Jim Stabe
Well-known member
I found this site from a link posted in Metalmeet.com, poked around a little and decided to join. My passion is metal working and my current project is an MGB roadster that I have owned since I got out of the Navy in 1972. I originally built the car with a 215 ci aluminum Buick V8, Muncie 4 speed and a narrowed Jag independent rear suspension. As far as I can tell I was the first to put this engine in an MGB, now there are thousands out there. The car was featured in the original Petersen Engine Swapping Guide. The Buick gave way to an Olds 215 Jetfire Turbocharged engine that I dropped the compression, raised the boost and put on a 2" SU carb from an XKE Jag. The thing would really pull from 2,000 rpm on up.
It was my only transportation for 8 years and then it got mildly crashed when a friend was driving (he's still a friend). I moved to San Diego and had no place to work on it so it sat for several years. I sold the engine to a dune buggy guy and the rest of the drivetrain to other MGB guys who wanted to do the swap.
In 2001 I decided to redo the car but this time I wanted to widen the car (11") to fit the suspension - C4 Corvette front and rear - instead of the other way around. I have a Z28 Camaro LT1 that has Advanced Induction heads and cam and should be around 430 fwhp. The thing still isn't done due to home remodel/maintenance projects but is getting closer.
I am fortunate that I now have a 1,000 sf separate garage/workshop at my house that I have been equipping for the past 18 years or so. I have a Kondia mill; 13 x 40 lathe; 16" bandsaw; MIG, TIG, stick, gas welders;, finger brake; bead roller; homebuilt - English wheel, thumbnail shrinker, ring roller, helve hammer and a shop jib crane. If anyone has any interest in any of the homebuilt tools, I can post some details.
Jim
It was my only transportation for 8 years and then it got mildly crashed when a friend was driving (he's still a friend). I moved to San Diego and had no place to work on it so it sat for several years. I sold the engine to a dune buggy guy and the rest of the drivetrain to other MGB guys who wanted to do the swap.
In 2001 I decided to redo the car but this time I wanted to widen the car (11") to fit the suspension - C4 Corvette front and rear - instead of the other way around. I have a Z28 Camaro LT1 that has Advanced Induction heads and cam and should be around 430 fwhp. The thing still isn't done due to home remodel/maintenance projects but is getting closer.
I am fortunate that I now have a 1,000 sf separate garage/workshop at my house that I have been equipping for the past 18 years or so. I have a Kondia mill; 13 x 40 lathe; 16" bandsaw; MIG, TIG, stick, gas welders;, finger brake; bead roller; homebuilt - English wheel, thumbnail shrinker, ring roller, helve hammer and a shop jib crane. If anyone has any interest in any of the homebuilt tools, I can post some details.
Jim
