MG MGB and MGB GT Tech Talk
out of curiousity, what is the top speed that someone has attained in an MGB, ( 1800 cc engine or block) , and also how long was this speed sustained ( time and or distance) .
can a worked MGB engine sustain 100mph for approx one hour, with either a O/D trans, or 5 speed..? i am just curious
thanks.
ANY chrome-bumper B in good condition, with or without OD, should be able cruise at 100 for an hour or more. They could do it when they were new, and they shouldn't be slower now. A slightly warmed over RB can, too.
A worked 1800 will sustain well over 100 pretty much as long as you can stand it. I've done back-to-back 10 hour days with an AVERAGE speed exceeding 80 (cruising speed was about 100-110), and that was with a 4-speed. I think that particular B would top out at close to 120.
The main thing is the unholy din at those speeds, but I didn't have OD.
That, and you've REALLY got to be paying attention. It wears you out.
Wow. My car sounds like it's going to explode at ~65mph. Sure, my motor isnt fresh, but with a 4speed you must be at redline at ~80 or so.
Back before all the yankees moved down here I used to do 100 - 110 down the interstate into Charleston in my 72.
Don't do that now because a) I'm not 25 anymore, b) the roads are too crowded with the above mentioned recent arrivals, c) more cops, cell phone armed busybodies, and (d) my insurance would quintripilize.
Just over 100 should be attainable in a standard car. It was my understanding that the O/D makes no difference, in fact a higher speed is attainable with the O/D off due to the power needed for higher speed.
I did once see 115 on the clock in my '64 on the M1 just outside London. Not sure that was accurate but the car had been "tweaked" a little. Those speeds are truly scary in a B as the front end starts to lift - which is why air dams were fitted to the racing jobs!
It may not help to have a pilot license but may be required for the following reasons:
Between 90 and 100 miles an hour the front of (MY) MGB becomes light and begins to “FLYâ€. Per Federal Aviation Administration any craft capable of substring flight must certified under FAR. Part 23 (for manufactured craft) or part 14 (??) for am mature (home built i.e. Our DIY rebuilt MG’. FAR part 91 or 61 (can’t remember right now and to lazy to look it up right now) requires one to have a pilot license (Airman’s Certificate) to operate a certified air craft.
With this in mind it would seam logical that to operate your MG past 120 (the max indicated speed on the speedometer) you would be required to have a TEST PILOT ENDOURSEMENT. :-)
Mickey - good point. Seriously, if you have the front end "lift" you might consider a spoiler. Ours had one when we bought the car and it makes a real difference. It will cruise at 80 with no sign of imminent lift off! With rebuilt wires, new tires and a good balance job, the car is delightful to drive!
Although I have not installed a spoiler "yet", That looks like one of the best BODY mods.you can do...How ever driving any thing on the ground over 80 mgh (other than on a race track) is a high risk gamble at least for an old pilot like me...
Anybody remember Bill Cosby's 'Cobra' skit.
The audio version I mean.
He would do the whole thing, noises, gearshifts and all else.
At the end he would still be sitting in his driveway.
Well if you do then you know how fast I can go in my 'B.
Only difference is ~ mine's in the garage instead of the drive.
I put a spoiler on recently and what a difference as highway speeds (50-70mph - nowhere to run at 70+ without cops, heart attack or ear implosion)
keeps the nose down, steering stays firm and the car looks great.
tom c
There's a great 30-40 minute run starting just a mile or so from my house where my 74 BGT can hit 85 on the straightaway and hang curves at 60. At 85 it does get a bit floaty.
The fellow who helps me with my cars says I should be comfortable making "a century" if we put an airdam on. But I'm pretty happy -- ecstatic, if the truth be known -- as things stand now.
- Tom
