I was recently approached about putting a "Mazda engine" in an MGB. I forget the year exactly, but I think it's a rubber bumper B. The owner hadn't made up his mind, he just wants FI and a Mazda engine. Since I've got a couple Miata engines sitting around, that was my first thought. But then I got to thinking about how cool a B with a 13B and a glasspack would sound.

So, I'm curious if anybody here has put a rotary (12A or 13B, I'm not picky) in an MGB. Mostly curious about how the mounting went. My dad has a lot of experience with B's (he raced an Elva Courier in the 60's... just like Donahue! ), but I don't know anything other than his B crap is taking up space in my shop.

 

its would be pretty rad i think. its been done before havce you searched previous threads yet. I think the main part is engine mounts and the tranny.
you minght need to use the rx4/5 tranny bellhousing cause its smaller. but i am not sure what all you will need. I have some pages from hrass roots motorsports when they put a rotary into a Spitfire, i could try and find those if it will help. tkae maybe 4 day to find but i woul do it if needed. lates matt22

 

a guy that owns a rotary shop in gainesville,GA called autotronix named Danny has an MG with a 13b in it running 11's. you should call him if you have any questions. the number is:
1-770-531-9676

 

There is also a guy on this forum who built his own 13B MG.Search the threads He's on here.Chinoo!!!! Help me out here! Don't you know him?? Chinooo!!! Where are you?? If I find it I'll post a link here!

 

I'm bad at searching; found a few interesting threads including an MGA on eBay, but I haven't found anybody's project thread.

Also, I'm not in a big hurry. I think the earliest the car will arrive at my shop will be December/January, so I've got quite a while. The finish date isn't that near either... the guy wants to give it to his granddaughter when she turns 16. She's 8 now.

Once we figure out what power plant is going in it I'll do some more serious research. I've seen a lot of rotaries in Bugeye's and Spit's, but not an MG that I know of (except the aforementioned A). And, of course, I'll throw project updates here if it comes to fruition.

 

If you do find something please post pics a guy in my office is very interested, he's got an old MG in mint condition with a weber carb on it right now but he wants more.

 

Yeah.. If seen the old school Austin Healey(sp??) 12a and 13b swaps.. Dude had an A/h with a PP 12A at cecil county last year.. FAST!!

 

http://www.mgcars.org.uk/v8_conversi...ines/mazda13b/


From http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic118055.htm came this:

a 12a motor w/a mazda 5 speed will fit right in. Use the rx7 motor mounts...just put them on the motor first and then drop it in to mark where you need to drill.....if you can find a 81-85 mazda pick up tranny and use the rear half to mount to a rx7 bell housing...you wont have to cut your transmission tunnel...otherwise some motifying will have to be done...and a custom drive shaft will have to be made....you wont be able to use the stock fan as it would stick up out of the hood...a griffin radiator for a vw sirrocco fits nicely...i will take some pics soon and put them on so you can see the car and the motor...

 

We did an MGB transplant in the late 80's on a 73 B. installed a carbed 13B from an rx4 with tranny from my old race car(rx3sp). possibly the easiest swap ever!! Keep in mind if the engine is ported you might consider a larger radiator. Its just like Crit said above , put on the motor mounts and drop it in. If you are new to engine swaps it might be a little harder than that makes it sound, but still very straight forward. Personally I would use an older B (pre 73) to avoid some emission problems(depending where you live) You will also have to shorten or replace the front springs as the ride hight will increase ALOT! Good luck

 

what about wiring, thats the scary part! Dropping the engine in is just a matter of taking your time making some measurments then weld but wiring the beast just sounds scary. If you start off with a complete running parts car do you just transfer over the engine wiring harness and what do you do with the stock wiring harness of the mgb(by the way I have a complete rx7 and basically just a shell of a spitfire ready for an engine).

 

I think to make things easier and give it a little more poo a Weber is in order.

 

wiring is easy as pie in a carbed rotary in any british car. You make a simple ignitor wiring harness using the original rx7 harness, run your starter wires, alternator, and bam, your done. The conversion is worth doing. PM me for any info you might need about a spitfire conversion