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RE: "Modern" Improvements for the MGB

To: MG List <mgs@Autox.Team.Net>, "'Kai Radicke'" <mowogmg@pil.net>
Subject: RE: "Modern" Improvements for the MGB
From: Paul.Kile@Aerojet.com (KILE, PAUL D)
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 09:30:54 -0700
Cc: MGB-V8 List <mgb-v8@Autox.Team.Net>
Reply-to: Paul.Kile@Aerojet.com (KILE, PAUL D)
Sender: owner-mgb-v8@Autox.Team.Net
Kai, 
Item #1 - Nice description, but they didn't quote a price (probably
hellishly expensive), and where do you put the battery, especially if
you have a GT?  The only thing I can think of is to buy an Optima gel
cell and lay it on its side in the spare tire area.  As for the
"styling" kit, who wants an MGB with 90's body crap on it?  It's more
fun to have a bone stock appearing vintage car that can surprise people,
rather than a car that shouts "LOOK AT ME!!!" and then doesn't deliver
what it promises. 

Item #2 - Interesting concept, but we would be totally SOL here in
California.  Our smog legislators, in their infinite wisdom, incorporate
an underhood check as well as the tailpipe check in order to pass smog.
If you don't have ALL the original equipment (including the proper
number of carbs), you will not pass.  End of story.  They don't care
that your emissions may be significantly reduced using the new
equipment.  The only hope is that the system developer will obtain
California Air Resources Board approval for the system, this takes
megabucks and is probably not economically feasible based on the
anticipated market share for the system.

Item #3 - Ken Costello designed a 5-speed gearbox that is a direct
bolt-in for the MGBGT V-8 gearbox - I would assume it has a bellhousing
compatible with the Rover V-8 and not the MGB 4-cylinder.  I have heard
this gearbox is now in production for the new TVR - Robin Weatherall may
have more info.

Cheers, 
Paul Kile


> ----------
> From:         Kai Radicke[SMTP:mowogmg@pil.net]
> Reply To:     Kai Radicke
> Sent:         Thursday, August 27, 1998 7:20 AM
> To:   MG List
> Cc:   MGB-V8 List
> Subject:      "Modern" Improvements for the MGB
> 
> Well what brings this up is that I saw a nifty suspension conversion
> in the
> Aug98 MG Enthusiast :)  I'm going to blatantly copy most of this word
> for
> word from that issue.  (hope they don't mind)
> 
> Improvement #1:
> 
> -------
> NEW MGB SUSPENSION UNVEILED
> 
> New independent rear suspension for the MGB unveiled at MGOC Duxford
> brings
> the sixties designed system bang up to date  which, together with a
> GRP body
> panel kit, gives the car a more purposeful look whilst still retaining
> much
> of the original chrome bumper MGB's classic style.
> 
> Produced by Walden Suspension, designer Richard Walden says the unit
> which
> uses double wishbones, track control arm, anti-roll bar and coaxial
> coil
> spring dampers provides the MGB with improved suspension and braking.
> The
> suspension components are bolted to a sub-frame which also provides
> mounts
> for the differential.  The sub-frame is then bolted to the car after
> removal
> of the battery boxes.  Limited slip differential, hubs, drive shafts,
> and
> discs come from the Ford Sierra.
> 
> The front suspension was redesigned along modern lines using
> telescopic
> dampers to provided compatibility with the rear.  To bring the car
> bang up
> to date a restyling package consists of front and rear wings, front
> spoiler,
> side skirts and rear valance.  For further details contact Richard
> Walden on
> 01367 240650.
> -------
> 
> So... any opinions on that particular product.  Has anyone used this
> one, or
> the Ron Hopkinson units which are similar to this?  (455 UKP for the
> full
> Hopkinson front/rear conversion package)  And is there a US version of
> the
> Ford Sierra, or would those parts need to be imported from Europe?
> 
> Okay, Improvement #2:
> 
> -------
> EVERGREEN 'B SET FOR NEW LEASE OF LIFE
> 
> The evergreen MGB looks set for a new lease of life thanks to a
> revolutionary new multi-point fuel injection system known as the MGB
> Fi
> 'CAT'.  Developed over a three year period in a response to ever
> tougher
> emission standards being established throughout the world, the new
> system,
> which also features a closed loop catalyst, will ensure the standard
> 1800cc
> Series can continue to be used as an everyday car secure in the
> knowledge
> that it will meet current and future test regimes.
> 
> The system has been developed by engineers at Falcon Classic - a
> company
> whose stainless steel exhausts are fitted to many British classics and
> include versions for all variants of the MGB.  Designed to fit MGBs
> with a
> compatible unleaded cylinder head, the kit will be marketed as a
> complete
> bolt-on package.
> 
> The kit includes manifold, injectors, throttle body, pressure
> regulator and
> front engine cover and timing wheel and position sensor.  A layover
> electrical harness with ECU, relays and fuse box, together with fuel
> delivery and return system with pump, filter, auxiliary tank, fuel
> cooler
> and unleaded filler neck.  Guaranteeing the system's 'green'
> credentials is
> a complete stainless steel exhaust system with low back-pressure
> catalyst.
> 
> Although a formal test regime has yet to be completed, Falcon say
> early
> indications show an increase in both power and torque of between 10-15
> percent coupled with improved drivability.  Phone Falcon Classic on
> 01159
> 440044.
> -------
> 
> So any thoughts on this one?  I personally wonder if it would be
> compatible
> with an MSX Crossflow head.
> 
> And lastly, Improvement #3... which I wondered about on my own.  Is
> there a
> 5speed transmission that can replace the standard MGB trans, with
> little
> modification?
> 
> Well, thats about it!
> 
> --
> Kai Radicke -- kai@autojumble.net
> IRC: irc.cs.cmu.edu, #inet-access
> 

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