MGB V8 Supersport

The MGBV8 at 40, Anniversary Super-Test

John Simister, Practical Classics June 2013

It's brilliant. All that power and not much weight makes this a properly fast car, and it sounds magnificent with its high-revs howl. Not that you need to rev it, because this engine is a true torque house, well able to pull from the very high fifth gear. Getting beyond an indicated 140mph is easy, if draughty, given the unnaturally high driving position on as-yet-unsquashed leather seats, but the power steering feels a little light and feedback-free as the pace rises. Although I understand MGOC's mechanical pumps have since been developed to return feel at speed. This is a properly-sorted car which works superbly, clearly has rigid structure and feels unbreakable. Lovely.

Who's coming home with me?

Our MGB V8 is presented in Alfa Romeo Rosso red, with a magnolia and black walnut interior. The car has undergone extensive modifications to create a V8 Supersport standard:

  • MGOC V8 Supersports Body Shell

  • Stage III SD1 3.9Ltr V8 Engine 265Bhp

  • Offenhauser 360deg 4 Barrel Inlet Manifold

  • Low Rider Filter for bonnet clearance

  • Edelbrock Carburettor- Excellent power delivery and fuel economy (28mpg)

  • V8 Supersports SS Twin Exhaust System- For low back pressure and authentic V8 burble

  • Exclusive Aluminium Supersports petrol tank- To accommodate twin tail pipe arrangement

  • High performance fuel pump and regulator- For optimum fuel delivery

  • V8 Aluminium Radiator- For maximum cooling efficiency

  • Thermostatic Controller with manual override- For automation of the cooling fans

  • Louvered Bonnet for enhanced under bonnet cooling

  • Exclusive Heater Pipe- to allow clearance for the heater control valve.

  • V8 Aluminium Pulley- Sourced and remanufactured by MGOC

  • V8 Front Cover

  • Aluminium alternator Bracket- To accept a standard 18ACR 50 Amp alternator

  • Dual Line Braking- Using an in line RV8 Servo and Master Cylinder

  • MGOC V8 Power Steering- Now with variable valve technology for increased driver feedback.

  • 4 Pot Calipers with Vented Discs

  • RV8 Front Suspension

  • Hi-Gear Starter Motor- For greater cranking power and less battery drain

  • 5 Speed LT77 gearbox- to offer a selectable fifth speed. Available recon outright from stock

  • Modified Rubber Gearbox Cross Member for installation of the LT77 G/Box

  • Rear Salisbury W/W MGB

  • 3.07:1 CW&P (manufactured by MGOC) and Quaife L.S.D- V8 ratio fits within an MGB casing requiring no modification to the carrier, LSD offering improved traction during hard cornering.

  • New V8 Prop-shaft

  • Single Leaf Rear Composite Springs

  • Anti-Tramp Bar Kit- As fitted to the RV8

  • 123 Electronic Ignition- Solid state reliability

    Wheels & Tyres-

  • Tubeless Wire Wheels (5.5 x 15 Ft & 6 x 15 Rr)

  • Yokohama Tyres (185/65 Ft & Rr)

    Interior Comfort Upgrades

  • Heated Leather Sports Recliner Seats with twin post headrests

  • Exclusive Up-rated Heater Matrix- Offering 40% increase in heating capacity

  • Exclusive Two Speed Heater Motor & Supersized impellor

  • Electric Power Lift Windows

  • Tinted Glazing

  • Mohair R Style Hood (minus quarter Lights) and Cabrio Lining

  • Padded Mohair Half Tonneau

  • Leather Trimmed Mesh Wind stop

  • Two 9" 100w Speakers in the rear panel and Sony CD/Radio Tuner

  • Door Puddle Lights & interior foot-well lights

  • Moto-Lita Black Walnut Steering Wheel

  • Padded Leather Momo Gear Knob

  • Luxury Black Walnut Dash Fascia and Door Cappings

  • Recalibrated 4-8cyl Magnolia Instrumentation

  • Engine Fan Override Switch

  • Smart Screen Intermittent Wash/Wipe

  • Classic Interior Panel Set

  • Leather Padded Console & armrest with matching black walnut radio and gear panels

  • Ultimate Club Carpet Set with bonded soundproofing and moulded sections

  • Ultimate Boot Carpet Set

 
dan orme