MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
There are a number of threads on the best ways to lower a RB car to CB height. One of the suggested methods for the front is using a CB crossmember with slight mods for the steering rack angle. One issue that is brought up is the clearance on the underside of the inner fenders-some contend that there is interference from the shocks. What mods are actually required to fit a CB crossmember to a RB (77) MGB? Thanks
I'm not sure. It was suggested to me, to lower it, to replace the xmember. If I were to do that, I would just buy a CB car and have 2 Bs. Just seems like overkill, IMO.
I did just have the front springs replaced with 2" lowering sport springs on the front. The front is a tad lower than the rear now, looks greeeeeeeeat now. Have to see what a difference it makes on the track next week. Drives a whole lot better, IMO, with the stiffer (550#) springs. Once the rear is done, should be even better.
I'll get a pic up of the car soon.
Got to lower the rear about 1-1.5" later to match the front. Probably a winter project.
So far, no issue with the bump stop, fender, or anything.
Paul
I was the one that said there was interference from the shock because 0of the extra little shelf in r/b inner fender wells. After looiking at the body I tried it on again, the interference seems to be from crash damage. Also, Tom B says you can bash that shelf back in, making it more like a c/b inner fender well. The other issue I ran into was the rack; r/b cars have a longer steering pinion, and the u-joints are different. How that is worked out is beyond me.
I don't remember saying that, Chris. I have done this convertion and I didn't have a problem with the shock clearence that I remember. I did put the late model steering column in a early modle steering rack though. That gave me the right angle and length. I also put the early model rear springs in on the same car. It took about a year for the springs to settle in. I don't like the shorter spring set up because it changes the angle of the A arms.
hi corey, the mgoc has a lowering kit for rb to cb.....do not go into too much agro...get in touch with them. This is a hot feature in the MGOC.
I strongly maintain that putting the CB crossmember on is the BEST way, for a number of reasons I could outline again, if you'd really like me to.
Anyway, it's basically a four-bolt conversion, for the most part. Unbolt one crossmember, bolt other in its place. The steering is the only tricky part. You need a CB rack, and it MUST align properly with the RB column. On my 77, I had to grind about 1/16 away where the rack passes through the steering mount. No harm there, those things were plenty hefty.
Anyway, that's it. There's no real trickery or things to watch out for. And it shouldn't cost all that much. When I did mine my steering rack was on the way out anyway, so that cost was pretty much a wash.
