Bob  always wanted a sports car, but kids and life got in the way. Finally he aquired a very fine example of a 1979 MGB. As some of you know the latter MGB were not quite the car the eariler ones were, in regards to POWER.  When Bob brought the car in, it did not start until you sprayed starting fluid in the carb and it really was low on power. When we did a little checking the carb was not worth salvaging. We took the cylinder head off  to raise the compression ratio (early MGb's had either 8.8 or 9.0 to 1 compression ratio & the 1975 & later had 8.0 to 1). We raised it to 9.2 to 1 after some calculations to help offset the loss of power due to our 6,000 foot elevation, and performed a high performance three angle valve job. Also we do what is called a rim flow. This is where the intake valve has a radius cut in the face so fresh fuel and air can not escape through the port and the exhaust valve has a radius on the back so the burnt fuel does not re-enter the combustion chamber.  After removing the cylinder head we planned on resealing the tappet covers. Once the tappet covers were removed, I pulled out a lifter to have a look. Lo & behold the lifter & camshaft were shot!   After discussing the options with Bob, he decided to go with a mild grind cam & adjustable timing sprocket kit from APT per our recommendation.  Also 2 SU carbs like Morris Garage intended it to have. The carbs were rebuilt and the throttle shafts now have bearings instead of bushings.An exhaust manifold was ceramic coated to help with underhood heat.   A big bore exhaust system completes this great MGB. We are trying a modern PCV valve instead of the prehistoric diaphragm type the Brits loved.

Rebuilt Carburettors.

Here is the cylinder head being machined. The compression ratio is now 9.2:1

You can see the radius on the intake valves.

Adjustable cam timing sprocket kit

Freshly media blasted and painted parts.

Here is the timing gear installed.

Starting to come together.

Finished Product!!! We love the way the airbox turned out. We wanted to make something that would look period correct and work well with the two SU set up and the brake booster.

Bob enjoying his retrofitted MGB.