I'll bet that is a rare car in Zimbabwe! Interesting to hear from you. I
am sure you will get responses from all ends of the spectrum. There are
"purists" on this list, and wild-eyed hot-rodders... relatively speaking,
of course -- I don't think MGB purists are nearly so fanatic as some
other marque owners, nor do MGB "street racers" tend to be as extreme.
Since the MGB was manufactured in enormous quantities for a sports car,
and was relatively inexpensive, with decent but not outstanding
performance, the owners tend to be pretty pragmatic about modifications.
>From all the stories recounted here, I would say the biggest issues to do
with an owner modification are: is it reversible*? is it well thought
out? is it executed in a quality manner? is it documented? If you can
answer "yes" to these questions I do not think there are many who would
criticize you. And even if someone was inclined to do so, you have to
please yourself first.
One consideration particular to your location may be that you will need
to keep in mind the "maintainability" of any modifications. By this I
mean, the stock components are readily available via post from the large
vendors such as Moss. But any unique or exotic components you might add
may make it more difficult for you or a future owner to find parts and
service. On the other hand, fitting "upgraded" parts from newer MGB
models (power windscreen washer, brake booster) shouldn't cause problems
in this regard.
Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
*a further thought on "reversability"... it is hard to think of what an
"irreversible" modification might be on these simple cars. Welded-on
fender flares? A pickup bed? Chop, channel and section? <g>
Alan had this to say:
>I've owned a '71BGT for a few months and am enjoying the
>pleasures of owning what is here in Zimbabwe a very rare car.
>However I am now beginning to wonder about the effectiveness of
>some of the original parts fitted to the car. All MGs are based on
>mechanicals from very ordinary family saloons which were
>designed to provide reliable service at a low price. Performance
>considerations were not taken into account. Thus we have iron
>cylinder heads, lever arm dampers, leaf springs, drum brakes etc
>etc. It is interesting to speculate what these cars would be like if
>the enthusiasts in the design department had been able to utilize
>"ideal" components rather than "available" components.
>
>There is therefore a strong argument for replacing certain
>components with items intrinsically more suitable for the task than
>the original part. The problem with this is the originality question.
>Should MGs be kept as near as possible to the manufacturers
>specification or is deviation from standard permitted in the interest
>of improved performance and/or reliability?
>
>My own vehicle appears to be very close to the makers
>specification (European version), and I am consequently reluctant
>to meddle with it. But I am becoming increasingly impatient with
>the poor suspension control provided by the dampers, the very
>heavy pedal pressure required to stop the vehicle(no servo) and the
>pathetic push button windscreen washer. I would like to change all
>these things.
>
>How far is it permissible to go in terms of modifications before
>accusations of destroying the character of the car begin flying
>around? Is the criteria that any modification should be acceptable
>as long as it is reversible valid or can you argue that if the change
>makes the car perform better then it is permissible, regardless of
>reversability, bearing in mind that performance is what the car is
>supposed to be about?
>
> I look forward to reading the responses.
>
>
>Alan Morrison
>
--
Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the red one with the silver bootlid.
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