MGF - any good as a track toy

[krunchkin]

I've been offered a dirt cheap 1.8 MGF to use as a track toy. Anyone got any experience of them? I've heard the suspension is not terribly suited to hard tracking. Would they be a fun drive to push to the limit, or am I better going for an MX5 with 1-1.5k to spend?

All advice appreciated

[CatfishCKY]

I'm not sure what the MGF is like on the track with the Hydragas, although my husband took his MG TF with traditional coil springs on the track and it was really capable. Quite tricky on the limit, as I imagine most mid-engines cars are, as he managed to spin it taking a corner too quickly!
Not sure if its an easy swap?
Obligatory response is of course, MX5, and you can pick up them up under a grand, which would make more sense if you are tracking it!

Edited by CatfishCKY on Saturday 30th November 13:03

[krunchkin]

yes im inclined to think, as always, an MX5 is the answer!

[CatfishCKY]

Maybe try the F out and see if you like it, can't hurt maybe?
I'm on my second mx5 and I drove my husband's MG a fair bit, and I prefer how the MX5 feels to drive - a bit more focussed and gearchange IMO is a lot nicer. The MG TF still handles really well though, although I can't say much about the F! I'm not sure about they compare.

[HaylingJag]

I'm inclined to pose a question, how many MX5's do you see on track compared to MGF's? Nuff sed!

I have previously owned an F and good as it was is wasn't a patch on my current Eunos. Some decent half sorted MX's out there with your budget,


D

[Mobsy]

HaylingJag said:

I'm inclined to pose a question, how many MX5's do you see on track compared to MGF's? Nuff sed!



D

But there were about 10 times more MX5s produced than MGF/TFs. Anyway it will be interesting at Goodwood on the 14th to see how the TF performs especially as it's completely bog standard.

[deltashad]

I have an mgf, it's brilliant fun. Along with a few other more ph more friendly cars. In all honesty, it's very quick for what it is but you would have to spend a fortune on it to make it competitive.
The other way of looking at it is you have loads of laughs for not much dough.
If you want cheap track fun competitively go for a mg zr with a vvc motor. You won't win races with an mgf. But you'll be smiling.

[drakart]

All the MX5s lasted the day today, the mgf blew a head gasket. Here endeth the lesson!

[radical78]

used to track a tf faster than mx5 better seats. mazdas give me backache. but buy one with the big front brakes standard rover brakes arnt good enough for track use

[Rovinghawk]

I took one to the Nurburgring- great fun, reasonably quick.

Take the engine cover plate off to keep temperatures down, give more attention than usual to warm-up times.

[stylussprinter]

My son loves MG's and has had 1 MGZR , 2 x MGF's and a TF --- now has the MGF Trophy and prefers he air suspension BUT all three have had the head gaskets go . What do we expect with the thermostat on the incoming cold supply , total madness. Good car spoiled.