1960 MGA Barn Find Twin Cam Tribute

1960 MG MGA Twin Cam Description:

While my MGA shows a bit of patina... we dragged this thing out of a barn in Bowling Green Ohio in 2015– look closer to find much restoration and upgrades. I built it as a tribute to the Twin Cam MGAs that are so rare.
Original engine was long gone, it had a worn out 5 main MGB engine.
ENGINE
The Twin Cam you see is a 1800cc 16 Valve aluminum head with twin Weber carbs.It’s from a 1995 Miata with 47,000 miles. It's nearly same length as the original 1600 and has a rear sump oil pan. I used stock Mazda motor mounts, trimmed off the perimeter, drilled holes to lighten them. I designed and fabricated weldments for the frame. The shifter comes through the original hole in the floor! I always wanted to try Weber carbs so I designed and fabricated two intake manifolds to mount the twin 45 DCOEs, and they run fantastic! The tube header was modified to clear the steering And the thick flange was lightened. Internal mods to the collector improve flow as does the ANZA exhaust. Sounds like a road race car, but not too loud!
TRANSI can’t say enough good things about the Mazda 5 speed trans, the gearing matches the MGA perfectly! It shifts smooth and positive every time . ... and no leaks !!! The shifter comes through the original hole in the floor, no hacked up mess. I purchased a Jaguar 6 engine mount and built brackets to mount it. All TIG welded in place.
* Guys spend 6000 dollars plus just to put a 5 Speed trans in their car, your getting a whole car with Mazda engine and hundreds of hours of labor in it- plus the new parts.
SUSPENSIONFront suspension and brakes upgraded to MGB disc brakes. All suspension brakes and steering is replaced or restored. New front trunnions and king pins installed. Same goes out back, new leaf springs and bushings, pad and fasteners. The rear axle was disassembled, cleaned, inspected, new bearings and seals installed, painted and assembled. All 4 lever shocks are rebuilt with up-rated valving to improve handling. All brake pipes and hoses are new as well. all new park brake cables plus restored hardware.
FUELThe entire fuel system is new except for the Porsche fuel pump. This includes gas tank, pipes, sending unit, pick up tube, hoses, clamps, fittings and Weber carbs.
ELECTRICALAll old wiring was removed, a new reproduction cloth covered harness was installed. A few upgrades to accommodate the Mazda alternator and the MSD ignition were added. All lights function especially well with the old generator replaced by the modern alternator.
COOLINGI had to modify the cooling system inlet and outlet pipes to fit this chassis. This involved cutting and welding the aluminum pipes that came on the engine. A new custom built radiator was installed and works great. New MGA hoses and clamps are installed. This car has never run hot no matter how hot the day is. I added an electric fan that is controlled by the old fog lamp switch on the dash. I only need to use it in stop n go traffic -on hot days.
By now you may be wondering about my background, I’m a welder fabricator machinist by trade and own Dave’s Hot Rod Garage in Grosse Il, Michigan. While it’s called Hot Rod Garage, we work on a very wide variety of classic cars including MG, Triumph, Ferrari, Lamborghini, plus all the great American muscle cars. Add .com to the name and you can see some of our work. In my business its extreemly difficult to find a shop that does very high quality engine conversions, paint and interior can be done by anyone. So here you are buying a great conversion and mechanical restoration.
Getting back to the car - you’ve seen crummy engine swaps with wires hanging everywhere, leaking fluids, and things rattling along. We see a lot of unfinished cars at the shop. This is not that! It’s an engineered installation. All welding is T.I.G. Most guys who see it say “ looks like the factory put it in there”, which I consider a huge compliment for my crew! It has been 100 percent reliable and I drive it every day in warm weather months. I thoroughly enjoyed building it and love to drive the little roadster, you will too!
WHEELSLast fall I installed new Painted wire wheels and new Firestone tires. A new set of knockoffs is included- still in boxes.
INTERIORSeats are original leather, carpet removed. The bag for side curtains is in place.The top and side curtains, a new body rubber kit, plus all spares will be included. All controls function as a stock MGA would, I think it’s important to keep the character of the British Roadster. I installed a new windshield glass last summer. My feet are wide and if you know MGAs then you know it’s a problem because the brake pedal is unusually close to the tunnel! I modified both brake and clutch pedals by bending them approx .750 to the left. Nice job, it’s not really noticeable. The pedal box has new bushings, springs, master cylinder and fasteners. Also blasted and painted black.
LITEWEIGHTMy plan was to give it the look and feel of a competition car. It has the feel, just the look needs to be completed. I added new windshield but didn’t find anyone to trim it down and radius the outer corners. also new Raydot mirrors, and the Sebring valence, pulled the bumpers off and purchased a set of Bugeye over riders for the rear. Considerable time was used to lighten the car. Many parts were removed or modified. The engine/trans combo is 136 pounds less than the 1600MGB power plant we removed. Original dual 6 Volt battery’s gave way to an 8 pound AGM battery saving approx 62 pounds. I cut the Left battery box off the frame. Stock MGA weighs 2130 pounds, this runs across the scales at 1765 pounds.
An associate who builds and races Mazda Twin Cam estimates the horsepower @ 155, the stock engine was considerably less, probably about 85 on a good day.
Cash sale or wire transfer from your bank to mine. 300.00 deposit within 24 hours, full payment within 7 days. I’ll cancel the sale if you fail to follow guidelines. I welcome you to inspect or hire someone to do it. I do pre-purchase inspections for customers all over the country. It's a good idea. I’m happy to put the MGA on a lift so you can see underside easily.
Questions 734-692-7151 Dave