Lucky 76
The Lucky MG came into our lives in 2006, clad in its original a British racing green and rubber bumper. Similarities with its heritage end there. The vehicle was stripped to the shell and fully restored. It is a testament to my father who gave this vehicle a second chance.
British Body, American Power
From the Builder
It is often said that when one owns a British car one should also own a tow strap. - Anonymous
The engine was replaced with a GM 2.4L Twin Cam Quad 4 producing around 150 hp. The motor had better low-end torque and provided much smoother operation. It was a popular in sporty late 1990s N‑body Grand Ams (1996–1998). The transmission is likely a T-5 from a 1994–2010 V6 Mustang.
For paint he chose what he described as Atomic Red a modern high‑gloss urethane in a vivid red shade basecoat/clearcoat.
A Face Only A Mother Could Love
For Sale In Someone’s Front Yard
Old Engine Comes Out
So much for traditional British sensibilities
The original power plant was a stock 1976 MGB engine that was prone to vapor lock. It was replaced with a OBD-1 fuel injection system from a mid nineties Grand-Am.
| Type: | 1798 cc pushrod inline‑four, cast‑iron block and head, 5‑bearing crank. |
|---|---|
| Head design: | Non‑crossflow Heron‑type chamber with siamesed intake ports and both intake and exhaust on the same side of the head. |
| Induction: | Single Zenith‑Stromberg carb with emissions gear. |
| Output (smog‑era U.S.): | Roughly mid‑ to high‑60s hp net due to low compression and emissions controls |
| Engine type | Multivalve DOHC straight-four engine |
|---|---|
| Bore × Stroke | 90 mm × 94 mm (3.54 in × 3.70 in) |
| Displacement | 2,392 cc (146.0 cu in) |
| Compression ratio | 9.7:1 |
| Camshaft Specs | 198 degrees @ .050" with .354" lift for the intake187 degrees @ .050" with .346" lift for the exhaust |
| Fuel delivery | Sequential fuel injection (SFI) |
| Peak power | 150 hp (112 kW) at 5600 rpm |
| Peak torque | 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm |
| Estimated fuel economy | 23 mpg city / 33 mpg highway |
Why Choose the LD9? Breathing!
True cross‑flow, 4‑valve head with separate intake ports per cylinder gives far better airflow and top‑end potential than the siamesed‑port iron B‑series head. Better cold start and idle with EFI (GM management)
Practical Advantages? Reliability!
Similar overall size/weight to the B‑series, so weight balance stays decent compared to heavier V6/V8 swaps. A healthy, properly cooled and fueled LD9 tends to be more tolerant of sustained highway speeds and hot weather than a marginal, emissions‑era B‑series.
Stripped to the Shell
Floor Panels Replaced
Rubber Bumper Removed
“First in Freedom”
This North Carolina plate debuted in 1975 for the U.S. Bicentennial and to celebrate the state’s role in the Revolution.
“First in Freedom” refers to NC being the first colony to assembly and officially call for independence from Britain via the Halifax Resolves in 1776.
That’s All For Now
I appreciate you reading this! More photos of the restoration to come!!