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MG MGF Technical - Advice on suspension upgrade packages

I am seriously considering an upgrade for my TF160 sports suspension package. There seems to be 2 extremely decent kits currently on the market, one by TechSpeed and one by the MGF centre. You need to bear in mind that the car will be driven abroad solely which means that once fitted in the Uk, if anything goes wrong my only recourse will be my local dealer. taking it from there, which kit would you advise and why? Any other alternatives? Might sounds dead obvious but the purpose is is to get a lower stance & improve the handling
Thanks a lot in advance for your input. Cheers.
Stéphane

There is another to consider - the kit offered by Leda (they're based in Essex). I don't even have a TF so in no position to comment on the relative excellence of these kits unfortunately. However, from a warranty perspective, Techspeed fit the same springs that MG X-Power use: Bilsteins IIRC. In fact, Techspeed can supply and fit X-Power springs (sprayed in a glorious X-Power racing green colour!) Given that these are an existing Dealer option (assuming that your dealer knows about them!!!) then warranty issues are non-existant: no problems! :o)

Given that the majority of TFs are still in warranty period, this is an important consideration.

The kits supplied by Leda and the MGFC are both highly adjustable - which is great if you want to get your car's stance on the road perfect - but perhaps will cause some raised eye-brows at your local service centre?
Rob Bell

Thanks Rob - so I presume my local dealer should be able to order directly from MGR these X power parts & fit them, shouldn't he?
Stéphane

Yes, he ought to be able to Stephane :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks again Rob, I shall investigate with them. So the consensus is that the X Power suspension kit really is an improvement, handling-wise? Which bits do I need to order to get full effectiveness?
Whilst I am at, another quickie: I larlready have the pipercross kit fitted (version sourced from Mike Satur). Would it be worthwhile considering the Vader system? Would you recommend any other kit than the Vader one? The reason I am asking is a practical one : I need two kits really since it takes ages to dry the pipercross and I can't leave the car at the dealer all week. Any potential issue with jugling around with 2 kits?
Thanks a lot for your advice
Stephane

Apparently, the XP springs are a very worthwhile investment - but I can't speak from personal experience - chat to Steve and David et al. about this.

Which air filter do you have? If it is the Pipercross Viper, then the gain from upgrading to the Vader may not be massive - although others may have more experience with this (Andy Gillhooley may be able to shed some light, as I think that this is a route that he's taken).

If you are looking to buy another airfilter anyway, then the Vader is a good option to go for. There are no issues to consider when swapping between the two kits: it will be interesting to hear whether you have a preference for one or the other! :o)
Rob Bell

Thanks again - indeed, the piperx filter I have is the Viper.

Can anybody comments on the XP power springs? Have you noted a dramatic handling improvement? Is it really good value for money? Which budget (including all hidden costs) are we exactly talking about? whic h setting to go for to maximise the benefit out of it?

Cheers
Stephane

I also see the Taipan kit on the MGF centre site. How does this compare to the Vader system?

Thanks
Stephane

It's the same Stephane :o)
Rob Bell

Hi Stephane
I have a TF160 and have had the MGF Centre lowering kit, which have adjustable Gaz shocks and springs. The difference in the ride quality and handling has been worth every penny. Still have a smile on my face. I have had the car set up to my driving style, which is probably not as low as some, so as not to catch the speed humps.

Jan (at work)
Jan

The Taipan is exactly the same as the Vader as far as I know. I have the Vader fitted and am very happy with it. :-)
AndrewMc

Jan,

What was the total budget? You are saying it has really transformed the car. Is it really that dramatic? Did you have the sports suspension package on your TF160 initially?

Ta
Stéphane

Andrew,

How is the noise like with the Vader? The thing I liked with the Pipercross is that it wasn't too noisy.

Thanks
Stéphane

Hi Stéphane,

The noise is a lovely deep note when you are accelerating hard but no where near as harsh as some other filters. In normal driving you would not notice it was there at all. I was also worried about the noise before I went ahead as I did not want anything to obtrusive, but test drove 'a friends' car and was amazed how polite it was. It is also easy to DIY fit, Mike's instructions are simple and easy to follow.

Hope this helps, Andrew.
AndrewMc

Hi Stephane
Let's put it this way, your passenger can read a map without it bouncing all over the place, and you don't have to have the car too low - its your choice. Give Victoria a ring at MGF Centre 01902 403045 and she will give you prices and any other technical info you need.

Jan
Jan

Thanks Jan / Andrew for your help.

Could actually anyone point me to the Xpower website so I can have a quick look before making up my mind?

Stéphane

Stephane, check out: http://www.mg-xpower.com/mgshop/front.asp?cat_id=98&bhcp=1
Rob Bell

Rob,
If I may - one last question:
I looked at the Xpower site and basically they are saying that dampers can be retained and that it's just the springs that need changing to dramatically improve the handing. All in all it does not come expensive at £139. On top of my head the kit sold by the MGF centre is more expensive but actually is more than just new springs fitting. Will I derive some significant handling improvement on my TF160 with SP2 from just swapping the springs? Or really, is there anything else I ought to change.... I leaves me kinda puzzled really...

Thanks a lot in advance for your advice
Stéphane

That's actually a very good question Stephane.

In essence, the single biggest benefit you'll derive from these suspension kits is through changing the springs. There are definitely advantages from changing the dampers as well, but relative to the springs, probably less dramatic.

Therefore, if I were in your position, I'd be looking at changing the springs first, and then consider dampers at a later date. Both Leda and the MGFCentre do adjustable dampers, so they could be used in conjunction with which ever springs you happen to have fitted.

Given that the XP springs will not invalidate your warranty - this is probably what I'd go for in the first instance, and then consider dampers once the warranty period had expired (which is the option I suspect that most TF owners are taking at present).
Rob Bell

Jan,

Can't get anybody on that number - anywhere else where I could order teh X power parts from without paying the middleman?
Stéphane

Stephane
At work at present, that is the only number I have, perhaps try again or try website www.mgfcentre.com
Good luck
Jan
jan

Stephane, the number for MG Sport and Racing - those lovely chaps who sell X Power parts, can be contacted on 0845 456 0201 :o)
Rob Bell

Sorry I am late to this thread, but only got back from holiday today.

I have the X-power springs fitted on a TF160. I got Techspeed to fit them for me as the dealers were far too expensive and I really didn't have confidence in them.

The X-power springs are exactly that, just 4 springs. The standard dampers are used and the lowering is achieved by shorter springs. The rear springs are dual rated which improves the ride and handling. I would have to say they transform the car and I would not go back to the standard springs for love nor money. I am at work so can't be sure but I think the part number is MGR0004 for the TF springs. But frankly MG S&R is a cottage industry so if you call them and speak to them they will sort out the right item.

At silverstone I had a look at the MGF centre version and it did look pretty good and was adjustable to boot. But, it was more expensive, and was not warranty friendly. I think the idea of uprated shocks is a good one, but not convinced the MGF centre set is yet worth the extra.

I am led to believe that MGR are investigating some new shocks to match with the X-power springs so there is the possibility of a warranty friendly option on the horizon here as well.

If I have missed something or you want to know more let me know.
David Mills

David,
This is perfect timing - I have not put my order through. I have actually tried to ring the MG S&R all day but it's been ringing dead - I might be just unlucky today ;-)
I will have no option but to get it fitted by my dealer - since I'll get the parts shipped to France. I hope it will be just fine. I'll speak to the guys at MG S&R to ensure I get all the pre & post installation advises to provide further guidance to my deale r(can't believe I am writing this). In the meantime if you have the exact part numbers that would greatly help. Tomorrow would be fine if you have a chance to look inot it (if not, no wories). I will be actually buying the air filter kit as well to replace my piperx which is...not warranty friendly... unfortunately! The exhaust might be a runner too...
Cheers
Stephane

David,

also - Did you have the Sports 2 suspension package on your TF160? I would have thought so...

thanks again
Stéphane

Stephane,
as I said, MG S&R is a cottage industry and it does take a long time to get through. Remember you are an hour ahead of us in the UK and IIRC MGS&R shut at 16:00.

Just to correct Rob slightly, the X-power springs are in fact Eibach units painted green, not Bilsteins. Have a look at the pictures on the links below

http://forums.mg-rover.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10576

http://forums.mg-rover.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=10577

The dealers were V expensive for fitting, quoting 2.2hrs labour @68GBP per hour to fit the springs and then 4 wheel alignment @40GBP plus 17.5% VAT on top - some 250GBP. Techspeed did all this for 120GBP and gave us a lift into and from Warwick into the bargain.

I bought teh panel filter as the ITG was a tad too expensive for me and insurance costs were high for little gain without an exhaust upgrade.

I will try and look out the invoice and see if there are any other telephone numbers to try as well as the part number.
David Mills

sorry missed the 2nd question. Yes TF160 in UK comes with SP2 as standard.
David Mills

>> Just to correct Rob slightly, the X-power springs are in fact Eibach units painted green, not Bilsteins. <<

Oops! Thanks for the correction David! :o)
Rob Bell

David,

Many thanks !!!
Stéphane

Stephane,

found the invoice and the Part No is "MGR0005" described as "KIT-mgtf LOWERING" priced 118.59 GBP ex VAT @17.5%.
Carriage was 8.51 GBP ex VAT @ 17.5%

There are a couple of telephone numbers on the invoice you could try

+44 (0) 121 475 6217 (which is also a FAX number)
+44 (0) 121 475 2101

FAX number
+44 (0) 121 482 2403

Their address is

MG Sport & Racing
PO Box 41
Longbridge
England
B31 2TB

or

Flight Shed
'S' Gate
Groveley Lane
Longbridge
B31 2TB

which obviously amounts to the same thing.

I do have another number, but it is not suitable for a public forum, but if you still have trouble, then let me know.

It's also worth noting that they do appear to support a number of competition events and that means nobody in the office. I tried for a number of days before I got through.

Hope this helps

David
David Mills

Stephane,

did you go for the springs? Just curious
David Mills

David,

I have not put my order through yet but the springs will be ordered by the end of this month - I need to arrange first the details with my local dealer for the fitting. Will let you know as soon as fitted! I am hoping that the improvement will be dramatic.
Did a 600 miles trip through france this weekend (B roads only) and thought that I could defo do with an improved handling - when going through some bends... even though the TF160 as it is ought to be some of the best sub-20k handling cars... Will keep you posted on the forum.
thanks again to everybody for the advices
Stéphane

This thread was discussed between 31/08/2004 and 15/09/2004

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