5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

1 COOL THE V8 DOWN

V8s can warm the MG’s bulkhead unpleasantly and the only solution is a means of allowing the heat to escape. Sports Car Metal Works can louvre a bonnet, although it will obviously need painting.

2 SWAP THE ENGINE

Factory V8 GTs used a low-compression 137bhp engine. RPI offers a re-built highcompression equivalent, using the more efficient post-1976 cylinder heads and HC pistons.

3 CHANGE THE CARB SET-UP

Factory V8s used two SU carbs at the back of the engine on manifolds that curled forward. An Edelbrock/Weber 500 carburettor kit improves both power and economy.

4 SHARPEN UP THE CAR’S HANDLING

Twin-wishbone front suspension systems using the original crossmember offer a great improvement. A good but different system is also made by Frontline and Hoyle at just under £1000.

5 SWAP THE HEATER

Clayton Classics offers a three-speed heater that demists the screen and warms the interior. It’s a bit of fiddle to fit, but transforms a ‘B V8, making it a practical winter classic.