Mgb performance engine build…the cylinder head goes on

Moving along on the build of my performance engine for the 1971 MGBGT Autocrosser, we’re ready to assemble the cylinder head. A performance engine build takes a little more time, and more checks and measurements than a basic build does. We start this video by temporarily putting the valves in and measuring the installed valve spring height. We want them all to be the same height, and within a certain range to ensure proper even pressure, and no coil bind at full lift. To do that it requires shimming each valve spring to get it within that range.
After final assembling the head, we temporarily put the cylinder head on with an old gasket with the shims I that bought under the rocker assembly, and adjust the valves to find out if I bought the correct thickness shims. Once I verify that is good to go, we put the cylinder head on and torque it down.
From there we talk about how I do the valve cover gaskets, and the side cover gaskets.
Look for upcoming videos of the engine install over the next few weeks.

[@bladerunner6282]

i usually test a new thermostat by dropping it in a pan-full of water while on the stove. then verify that it opens and closes at the proper temperature as i adjust the heat.

[@clivewilliams3661]

The B series head is a woeful design that cannot flow properly, by far the best mod is to cut radiused valve seats or at least do a three angle job as the flow at the throat is especially bad. Its a waste of time doing any other mods until this fundamental is addressed.

[@martinhibbert1428]

What do you think about roller rocker sets ?

[@mgbgtguy]

For the B series engines you need to really do your homework on those. They are expensive and they take a lot of time to set up properly as the geometry is not quite right on them. In order for geometry to be right you would have to change the centerline of the rocker shaft and since they use the original rocker stands, you’re not changing the centerline. You end up raising the pedestals until you get the geometry right and then they won’t fit under a stock valve cover anymore. I ended up with a new in the package set at one time and ended up selling them on eBay rather than using them.

[@martinhibbert1428]

@@mgbgtguy Thanks for the reply. Interesting, I guessed there would be a reason you were sticking with the original rocker set.