The V8 - the MG with effortless performance
Interest in MGBV8 Conversions is very strong amongst MGV8 enthusiasts and particularly for MGBV8 Roadsters as many feel that V8 power in the MGB Roadster body is just about the ideal sportscar. It is nimble, has good handling and above all has that smoothness and flexibility you get with V8 power. The number of conversions has increased substantially since Heritage shells became available and specialist parts suppliers, including Clive Wheatley and Moss, have been able to supply essential parts for the conversions. But building a good quality MGBV8 Conversion is not a low cost exercise - if you have one built by a leading MG specialist, a realistic budget has to be around £25,000 and probably more if you aim for a high specification in either power or trim - or both!

Tartan Red 4029 owned by Geoff King in Kincardineshire - externally his V8 Roadster looks standard with only the RV8 bonnet bulge and V8 badges - but
it is a thoroughly modern car and a delight to drive. (Photo: Geoff King)

Teal Blue 4180, an attractive V8 Roadster conversion completed
in 1993 and owned by Brian Marshall in Surrey. (Photo: Victor Smith)

The V8 Register is very keen on MGBV8 Conversions, in fact it is one of the fastest growing parts of our membership, particularly V8 Roadster conversions.

Superb V8 Roadster with a top rate specification
Dragon Green 4325 has a Lucas fuel injected Rover Vitesse V8 engine in a Heritage shell, uprated suspension and brakes with four pot callipers and vented discs, and 195 65 15HR Continental asymmetrical tyres on KN Minilite type alloy 6 x 15 wheels. Inside it is neatly trimmed with magnolia half leather seats, a walnut dashboard and electric windows. This superb V8 Roadster was completed in April 2002 and is owned by Mike Barnfather from Lancashire. (Photo: Mike Barnfather)

The engine bay of Dragon Green 4325 is a delight. (Photo: Mike Barnfather)

Remarkable V8 Roadster with a mouthwatering specification

Many V8 enthusiasts occasionally muse over the specification for their ideal V8 Roadster Conversion and just occasionally details of an exceptional car come to light. Well recently Geoff Broad posted an advertisement for his V8 Roadster Conversion on our popular "MGV8s for Sale" webpage in February 2003 and by any standards it is a well built car with a mouthwatering specification! You can see further details of this car. (Photo: Geoff Broad)

Sources of information on V8 Conversions
There are a number of good sources of information on planning and carrying out V8 conversions. Probably one of the most useful books is "How to give your MGB V8 power" by Roger Williams published by Veloce Publishing under their SPEEDPRO series.

How to give your MGB V8 power

When we last checked it was selling at £14.95 and it represents exceptional value in terms of the content and quality of the descriptions and advice. The well known MGBV8 Conversions enthusiast, Roger Parker, helped Graham with the book together with Clive Wheatley - they are both longstanding V8 Register members. Copies of this book are available from the V8 Register at only £12.00 plus P&P - see the V8 Shop where you can purchase the book and other V8 Publications and Regalia using the V8 Online Sales system or mail order.

Roger Parker is an acknowledged expert on V8 Conversions and he has prepared a very comprehensive set of notes on converting an MGB to V8 power and other upgrades, with links to photographs which illustrate the detailed points he covers.
V8 Conversion notes

More information on V8 conversions is available at the mgcars.org.uk website which you can find at www.mgcars.org.uk

Red 4205, a beautifully prepared V8 Roadster conversion with a
rear disc brake set up installed by Larry Beesley from Essex.
(Photo: Victor Smith)