Ever taken the linkage cover off an MGB transmission ?
Sure have, have you had one go blooey on you? In fact, as we speak, I am bolting an original Laycock de Normanville Electrically Actuated Overdrive Unit to an MGB trans. By Summer's end I hope to have my next, and last MGB on the road, all stock except for shock-converted double wishbone front end, and the single Weber Intake. Chassis is 1971.
My favorite bastardization of all time was to use the Ford Capri v6 with 5 speed. The unit was so light, that although it ran very sweetly, I could never get the suspension right! Next owner did.