Looking to track my MG TF160

[PhilWestMids]

Hey guys,

Had a little search but couldn't find anyone else mentioning the TF so here's my thread!

I am looking at getting my TF on track and although I think I know the 'things to do', I'd like to open this up to the opinions of fellow PH-ers :-)

So my thoughts are:

Normally I would get track tyres but I am going to stick to my Toyo Proxies for my first day to see how they cut it...

Brake pads - I was thinking Red or Yellow stuff pads

Lightening - take out the passenger seat and obviously clear the boot (and in my case the bonnet). I'm also looking at a carbon fibre bonnet and boot which should save an estimated 50kg

Lowering springs or full suspension (tempted will full as the shocks on the car would probably need replacing in the next couple of years anyway...)

After that I guess it really doesn't matter - power upgrades in various forms and more practise! Maybe an LSD?

[ronaldo342]

I track my TF regulary doing silverstone next month with MGs ontrack,you should think about going to this and getting some ideas, depends how competitive you want to get on your trackday I have 200bhp which with a K series costs quite a bit of money,with Gaz shocks and mintex brake pads 1144 on the AP calipers, put a front splitter on to avoid the front end lift and cut out the absurd panel behind the radiator ensuring that the wiper motor is sealed up with polythene and duct tape, I also use toyo 888s and it handles really well now,

[PhilWestMids]

How much does the MGOT day cost?

Yeah the carbon fibre bonnet I'm looking at is a vented one which would go well with not having that panel in place and apparently helps with reducing the front end lift - also, I know that the sports pack that MG offered for the TF reduces front end lift by 50% which was obtained by lowering the car. Does the front splitter really work that well? It was something I had seen and was considering.

I had 888's on my ZS which I took on track a couple of times and yes, they were amazing in both damp/wet and dry conditions. Bit pricey for now so hence seeing how the proxies fair :-)

Power is something I would be looking into last I think. I know its not that fast but with some weight savings (hopefully getting it down from 1150 to 1075 should certainly improve the power to weight, pushing it to around 150bhp/tonne. I then may look into the stage 2 re-map and exhaust system to hopefully look at around 175bhp which gives it another 10bhp/tonne :-) Failing that - I would love to drop a type r engine in there but its deciding whether to do that or buy an S2000/Z4/Elise (more money obviously but less likely to go wrong, more modern and probably a better handler?!)

[flattotheboards]

Why don't you take it on track as it currently stands, and then upgrade the parts that you feel are holding you back or that need refreshing afterwards?

[PhilWestMids]

flattotheboards said:

Why don't you take it on track as it currently stands, and then upgrade the parts that you feel are holding you back or that need refreshing afterwards?

Well I was thinking that would be reserved for more fine tweaking of the car? I mean there are the obvious things like I have listed above (or at least those are the obvious ones to me) but then you'll always get someone who says to get bigger brakes, or just concentrate on lightening the car etc... So really just trying to gauge the opinion on those things really.

But I do agree - once I have covered the basics then it will be a case of gathering information from the cars performance on track which will dictate how I progress with changing the set up :-)

[wackojacko]

I'd say yellow Stuffs and 5.1 fluid change and possibly braided lines ( I've done this on my coupe and it makes a hell of a difference)

For your first Trackday I wouldn't worry about weight shedding as it's about having fun rather than being quick on a TD so aslong as the car is safe with appopriate brake upgrades, tyres and a good service before hand you'll be fine chap.

[ronaldo342]

Have a look at mgs on track site silverstone is £170 for the 21st March your 160 will be fine there as the majority of the cars are standard or minor mods and on road tyres, they also list the bhp of the cars, they are also very polite on track so there is less pressure than an open trackday, just as everyone else says brakes and service to try it out.
You mentioned a carbon fibre bonnet and boot and weight saving of 50kg? seems a lot and I assume they would be expensive I had thought about this but ruled it out on cost grounds, the passenger seat only weighs 12kg by the way.

[PhilWestMids]

Hey Wacko - I've replaced the fluid with 5.1 already - are braided lines really worth the expense?

Ronaldo - I'll have a look at the site but probably wont be looking until Aug for my next one - first will be Snetterton with some friends in May . As for the 50Kg - I was going on weights of 20kg for the boot lid (I have a spare which I'm selling so I've picked one up, comparable to a 20kg weight at the gym) and say 30kg for the bonnet - Ok granted I didnt factor in the weights of the replacements so thats about 10kg back on? But strip out the passenger seat and thats gone back off!

The thing I like about lightening a car is that it has three times the effect as other changes - 1)power to weight improves. 2) handling improves. 3) braking improves

[Rob_F]

Tracked my ZT completely standard and overtook quite a few 'trackday prepared' cars. I think spending the money on more trackdays (practice) or training will help you enjoy it more and go faster. The car is probably more than capable of some excellent times as-is, as long as it's pedalled with a modicum of skill.

Cheers,
Rob

[wackojacko]

PhilWestMids said:

Hey Wacko - I've replaced the fluid with 5.1 already - are braided lines really worth the expense?

Certainly, they take some of the spongey-ness out of the peddle and really sharpens up your braking response,as the oem rubber hoses expand slightly under pressure which therefore takes some of the pressure you've inputed away (waisted energy) They give a lot better feel when braking heavily over the standard items, I'd highly recommend braided lines teamed with yellow stuff pads and 5.1 (which you've got already)
Mine stands on it's bloody nose when tyres and brakes are warm and suffers from minimal brake faid.

[robg2]

Hate to be devil's advocate, but my first modification would be a cage (and harnesses, naturally).

Then a good service and geometry check, then a good few trackdays before doing any further modifications. Like others have said, I'd only look at changing the things you feel are holding you back.


Don't forget you can always look at the MG Car Club race cars for inspiration. It will be a wealth of knowledge for setting yours up if you want to get that serious!

[CDP]

robg2 said:

Hate to be devil's advocate, but my first modification would be a cage (and harnesses, naturally).

+1

Don't fit ultra-grippy tyres on a TF without a cage as you increase your chances of rolling it.

I wouldn't bother spending anything on it at the moment; the money's better spent on coaching which is the ultimate go faster accessory and the only thing that can be transferred from car to car.

Rather than spending a heap of money modifying a TF why not just sell it and get an Elise?

[PhilWestMids]

Rob, that's a very valid point. I had totally overlooked safety, especially important with it being a soft top. Unfortunately this being my every day drive I don't think a cage will work, but some roll over hoops will be the next purchase! They also happen to look good which is a bonus

Cpd, I don't plan on spending too much on the car, maybe a grand or two otherwise I would just get an elise

So I think my plan of action is:

Roll over hoops
Harnesses
Uprated pads
Braided hoses
Re map

That will do me for the first year for the car, I just need to get more track time in now

[wackojacko]

If you don't want harnesses ( they are such a fking faff getting in and out alot) these ae a better substitute for an every day car http://www.cg-lock.co.uk/cg-lock/

unless you retain standard seat belts and unclip harness from mounts when not using it ...... I have to admit tho, getting into a car with harnesses does make you feal 4 years old again ....

Rollover hoops are 'ok' I suppose if it's your piece of mind at stake then go for them but you don't see many cars go over on trackdays unless they're going mega fast and driving like a mega cock.... then again fail to prepare can be costly, personal choice

Descent set of tyres T1R's or something that will slide eventually rather than mega grip like 888's and sensible brake upgrades etc you'll be fine.

[CDP]

And don't forget to make sure the oil is up to temperature before you give it a jolly good thrashing

[PhilWestMids]

I would certainly retain the standard seat belts, like you say, too much of a faff for every day use!

Whilst I have only ever seen two cars roll at any motorsport event I have ever been to, I would probably lose my head if I did roll!

Thankfully the tf comes with an oil temp gauge so I can always make sure it doesn't get a thrashing unless its up to temp

Thanks for all the replies guys

[wackojacko]

Will a " My MG TF 160 Road/fun track car" thread be appearing on Readers cars forum ?

[noodleman]

If you go for rollover hoops, just make sure they cannot collapse in the event of a roll.

I've seen some of the ones they sell for MX5s. I'd rather take my chances without to be honest.

[ek9Steve]

PhilWestMids said:

Brake pads - I was thinking Red or Yellow stuff pads

Don't go for reds as they are not a track orientated pad.
Yellow Stuff R's are very good value for money.
Go for some high performance DOT4 it is better than DOT 5.1. For example ATE Superblue/Super Gold, colour makes no difference performance wise, it just lets you see that the brakes are bled as the colour changes
Eurocarparts is the cheapest i found for it, was £11 a ltr when i last bought some, you can't get it online you will need to go in store.

For tyres i wouldn't use T1-R's.
Go for some hankook RS-2s which are fairly good, or if you have the spare cash Yoko AD08s.

Edited by ek9Steve on Monday 14th February 13:03

[PhilWestMids]

Wacko - yeah I'll post a thread up tonight if I remember

Roll over hoops I'm thinking of have been real world tested so I'm pretty happy they do the job