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MG MGF Technical - Asking the qustion after the fact

I've just bought an MG TF 135 Sprint because it was pre-registered and seemed a good deal.

I see after reading around on the web, there'so much to learn.

I really like the rear wheel drive mid engine setup, the steering is quick and light giving a small turning circle, also the clutch and brakes, and of course - the open top experience is brilliant.

After reading about various performance tweaks and upgrades, and doubtless, it's an ongoing question asked many times, - shall I save up and buy a VVC or modify this one?

Will MGR be offering warranty backed upgrades? (and why not?) -- how about The Upgradeable Car? It's a convenient way to get used to driving one particular model and build an insurance policy over the long term.

I do not need or want a fast car in MPH terms, but I would love the turbo lift I once felt driving an Audi A6

thanks in advance ;-)
John

...the Darkside calls......
David

HI John, why not come to the S/WALES S/WEST meet at Chepstow this sunday if you can make it ,there's approx 9 F's coming at moment, see s/wales meet thread on here for more info, you could have a chat with fellow Fr's, about Darkside upgrades ect, Cheers Dave.T6 DCM.
DC Morris

MGR do not really offer the upgrades you're looking for. It may be a choice of your warranty or the upgrades.

I have an F VVC. The VVC pulls better at high revs, but again, it really doesn't make the difference that it sounds like *you* want - low down torque.

In fact, experince with the F is that the non-VVC is better for big mods, as it is simpler to work with. The VVC responded better to simple mods like filters 'n' stuff - which is what I wanted to do - but these probably won't do much for the TF.

So - if you're prepared to ditch the warranty, you could have the perfect car to modify!!

David Bainbridge

thanks for the thoughts guys. Once bitten........
John

>>After reading about various performance tweaks and upgrades, and doubtless, it's an ongoing question asked many times, - shall I save up and buy a VVC or modify this one?<<

Age old question John - as you guessed! The answer really depends on whether you ever intend to sell the car. If you do, then think very VERY carefully about any performance upgrades, as you are certain to never realise the money invested come resell.
If you don't, and the sky is the limit, then the 135 is just as good a place to start as the VVC 160. So in this case, you might as well go for the 135, assuming that you have all the nice extra kit, such as the sports pack AP racing brakes :o)

>>Will MGR be offering warranty backed upgrades? (and why not?) <<

I think that this is very much a case of 'watch this space' There are rumours that X-Power are to start releasing warrantied performance goodies. This will be better for resale too. :o)

But I bet that Messrs Dave Andrews and Mike Satur will be more competitive on a bhp/£ quotent :o)
Rob Bell

thinking of keeping the car till it falls apart

not sure of the exact technical differences between F and TF,(and is TF always descibed as TF,) but first readings suggest 3 things -
1) improve cold air intake (more cold(er) is good)
2) a front splitter would improve the feel of the front end at high speed (where the law allows)
3) polyurethane bushes at some point for the suspension (whatever they are)


as the engine block is the same, I wonder can I convert later on to VVC?

The Sprint is a very good Special Edition, light interior, improved materials and alcantara leather. Sports pack gives good brakes and lowered(improved?) suspesnion. gear knob a bit cold though...brrr!!!
John

and, of course, the TF has totally different suspension.
JohnP

>>1) improve cold air intake (more cold(er) is good)<<

The TF has a much better engine air intake design than the MGF, so I suspect that further improvements are not necessary, nor necessarily achievable.

>>2) a front splitter would improve the feel of the front end at high speed (where the law allows)<<

No need for a splitter on a TF - it already has much better front lift characteristics. Which isn't to say that there may be an advantage to adding a splitter to a TF - it's just that no one has yet tried it and I doubt that there is much advantage to be gained.

>>3) polyurethane bushes at some point for the suspension (whatever they are)<<

Quite probably a good idea. MGF PU bushes will fit in some cases, but in others, the TF uses completely different bushes, and therefore PU replacements are not yet available.
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed between 03/04/2003 and 09/04/2003

MG MGF Technical index

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