MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MGF Technical - Question for those with performance mods

Well, after much soul searching, I've decided not trade my MGF 1.8i 2001 on a new RX8 or 350z roadster. Even when the deals were close to being done, I just couldn't bring myself to sell it off! I have no idea why, but there's just something about the car that the 350z doesn't have.

Anyway, I've noticed that a few people have mentioned 52mm throttle bodies and cold air intakes, such as those for sale at Mike Satur's.

If anyone has those fitted, I was hoping you could answer a few quick q's for me:-

1. How much of an increase in performance do you get? Is it in straight line speed or how do you notice it? I've not seen any dyno charts with just those two items fitted, and I'd be curious to know.

2. Does it make the car louder? This is a big issue for me, as I quite like my car being relatively quiet i.e. not sounding like its from the set of 2F2F.

3. Are there any issues with the longevity of the motor after fitting such mods?

Both the throttle body and the cold air box seem pretty simple to fit which is good. I've found that the 1.8i is pretty zippy, but of course, if I can squeeze a bit more out of it with a minimum of fuss, then why not?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies.

regards,

p.s. some of you might recall I was originally going to get rid of my F after it had a HGF, and I was quoted $5k-$10k to repair. I subsequently rang 4 other dealers, and the actual cost is around $1100, with an absolute max at about $2000 (if the engine is melted). This was a HUGE relief!
David Crawford

Hi David,

I fitted a K&N filter. My comments are;

Cheap to do, and no increase in insurance.

Provides more "oomp" at around 4000 to 5000 revs.

Gives a nice groul on acceleration, without being over-the-top.

As far as I know, it's good for the engine, as it increases the amount of cold air.

Cheers!

Sam
Sam Murray

Hi David,
>Does it make the car louder? <
I have to say when I fitted a K&N, it did feel a bit quicker, but it is a lot louder. To quote the missus on her first outing with it, "What the hell is that?"
Rich
Richard Petrocochino

Just fitted my 52mm TB last week and very impressed with the results. Much more responsive at low to mid RPM. Not as big a performance boost as when I fitted my K&N but noticeable none the less. In the end it will complement my other mods (K&N & MS Sprint Exhaust + De-Cat pipe) more than fitting it on its own!
Bob Millar

I have both the K&N and the 52 mm throttle body fitted.

The throttle has the added advantage of not suffering from the sticking that is associated with the black plastic 48mmm versions.

The throttle seemed to free up the engine, letting it breath more easily. I don't know if it added to the top end speed but certainly added extra grunt. - It was very easy to fit (30 mins). No added noise.

The K&N does add noise but only when accellerating, even then it is a mild roar. Since fitting the K&N the general opion is changing more to the performace air box approach. - but at the time it was £60 well spent.

My over all view is that the car is a lot better for these mods, but if you've got a little bit more money look at one of the air box kits.

Steve
Steve

Hello David,

I'm also going to fit a 52mm throttle body and K&N airfilter very soon, so I looked for and asked a lot of informaton in the last few weeks.

I didn't find anything that would indicate it is bad for the engine. Personally, I think because you improve the airflow into the engine, the engine doesn't need so much energy to keep itself running so it has more energy to push the car forward. (A good closed cold air system could give up to 10% more power. There must be a higher to topspeed but friends told me that the biggest difference is that the engine is more 'responsive' to the throttle).
Also it means that you can drive at the same speed at a lower rpm because the engine can put more energy to the wheels. Lower rpm means less fuelconsumption. I use the car on a daily basis and in 95% of the time I don't need top speed and maximum power, so i hope the lower fuelconsumption will help me to payback the investment (at least this is what i'm telling the missus to justify the extra money spend on the car:-)
It is one of the cheapest and easiest performance modifications you can do.

And I also read a lot about a 'permanent grin on your face' ???

HTH
Geert
Geert

David

If you are looking for performance gain I would definately suggest a closed system like the ITG Maxogen or The Pipercross Viper espicially living in a warm climate like oz..

It will cost you a quite a few more dollars but you will have a bit more umphh available... I have the Viper ducted to the left side air intake which works fine

Stu
Stu Dickens

1, Dyno charts are on Rob Bell's site, hold on a mo...

... here we go: ;-)

>> http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/filter.htm <<

But, these were done a while ago and are just air filter comparisons, they do not include the 5smm Trophy throttle body and are not 'cold air induction systems' in thier own right, although they doo borrow some of the theory with cold air ducting.

The filter will give you more power and generally torque, but the difference, although noticable, won't be spectacular - at most you'll gain around +10bhp. Open filters are more noisy than enclosed ones, if noise is an issue you should be looking at the ITG Maxogen, Piper Viper, Hurracane or Vader systems as these are less noisy (and more efficient) for a price.

The 52mm Trophy throttle body will give you a better pedal response, it'll make the car feel more 'perky' if you will, but any real performance improvement is difficult to measure / quantify.

I'd recommend both as they compliment each other nicely and are both involved in improving the efficiency of the air flow, but don't expect 'warp factor 9', expect 'warp factor 2' from 'impulse' (one for any Trekies out there!) ;-)

2) See above.

3) Nope, keep the filter clean and oiled, alloy TB is actually better for the car as there is less that can go wrong with it. :-)

HTH

SF
Scarlet Fever

Hmm, I'm interested in where you're getting your parts? Are you ordering from Satur directly??

Adam
Adam

Hi David,

These MGFs get infectious after a while don't they? I've still got mine after 8 years because of the same reasons as you: I simply haven't found anything that suits me better!!!

>>1. How much of an increase in performance do you get? Is it in straight line speed or how do you notice it? I've not seen any dyno charts with just those two items fitted, and I'd be curious to know.<<

I think that Scarlet's already got this question covered - the combination of both the TB and enclosed airfilter (these designs are best for the MGF) will net you now more than 8-10 bhp. A useful increase in power I think, but manifests in a better throttle response and a little more 'jestiness'

>>2. Does it make the car louder? This is a big issue for me, as I quite like my car being relatively quiet i.e. not sounding like its from the set of 2F2F.<<

If the air filter is an enclosed design, then the noise levels aren't significantly greater than what you are used to - actually, things are pretty civilised ;o)

>> 3. Are there any issues with the longevity of the motor after fitting such mods? <<

55,000 miles and counting on mine with the aforementioned mods. Only downside is more 'laughter lines' on my face!!! ;o) LOL
Rob Bell

My f engine is knocking 130bhp with these mods:

Emerald M3dK Management System
MGF FSE Boost Valve
Custom Made Exhaust
Green "Twister" Air Filter

Which isnt bad really i think, hope that helps David.
Andy

This thread was discussed between 08/12/2003 and 13/12/2003

MG MGF Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGF Technical BBS is active now.