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MG MGA - 5 speed conversion

A friend is installing a 5 bearing 18v MGB engine in his A. At the moment he has 1622 engine plus Hi gear 5 speed conversion. Which engine back plate / flywheel / starter combination is required so that he can re-use the existing Hi gear bellhousing? At the moment it is obvious that the mgb flywheel & backplate combination is not a match (too large).
Tony Mitchell

I believe your friend will need:
1. The back plate from a 65 to 67 5 main engine with a 3 synchrotransmission.
2. Ditto of the above for the Flywheel.
3. An adaptor bushing for the smaller transmission input shaft pilot.
4. A tachometer from an early MGB Positive Ground 5 main engine.
5. The existing model 35 starter may be two small and you may need the larger MGB starter, again from the early 5 main set up (65-67).
Hope this is correct--maybe Barney can verify.
James Johanski

Thanks James for a very comprehensive response, my friend has seen it and is amazed by the speed of reply from this wonderful resource.
Tony Mitchell

If the bellhousing supplied by Hi Gear is for a 1622 engine the 65-67 MGB rear engine plate wont work.The starter will not engage the flywheel.
The original 1822 engine plate needs to be machined to accept the MGB oil seal,also the oil drain at the front of the plate below the hole for the crankshaft will have to filled either with silicone seal or welded up and machined flat.
Tony
T Cox

That should read 1622 engine plate.Sorry
T Cox

Tony,
Contact Hi Gear in Derby as Peter Gamble has all types of back plates for all engine combinations. I bought mine there about 3 years ago and had to take it to the theater as I did not have time to take it back to the hotel. I am sure the airline was wondering what was in my suitcase!!!!
JEFF BECKER

This thread was discussed between 02/10/2007 and 03/10/2007

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.