JGug1's 1972 MGB GT Ford turbo conversion
BritishV8: the site for enthusiasts of modified British sports cars
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 1972 MGB GT planned as a Ford turbo 2.3 conversion
JGug1 describes sourcing a 1972 MGB GT specifically for its extra space behind the seats, with the long term goal of fitting a turbocharged Ford 2.3 engine and T5 gearbox. The single post lays out an ambitious plan rather than completed work, with the car initially being prepped by the owner before going to a shop for the swap.
Specs
As stated in the original write-up.
- Donor engine source
- Turbo 2.3 liter Ford engine from a 1988 Thunderbird (planned)
- Gearbox (planned)
- Ford T5 transmission
- Rear axle (planned)
- Modified Mustang/Thunderbird rear end with Ford limited slip differential and disc brakes
- Front suspension (planned)
- Custom unit with power steering
- Rear suspension (planned)
- Custom design
- Body (planned)
- Fender flares using VW-style mild flares for larger tires
- Interior (planned)
- Porsche heated, powered seats; cruise control; power windows; power mirrors
- Current engine
- Original 1800cc B-series engine, to be run temporarily during initial prep
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 1
- Ford 2.3 liter turbo engine
Planned replacement engine, sourced from a 1988 Thunderbird, already acquired
Cooling 1
- Intercooler
Acquired for use with the turbocharged engine
Suspension & Steering 1
- Custom front suspension with power steering
Already acquired front suspension unit to be fitted
In the shops
EZ Power Steering Kit ↗
Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2,702.99 USD
EZ Power Steering Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2,699.00 USD
EZ Power Steering Kit ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $2,349.00 USD
Photos
2 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
Starting condition
The owner found this MGB GT through another MGB enthusiast site and traveled to Ava, Illinois to buy it. It was chosen over a TR7 or MGB roadster because the GT body offers extra room behind the seats, useful for bringing along a dog on trips.
The plan
The long-held goal is a turbocharged Ford 2.3 liter engine, originally from a 1988 Thunderbird, paired with a T5 gearbox and a modified Mustang/Thunderbird rear axle to gain access to different gear ratios along with a Ford limited slip differential and disc brakes. Custom front and rear suspension is planned, with power steering up front. Other planned additions include VW-style mild fender flares, Porsche heated power seats, cruise control, power windows, and power mirrors.
Progress so far
At the time of posting the owner already had the intercooler, the engine, and the front suspension on hand. The intention was to have the car running on its original 1800cc engine first, after doing preliminary cleaning and prep himself, before handing it to Empire Automotive in Kansas City for the main build work.
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 ↗