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V8 Engine Mounted Fan:
I've heard of people using Chevrolet fans, MGB
fans, aftermarket fans, and other fans for their V8 conversion. But,
remember: To me this is a sacred experience! This is an LBC and I plan on
keeping it that way. So, I've modified a Triumph TR7, 10-blade, plastic
fan to fit my Rover water pump. All that necessitated was making a billet
aluminum spacer to fit to the fan and mate it to the water pump. Then I
went to my local hardware store and purchased the correct bolts and attaching
equipment. Another advantage of using the TR7 plastic fan is the size of its center opening--larger than the shaft on the aluminum Rover water pump. After the custom aluminum spacer is fitted to the face of the fan and then, in turn, that spacer fitted to the front of the water pump, the fan is moved rearward until its actually over the shaft of the water pump, not sticking out in front of the pump (actually, the only thing that protrudes beyond the water pump shaft is the 1/4" aluminum spacer and the bolt heads holding it to the water pump. Doing that, gives me more space in front of the engine for the radiator.
Okay, the 'slam panel'. If you recall, my plan is to remove the factory 'slam panel' (its proper nomenclature is 'bonnet lock platform and brace') and replace it with one that is bolted in place for ease of removal during engine swap operations. For edification, here's what my car looked like after I removed the factory spot welded 'slam panel'.
Then, I cut an entire slam panel with brace from one of the cars in my MG Graveyard, shortened it, repaired/replaced any working parts as needed, and bolted it over the short ends of the original 'slam panel'. It looks like this:
But, what about where the 'slam panel brace' meets the radiator duct panel? The original brace was spot welded to that panel. With this modification, I've simply bolted the brace to the panel. Oh, in the photo below one can also see where I've removed all traces of the original rubber bumper brackets and bracing.
Now, all that's left to do is sand blast the old slam panel and brace and make final preparations for painting. And, finally, I've got to give credit where credit is due. This isn't my own, original idea. I copied it from my friend Mike Cook of the Peachtree MG Registry in Atlanta. He has a similar setup on his sweet 'Silver Lady' V8 car that recently won Best in Show at the prestigious Southeastern MG Festival held annually at the Dillard House in Dillard, Georgia.
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