RE: SOTW: MG-F 1.8 VVC
Discussion
jamesc69 said:
Petrolhead_Rich said:
The terrible K-series engines are also used in the "wonderful" Lotus cars, remember that!
very good point !!Conversion at some point to a low mileage 156bhp S2 Elise 111S VVC engine would certainly tempt me.
Edited by Thorburn on Friday 3rd December 11:12
Always liked these, so I bought one last Spring for just over 'shed' money.
Loads of history with it, including a new cyl-head some years previously.
As a weekend car it was great, fun to drive and economical.
I was pleased, thinking I'd made a good decision as I prepared to garage and SORN it for the winter months.
Then the head gasket went.
Sold it as a spares/repair project.
Loads of history with it, including a new cyl-head some years previously.
As a weekend car it was great, fun to drive and economical.
I was pleased, thinking I'd made a good decision as I prepared to garage and SORN it for the winter months.
Then the head gasket went.
Sold it as a spares/repair project.
Not keen on the MGF. Bought a £950 MX5 instead, and its been ace.
Coincidentally when I sold my last MX5 in the summer, I sold it to someone replacing their (and I quote) "hatefull pile of dog s
t".
I'm sure a well looked after one can be a hoot, but there are better alternatives out there for sure.
Coincidentally when I sold my last MX5 in the summer, I sold it to someone replacing their (and I quote) "hatefull pile of dog s
t".I'm sure a well looked after one can be a hoot, but there are better alternatives out there for sure.
Yup, most of the head gasket, gay hairdresser comments etc come from people who've only read about them in the magazines. I've had my non-VVC TF for near three years, and it's had a set of coil packs and two rear tyres in that time, plus a bush that needs doing now.
As a 'poor man's Elise' it's heavy and slow. Think of it as a 1.8 Metro and it starts to make sense. Sure, MX5s are around at similar prices but your Mazda will be older for the same money.
As a 'poor man's Elise' it's heavy and slow. Think of it as a 1.8 Metro and it starts to make sense. Sure, MX5s are around at similar prices but your Mazda will be older for the same money.
Serioulsy considered buying one of these recently, went on a few test drives, seems they are very sensitive to having the correct tyres on. great drive and all that, but all of them had had the HG done or were full of mayo. Loved the car, but the fear of HGF put me off. So I bouth a Puma for the same money, and Im not disappointed
Had two MGF's, one a 1.8i and a VVC. My brother also had a VVC.
Hydrogas suspension is cool and rides very well. I like the looks too. Apart from having been there done that, I'd have another one.
A good alternative to an MX-5 or MR2 IMO and plenty of tuning potential too.
Good chassis on these too and most of the TF upgrades can be added to make the TF handle even better. So with a bit of sense means you can get a good looking, mid engine sports car, weighing in at 1000kg or under with some weight trimming and an easy 170hp+.
This was my brothers one (sold it and bought an MGZS180). The F had a few mods on it and sounded fantastic. Had an MGOC exhaust on it and it made a noise akin to a sports bike crossed with a racing car.
Went well too, not quite CTR fast, but quick enough to piss them off.
Good vid here to show what they can be capable of!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj8RgXlD7-M
Hydrogas suspension is cool and rides very well. I like the looks too. Apart from having been there done that, I'd have another one.
A good alternative to an MX-5 or MR2 IMO and plenty of tuning potential too.
Good chassis on these too and most of the TF upgrades can be added to make the TF handle even better. So with a bit of sense means you can get a good looking, mid engine sports car, weighing in at 1000kg or under with some weight trimming and an easy 170hp+.
This was my brothers one (sold it and bought an MGZS180). The F had a few mods on it and sounded fantastic. Had an MGOC exhaust on it and it made a noise akin to a sports bike crossed with a racing car.
Went well too, not quite CTR fast, but quick enough to piss them off.
Good vid here to show what they can be capable of!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj8RgXlD7-M
whythem said:
Serioulsy considered buying one of these recently, went on a few test drives, seems they are very sensitive to having the correct tyres on. great drive and all that, but all of them had had the HG done or were full of mayo. Loved the car, but the fear of HGF put me off. So I bouth a Puma for the same money, and Im not disappointed
Tyres HAVE to be spot on you are correct!It never ceases to amaze me the slagging the MGF gets. I can't see how they're that bad. Had a S1 Elise 111s which had the same motor and I thought the engine was a peach - a really nice cammy sound, lightweight and yes the cooling is iffy but just keep a close eye on it.
I drove an MGF Trophy when they were new and found it to be quite a taught little performer.
Have been looking recently and am seriously considering a TF for a little summer fun
I drove an MGF Trophy when they were new and found it to be quite a taught little performer.
Have been looking recently and am seriously considering a TF for a little summer fun
I bought a 2000 one this year to go alongside the X5 for sunny days, it cost me £1600 and has been a good laugh. I'm 6'2" and not slightly built so it is pretty snug, but I don't fit into the MK1 MX5 at all.
I've had no real problems, it's not paticularly well built and I've had to adjust a few things to stop leaks but it is a good laugh to drive and a nice alternative to have.
Cant fault it for the money I spent.
I've had no real problems, it's not paticularly well built and I've had to adjust a few things to stop leaks but it is a good laugh to drive and a nice alternative to have.
Cant fault it for the money I spent.
Speed addicted said:
I bought a 2000 one this year to go alongside the X5 for sunny days, it cost me £1600 and has been a good laugh. I'm 6'2" and not slightly built so it is pretty snug, but I don't fit into the MK1 MX5 at all.
I've had no real problems, it's not paticularly well built and I've had to adjust a few things to stop leaks but it is a good laugh to drive and a nice alternative to have.
Cant fault it for the money I spent.
I am definitely not a small person, and I agree that has more space than an MX5I've had no real problems, it's not paticularly well built and I've had to adjust a few things to stop leaks but it is a good laugh to drive and a nice alternative to have.
Cant fault it for the money I spent.
pSyCoSiS said:
They actually drive pretty well. Taut ride, firm suspension, and pretty nippy.
Really? I had a good run out in one many years ago and it was sloppier than a sweaty chubber's clunge. OK, it was a few years old and had done a few miles but still... I wasn't expecting a rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined 'sports' car to be characterised by such an abundance of roll, slackness in every control and a complete absence of feel. I'm not usually one to put the boot into an underdog but on this occasion I'll make an exception, as my MG-F experience would definitely be a contender for "worst drive I've ever had". And I've driven (and owned) some utter horrors.
I'm staying quiet on the reliability, build-quality and less-than-masculine image though. I do drive a Smart Roadster, after all.
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