And so it begins

Well I finally did something to my ZB Magnette other than walk by it, and think...... someday.
My short term goal is to get the carbs rebuilt, so they stop leaking all over, and get the brakes working, then try to get it up to GT-35. So I took the carbs off, and started soaking the bolts, and fitting on the master cyl. The carbs are currently stripped down with the bodies soaking in my solvent tank. I figures if I started now then I might get those things done by then.
My long term goal is still a little up in the air, as I had BIG non-original resto plans for my ZA (which has a frozen engine, and no floors), then I tripped across the ZB and couldn't not buy it for the price. After getting it home it was running, and driving around the yard in a few hours screwing around with it, which made me re-think my plans, and think I should re-do this one original. After getting under it though I realized it's structually worse than the ZA, and maybe the better car for the "Big" plan, I also would like to attempt my version of the Magnetta, so now I'm not sure yet which way I'm going to go with the two of them. Whatever I end up doing it won't be done for quite some time though, as time to put into them is none-to-plenty, and wont be for a while.
Maybe I should let out the secret of the "Big" plan, and take a poll as to what everyone would like to see. I originally wanted to get at least most of the metal work done before letting anyone other than those who visit my shop see it and know what I'm doing. I'll have to think about that.

What a tease!

I say "Go For It!" But then i'm one of those inclined towards modification. :)

Cheers,
Rich

Magnetta= Go for it! About time someone actually built it. Good luck to you.

NO, no, nooooooooooo... !!!!!
What a horrible abomination!
I can't bear the thought of one of those actually in existance.

Just kidding ;) thought the thread could use a little "unbalance."

Good luck gettin' to GT35, sounds like you have a few items on the check-list.

And for the record, anyone who even seriously contemplates such modifications to the structure of the car has my respect and attention!

Hmmmm, let me see now.....

Magnetta or restoration??

I think my avatar will be a clue to the answer to that little conundrum.......DO IT!!!!!! :bouncing:

There's actually 3 choices I'm contemplating, Magnetta, restoration, or my secret "big" plan (which consists of cutting up 2 other vehicles for parts)..

When I stripped the rusted out ZA for parts this summer I came very close to having a go at a Magnetta.
The only thing stopping me (other than SWMBO) was the lack of a garage to work in.
The bodyshell I had to work with was missing all of the sheet metal below door level, and I was thinking that
a TR6 chassis would give a good base for the shell. Of course the TR6 is sized for a straight six which was
what I had in mind for power. A Jag twin-cam six would look great under the bonnet, particulary an XK/MK II
unit with the polished alloy valve covers. You could even have the MG logo engraved in them.
Wouldn't that go over big with the Jag boys! :I3:
5 and 6 speed gearboxes are available for the early jags too,or you could use an auto box.


Maybe one day!
Rich

Well, being a Jaguar fellow, I measured a 2.4 Jaguar Six but it's way too long. Definitely major surgery, but I guess that's what we're talking about. Those engines are shorter top to bottom than a 3.8 or 4.2, but if you're going to do the job, might as well get one of the bigger engines. There is that fella who stuffed a Jag in a Sprite, so anything is clearly possible. And there is Ian with his 427. Actually, on a Jag engine, the breather cover at the front of the head would make a great place to add the MG motif. Not that I could condone that, even with a cartoon BA egging me on...

Also thought of a Daimler V8. Healey 3000 with tri-carb would be just about right, really. Austin Princess smooth alloy valve cover on top... I could see that.

My dream Magnette is still made from as many stock-ish-looking aluminum panels as possible, with an MGA Twin Cam.

MH

Been there...done that. Seriously, all the twin cam motor will do (apart from the bragging rights) is give you a headache (so much noise) and you'll end up babying it when you need to work it hard to realize it's potential. The Magnette though a small sedan is quite heavy. Something torquier is more suitable. The Austin healey six is one heavy lump and should produce more than enough understeer. Now the Rover V8 weighing approx the same as the original cast iron lump (with MG rocker-covers...carbs or injection) is an easy fit and will produce amazingly relaxed performance for anyone endeavouring such a huge modification.

The MGC engine would look good with an alloy cover and 3 SU's or Webers but not as good as a big Twin-Cam six! There seem to be lots of old Jag motors around, fewer Healeys. The MGC or Austin motors tend to be cheap to buy and rebuild but they don't have that look.
As for length, The way I see it, in the Magnetta the driver and passenger would be sitting in what is now the back seat with about 23" cut out of the middle of the passenger compartment. You wouldn't have any of the usual engine swap constraints, like using the existing shifter position as you would have to build a new trans tunnel anyway and could shift the engine and gearbox around until the shifter was where you want it. One problem could be the driveshaft being too short, but i'm sure that could be worked out.

Rich
Just for fun here is the drawing that inspired this insanity!

I think the B-series 6 cyl. that they had down under would be a good choice for a Magnetta.

Was that the one from the Austin Freeway?
Something like a 2.5 litre.

Yup, thats it, would look right at home under the longer bonnet.

Seeing that illo again I should think we'd be after a twin-cam straight-8! Plenty of bonnet space to fill...

I'll have to look up an Austin Freeway...
Mark

I think the Australian made aluminum block Big Healey setup would be ideal. Elegant power and performance without upsetting the 50/50 weight displacement too much. Then again, a french flathead V8 would just be cool. Any prewar American straight-8 would be fun too. I'm picturing a custom intake with 4-1bbl downdraft carbs just for posterity's sake.

http://www.dmdaustralia.com.au/block.html :thumbup:

I wonder how big of a proposition it is to get ahold af one of those Austin Freeway Blue Streak Six's here in America.....Hmmm
If I do The Magnetta I think that would be my first engine of choice, then probably the Austin C-series as my second choice.

OUCH Ed.....................$US 15,100 ( CDN$ 16,100 ) for that aluminum block out of Oz. That's an expensive diet to put that engine on. Looks pretty tho':thumbsup:

I wonder why after all that trouble to make an alloy block they didn't just Nikasil line the bores instead of using press-in steel? Gorgeous looking piece, though, and lovely casting. Outta be...
Mark