MGA Forum

Recently, the Hemmings Blog reported that the VCCA (Vintage Chevrolet Club of America) has created a "Personalized" judging class for modified cars. That got me thinking about my next MGA project...

My first car was restored as original. My next will be modified (nothing irreversible) for modern driving and also for appearance.

I'm looking for ideas.

What have you done or wished you had done to your MGA and conversely, what did you do that you regret?

Jim, I was always curious about a turbo on the B series engines.

Jim

alternator, modern fuel pump, electronic ignition, plastic radiator fan, antisway bar (aftermarket), 4.3:1 rear end

I would add a 5 speed and an MGB 1800 to my list if i do it again, and I covet a GPS electronic speedometer, just 'cause

JIM in NH

I loved the glove box and gauges in this dash (I think it is a TR3 door); I would do something to get more fresh air in into the foot wells, like vents that opened through the fenders on each side (Jag XK1xx I think had these), state of the art wiring system with fuses and driving lights (I'd probably buy one of the commercial british wiring upgrade harnesses), 4-way flashers, backup light, 3rd brake light, footwell lights tied to the doors opening, center console for additional gauges/switches/radio/speakers, storage under the armrest, heated seats, two speed heater fan, two speed wipers, silver paint, blue leather interior, 1800, 5 speed, minilites, wider tires.

Russ


Glove box and gauges:


Center console with storage under armrest:


3rd brake light on luggage rack:


From the back (nicely wired):


Silver MGA (this one has been fitted with independent rear suspension):

Lots of great ideas! Keep them coming.

Jim

GPS speedo, 5-main "B" engine, 5 - speed gearbox, 3.9 rear end, MGB Kingpins, and MGB front and rear brakes.
Blue tooth,alternator,minilite wheels.
All this makes for a great touring MGA. Just completed an 8500 mile trip.

I think Gary Lock's S2000 powered A is the ultimate MGA if money was no object. I'd like a 1600 Coupe with Racemettle wheels.

Sierra gearbox is what I would lust after.... I'm thinking the best person to ask would be the person who is out on the road touring right now -- Barney! I know he made a number of changes to make things "easy".

Now Jim, be respectful of those Deluxes!

Steve, Jim has the different front hubs of the Twin Cam, so swapping in MGB suspension would need some careful looking at the caliper mounting. Besides, not really necessary as long as the front end is in good shape. I agree with the rest of your list, though, and would advocate an OD MGB box rather than a T9, were it not for the fact that it might not be as easily reversible.

I think the one single thing you could do to transform the car would be a nice 3 main MGB motor with a supercharger! And some decent rubber under it (which is a problem to find for stock width rims, but not so bad if you have 5 1/2".

Look forward to seeing you up this way some time, Jim.

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Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
Current: 1958 MGA Twincam (race car (170 bhp)),1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe (98 bhp)
1957 Jamaican MGA (200 bhp)1965 1971 Jensen Interceptor (350 bhp)
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe (375 bhp)
2007 BMW Z4M coupe (340 bhp)
Recent: 1969 MGC roadster (175 bhp),Jensen CV8 (375 bhp),
1969 Lamborghini Islero S (350 bhp), 1988 Fiero GT turbo (300 bhp)
North Vancouver BC

I will. Nothing gets added that can't be unbolted. With the Dunlop wheels/brakes and sway bar handling should be just fine. Alternator for sure.

I am leaning towards using my NOS 3 main short block but I also have a 5 main option - also a Sierra 5 speed (less intrusive than MGB OD) and 3.9. The current 1622, close ratio box and 4:55 will be set aside for later if I decide to go back to stock.

I have 3 and a half spare wheels and since one has to be re-rimmed, wider Dunlop wheels are a definite possibility.

Not so sure about Turbo or Super charging - I guess it would be fun to surprise some kids in Hondas - but I am getting to the age where I am only a half fast driver

I keep looking of you at the Sovren races - never did you see you and Ralph on the same track. Let me know if you get down this way.

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British cars create mechanics out of ordinary men, German cars make poor men from rich ones and Italian cars make grown men cry.

Getting real...

Got in the queue for paint and body work. Have to have the body off and media blasted for them to start by mid-November.

Have decided on a drivetrain consisting of a engine built up from a NOS 3-main shortblock that has been under my workbench for many years, a Sierra 5-speed and a 3.9 MGB differential.

Here is one of the last pics of the combined body and chassis while still in OEW.

Wow - what an interesting thread ... a real "social experiment" in MGA restoration by the community - can't wait to see how it progresses and turns out!

Footwell ventilation is reasonably high on my list of "to do's", but I need to figure out a non-invasive, reversible way.

I think the best way is to put a screen insert in the top of the panel behind the front wheel and duct it through the alloy triangular plate by your feet.

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Bill Spohn www.rhodo.citymax.com/carstuff.html
Current: 1958 MGA Twincam (race car (170 bhp)),1962 MGA Deluxe Coupe (98 bhp)
1957 Jamaican MGA (200 bhp)1965 1971 Jensen Interceptor (350 bhp)
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP Coupe (375 bhp)
2007 BMW Z4M coupe (340 bhp)
Recent: 1969 MGC roadster (175 bhp),Jensen CV8 (375 bhp),
1969 Lamborghini Islero S (350 bhp), 1988 Fiero GT turbo (300 bhp)
North Vancouver BC