The MGB GT V8 uses a pair of V8-specific engine mounting brackets, one for the right-hand side of the engine, one for the left, that pick up on the V8's cast bosses on the cylinder block sides and bolt to the front crossmember of the bodyshell. The brackets are handed and not interchangeable between sides. Their geometry is unique to the V8 application: they cannot be replaced with four-cylinder MGB engine mountings, nor with mountings from other Rover V8 installations. The brackets are normally supplied as a matched pair to ensure correct engine alignment.
Engine Mounting Rubbers
Each engine mounting bracket carries a bonded rubber mount that absorbs vibration between the engine and the bodyshell. These rubber mounts deteriorate with age, the rubber softens, cracks and eventually separates from the metal end-plates, leading to engine vibration through the cabin and increased noise transmission. Renewing the engine mountings as a pair is good practice during any major engine work, since the cost of the parts is small relative to the labour of re-accessing them once the engine is back in the car.
Front Engine Mounting Production Change
An engine mounting modification was introduced at car number V8 1661 in May 1974, with additional packing fitted under the front mountings and longer mounting bolts to suit. Cars produced after this point use the revised mounting arrangement; earlier cars use the original specification. The packing pieces and longer bolts are available where the revised arrangement is being fitted to a car that originally had the earlier specification.
Gearbox Mounting
The gearbox is supported at the rear by a crossmember bolted between the chassis side rails. A pair of rubber mounts carries the gearbox extension housing on the crossmember, isolating gearbox vibration from the bodyshell. The crossmember and rubber mounts on the V8 are essentially the same arrangement as fitted to the four-cylinder MGB with overdrive gearbox. Rubber gearbox mounts perish in the same way as engine mounts and should be inspected during any gearbox or clutch work.
MGOC Spares
MGOC Spares supplies V8-specific engine mounting brackets (right-hand and left-hand), rubber engine mounts, the revised front mounting packing and bolt set, gearbox crossmembers and gearbox mounting rubbers for the MGB GT V8, see individual sub-sections for details.