RE: MGB GT V8: You Know You Want To
Discussion
budgie smuggler said:
What's the problem with leaf springs?
The problem is me - I just don't like them.The leaf springs on the MG are pretty much the same as those fitted to the carts that crossed the Wild West of the USA.
A well set-up leaf spring can work well; however stiction is the problem as they get older/worn/rusty. If you up the power you can also get axle-tramp where the axle tries to rotate around the spring - not very pleasant.
They're also heavy and individual leafs can and do break.
I prefer coils myself.
http://www.edmunds.com/car-reviews/track-tests/201...
If they're good enough that beastie, they're good enough for me.
Back on topic, rubber bumpers just ruin that car.
If they're good enough that beastie, they're good enough for me.
Back on topic, rubber bumpers just ruin that car.
:Not an issue with the car per se, but that top hose was the first thing my eye went to in the engine bay photo. Coloured hoses are not my favourite thing on any car but they definitely don't suit this and it's made from far too many pieces.
But does the owner care what I think? Thought not.
But does the owner care what I think? Thought not.
Where's all the whinging that it's a death trap? 
I agree that the chrome bumpered ones are far nicer looking (with the chrome wire wheels on a convertible for preference), though if you're going to have the rubber bumpered variety painting them doesn't look all that bad (certainly less intrusive looking). On that one, definitely ditch that god awful, half-arsed amateur hour bonnet mod.
I agree that the chrome bumpered ones are far nicer looking (with the chrome wire wheels on a convertible for preference), though if you're going to have the rubber bumpered variety painting them doesn't look all that bad (certainly less intrusive looking). On that one, definitely ditch that god awful, half-arsed amateur hour bonnet mod.jhonn said:
The problem is me - I just don't like them.
The leaf springs on the MG are pretty much the same as those fitted to the carts that crossed the Wild West of the USA.
A well set-up leaf spring can work well; however stiction is the problem as they get older/worn/rusty. If you up the power you can also get axle-tramp where the axle tries to rotate around the spring - not very pleasant.
They're also heavy and individual leafs can and do break.
I prefer coils myself.
Leaf springs are good, they need to be kept greased inside gaiters for best effect, shackles at one end and trunnions at the other.The leaf springs on the MG are pretty much the same as those fitted to the carts that crossed the Wild West of the USA.
A well set-up leaf spring can work well; however stiction is the problem as they get older/worn/rusty. If you up the power you can also get axle-tramp where the axle tries to rotate around the spring - not very pleasant.
They're also heavy and individual leafs can and do break.
I prefer coils myself.
Well, this is an interesting thread. As one who is part way through a proper V8 conversion it's interesting to see the comments. To address some points mentioned...you will find it VERY hard to complete a proper conversion for £22,000 all in, that is why the majority are poorly executed as the converters don't have the budget to complete. You'll need £6-7k to find a good quality donor car to begin with and at this price one might as well buy a Heritage shell. Taking a look at the advert, the engine bay says a lot for the calibre of conversion[?] This car has been for sale for quite some time so one questions as to why it has not been sold. For this price one would expect, as a minimum, John Hoyle Suspension front and rear...and a whole bunch of other modifications that are not on this car. The air intake is a pig-ugly design but they're sometimes done this way to provide air to intake c/o rear of bonnet high pressure area. Though this is not the ideal...they should have used direct cool air feed. That is not to say this car won't be a lot of fun. There's nothing wrong with leaf springs, provided they have a correct ride height, are match paired and maintained correctly. However, if leaf springs were to be retained you'd be wise to modify as per John Wilson Racing design with 4 bar link and adjustable panhard rod.
http://johnwilsonracing.com/engineering/
For the price, there are many cars of equal performance that one could buy and you'd need to be hell bent to want to pay £22k for an MGB GT. However, the humble 'B is a cracking place to be when powered by a suitably on-song V8...particularly when running on 185/195 15" rubber and the correct gear ratio's. Here's a link to my project should any of you get the urge to complete a similar V8.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
http://johnwilsonracing.com/engineering/
For the price, there are many cars of equal performance that one could buy and you'd need to be hell bent to want to pay £22k for an MGB GT. However, the humble 'B is a cracking place to be when powered by a suitably on-song V8...particularly when running on 185/195 15" rubber and the correct gear ratio's. Here's a link to my project should any of you get the urge to complete a similar V8.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
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