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Zetec Powered MGB Build Thread

288K views 319 replies 65 participants last post by  crisd 
#1 · (Edited)
MGB Zetec? Yes please.

Hey guys. I'm not so sure if this thread will gain much interest but I'd like to share some progress on my most recent project. I've recently become an owner of a 1979 MGB and I'm in the process of swapping the original 1.8 Liter engine with a Zetec engine. I've joined the forum to learn more about the Zetec and seek out parts for my build. So far, I've really enjoyed reading what you guys have on the forum.



The MGB is a great, little roadster with responsive handling but it suffers from an underpowered engine.

I think I'm making about 55whp with the stock engine. The Zetec is a reliable and economical engine that has a pretty big following in the US and the UK. I'm planning on using bike carbs and pairing the engine with a t-5 transmission that's already in my garage.

I'm currently finishing up my work on the suspension and brakes. As soon as I'm done with that I'll be working on building a Zetec and fitting it! Please stay tuned and I promise to update.

 
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#94 ·
I've definitely gained 30+ hp with the recent mods to my valve cover.



Don't worry, it's a spare from the junkyard.
On a more serious note, I have a ton of parts on the way to help complete my engine build. I can't wait to really get this thing put together! Expect a pretty hefty update sometime on Wednesday.
 
#95 ·
Funny.....[thumbd] Good help is hard to find.....

While he was messing around with the valve cover, I was tediously measuring tappets with my micrometers.

Couple of findings: I noticed that there are no markings of any sort on these buckets or the ones on the stock head and all the tappets are within .001 - .002" of each other. There isn't any great variation from one to the next and most speced out the same.

Second, after all that measuring, I don't think I want to used the ones that came with the ported head. I'm not a fan of using used lifters or buckets on any engine and there are some circular scratches that came from lobe contact. Looks like either the oil had something in it at one time or the cam wasn't well lubed, so out they go.


Also, we tested the EDIS/Megajolt setup. Worked great on the bench with a trigger wheel on a drill. Lots of big sparks from the coil pack! I've already developed a couple of ignition maps to start with. Go to http://www.autosportlabs.net/Main_Page to see more on Megajolt.

Like he said, lots of parts coming in, so we can finally button this thing up and finish putting the transmission on. Then we can pull the MGB engine, set this one in, and start making mounts.
 
#96 ·
Funny.....[thumbd] Good help is hard to find.....

While he was messing around with the valve cover, I was tediously measuring tappets with my micrometers.
Pretty sure this happened AFTER you went inside the house to kick back in your cozy recliner...
[slap]

Parts on order:
Pulleys
Timing belt
Adjustable cam gears
Windage tray gasket
Clutch kit
Flywheel bolts
Starter
Header

I'm dropping some parts off today at the powder coat place to get cleaned up. Can't wait to get this engine built! [driving]
 
#97 ·
sweet build! been reading through this from the start. Although I don't know much about these cars, my uncle is a big fan. He has the third floor of my families appliance business warehouse filled with junked/ partial cars like this, not sure if they're the same model though. he has a couple running ones and tons of partials and even a burned one lol.

Good luck cat wait to see this finished!
 
#98 ·
redSVT_03, that sounds pretty awesome. I bet your uncle has a lot of cool cars to work on and drive. I wish I could have that much space for our projects.

As far as progress on my build, I've been so busy that I haven't updated. All the parts that I ordered were delivered. I took some photos of the stuff before I started tinkering. Here's a shot of the Mac shorty header that I'm going to use. I looks like it'll flow better than the stock manifold.




I'll be using an Exedy OEM clutch kit for a 1992 Mustang 2.3L.


I also bought a cheap, new Bosch starter for a 1992 Mustang 2.3L.


We installed the head using ARP head studs and mocked up the engine using a random alternator and the exhaust manifold. You can also see I've installed my new pulleys and have my timing belt ready to go. [:D] It's nice to see this engine coming together.


Today on lunch break, I sand blasted my bell housing and the windage tray so I'll be painting those at home tonight. I should be able to make a bunch of progress and have more photos soon. [wrenchin]
 
#100 ·
Awesome build. Im considering a Zetec or Duratec in my MGB. Havent decided what build to go with yet. I'm getting a lot of great info from this. Keep it up and good luck.

Not sure the collector of that exhaust will "flow better." That abrupt change in the collector plate from 4 to 1 creates a significant pressure drop.

redSVT_03, that sounds pretty awesome. I bet your uncle has a lot of cool cars to work on and drive. I wish I could have that much space for our projects.

As far as progress on my build, I've been so busy that I haven't updated. All the parts that I ordered were delivered. I took some photos of the stuff before I started tinkering. Here's a shot of the Mac shorty header that I'm going to use. I looks like it'll flow better than the stock manifold.

 
#101 ·
Awesome build. Im considering a Zetec or Duratec in my MGB. Havent decided what build to go with yet. I'm getting a lot of great info from this. Keep it up and good luck.

Not sure the collector of that exhaust will "flow better." That abrupt change in the collector plate from 4 to 1 creates a significant pressure drop.
Thanks for the input! [thumb] I'm glad you've enjoyed reading about the build. I'm still willing to bet that any aftermarket shorty header will outperform the stock manifold of the same design. Overall, using a shorty header seems much easier than making our own header or adapting a 1.8L Miata header.
 
#102 ·
I guess we should tell these guys that their header doesn't flow well.


Kidding aside, 4-into-1 open collector is a proven design that works well.

Not to mention the packaging issues of doing anything in an MGB. Keep in mind that the engine compartment is tiny so there's not a lot of room to work with. A shorty design is the easiest way to go.
 
#106 ·
the collector on that is completely different that that shorty zetec header. the collector on that car costs more than the whole zetec header. the merg collector on that header is not cut pipes with a flat piece welded inside like that zetec collector and they use a megaphone after the collector to help with velocity.

those two headers can not be compared. just look at the difference a true performance merge collector
http://www.perfweldheaders.com/_images/4 - 2 - 1 Merge Collector 1.jpg

http://stainless.eclipticcms.com/images/Merge Collector Large.JPG

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/flyinryan_ZR1/IMG_1634.jpg

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee142/flyinryan_ZR1/IMG_1635.jpg

that shorty will flow a little better than stock but it will not make a difference that you can really feel. but it does look a hell of a lot better.

and for the OP i'll get back with you very soon about those buckets. i have to get them out of the attic and measure them

Tim
 
#103 ·
We installed the cam gears on the cams and started checking the valve lash. It looks like we'll be able to use most of the buckets we already have after I rearrange them. I still might need about four or five buckets so I've contacted some people that I can hopefully buy them from.

I'll post some photos of progress later this weekend.
 
#104 ·
VERY nice. I'm loving this. I wish my Dad lived close enough to help with mine. I'm jealous of you guys there. I can't wait to see this done!

Oh, and is that tile on the floor in your garage?? How does that hold up to having engine stands rolled around? Do you have a mat for jack stands when you use them?
 
#105 ·
great thread. Your back and forth banter is quite enjoyable.

My Dad is not really a car guy, but he has helped me with some of the larger tasks I've tackled (suspension, clutch). They are good memories to make; a father and son working together.
 
#108 ·
VERY nice. I'm loving this. I wish my Dad lived close enough to help with mine. I'm jealous of you guys there. I can't wait to see this done!

Oh, and is that tile on the floor in your garage?? How does that hold up to having engine stands rolled around? Do you have a mat for jack stands when you use them?
Thanks! I've definitely enjoyed working on this build with my dad so far. We've worked on a lot of cars together but this will be the first one we're restoring/modifying together from start to finish. Your build is going to be pretty epic for FF. I'm looking forward to seeing more progress/photos.

As for the floor, I'm pretty sure it's peel and stick tile (vinyl material). It's been very durable so far and the engine stand and jacks roll on it without any issues. It's pretty easy to clean oil off of too.

great thread. Your back and forth banter is quite enjoyable.
Thanks for the support. I'm glad you're enjoying it. I didn't think this thread would really gain any interest when I first started it on FF but you guys have been extremely helpful and have good input. [ffrocks]

that shorty will flow a little better than stock but it will not make a difference that you can really feel. but it does look a hell of a lot better.

and for the OP i'll get back with you very soon about those buckets. i have to get them out of the attic and measure them
I wouldn't read into my dad's joke too much. He knows what he's talking about but he's a bit of a forum troll sometimes. [nono] I'm housesitting for him this weekend so I'll punish him by drinking all the beer in the fridge.

Regardless, the shorty header is the easiest option for my build because I'll avoid a lot of clearance issues with my small engine compartment. It's a compromise in performance but it makes the swap a little easier. If I were truly building for power, I would have gone with a V8 swap. [burnout] I have to agree that it does look a lot better.

I really appreciate you looking for the buckets. Currently the .685 is the one I need the most. It would definitely help us out a lot. I think I have the other ones covered. Just PM me when you can get around to it. Thanks again!
 
#110 · (Edited)
Crap....all my beer is gone! And has been replaced with apple ale! [rant]

I really wish we could get the SVT header into that chassis, but there's no way it will fit without hacking it or the car up. The shorty is the best compromise because it fits the car.

Early on I think I said the stock header was probably almost as good, but Bling wins out this time.
 
#114 ·
I started pulling parts off the MGB last week. The engine and transmission got pulled yesterday. This car is dead simple to take apart and work on. I love it.

My father has to leave town for a couple weeks due to a family emergency but I'm going to stay in Orlando and work on a couple things while he's away. I'm going to upgrade the fuse block, add some relays, and upgrade some of the wiring on the car while it's easy to access. I'm also planning to pull the heater and the pedal box to inspect/rebuild.











As for the engine, everything is coming together quickly. I installed the tappets I needed for the cams. Dad and I created an adapter for a thermostat housing from an LS1. I'll post pictures of that soon.
 
#119 ·
Wow,how the hell did I miss this build? That MGB is gonna fly with all those modifications! Keep it up guys!
 
#120 ·
What're you guys doing with the rear end? IRS? I was thinking a Miata or RX7 myself. Maybe end up doing a ford 7.5 from a ranger. Don't know yet. I want to keep the knock-off wire wheels though. This may require custom axles.

For the bellhousing I was going to do a Quad4 bellhousing with a hydraulic slave. Still have to work out the clutch/flywheel/pressure plate first though.

I love the original sound of the MGB 1.8L engine. Whats the best way to keep that sound with a zetec. I don't want that tin can rice rocket junk. Achievable with the zetec? If so how to get it. What cylinders to collect? I want to make dual or twin exhaust if possible. I'm guessing long downpipes and keep 1-4 and 2-3 together with a crossover pipe after the CATs. Any suggestions?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/FORD-ESCORT-MK-1-2-16V-ZETEC-RWD-4-2-1-ASHLEY-COMPETITION-EXHAUST-2-25-TAIL-/261155925460?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3cce1b2dd4

Also looking into doing a MP62 supercharger. There are a couple used ones. Of course I'd need a full custom intake and need to work out the ECU mapping completely custom which would cost $$$$. Not to mention the pulley/belt issues. Has anyone built custom intakes for RWD setups with superchargers? No AC and no power steering would free up some space for one though.

Maybe going dry sump as well. I'd like to have oilers on the pistons and rod bearings. Anyone know if dry sumps can do that or modifications can be made on the wet sump? I'd like to get away with it without drilling the block.

Also, also, I saw someone here had a blacktop that they drilled a larger coolant hole in the inlet on the block to attach the earlier series water pump. Any better? The block I bought to do this conversion is rusted to s*@t. Hopefully it comes back clean after its tanked, but there was some serious corrosion at the ports between the blocks. Do people have issues with rusting at the ports between the block and head?
 
#121 · (Edited)
That's a lot of modifications on an MGB. It would be easier to start with a Miata!

We're going to stick with the stock rear for now. The 3.909 ratio works well with the T5 we have. No need to over complicate the build with an IRS at this point. The 7.5 and even the 8.8 is also an option but we really don't need the strength for what we have planned. The MG rear will easily handle the ~170-180 hp we are shooting for. RX7 is too wide and will need to be narrowed anyway, and there is a lousy selection of ratios and gears for that rear end.

The Quad-4-rods bell is easy, but pricey. The 2.3 Mustang unit works for us.

The MG sounds neat partly because of the low revs. Any higher revving engine is going to sound "un-MG" just because it's turning faster, not necessarily because of the exhaust layout. Keeping a similar exhaust layout would preserve some of the characteristic sound, but I'd get some second opinions on that Ashley header - I've seen bad reviews on quality from that company.

I think you are completely on your own for a RWD supercharger for a Zetec. A dry sump is totally not needed and on this chassis/engine can get real complicated. You have to drive the oil pump, plumb it, the pan, pickups, oil filter, add an oil tank,etc........the only thing you gain is the ability to add a "Because Racecar" sticker.

As far as the water pump, I think you may be confusing applications for the CVH and the earlier Zetec Silvertop. The cam belt tensioner arrangement is different so the later Zetec pump is pretty much all that will fit.

I think that at some point you can do so many mods that the car is no longer what you started with. The original character of the car gets lost. Ours is just an engine swap - basically a more powerful MGB. The original car is so nice to drive, but underpowered. We really don't want to lose the vintage feel, but want more power.
 
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