But is it a real MG? (Page 4) : Modern MGs Forum : MG Experience Forums : The MG Experience

Re: But is it a real MG? #61
philma philip may hampshire, United Kingdom	Posted: April 01, 2012 02:09AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 3

Some time ago (just after Rover went TU) I bought a 3 bearing 1800 b series engine from an unemployed development engineer from Longbridge. We chewed the cud about MG's of course. He was desperately disapointed with the MGF as it was starved of development, The replacement was nicked by BMW and became the Z4! or so he claimed!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #62
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: April 01, 2012 10:50AM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

Not quite, but BMW did put the kibosh on the MGF Supersports.(Supercharged, flared out, competition suspension MGF)
One of the BMW directors visited Longbridge shortly before the Z4 was released and drove the Supersports prototype.
After he left the car was pushed to the back of the factory and covered with a dropsheet. Apparently it went very
well and was at the same price point as the Z4, so bye-bye Supersports!

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #63
ron neal South Carolina, USA 1962 MG MGA MkII 1968 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC GT → more	Posted: April 01, 2012 01:12PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 3,252

I wonder what happened to the MGF Supersports?

Ron

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Re: But is it a real MG? #64
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: April 01, 2012 01:43PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

The prototype is still out there, owned by an enthusiast in the UK, and is in
regular use. I wish someone would take a set of moulds off the wings and bumpers.
They make the car look much more aggressive but I sure wouldn't put them
on my car unless it had the power to back up the look!
Here's a pic of the car in 2009. Apparently before it was sold off the supercharged engine was removed.
The current owner has built up a turbocharged engine that apparently puts out 232hp.
Bet it goes pretty good!

Sort of what the 930 Turbo was to the Porsche 911 innit! grinning smiley

This is the current engine.

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/01/2012 01:59PM by Rich in Vancouver.

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Re: But is it a real MG? #65
Simon Austin Surrey, BC, Canada 1977 MG MGB V8 Conversion 1994 MG RV8	Posted: April 01, 2012 04:52PM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 8,212

How does these number compare to the SC engine, Rich? I could look it up but might as well chat about it.

"Speed costs........how fast you want to spend?"

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Re: But is it a real MG? #66
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: April 01, 2012 05:05PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

In reply to # 2028521 by Simon Austin How does these number compare to the SC engine, Rich? I could look it up but might as well chat about it.

I really don't recall what the HP (KW?) was on the supercharged engine. I don't think it was quite that high. 210HP rings a bell.
A turbo'd engine is a totally different beast though. It must be a very exciting car to drive. At least it has the wider wheels and
the suspension mods (Apparently the same as the MGF Cup cars) to handle the extra power.
If I was in his position I think I would go with a supercharger as they are generally more tractable and generate less heat, which would be an issue in an MGF. You could mount it in the same position as his turbo and route the intake pipe around the head to the intake manifold. I'm sure that there is an appropriate Eaton blower available, after all Moss do one for the B-Series 1800 and Jackson racing have a Miata kit, or there is always the Swedish blower that the Aussies use in the MGB. It would be a matter of an engine rebuild with lower compression pistons, and a blueprint and balance would be a good idea. If you were running a VVC engine solid cams would probably be called for.
In my fantasy world I do play with visions of an MGF with the KV6 V6 (I know John!)with a blower. That would be a challenging conversion!

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #67
terreneuve John Stevenson Paradise, Paradise, near Octagon Pond!!!(Yes, really!!!), Canada 1952 MG TD 1967 MG MGB GT 1968 MG MGC 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 1995 MG F → more	Posted: April 01, 2012 05:52PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 565

In reply to # 2028531 by Rich in Vancouver

In reply to # 2028521 by Simon Austin How does these number compare to the SC engine, Rich? I could look it up but might as well chat about it.

I really don't recall what the HP (KW?) was on the supercharged engine. I don't think it was quite that high. 210HP rings a bell.
A turbo'd engine is a totally different beast though. It must be a very exciting car to drive. At least it has the wider wheels and
the suspension mods (Apparently the same as the MGF Cup cars) to handle the extra power.
If I was in his position I think I would go with a supercharger as they are generally more tractable and generate less heat, which would be an issue in an MGF. You could mount it in the same position as his turbo and route the intake pipe around the head to the intake manifold. I'm sure that there is an appropriate Eaton blower available, after all Moss do one for the B-Series 1800 and Jackson racing have a Miata kit, or there is always the Swedish blower that the Aussies use in the MGB. It would be a matter of an engine rebuild with lower compression pistons, and a blueprint and balance would be a good idea. If you were running a VVC engine solid cams would probably be called for.
In my fantasy world I do play with visions of an MGF with the KV6 V6 (I know John!)with a blower. That would be a challenging conversion!

A 2.0 Turbo like the one in my Rover Tomcat could be tweaked and used instead of a KV6 to get you a good result!!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #68
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: April 01, 2012 06:35PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

In reply to # 2028578 by terreneuve

In reply to # 2028531 by Rich in Vancouver

In reply to # 2028521 by Simon Austin How does these number compare to the SC engine, Rich? I could look it up but might as well chat about it.

I really don't recall what the HP (KW?) was on the supercharged engine. I don't think it was quite that high. 210HP rings a bell.
A turbo'd engine is a totally different beast though. It must be a very exciting car to drive. At least it has the wider wheels and
the suspension mods (Apparently the same as the MGF Cup cars) to handle the extra power.
If I was in his position I think I would go with a supercharger as they are generally more tractable and generate less heat, which would be an issue in an MGF. You could mount it in the same position as his turbo and route the intake pipe around the head to the intake manifold. I'm sure that there is an appropriate Eaton blower available, after all Moss do one for the B-Series 1800 and Jackson racing have a Miata kit, or there is always the Swedish blower that the Aussies use in the MGB. It would be a matter of an engine rebuild with lower compression pistons, and a blueprint and balance would be a good idea. If you were running a VVC engine solid cams would probably be called for.
In my fantasy world I do play with visions of an MGF with the KV6 V6 (I know John!)with a blower. That would be a challenging conversion!

A 2.0 Turbo like the one in my Rover Tomcat could be tweaked and used instead of a KV6 to get you a good result!!

There is a fellow in the UK working on a T16 conversion. Apparently the engine only works out to 26 kilos heavier than the K-series.
A 2 litre turbo would be fun. Does the Tomcat use the PG1 gearbox?

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #69
terreneuve John Stevenson Paradise, Paradise, near Octagon Pond!!!(Yes, really!!!), Canada 1952 MG TD 1967 MG MGB GT 1968 MG MGC 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 1995 MG F → more	Posted: April 01, 2012 06:53PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 565

In reply to # 2028629 by Rich in Vancouver

In reply to # 2028578 by terreneuve

In reply to # 2028531 by Rich in Vancouver

In reply to # 2028521 by Simon Austin How does these number compare to the SC engine, Rich? I could look it up but might as well chat about it.

I really don't recall what the HP (KW?) was on the supercharged engine. I don't think it was quite that high. 210HP rings a bell.
A turbo'd engine is a totally different beast though. It must be a very exciting car to drive. At least it has the wider wheels and
the suspension mods (Apparently the same as the MGF Cup cars) to handle the extra power.
If I was in his position I think I would go with a supercharger as they are generally more tractable and generate less heat, which would be an issue in an MGF. You could mount it in the same position as his turbo and route the intake pipe around the head to the intake manifold. I'm sure that there is an appropriate Eaton blower available, after all Moss do one for the B-Series 1800 and Jackson racing have a Miata kit, or there is always the Swedish blower that the Aussies use in the MGB. It would be a matter of an engine rebuild with lower compression pistons, and a blueprint and balance would be a good idea. If you were running a VVC engine solid cams would probably be called for.
In my fantasy world I do play with visions of an MGF with the KV6 V6 (I know John!)with a blower. That would be a challenging conversion!

A 2.0 Turbo like the one in my Rover Tomcat could be tweaked and used instead of a KV6 to get you a good result!!

There is a fellow in the UK working on a T16 conversion. Apparently the engine only works out to 26 kilos heavier than the K-series.
A 2 litre turbo would be fun. Does the Tomcat use the PG1 gearbox?

Yes, it apparently is a PG1, and you can pick up an engine in the UK pretty cheap!!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #70
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: April 01, 2012 08:01PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

In reply to # 2028649 by terreneuve

In reply to # 2028629 by Rich in Vancouver

In reply to # 2028578 by terreneuve

In reply to # 2028531 by Rich in Vancouver

In reply to # 2028521 by Simon Austin How does these number compare to the SC engine, Rich? I could look it up but might as well chat about it.

I really don't recall what the HP (KW?) was on the supercharged engine. I don't think it was quite that high. 210HP rings a bell.
A turbo'd engine is a totally different beast though. It must be a very exciting car to drive. At least it has the wider wheels and
the suspension mods (Apparently the same as the MGF Cup cars) to handle the extra power.
If I was in his position I think I would go with a supercharger as they are generally more tractable and generate less heat, which would be an issue in an MGF. You could mount it in the same position as his turbo and route the intake pipe around the head to the intake manifold. I'm sure that there is an appropriate Eaton blower available, after all Moss do one for the B-Series 1800 and Jackson racing have a Miata kit, or there is always the Swedish blower that the Aussies use in the MGB. It would be a matter of an engine rebuild with lower compression pistons, and a blueprint and balance would be a good idea. If you were running a VVC engine solid cams would probably be called for.
In my fantasy world I do play with visions of an MGF with the KV6 V6 (I know John!)with a blower. That would be a challenging conversion!

A 2.0 Turbo like the one in my Rover Tomcat could be tweaked and used instead of a KV6 to get you a good result!!

There is a fellow in the UK working on a T16 conversion. Apparently the engine only works out to 26 kilos heavier than the K-series.
A 2 litre turbo would be fun. Does the Tomcat use the PG1 gearbox?

Yes, it apparently is a PG1, and you can pick up an engine in the UK pretty cheap!!

Like every other big heavy part the catch is getting it here. sad smiley

It would probably be cheaper to buy a car in Japan, salvage what is needed, scrap the rest and turn the ID plates in to the authorities
I have often thought it would be worthwhile to buy an MGF in Japan with HGF, import it and strip it for parts.

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #71
philma philip may hampshire, United Kingdom	Posted: April 02, 2012 02:59AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 3

I remember the Supersport, I saw it race at Prescott (I think) hill climb. It was also at Gaydon Motor museum I think.

The meeting I had was a few years after that. The engineer described the car as having front engine rwd layout, M3 6 cylinder engine and hydrolastic suspension. All very diferent to the MGF SS

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Re: But is it a real MG? #72
rflasck richard flasck toledo ohio, USA	Posted: April 02, 2012 09:07AM Registered: 1 year ago Posts: 1

Why is no one discussing the MG TF Victor.Built in the 80's - identical body to the '55 TF with an MGB engine trans. Etc.Excellent tubular frame suspension, etc. Mostly fibreglas,but looks like the real thing,and drives much better.RAF

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Re: But is it a real MG? #73
Simon Austin Surrey, BC, Canada 1977 MG MGB V8 Conversion 1994 MG RV8	Posted: April 02, 2012 09:52AM Registered: 8 years ago Posts: 8,212

We are now, Richard. smiling smiley

I've looked at the thread on the MGB forum. Good looking cars.

"Speed costs........how fast you want to spend?"

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Re: But is it a real MG? #74
ron neal South Carolina, USA 1962 MG MGA MkII 1968 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC GT → more	Posted: April 02, 2012 01:02PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 3,252

My buddy has serial number one. How many did they sell before going TU. Another friend bought it in SC close to Shaw AF base, the used car dealer thougt it was real and we had to explain that it was a kit car, he finally sold it to us cause nobody wanted it. LIke when they were new. smileys with beer

It really is a nice car.

Ron

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Re: But is it a real MG? #75
Rich in Vancouver Rich McKie Steveston, B.C., Canada 1996 MG F "Andy" ~ For Sale ! ~ 1997 MG F "VVC"	Posted: April 02, 2012 02:32PM Registered: 6 years ago Posts: 5,387

There have been a few decent MG look-alike kit cars made over the last couple of decades, and a lot of terrible ones, mostly before that, but no matter how many MG badges they have on them they are not MGs. The first thing I look for when I see a T-Series MG driving down the road is look at the exhaust. If it's a VW exhaust I look no further.
The fact that Victors and NGTCs used MG engines doesn't change the fact that they are kit cars even though they may have been built to very high standards.
One interesting sidebar to this is MG "Specials" These are cars that are built from MG parts, either singly by their owners or in very small quantities by specialists and are accepted by the MG community for what they are. They don't ape existing MGs and aren't meant to fool the unitiated into thinking they are MGs, but have their own individual (sometimes Very individual!) identities.

Of course this brings us to the MGB-GT 50th anniversary edition, 50 of which are being built by Costello Frontline in Abingdon England. MG or not? Special or not? grinning smiley

Modern MGs aren't just Transportation, They're a Hobby!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #76
terreneuve John Stevenson Paradise, Paradise, near Octagon Pond!!!(Yes, really!!!), Canada 1952 MG TD 1967 MG MGB GT 1968 MG MGC 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 1995 MG F → more	Posted: April 02, 2012 03:29PM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 565

In reply to # 2029422 by Rich in Vancouver There have been a few decent MG look-alike kit cars made over the last couple of decades, and a lot of terrible ones, mostly before that, but no matter how many MG badges they have on them they are not MGs. The first thing I look for when I see a T-Series MG driving down the road is look at the exhaust. If it's a VW exhaust I look no further.
The fact that Victors and NGTCs used MG engines doesn't change the fact that they are kit cars even though they may have been built to very high standards.
One interesting sidebar to this is MG "Specials" These are cars that are built from MG parts, either singly by their owners or in very small quantities by specialists and are accepted by the MG community for what they are. They don't ape existing MGs and aren't meant to fool the unitiated into thinking they are MGs, but have their own individual (sometimes Very individual!) identities.

Of course this brings us to the MGB-GT 50th anniversary edition, 50 of which are being built by Costello Frontline in Abingdon England. MG or not? Special or not? grinning smiley

I looked at the Frontline 50 when I went to the NEC in November and it is quite well done, but for the price would I buy one....NO!!

Realistically though, you would pay the same amount to have a GT restored by someone else so for some people it makes sense. Is it a real MG? In body only, not soul!!

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Re: But is it a real MG? #77
ron neal South Carolina, USA 1962 MG MGA MkII 1968 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC 1969 MG MGC GT → more	Posted: April 02, 2012 10:00PM Registered: 4 years ago Posts: 3,252

John

I agree, it is a MG in body only, not soul. Have not seen one in person but from what I read it is well done. Of course for that kind of money it should be.

Did you drive my car when it was at Luffields, Longbridge or in Florida?

Ron

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Re: But is it a real MG? #78
terreneuve John Stevenson Paradise, Paradise, near Octagon Pond!!!(Yes, really!!!), Canada 1952 MG TD 1967 MG MGB GT 1968 MG MGC 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 1995 MG F → more	Posted: April 03, 2012 06:20AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 565

In reply to # 2029871 by ron neal John

I agree, it is a MG in body only, not soul. Have not seen one in person but from what I read it is well done. Of course for that kind of money it should be.

Did you drive my car when it was at Luffields, Longbridge or in Florida?

Ron

Hi Ron,

At Wirewheel, they also had a blue ZS there at the time but I don't know where that one went!

John

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Re: But is it a real MG? #79
Mark Jones SW, Ontario, Canada 1970 Triumph Spitfire MkIII 1995 MG F "Barney"	Posted: April 03, 2012 06:29AM Registered: 13 years ago Posts: 3,131

Okay, I've said that the SV isn't my thing, but I'd still love to take it out for a drive. "John, you're despicable." (said in my best Daffy Duck voice).

Canadian Modern MG Rover Car Club - www.cmmgrcc.org

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Re: But is it a real MG? #80
terreneuve John Stevenson Paradise, Paradise, near Octagon Pond!!!(Yes, really!!!), Canada 1952 MG TD 1967 MG MGB GT 1968 MG MGC 1986 Land Rover Defender 110 1995 MG F → more	Posted: April 03, 2012 06:34AM Registered: 3 years ago Posts: 565

In reply to # 2030029 by Mark Jones Okay, I've said that the SV isn't my thing, but I'd still love to take it out for a drive. "John, you're despicable." (said in my best Daffy Duck voice).

Just to show how despicable I am, I was lucky enough to drive Ron's car and an SVR that Wyles Hardy had for sale in Hemel Hempstead!
I should be shot!!!!

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