MGB Stage 2

MGB Evolution World's Best Bs- 50th Birthday test

John Simister, Practical Classics September 2012:

Fundamentally, the MGOC testbed feels like an MGB which has been properly developed beyond what the factory could afford to do at the time. The bad parts have been banished, leaving the good parts to shine more brightly. The engine pulls smoothly and with useful vigour, and the suspension works fluently without the lever-arm dampers choppiness. Small movements are accommodated rather than resisted, large ones are more tightly controlled. And the steering? The power assistance is well-enough judged for you not to be aware of it, except at low speeds with an ease unexpected in an MGB. It's accurate and you can still feel proper forces through the steering wheel when you need them. Good telescopic dampers, a well developed power-steering system and some useful extra urge; give your MGB these vital enhancements and you'll love it forever. So which is the honey B? 'a simple early B-series roadster with the right modifications would do me just fine. And the MGOCs testbed is exactly that car.’

Acquired in 1979, this 1964 pull handle MGB has been used extensively over the last forty years to test and develop products which offer genuine benefit to MGB owners. A major restoration was undertaken in 1994, comprising replacement of all external body panels and replacement floor panels, boot and sills with a comprehensive re-spray and new interior trim. In its current guise the performance B series engine has covered over ninety thousand miles, many under test conditions.

The car today sports the following non-standard upgrades:

Mechanical -

  • 2.1 Ltr Stage II Balanced Unleaded Engine producing in excess of 100BHP at the wheels

  • MGB Evolution 3 Front Suspension

  • Club MGB Rear Panhard Rod

  • Power Steering

  • Roller Clutch Release Bearing

  • Five Speed Gear Box Conversion with Type 9 Sierra Gearbox

  • 123 Distributor with selected 2.1 Stag II Ignition Map

  • Lumenition Ignition Leads

  • 1 3/4" HS6 Carburettors

  • Stub Stacks

  • K&N Pancake Air Filters

  • Geared Starter Motor

  • High Output Alternator

  • Sports Coil

  • Stainless Steel Three Branch Manifold

  • Stainless Steel Standard Exhaust System

  • Slotted & Drilled Discs with Green Stuff Pads

  • New MGB Calipers with Stainless Steel Pistons

  • Optional Remote Brake Servo

  • Reconditioned Brake Calipers with Stainless Steel Pistons

  • Standard rear interleaving springs (currently on test from manufacturer)

  • Koni Rear Dampers

  • Poly Urethane Bushing front & rear

  • 5.5 x 15" Centre Lock Anthracite Wheels

  • 185/65/15 Yokohama Tyres

Exterior -

  • Tripod Headlights

  • Stainless Steel Oversills

  • Stainless Steel Luggage Rack

Interior -

  • Moulded Carpet Set

  • Leather Trimmed Centre Console

  • Club Sports Recliners

  • 14" Motolita Leather Steering Wheel

  • Mohair Hood

  • Wind Stop

  • Uprated Two Speed Heater Motor

  • Uprated Heater Matrix

 
dan orme