Looking for a fun car to work on: MGB? Others?

Hi guys,

I like to work on cars, but don't get much of an opportunity to do so. My old 308, I was constantly working on out of necessity. The 328 is so damn rock solid I don't get any "garage" time with it!

So like lots of people I was considering the idea of getting a little side project that would not be a ridiculous economic decision.

I casually mentioned an MG, and she perked up, likes the MGBs and has friends with them (back in high school) and a friend who just recently picked one up. So this is something she might like to work on to (yes, I have a cool wife) and definitely something she would drive, perhaps along the 328.

Even the occasional autocross would be possible...

I don't have garage space for right now but that's not necessarily a deal breaker...

I know lots of you guys have had thoughts along these lines. How do you do something like this for a hobby, keep it fun, and not do something stupid (like end up with $10k in a $3k car)?

There are a lot of MGBs in the area ranging from just under 2k to 5k. Alfa Romeos are another option... Fiats, eh, not so much. I thought about an old Porsche but they're way too pricey! The idea is for cheap and fun.

Old = good so I can work on ignition, carbs, etc. myself. Cheap parts is a huge plus. Cultural emphasis on the idea that "non-originality is OK" is a plus so I don't end up chasing down a $500 piece of plastic just to have it "original." I already have one of THOSE! Also something where if I had to pull the engine and do basic engine work I could.

Any thougths from folks who have "Been there, done that" would be appreciated.


Thanks!

--Mike

 

Does it have to be old and carbed? I had a 1958 Alfa which always needed a little work but was fun to drive. Parts are pretty difficult. For what you describe I would go for a late 80's Alfa. How about a Bugeye sprite? They are generally available for less than $10k with good bones. With either of these you can practice your electrical talents.
BT

 

A Fiat Spider can be bought for $500 to $5k and parts are plenty and relativity cheap... http://www.international-auto.com/index.cfm/sc/8189 ...and they are a blast to drive...like a mini Ferrari

 

Fiat x1/9s are fun little beasts.

If you wanna go wierd, you could always go for a hot-rod Yugo

Lots of fun in street rodding too, you can be as high or low buck as you want -- autoX is pretty much out then.

OR -- maybe even something like this:
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Porsche 914 . Parts are easy to get, cars are cheap (3000$ gets you started), and appreciating. Very fun car, robust, problem free. Can you tell I love mine?!

 

I like it!

BT

 

I would have to agree that the 914 is the way to go. There is no other car out there that more engine options. Mild to wild. They are supported by after market suppliers, web site/forums and national clubs. There are plenty of rust free cars out there. I own three (racecar, street car and parts car). If you are serious let me know and I can hook you up with sellers and website.

Paul

 

Datsun 240Z. This car usually ranks as one of the top 10 most important cars ever made. There are still lots of parts available, upgrade from the 2.4 L24 to the 2.8L L28. Go triple Webers or Mikuni's or if you like you can go full fuel injection and turbo. Don't like the 4 speed? No worries the 280Z 5 speed will just bolt in. Also some Datsun pick-up truck diffs will work if you want to change out the rear end. Coil-overs are available from Ground Control suspension. The list goes on and on. I've owned two in my life and wish I'd never sold either.

Datsun Z cars dominated racing for a reason. Perfect 50/50 weight balance and an aero shape that actually develops downforce on its own. Add an inexpensive airdam or chin spoiler and it not only looks better but performs even better as well.

 

Old BMWs, from 2002s to 3.0CS to a 6 series are fun, IMHO.

 

Not sure prices, costs, etc - these are all off the top of the head ideas:

Ford Mustang
old style Mini
old Elan or other Lotus
Alfa - Spider, Alfasud, etc

 

What about an RX7?

 

I second an air cooled VW. Buggy, sandrail, drag car, street rod, cruiser, all different body types. Parts everywhere.

 

Get one of these:
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Triumph Spitfire, TR6, slightly needy XKE 2+2.

 

I have always thought a Sunbeam Tiger would be a blast to build. American power, great looks, and lots of tuning potential.



Darrell.

 

Any MG, Triumph, Healey, etc..etc...

Good fun!

I always enjoy tinkering with my MGB-GT, things are waaaay too simple.

Cheers,
Aaron
'82 GTSi
'83 400iA

 

Here's mine!

http://www.cardomain.com/id/qwkdtsn

 

I agree - also I've warmed up to the looks over the years. It's so old now it's becoming cool.

I had a '76 MGB, although you really want one of the SU carb'ed 1974 or earlier cars. Moss Motors and Victoria British Spares offer absolutely every part on the car through their catalogues. They accelerate like a sofa, but they're still handsome cars, very overbuilt bodies, and the pre-smog cars are basically WWII-era technology under the hood.

I guess if I had to do it again I'd go for the 914, just because you could track it, have the targa top and have a dependable car in a pinch.

 

914's are cool, had one in college, but engine access is a pain. (Rebuilt clutch)
MGB, my first car, is much more "fun".( rebuilt clutch and brakes ).
I would vote TR-6, MGA, or big AHealy. Or early 911 if thats your cup of tea.

 

I'd vote for either a 914 or a Lotus Europa, with a fair bit of preference on the Europa.

 

Check out www.wirewheel.com for some interesting options. Cool stuff and nice guys to deal with.

BT

 

Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite

 

Ive totally rebuilt MGs, Alfas, Austin-Healeys, XKEs, Lotus, Porsche..... lots of them.

The British cars are all VERY simple. If you were to sit down with a 12 year old boy to sketch out the very basics of how a car works.... an MGB is pretty much what you are drawing. They are as basic as it gets, very simple to work on.

The British cars are also engineered for crap. Very little thought was put into maintenance or longevity... lots of stuff when working on it you will shake your head and wish death upon some english engineer who failed to give even a little bit of thought into what a pain it would be to work on later. Stuff like having to either remove the entire engine or hack the transmission tunnel up just to get the starter off an XKE or how pathetically weak and ill designed the rear differential mounts are on a TR6 or the brilliance of the water traps formed for the purpose of rust creation in the outriggers on an Austin Healey 3000 chassis....

Alfas and Fiats have lots of the same engineering issues, and parts cost lots more. But...the old Alfa twin cam four cylinder engines are REALLY cool pieces! In general I like working on an old Alfa far more than any english car. The italians actually paid attention to what things would weigh and their castings and such are light years better.

But if you really want a simple old car to work on, a car that is NOT complicated, for which parts are not horribly expensive and are easy to find, a car this is a blast to drive, looks great and offers not only lots of fun but great performance compared to modern cars as well.... PLUS its engineered to the Nth degree and will constantly amaze you with how much thought went into very aspect of the design and how much the engineers actually DID think about maintenance and longevity....

Buy an old Porsche 911. Or even a '69 or oder 912.




Terry

 

I had a 1969 Triumph GT6 and I still wish I hadnt sold it. Dual Carbed straight 6 engine with pretty cool bertone styling. It was light, very quick, and easy to work on! Once I got past the LUCAS electrical issues, it was a blast to drive.
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The MGB is a good choice for a simple no-brains fun car. It is what most people think of when you say "sports car". The drivetrain is your basic bulletproof pushrod tractor motor. and Bullfighter was right that virtually every part is available either NOS or reproduction.

Regardless of which model you get (I have a '74 MGBGT) you will want the overdrive transmission. The standard gearing is such that at 65mph it sounds like you're breaking the sound barrier. Most cars did not come with O/D but the gearbox is available (I paid under $500) and it is a relatively simple swap.