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MG TD TF 1500 - MGA 1500 engine in a TF?

Hi There

I have spent hours surfing trying to find the answer to the question can the MG TF engine be replaced with an MGA 1500 engine.

I am looking at a project car that has a stripped MGA 1500 in it but the engine is shot and has a lot of missing parts.

If it does not fit easily do I have any other MG engine options?

Many thanks in advance for any information

Kindest Regards
Terry
Terry Drummond

The MGA B series engine will fit, but it is difficult to get the steering shaft to clear the manifolds for a LHD car. I've seen it done. It is much easier on RHD cars. If you are not a purest, a Volvo B18 is a fairly easy conversion. It does look a bit like an XPAG, and had SU carbs, but... it is not an MG engine, and removes the heart and soul of the car.
Be well,
David
D. Sander

There was a fellow in the UK on the board here a few years back that put a 1500 midget (Triumph) motor in a TF. I think it was a LHD car though. The car looked nice when he was done but I don't have much love for that engine or that gear box either. He did a few other things with the car that didn't excite me as well but it was his car. He sold it shortly after he finished it. You might search the archives for it.
L E D LaVerne

At the mg spares day (Stoneleigh) recently, there was a TF with an mga twin cam engine in it (on the MG Octagon Club stand). I thought it was an xpag with a twin cam head but did not look properly. In any case the underbonnet area was absolutely stuffed with engine, so much so that the right hand bonnet side had been modified with a bulge to accommodate the front carb. Goes to show what can be done with some skill and effort. I bet it goes well!
Dave H
Dave Hill

Hi Terry, I know of 3 TD/F's locally that have done the Volvo conversion and all are extremely happy with the result and would not even consider going back to original. The butchering of your TF would be, at most, minimal. The Volvo front motor mounts are used and an adapter is bolted to the TF frame. The rear mount uses the Volvo one and an adapter plate is bolted to the existing TF rear mount. The drive shaft may need to be adjusted for length but the universal flange would not need to be changed. The carbs and exhaust manifold are on the same side as the TF.
The B18 or B20 (and B21?)engines with a non-OD Volvo 4-speed are the ones to use. If the gearbox comes from a P1800, a 1800ES or a later 140 sedan/wagon then the gear shift lever will be in the correct position. These engines will give at least 100hp which is more than enough and as a bonus are practically indistructible in that a million KMs. without rebuild, is not unusual.
It's too bad you are so distant from Canada since I have a bunch of these engines and gearboxes that I salvaged when I had a 140 wagon and people were hauling there old Volvos off to the dump.
As mentioned earlier the Volvo conversion looks very good visually and except for the valve cover and a really close inspection it looks very similar to the TF engine.
Cheers, Hugh
H.D. Pite

If you are near High Wycombe you can look at my TD, which now has an MGB engine with a Ford Sierra 5 speed gearbox. It is probably a slightly easier fit than in a TF, but might give some ideas - and it is still MG, apart from the gearbox.
R A WILSON

I just sold off a rolling chassis that had a "B" series engine mated to the original trans with an adapter. Throttle linkage must be modified, front motor mount and plate fabrication needed, stock exhaust does interfere with LHD steering column, the toe board had clearance issues with the block, wiring and a few other considerations. That doesn't mean the issues can't be overcome but it's not straight forward swap especially if you don't have the necessary fabrication skills. I don't know about the additional issues in clearances for carbs etc in a TF but can't imagine it being a fun or rewarding experience to do or work on afterwards. JMHO

Bill Chasser
TD-4834
W. A. Chasser

This thread was discussed on 17/03/2017

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.