Classic MGB GT Has An Unlikely Engine Swap But It's Not Electric

There's a resurgence of classic electromods, but among them, there's one common factor: high cost. With that factor in mind, a student named Jacob Yong embarked on an engine swap in this classic MGB GT that was way more efficient than an EV swap, dropping a Ford Duratec motor under the hood instead.

Jacob's father is no stranger to automotive tinkering. He has an Alfa Romeo 105 series GTB, engine swapped with a 2.0-liter twin-spark engine from the Alfa Romeo 75 and loaded with the proper Alfa Romeo go-fast bits. Their shared love for track days has brought them together, but Jacob struggled to keep up with his father's Alfa Romeo.

The solution wasn't to empty his wallet for aftermarket engine hop-up kits for his old MG B series engine; Jacob decided to go the engine transplant route.

Instead of a 4.8-liter V8 like the Frontline MG LE60 restomod, Jacob opted for a Ford Duratec 2.0-liter engine swap, which would prove cost-effective while still performance-enhancing. The inline-four power plant was widely used within the Blue Oval lineup before, particularly in compact, midsize, and commercial vehicles like the Transit Connect Cargo Van.

The heart of this project lies in the custom-made engine mounts, which allowed the Ford Duratec engine to fit snugly into the MGB's engine bay. The result? An impressive 170 horsepower on the dyno, a significant improvement over the original B-series engine's 95 horsepower. But what truly makes this car special is how it blends modern power with classic nostalgia.

Despite a modern engine under the hood, Jacob retained the charm of individual throttle bodies from a first-generation Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle. This choice preserves the classic car feel, providing an intoxicating induction noise that should send shivers down any car enthusiast's spine.

Under the skin, the MGB's front suspension now features a modern coilover conversion, while the rear remains standard except for some Superflex bushings. These enhancements and a set of Yokohama AD 048 track day tires ensure the MGB handles well. Far from perfect, Jacob plans to improve the steering further, as this is still a work in progress.

A Mazda MX-5 Miata gearbox and driver's seat were integrated into the build, enhancing the car's performance and driver comfort. With a newfound pep, the engine revs up to 7,200 rpm, delivering power in a smooth, linear manner. The steering, especially mid-corner, provides ample road feel, adding to the driving excitement.

Jacob upgraded to Wilwood brakes at the front, ensuring the car could stop as impressively as it accelerated while retaining the stock drums at the rear for a touch of nostalgia.

Now, let's talk about the budget spent on this project. Jacob's entire conversion, including the engine swap and all the suspension, brake, transmission, and dyno tuning improvements, only set him back GBP 5,500 or around $6,732 with the current exchange rates.

While not as cool as the MGB GT outfitted with recycled parts, Jacob's work was quite impressive considering the budget he had to work with. We're sure his resourcefulness will take him further, especially in tuning and improving classic cars.