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 - x-power springs

Are there MGR recommended tracking settings when fitting x-power springs?, if not, does anyone who has fitted a set have any?(settings) Also, can anybody comment on how they compare to SP1, which I found a bit er, vivid, and had removed.(TF 135, 16" Wheels) regards.
H.R. Bridge


I thought that the X-power springs *were* SP1.
I'd assume that the tracking settings are the same for all. Interesting point tho... do you need to re-track after fitting the springs? Hmmm...

P.
Paul Nothard

Nope, SP1 is different - these springs are Bilstein IIRC - and are quite different.

A re-track will be necessary, because they are lower than SP2 - not sure what the deal is regarding their fitment to SP1 cars though?

Regarding tracking settings, I reckon you're right there Paul: they'll be standard TF settings i.e. 0 degrees toe-in front, 0 degrees 15 minutes toe-in on the rear.
Rob Bell

Thanks all. So it's revert to standard settings, which will have been lost due to lowering.Rob, my friendly mechanic swopped the complete spring/damper units on my car for the standard units on he's.I think I've read on the BBS that on SP1 the spring platforms are higher, on the damper, but still using std. length springs.So x-power springs on a car fitted with SP1 could? be a no-no?. Regards
H.R. Bridge

Roy, you're right about the how the ride height difference is accomplished with SP1: the spring platform is indeed positioned differently (although I would think lower down on the damper rather than higher?)

So are the shorter XP Springs compatible with SP1? Not sure - but I'd think so. Try contacting both MG S&R and Techspeed. Both have a lot of experience with these springs, and both should be able to furnish you with a definitive answer.
Rob Bell

Err, yes lower, not higher sorry. Regards.
H.R. Bridge

SP1 lowers the car by utilising a different mounting point on the sub-frame.

The Xpower springs are made by Eibach (but painted vivid green) and are dual rated. The damper is fitted as normal, but the springs themselves are smaller. The car is nominally lowered by 20-30 mm, but in practice we have found that the standard ride height is some 10mm lower than quoted (at least on TF160s) and so the XPower springs lower by about 20mm.

Ride is massively improved as is handling. The SO used to complain about the standard, but since getting XP fitted she is well chuffed (and so am I 'cause the annoying whine from the passenger side has also been cured :) )

Re-tracking is required after fitting. Techspeed did a fantastic job fitting them and the insurance hit was acceptable as well. Since they are warranty friendly this is an added bonus.
David Mills

David,

As you may have seen I'm getting Tech Speed to fit mine in a few weeks time but I was a bit surprised about your comments regarding "the insurance hit". My insurance is through Lancaster (MGOC) and they weren't interested in the change of springs. If I was playing with the power output (air filter etc) then they would be interested. Delightful how different brokers / insurers view things.

I've been heartened by your comments about ride height as this is a concern bearing in mind the number of humps that Reigate & Banstead council have deposited!
David Grant

David Grant,
If you have mud flaps fitted, expect to ground them a few times, but otherwise no problems. The only real difficulties are the half size table top humps. You definitely need to put a wheel up on those in your area or you could ground the subframe. It is definitely worth those vey small issues as the car is a joy to drive now.

Lancaster eh? Well they can probably afford to live with the sprngs because the premuium is so high in the first place. Even so, I got a quote with and without springs from them (I got the springs just as my insurance was due for renewal) and they added £130 on the premium. Since they were already some £150 higher than my renewal I passed.

Techspeed will do a great job and the drive gives you a chance to feel the difference.
David

Hi David

Could you explain how the ride is improved on a TF160....Do they make the ride any harder or is it the same..
Ron TF160

This thread was discussed between 25/08/2004 and 31/08/2004

MG MGF Technical index

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