12 replies to this topic

[tadleysimon]

ive recently got an innocenti dash that has holes for 4'' dials.

its come to my attention that mgb dials (speedo and rev counter) are 4 inch and they also used the a-series engine.

but can the speedo be used as the gearbox is different? is it just a case of gettin a custom speedo cable?
and i assume the rev counter would be wired in as per usual?

Edited by tadleysimon, 02 September 2010 - 07:55 PM.

[Carlzilla]

i think if the ratio for the speedo is different i believe theres a gear you can change in the diff to correct it, if thats what you mean by it

most rev counters are pretty much the same i think if theyre analog

Edit: after having a quick think, im 99% sure mgbs have a B-series engine....

Edited by Carlzilla, 02 September 2010 - 08:05 PM.

[grumpy2]

ive recently got an innocenti dash that has holes for 4'' dials.

its come to my attention that mgb dials (speedo and rev counter) are 4 inch and they also used the a-series engine.

but can the speedo be used as the gearbox is different? is it just a case of gettin a custom speedo cable?
and i assume the rev counter would be wired in as per usual?

MGB used B series engine. MG Midget used A series.
I would think you would need to get a new cable and get the speedo recalibrated but if you were willing to doing this then a B speedo would do. recalibration will cost you around £80 and a custom cable perhaps another £30 add on the price of B or midget speedo at say £20 - £40 depending on condition.

Either B or Midget tacho is likely to work providing the mini has a standard coil ignition.

(I've had 7 B's and 2 Midgets!)

G

[tadleysimon]

where the speedo's not the same in the b's and midgets? they look identical on ebay

[grumpy2]

where the speedo's not the same in the b's and midgets? they look identical on ebay

there are at least 4 different speedos fitted to the B and 3 or more to Midgets. Never thought if they are interchangable though. I think not as they have different part numbers though.

But it wouldn't matter for your needs either would do.

[GraemeC]

I think I have some spare MG dials n the garage - I'll try and remember to look them out tomorrow and see what the TPM figure is.

[tadleysimon]

I think I have some spare MG dials n the garage - I'll try and remember to look them out tomorrow and see what the TPM figure is.

would you be interested in selling them?

[Stevee]

MGB Dose use a B Series Hense its Nam Mg B :] i learnt that the other day!! after my mate brought one with a A Series 1275 in it someone must have been lazy

MG Sprite And Midget both use A Series but i BELIEVE they are RWD

[grumpy2]

MGB Dose use a B Series Hense its Nam Mg B :] i learnt that the other day!! after my mate brought one with a A Series 1275 in it someone must have been lazy

MG Sprite And Midget both use A Series but i BELIEVE they are RWD

the MGB, MG Midget and AH Sprite are indeed RWD, I've never heard of anyone putting an A series in a B seems a very backward step (not doubting you though). I have converted 2 B's to Rover V8 engines, this is quite common.

I'll have a look tomorrow if I can find any dials, if so yo can have them for the cost of postage. Any use?

G

(ps AH = Austin Heeley)

[Stevee]

I New AH stood For Austin Heeley :] been watching a few on ebay lately for a next project

and i don't even know why its got a A series in it either! but i want to put a V6 twin super charged engine in it with a like bit sticking out the bonnet ;] look well sick

[tadleysimon]

MGB Dose use a B Series Hense its Nam Mg B :] i learnt that the other day!! after my mate brought one with a A Series 1275 in it someone must have been lazy

MG Sprite And Midget both use A Series but i BELIEVE they are RWD

the MGB, MG Midget and AH Sprite are indeed RWD, I've never heard of anyone putting an A series in a B seems a very backward step (not doubting you though). I have converted 2 B's to Rover V8 engines, this is quite common.

I'll have a look tomorrow if I can find any dials, if so yo can have them for the cost of postage. Any use?

G

(ps AH = Austin Heeley)

that would be excellent if you could, your a star!

[dklawson]

First I must protest putting other engines in a Spridget. AH-Sprites and MG Midgets should retain their original engine where and when possible to retain their value. This is particularly true for the Bugeye (Frogeye). However, if you really want to put a different engine in one there are many people who have outfitted them with Datsun engines and transmissions. There are also a number of them outfitted with early Mazda rotary engines. However, maintaining originality maintains the value better. If you must do a conversion, start with a beater car that has no engine or transmission.

The MGB was not named the MGB because it used the "B-Series" engine. It was the MGB because it followed the MGA and preceded (and ran concurrently with) the MGC. The MGA did not use the A-Series, it used a smaller displacement B-series engine. The MGC used a 6-cylinder engine and was aimed as competition for the Triumph models that had recently appeared with 6-cylinders.

Regarding MGB speedometers and tachometers, there were two different sizes and several different ratios. The early cars use Jaeger gauges and the tachometer was mechanical. Electronic (RVI series) tachometers came a little later and the gauges were marked "Smiths". Late model MGBs had very plain Smiths speedos and tachs and the tachs were the RVC type. Most MGB speedometers will be in one of two calibrations. Some were set up for 1280 turns/mile, later ones were often 1000 turns/mile. If you have a Mini with 10" wheels and a 3.44 final drive, the MGB 1280 TPM speedometer will work directly without recalibration or ratio converters. If you opt for an electronic tachometer, keep in mind that the early RVI type will not work with electronic ignitions. The RVC type will work with electronic ignitions but as mentioned above, the later models were very plain looking.

Changing the cable alone will not change the calibration of a speedometer. You can have new drive gears fitted to the gearbox, you can spend a lot having the gauge customized for your car's gearing, or you can have a speedometer shop build you a ratio converter box. A ratio box mounts inline with the speedometer cable and converts the cable TPM "IN" to the needed TPM "OUT" to accurately drive the speedometer.

[jkjaxor]

is there not a standard of 1000 turns for a mile? and was that not used for older cars, if it is the case it should work, aslong as you have the correct speedo drive in your gearbox?