, Pump to Steering Box, Later, No Banjo ↗
Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $131.50 USD - Isky camshaft, 262 grindIsky
Performance camshaft fitted to the Buick 215
In the shops
Camshaft, 3/4" grind ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £423.50 GBP
Camshaft, standard grind ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,161.50 GBP
Camshaft, standard grind ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £457.00 GBP - Crane dual valve springsCrane
Fitted to the ported Buick heads
In the shops
Dual Valve Spring Set (MGA/MGB to 1971) ↗
bpnorthwest.com· $28.99 USD
Dual Valve Spring Lower Collar (MGA, MGB 63-71) ↗bpnorthwest.com· $3.99 USD
Valve Spring Set, Dual Heavy Duty (MGA, MGB to 1971) ↗bpnorthwest.com· $71.95 USD - ARP connecting rod boltsARP
Used in the balanced bottom end
In the shops
ARP Heavy-Duty Connecting Rod Bolt Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $158.00 USD
ARP Heavy-Duty Connecting Rod Bolt Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $70.50 USD
Connecting Rod Bolt ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $21.99 USD - Double roller timing chain
Fitted to the engine
In the shops
Iwis Uprated Double Row Timing Chain ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $52.99 USD
Timing Chain Cover ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
Timing Chain, Duplex ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $9.25 USD
Fuel & Ignition 12
- Eaton M90 superchargerEaton
Sourced from a 96 Buick 3800 V6 and fitted to boost the 215 V8
In the shops
Supercharger Dashpot Oil (for Eaton Superchargers with SU Carburetors) ↗Bugeye Guys Parts Store· $19.99 USD - Custom fabricated intake manifold
Made from T6061 aluminum flat stock for the supercharged engine
In the shops
Intake Manifold ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $305.25 USDIntake Manifold Adaptor ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
Intake Manifold to Head Gasket ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $6.40 USD - Edelbrock/Weber fuel injectorsEdelbrock/Weber
Used in the custom fuel injection system
In the shops
Badge, Weber equipped, 100mm ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £17.26 GBP
Linkage Kit, Weber DCOE, top mount, twin cable ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £163.25 GBP
Linkage Kit, Weber DCOE, top mount, single cable ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £148.50 GBP - Ross fuel railRoss
Fitted to carry the injectors
- GMC Astro fuel pumpGMC
Shortened to fit inside the MGB fuel tank
- MegaSquirt III EFI controllerMegaSquirt
Runs sequential fuel injection and electronic ignition
- JB Performance I/O expansion boardJB Performance
Reads EGT sensors per cylinder and logs data via TunerStudio
In the shops
ISR Performance Rear Traction Rod ↗
JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $282.15 USD
ISR Performance Pro Series Coilovers - Black ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $1,039.78 USD
ISR Performance Street Series Rear Traction Rods ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $146.30 USD - Ford (Motorcraft) EDIS-8 ignition coilsFord/Motorcraft
Provide electronic ignition for the EFI system
In the shops
Ignition Coil & Wires ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
Pertronix Ignition Coil ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $68.50 USD
Ignition Coil Mounting Bracket ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $50.99 USD - Taylor spark plug wiresTaylor
Fitted to the ignition system
In the shops
Magnecor 8.5mm Spark Plug Wires ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $135.25 USDTaylor Hi-Pro Spark Plug Wires, 84-89 300ZX ↗Motorsport Auto (The Z Store)· $89.95
NGK Spark Plug ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $3.89 USD - Innovate Motorsports wide band oxygen sensorInnovate Motorsports
Used for fuel mixture monitoring/tuning
In the shops
Paco Motorsports 3" Suspension Lift Kit ↗
Flyin' Miata· $289.00 USD
P&L Motorsports CNC Exhaust Head Flanges ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $109.95 USD
IL Motorsport Competition Engine Mount Pair ↗Flyin' Miata· $149.00 USD - Ford Taurus/Windstar V6 cam position sensorFord
Mounted on a custom bracket for the EFI system
In the shops
Crank Position Sensor ↗
Racetorations· £63.60 GBP
Throttle Position Sensor ↗Racetorations· £107.80 GBP
Camshaft Position Sensor ↗Norman Motors Ltd· £0.00 GBP
- Modified Chevy pickup truck fuel filler neckChevrolet
Hidden behind the taillamp as the fuel filler
In the shops
Fuel Filler Neck Seal - MGB 1978-1980 ↗bpnorthwest.com· $11.88 USD
Fuel Filler Neck Seal (MGB 1963-1976) ↗bpnorthwest.com· $3.47 USD
Filler Neck Ferrule ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2.99 USD
Cooling 3
- Ron Davis aluminum radiatorRon Davis
20"H x 19"W x 3"T radiator fitted for cooling
In the shops
Alloy Radiator by Ron Davis ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2,261.25 USD
Alloy Radiator by Ron Davis ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2,418.55 USD
Aluminum Radiator ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $355.00 USD - 16" electric puller fan
Rated 2300cfm, fitted with the radiator
- Handmade coolant header tank
Fabricated with fill and heater hose connections to the under-dash heater
In the shops
MGB/Midget/Sprite Coolant Overflow Tank ↗
Sports & Classics· $74.95 USDXJ-40 Header Tank ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $300.34 USD
Header Tank, Alloy ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $831.07 USD
Gearbox & Drivetrain 7
- Borg-Warner T5 five speed transmissionBorg-Warner
Sourced from a '92 Camaro, fitted with 0.73:1 overdrive
In the shops
Borg-Warner Type 35 Automatic Transmission Brake Band ↗Sports & Classics· $89.95 USD
Borg Warner Type 35/65/66 Rear Automatic Transmission Seal ↗Sports & Classics· $12.95 USD
Five Speed Gearbox Unit, ford T9 ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £3,185.75 GBP - Lightened flywheel
Fitted with the 10.5" clutch
In the shops
Lightened Flywheel ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $553.50 USD
Lightened Flywheel (7.25" or 8") ↗MGbits4U· £448.87 GBP
- Toyota Land Cruiser slave cylinderToyota
11/16" bore slave cylinder fitted for improved clutch feel, replacing a 3/4" bore unit
In the shops
Toyota Land Cruiser J60 Front Outer Track Rod End (QR2819S) ↗Classic Parts Shack· £18.99 GBP
Toyota TRD Carbon Fiber Driver Side Mirror Cover (Supra 2020+) ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $425.00 USD
Toyota TRD Carbon Fiber Passenger Side Mirror Cover (Supra 2020+) ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $425.00 USD - Shortened GM throwout forkGM
Modified to suit the clutch setup
- Chrysler 8.75" rear axleChrysler
Fitted as the rear axle assembly, five pounds lighter than stock MGB unit
- Mopar Performance aluminum gear carrierMopar Performance
Fitted with 3.23:1 ring and pinion and limited slip differential
In the shopsPlanet Gear & Carrier Assembly ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $279.95 USDPlanet Gear & Carrier Assembly ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USDISR Performance Rear Traction Rod ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $282.15 USD - Moser axlesMoser
Drilled to GM/MGC 5-lug bolt pattern for the rear axle
In the shops
Moser 30 Spline Axle Pair ↗Chris Witor· £231.00 GBP
Suspension & Steering 4
- Fast Cars coilover front suspensionFast Cars
Fitted as the front suspension setup
In the shops
Complete Car Suspension Bushing Kit - SuperPro Brand ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $563.25 USD - Pontiac Fiero steering dampenerPontiac
Fitted with a fabricated inboard mount and threaded, set-screw secured outboard mount
In the shops
Pontiac/Fiero Wood Shift Knob (M16x1.5) ↗Sports & Classics· $119.95 USD
Power Steering Pump Bracket, Rear – 1977-81 Pontiac 301 ↗
Chicago Muscle Car Parts - 1969 Camaro· $60.00 USD
Pontiac Firebird GTO Bonneville Fiero Grand Prix Catalina Key Fob Classic ↗Sports & Classics· $59.95 USD - Adjustable tube shocks
Fitted to the rear suspension
In the shops
TUBE SHOCK KIT, Front ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2,906.00 USD
Rear Street Tube Shock Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $323.75 USDShock Set, Front, Adjustable ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $421.00 USD - Traction bars
Fitted to the rear with chassis reinforcement at the attachment points
In the shops
Innovative Mounts Competition Traction Bar Kit - Black (92-00 Civic EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM, 94-01 Integra DC) ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $393.65 USD
Innovative Mounts B-Series Competition Traction Bar for JDM/EDM RHD - Black (90-93 Integra, 88-91 Civic) ↗JDMuscle — Mazda MX-5· $367.41 USD
Brakes 4
- Wilwood disc brakesWilwood
Fitted front and rear
In the shops
Brake Kit, 4 pot, vented discs, Wilwood ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,061.26 GBP
Brake Kit, 4 pot, drilled & slotted discs, Wilwood ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,320.00 GBP
Replacement Brake Pad Set for Wilwood Big Brake Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $149.99 USD - 1989 Toyota Camry master cylinderToyota
15/16" bore master cylinder fitted for the brake system
In the shops
Master Cylinder, brake ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £99.00 GBP
Master Cylinder, clutch ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £83.75 GBP
AP Clutch Master Cylinder ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $263.00 USD - 1986 Isuzu Trooper reservoirIsuzu
Fitted onto the Camry master cylinder
- Wilwood residual pressure valvesWilwood
Fitted as part of the brake hydraulics
In the shopsBrake Kit, 4 pot, vented discs, Wilwood ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,061.26 GBPBrake Kit, 4 pot, drilled & slotted discs, Wilwood ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £1,320.00 GBPReplacement Brake Pad Set for Wilwood Big Brake Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $149.99 USD
Wheels & Tyres 2
- Genuine Minilite wheelsMinilite
15x7 wheels fitted to the car
In the shops
8.0x13" Minilite Wheel ET3 Anthracite Grey (Toyota AE86 4x114.3) ↗
C Bradley Motorsport· £157.90 GBP - Yokohama S-drive tyresYokohama
W speed rated tyres fitted on the Minilites
In the shops
Yokohama A032R Tyre 165/70 R10 ↗
Mini Sport· £92.35 GBP
7 x 13" Starmag Alloy Wheel & Yokohama A539 Tyre Package ↗Mini Sport· £652.15 GBP
6x13 Sportspack Replica Alloy Wheel & Yokohama A539 Tyre Package ↗Mini Sport· £673.55 GBP
Body & Trim 1
- Datsun 510 rear wheel flaresDatsun
Used to flare the rear wheel arches
In the shops
Datsun 510 Panasport Z-Light Wheels ↗Sports & Classics· $299.94 USD
Ignition Switch (Datsun 510) ↗
Z Car Depot· $51.99 USD
Window Crank Regulator - Datsun 510 1968-73 ↗Z Car Depot· $169.00 USD
Interior 3
- VDO gaugesVDO
Whiteface instruments fitted, with air/fuel ratio and boost gauges added later
- Southern Rods heater/defrosterSouthern Rods
Part# 842H, mounted under the dashboard
In the shops
Heater Box to Defroster Elbow ↗Sports & Classics· $10.95 USD
Heater & Defroster Control Knob ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $18.99 USD - Leather seats
Fitted in the interior
Electrical 1
- LED panels
Fitted with low amperage inline fuses
Other 2
- RV8 stainless steel headersRV8
Fitted with EGT sensors for per-cylinder tuning
In the shops
Performance Stainless Steel Header ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $694.75 USD
Silencer, RV8 style, stainless steel ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £411.50 GBP
Link Pipe, RV8 style, stainless steel ↗Moss Europe (UK)· £93.76 GBP - Glass pack mufflers and resonator tips
Part of the 2" dual exhaust with crossover pipe
In the shops
Muffler Tip ↗
JDM Car Parts· $298.00 USD
RC40 Exhaust Resonator and Side Exit Muffler (Mini) ↗bpnorthwest.com· $186.78 USD
Photos
29 pictures collected from the write-up, in the order they were posted, shown from BritishV8: the site for enthusiasts of modified British sports cars. A picture opens larger here, with the way through to the page it is on.
How it was done
Original V8 conversion
Bill fitted a 1962 Buick 215 V8 with ported heads, a balanced rotating assembly, an Isky cam and a Carter 400cfm carburetor on the stock manifold. Drivetrain included a Borg-Warner T5 five-speed, a Chrysler 8.75" rear axle with limited slip, and Wilwood disc brakes front and rear. Front suspension used Fast Cars coilovers and a Fiero steering dampener, with owner-built rear traction bars.
2007 supercharger and EFI upgrade
In summer 2007 Bill replaced the carburetor setup with an Eaton M90 supercharger (sourced from a 96 Buick 3800 V6) feeding a custom fabricated aluminum intake manifold, running Edelbrock/Weber injectors on a MegaSquirt III sequential fuel injection and ignition system. A JB Performance I/O expansion board reads EGT sensors on each header and logs data alongside an accelerometer and vehicle speed sensor through TunerStudio.
Cooling, fuel and electrical details
The car has a handmade coolant header tank with fill and heater hoses routed to an under-dash heater. A modified Chevy pickup fuel filler neck is hidden behind the taillamp, and the interior carries LED panels on low amperage inline fuses and whiteface VDO gauges, to which Bill later added air/fuel ratio and boost gauges.
Chassis and exterior work
Suspension and brake work included Wilwood discs, Moser axles, and 1" lowering blocks with poly bushings, along with chassis reinforcements for the traction rod attachment. Exterior modifications include a factory-look air dam and rear wheel flares sourced from a Datsun 510, fitted with genuine Minilite wheels and Yokohama S-drive tyres.
A summary in our own words. The full account, with all its detail, is in the original write-up: read it at BritishV8: the site for enthusiasts of modified British sports cars ↗