Automotive technology changes constantly. The same goes for the limits of engine and tire performance. But there’s one thing that stays constant: the desire to put big power under the hood of a small car. That’s why the Shelby Cobra exists and people stuff LS engines into Mazda Miatas. British automaker MG put V8s in some of their cars at the factory but, as Jay Leno recently discovered, Frontline Cars of England elevated that idea to a higher level with their take on a 1970 MGB GT.
Company founder and owner Tim Fenna explained to Leno that his firm widened the front and rear fenders – and by extension, the front and rear tracks – in order to fit wider rubber on the 16-inch knock-off wheels. Frontline kept the live rear axle but installed several surrounding improvements, including coilovers and a six-link rear setup. All of that is paired with electric power steering. As Fenna put it, “What we wanted to create was an analog driving experience, where you get all the feedback, but a car that allows you to drive without fighting it all the time.”
Like the original MGB GT, Frontline’s version has a Rover V8, but it’s been enlarged to 4.8 liters and fitted with new heads, roller rockers, an in-house bespoke induction system, and a custom exhaust. Those upgrades add up to 375 horsepower . . . in a 2,495-pound car. A TREMEC TKO five-speed manual gearbox helps transmit the bigger engine’s output to the road. Flat out, Frontline’s build charges to 60 mph in about four seconds and tops out at 160 mph.
Leno doesn’t try to match those figures when he takes the Frontline MGB out for a spin with Fenna, but he does get deep into its throttle, letting out the enhanced V8’s growl. Consider it troubleshooting. “Horsepower cures all problems, ” according to Leno.
Source: www.classiccars.com