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MG TD TF 1500 - Judson Supercharger Installation

I am finishing up a 3 year restoration on my 1954 mgtf. I have a like new Judson Supercharger. I intend to first break the engine in with stock carbs. A couple of questions -
1. How many miles should I break it in before hanging on the supercharger? Your opinion.

2.The car is restored to an exceptionally high finish - I have owned and driven in since 1973 and wanted to do it right. Do you think I can install the Judson without scratching the paint? It does appear there is a high probablilty that I will have to notch out the lip on the side panel - even according to Judson's own instructions - although I have seen at least one with out it - just a few nicks where the pulley nicked it. I did put the dual belt pulley on the engine, so that won't need to be done.

3. I just bought a Judson Magneto (coil) that I thought would be a nice touch - my car has been converted to neg ground. Your opinion - I have found that the Magneto was not introduced until late 1963 - so do you think that still qualifies as a "period" accessory? Of course the supercharger is, but what is your opinion?

PS to my Canadian friends - we are going to put Bob Grunau's beautiful Alfins on in a couple of weeks!

Keith in NJ
K E MURPHY

Kieth, I hope you have a strong bottom end on your engine. The Judson does fit in a TF, I have see one. THere is a small notch to cut out on the passenger side where the pulley is but that is about it. It is a tight fit, even in a TD.
I loved my Judson when I had one but it is easy to blow the crank and get holes in pistons if you are not careful. Belt tension on the pulley should be very light as to tight will cause the crank to break. That is if you have an original crank. The new Moss crank will be able to handle the stress. Piston burn holes in the top of the piston are also a common side effect of the supercharging. Heat is the enemy.
TRM Maine

Thanks. I have had the engine rebuilt with new pistons etc, and the crank checked etc. However I do believe it is the 200,000 mile crank original. I will make sure the belt is run loose. I have heard pros and cons on these - mostly pros. Any idea about how long to break in before I hang it on, or does it not matter too much?
Keith
K E MURPHY

Keith,
IMHO: I have used a Judson on an Austin years ago and would strongly agree with the statement "Heat is the enemy" . Back when I did this I did not know (or it did not exist) about JET-HOT treatment on exhaust manifold. I learned the hard way about burn holes in pistons. I would not do it again without the manifold treatment to get "hot-gas" out of the engine compartment quicker. (extra $100/$150 investment at this point is just good insurance) We ran the Austin for about 2k miles after re-build before installing the Judson and crank had been replaced and magnafluxed. The improvement in performance was worth the effort! I have plans (dreams) of installing a Judson on the TF but not till I get some miles on my rebuild. More than likely I will remove wings and bonnet sides when I do it. I would run for about 500 miles with them off keeping a close watch on temp & fuel mix. (after burning the pistons on the Austin I ran "rich" after putting the new ones in.
Make sure you post some pix, would love to see your install.
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Thanks all. I did have the manifold either powder coated or jet hot -in any case some treatment that will not burn off. I rebuilt the radiator and went back to the old original fan with new blades. COuld not stand the yellow plastic one though it did bring down the temp. Will use watter wetter as well.

Keith
K E MURPHY

There was no way I could have put my blower on without removing all the front sheet metal. Had the radiator recored to a three row and it took care of all heat issues. I'm also running an oil cooler. The associated heater plumbing is a nightmare but worth the effort to me. The blower makes the car much more streetable. Think the Judson will be a lot more needy when it come to mantainence.


LED DOWNEY

The Judson does not need a lot of maintence. It is so simply made. The only thing is keep the Marvel Mystery Oil flowing. ONce is it set it is very nice and runs like a charm. There are only the bearings and the fans set inside the unit and are just flung out by centrifigule force to activate. You can buy MMO by the gallon from a local parts supplier like Red Rooster or even O Reillys. It may be special order but is worth the time. I would not use any other oil as it was made to take MMO.
TRM Maine

Keith,
"some treatment that will not burn off"..not so much the burn "off" as what they did to "inside". The advantage of JET-HOT is they do treat the inside of manifold. (some do not treat the inside) "Slippery" exhaust is what you want...gets the heat out of the engine quicker so lowers operating temp. As an added bonus also increases HP.
Cheers,
David 55 TF1500 #7427
David Sheward

Kieth, my 2 cents, get a matched set of belts, use the needle that Joe Curto recomends, burned pistons are the result of being too lean, not engine coolant temperature.I also disagree with loose belt tension.
Anti freeze mix & a 7# cap & let it run at 220F.
Len Fanelli

This thread was discussed between 26/07/2009 and 28/07/2009

MG TD TF 1500 index

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