MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
Hey guys,
I read somewhere here (can't find it!)...that there's a letter or number or combo of both designated on a car VIN # that it came new - showing it came with an OD Gearbox? What are those numbers and/or letter again? This would be for the late model B's, (77 to 80).
Thanks, Dan
Dan - that may be correct (I do not know the answer), but certainly the engine number did have a digit that indicated if it was originally mated to an O/D gearbox or not.
Unfortunately, I cannot find the reference that tells you what it is!
I'll keep looking!
Dan:
The info you are looking for can be found on page 70 of the Victoria British catalog. You can access it online if you don't have one.
Herb
I don't have a copy here at work, but I remember the Vicky Brit catalog has a breakdown of engine #s that does designate OD. IF I remember correctly, though, it started with the 18V configurations, 18G engines may not have it. I don't think anything in the VIN refers to type of gearbox.
I found the numbers on Victoria British:
For Model years 77 - the engines and cars with OD Gearbox numbers are: 18V / 891 AE and 18V / 884 AE - for those that want to know.
The same years without OD Gearbox, 18V / 890 AE and 18V / 883 AE
Thanks, Dan
Clausager has a full page on 18V engine identification.
For example.
Jun 76-Oct 80 USA (not California), catalyst, without overdrive. 18V-883-AE-L Engine numbers 101-50984.
As above, but with overdrive. 18V-884-AE-L Engine numbers 101-10425
Jun 76-DEC 79 California catalyst, without overdrive. 18V-890-AE-L Engine numbers 101-12059.
As above, but with overdrive. 18V891-AE-L Engine numbers 101-4584.
Aug72-Sep74 North American export 73 & 74 model years, without overdrive. 18V-672-Z-L Engine numbers 101-38094
Same, but with overdrive. 18V-673-Z-L Engine numbers 101-6550
Complete 18V data is on page 64.
18G Engine (1962-71) Page 60
Overdrive cars will have an R in front of either U or WE
I you don't Have Clausager's book I can check other configurations if I have a complete engine number.
Clifton
I see you found it while I was searching