Double Agent MG – A British Coupe with Brawny American Coyote Power
Yes, that is a 500-horsepower Roush-built Ford Coyote engine stuffed under most of the hood of a 1974 MG. And to answer your next question, yes, it’s a rocket of a go-kart and an absolute blast to drive, according to owner Michael Baucom.
Most of the British-built MGBs are two-seat roadsters. Michael’s ’74 is a fixed-roof MGB GT, designed by famed Italian car designer Pininfarina. The hatchback coupe design was originally offered in 1965 and though 1974 was the final year for USA exports, the body style continued through 1980. Michael’s car retains the unmistakable MG identity and style but has obviously been widened and thoroughly modified for a tougher appearance.
This MG was the vision and handywork of Joe Holyfield, with the help of his like-minded friends around the Motor City area with the goal of building a vintage British sports car with big American V8 power and serious handling. The heart of that performance goal is a Roush 5.0-liter Coyote V8 topped with a polished Borla 8-Stack EFI setup. An AEM fuel management system controls the air/fuel mixture and ignition timing while a trick set of headers by MotoFab directs the spent fumes to custom pair of side pipes. A DeWitt’s radiator is tasked with keeping the Coyote cool.
Michael gets to control that Roush power through an MT-82 six-speed transmission connected through a McLeod dual-friction clutch assembly. An 8.8-inch Ford rearend houses 4.30:1 gears and is capped off with Wilwood brakes and Jongbloed 18-inch racing wheels shod with Nitto tread.
The factory unibody construction required some serious chassis work to accommodate the V8 engine and increased power output. Joe addressed those needs by installing a tubular IFS assembly from Fast Cars complemented with QA1 coil-over shocks, a 27mm sway bar, and a lightning-quick 20:1 ratio steering rack. To add strength to the entire body assembly, stress points were beefed up with extensions running fore to aft. The rear of the engine is secured through a mid-motor plate that also serves as the firewall, adding even more strength coupled to a heavy-wall trans tunnel.
The rear suspension consists of an adjustable four-link with a Watt’s link and custom cantilever coil-over shock setup that you can easily check out by looking through the hatchback glass. The suspension is tuned with a set of double-adjustable QA1 coil-overs which Michael gets to see at work every time he glances at the rear view mirror. Weighing in at less than 2,300-pounds and boasting nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, you can just imagine the acceleration capabilities and cornering fun of this MG!
With the suspension and powertrain fitted in place, Joe turned his attention to the MGB’s body. The drip rails were narrowed, and the most visible addition was a race-inspired air scoop on the roof of the car which directs fresh air into helmet cooling tubes. The body was widened 6-inches with a Preform Resources body kit before being prepped and painted Phoenix Gold, a BMW color from 2001. A hand-fabricated diffuser wraps from the widened bumper down to the edge of a custom stainless fuel tank by Rick’s Tanks.
The interior was built for business with a riveted aluminum floor and tunnel topped with a Barton short-throw shifter. Michael added a bit of carpet to help reduce the noise and temperature a touch, and also installed a pair of more comfortable race seats with Schroth four-point harnesses and diamond-stitched tan inserts to match the intricate stitching holding the black leather around the roll cage and interior trim. The dash is packed with Classic Instruments Auto-Cross series gauges, gated switches to control the LED KC lighting, and a Pro Lite Ididit column that’s topped with a Momo steering wheel.
The MG has proven itself a road warrior with a lap on the Hot Rod Power Tour a few years ago. Michael has been having a blast cruising the Arizona desert roads in the British rocket ship since acquiring it over a year ago. The MGB GT may not be ideal for a long haul, but its cool factor and the amount of flat-out fun you can have behind the wheel far outweigh a little road noise and lack of a cup holder. This one is all about getting in, mashing the throttle, holding on and smiling.
Photos by Todd Ryden
