John Bloch’s MGX

If you told me when I started GHR that not one, but two MGBs would be featured, I’m not sure I would have believed you.

You might remember Doug’s restored MGB from a few years ago. And here we are again with GHR reader John Bloch’s very cool hot rod.

John sent me some information and pictures about his MGX, which was featured in the January 1983 edition of Hot Rod Magazine.

John had contacted Buick in 1978 about the MGX and received a nice letter from Herb Fishel, who at that time was the Manager of Buick’s Special Products Engineering group.

Earlier this year, Herb emailed John about the MGX, noting “With folks like you, Joe Blood and I were able to gradually enhance Buick’s image in the enthusiast market!”

That’s a great compliment for a multi-award winning hot rod.

Here’s what John sent me about the MGX:

The MGX designation is in reference to the 1979 231 cubic inch Buick prototype X block. Specially adapted cooling, lubrication and insulation, front and rear aluminum aircraft aerodynamic bumpers were envisioned by Steve Findley (the project engineer during the engineered build from 1979 to 1983) in order to sustain engine parts, fasteners and insulation reliability while updating engine lubrication and functionality.

As the RAYJAY turbo was located in a negative airspace against the firewall, that portion of the engine bay had to withstand excessive heat and then cool down to under 100 degrees without compromising part integrity using specially designed Porsche racing expansion bolts, a Smokey Yunick developed turbocharging system, a priority valve from NASA’s Ames Research, and an aircraft developed intercooler and engine insulation materials developed by Johns Manville using their Q Fiber Silica LI-900 (that also was used to provide the sheathing for the heat tiles on 1981 Columbia Space shuttle).

The car was tested by Doug Roe in 1982 and went from 0 to 100 mph in 13 seconds using 15 psi of turbo boost @5000 rpm. Unfortunately, due to the continued degradation of this specialized turbo system as a result of high turbo generated temperatures, those system parts were eventually removed from the car.

The existing internal X Buick sand cast block engine parts have remained the same to this day along with an upgraded Cloyes gear and timing chain and with an Aviaid modular oil pump, a Porsche oil temp regulator, and aluminum heart style valves instead of a windage tray.

Sanderson headers were later fabricated for the revised dual exhaust system. The car weighs 2350 pounds and is all steel (no fiberglass components) with custom designed steel Porsche Carrera style flares fabricated by Bob Dale in 1978.

The MGX won Best Engineered Car and 1st in Class awards from ISCA in 1983 and 1984 and won WSMA Outstanding Engineered Awards in 1985 and 1986.