MGB Roadster -MX5 1.8 VVT Engine Swap and More Lightweight Modifications

This week I start the journey on my MGB MX5 Engine Conversion.

Find out why I opted for this particular conversion along with some info on how I did the engine mounts, gearbox mounts and the exhaust manifold

If you have any questions please do comment and I will try and reply in the comments or on the next video for you!

Thank you for watching and if you do enjoy please subscribe so I know to continue making these videos.

Thanks

Mike

[shifu]

Just recently purchased a 79 MGB here in the US, and my dad and I's first idea was an MX5 swap, for reliability and power. Awesome to see it done for real!

[John-qho]

I reckon you’ll come under fire for this, but it does make sense, lookin forward to the next installment.

[felixbowker]

Always planned to do this swap! Although I will saying owning both an BGT and MX5 (1.8vvt) I'm not convinced of you MPG figures 🤣 from Devon to Goodwood both cars used the same amount of fuel (within a litre) averaged around 30-36 from both. But much better power from the 5!

Also the MK1 MX5 gearbox can have the linkage cut to being the lever forwards.

Great video!

[michaelbaker]

Just come across your channel after watching Johnny smith with your MGB GT awesome . Your such a talented guy I would love an MGB but would cost me a fortune as im not a mechanic . Love the resto mod look and using different engines cant wait to see it finished .

[colinblick]

Having listened to what you said…… I’d do the same….. emerald ecu as well, tuneable set up….weight saving…….im enjoying your project😎💪🏼

[paulwaites]

I had a squirrel living in exact same place on my B must be something about cozy space.

[stephengent]

The MX5 is a great little car. It should be a great replacement for the MGB. I cannot understand people being sniffy about it. The Mazda engine is capable of being upgraded well beyond the MGB unit. To me it is a no brainer

[MTeague]

Brilliant video, I really love your cars, looking forward to the next video

[taylorpurdy]

After fully committing to my build, on Saturday i had a doner mazda mx5 turn up
And ive just come across your videos
Bloody brilliant work
Simplicity of work is fantastic
And will definitely help with my build in the future
I really look forward to seeing a video about the standalone ecu if you do one
Thats one thing im not familiar with
Having a complete car
I think before I enter the world of standalones
Ill try and use the complete mazda loom and ecu

Got a few questions to ask
More than happy to pay for your time

Again great video
Really enjoyed watching all of your videos
Keep going
Your doing really well 💪

[charlesloomis]

I have a 67 MGB GT and a 64 MGB Roadster...doing the same in regard to the engine swap. The MX-5 1.8L is in keeping with the look of 4 cylinder engines of the time like Alfa Romeo.

[sudd]

Thank you for your videos I am retiring soon and want to build a mga with mx5 engine and transmission I’ll be watching

[bernardwarr]

Great job and great weight saving, that’s a great benefit

[Jagerbug]

Nice video!! Please please please do a video on the pick up truck! I’m going to keep going on about it until you do 😂 Keep em coming fella

[nathankesler]

Great video! I’m really enjoying this build. I have a 71 mgb gt that I’m planning to do a swap in about a year depending if the engine keeps running that long.

[kkolset]

Thanks for the video! I'm planning a NB 1.8 (non VVT) swap on my 1976 MGB GT, so very useful to see how others have done theirs. Was it necessary to notch the front crossmember or was it just to get it to sit lower? I've seen some people change alternators to avoid notching the chassis leg as well. Keen to avoid cutting the body up much. Excited to see part 2!

[mrdainase]

Some really good info in the video and great to watch, thanks for that. I'm thinking if weight is a real factor for you then the Rover K Series is an even better option as that would shave about another 20-30Kg off, but you do then need to find a transmission for it and there is the cost point you said at the start. And let's face it, if only for peace of mind you're going to whip the head off to check the liner heights and put a fresh head gasket on it before you even begin the swap, although those MX5 lumps can get top end clatter and would need a rebuild too in time. At least that ship anchor of a B Series has gone though! Just a last one but a big reduction in front end weight is surely going to mean new springs and dampers?

[StanleyKubick]

I can tell you're a good bloke by the fact that what seemed like 5 guys showed up to be stuck in a tiny shed with you when you needed a hand EDIT: wait, when did you manage to hammerite the engine bay?

[daledavies]

@mike_wallhead Definately use what you have or is readily available. In western Canada the 2.3 and 2.5 are around everywhere. The 6spd MX5 transmission needs looking for, but available. The older MX5 bits are more difficult to find.

[suzettewallhead]

Great video get a spare engine miles for future as it seems this lady is a stayer!!!

[guylishman]

Have recently started doing a similar thing with my 74, but I’m using a 1.6 from my mx5, if you fancy a head to head once both are completed I’d be very interested