The MGB GT V8 front-end substructure is V8-specific in several major components. The V8 sidemembers, HZA4602 and HZA4603 for chrome-bumper specification, HZA4966 and HZA4967 for rubber-bumper specification, provide the structural rails that carry the front suspension, engine mounts and front-end bodywork. The V8 sidemembers differ from the four-cylinder MGB sidemembers in dimensions and details that accommodate the V8 engine and the V8 front crossmember.
Sidemembers
The V8 sidemembers are large structural pressings that run from the bulkhead area forward to the front of the engine bay. They carry the engine mounts, the front suspension front legs, and provide the structure that the front wings, bonnet and grille bolt to. Sidemember corrosion affects structural integrity and must be addressed during major restoration.
Replacement sidemembers in V8-specific HZA part numbers are available for chrome-bumper and rubber-bumper specifications.
Inner Wings
Inner wings (sometimes called inner wheelarches) line each side of the engine bay, providing the inner wall of the wheelarch and supporting various engine bay components. Inner wing corrosion is common at the joints to the sidemembers and at the lower edges where water accumulates.
Replacement inner wings address this corrosion during major bodywork.
Bulkhead
The bulkhead separates the engine bay from the cabin and carries the master cylinders, brake servo, heater box and various wiring penetrations. Bulkhead corrosion typically affects the lower areas where moisture accumulates. Bulkhead repair sections cover the commonly affected areas.
V8 Engine Bay Considerations
The V8 engine bay is largely shared with the four-cylinder MGB chrome-bumper or rubber-bumper specification, with V8 differences concentrated in the sidemembers (covered above) and in some specific brackets and reinforcements that suit the V8 engine and ancillary mounting positions.
MGOC Spares
MGOC Spares supplies V8-specific sidemembers (HZA4602/4603 chrome-bumper, HZA4966/4967 rubber-bumper), inner wings, bulkhead repair sections and front-end substructure components for the MGB GT V8.