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MG TD TF 1500 - Modifying Manifold for 11/2 carbs

Per a response from Roy Challberg on another thread he mentions that you need to mill the Intake manifold to be able to use the 1-1/2 SU carbs. I didn't want to hyjack that thread so started this one.... what is it that you need to do to the XPAG intake manifold to be able to use the one & half inch carbs? Once again many thanks for the help!
Regards
Rpd Murray
Rod Murray 54TF 3006

The intake manifold can't be fudged....you need a MKII manifold...
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Gbl, sorry to differ, but a 1 1/4" intake manifold can be brought up to 1 1/2" specifications, or better. I am doing one now, as we speak for porting, polshing, & flow bench testing, as well as the head & exhaust manifold.
Len Fanelli

Rod, I have just such a modified manifold to accept the 1.5 inch SUs that is surplus to my needs. It was used on my TD race car with MK II carbs until it was converted to a Derrington style intake/exhaust manifold. If you are interested, contact me off line at filafrank@gmail.com
F Filangeri

Rod,

When I got the TF head for the TD, I modified a manifold for the 1 1/4" carbs, to fit the 1 1/2" carbs. This was not a difficult thing to do, and when you are ready, we will go over the procedure. The carb flange to manifold bolt centres are the same for both size of carbs.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

oops
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Rod

It seems to me that a 54TF already should have the 1.5 SU's on the manifold as it has the MKII specs on the engine already. Is your engine orriginal to the chassis or did it get replaced at some point by a TD xpag?

Alex
ABW Waugh

TFs came with pancake filters didn't they? (I wont commit to an answer for awhile)!
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Yes, Gordon, nothing but Vokes pancakes.

Tom
t lange

I just found a lovely set of 'vokes'.....


gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Those look a lot thicker than TF filters, and may not fit under the bonnet. They certainly would not fit into a TF.

Tom
t lange

These I think are MGA's.... are the filters still available for thinner TFs so I could modify these?
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

My Volks air cleaners for the TF mount on an angle. The ones illustrated look like their mounted straight and look a little thicker. Just curious. PJ

P S Jennings

GBL.
Those appear to be MGA ones. As P Jennings stated the TF filters have an offset to follow the line of the bonnet sides. When mounted they are not parallel.Those indentations are pressed into the rear plate of the filter and TF filters are much thinner than the MGA ones.Those changes were required for fitting in close quarters of the TF.
Sandy
SANDY SANDERS

Gordon,

I have the same filters for my 1-1/2" carbs and they do not fit under the complete TD bonnet. You have to remove the louvered sides and use a strap to hold down the top. This does eliminate any over heating problems you might have. Where I live, it takes a little longer to reach operating temperature due to the increased air flow. I like the look, and presented the car in this manner at the last car show, and won the "Best of British" award, so I guess others like it's appearance as well. The filters are far superior to the thin chromed gravel strainers, and allow the motor to breath. I'm looking forward to your reaction when you get the head and carbs installed.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

The choke linkage looks like MKII or TF, but the air filters are not TF—too wide and the mesh on TF filters have round holes. The MGA mesh has the holes that your photo shows. Repro TF filters are currently available
David Werblow

Yes...these are my MK II carbs that were rebuilt last spring...we are installing them in a week or two....
I noticed the difference when we put the rebuilt head on....tiny bit more power, but have been waiting all summer to try these.....
gblawson(gordon- TD27667)

Grinding the 1-¼" manifold out to 1-½" is dead simple.

Just use the 1-½" gasket as a template and scribe a circle.

There's lots of 'meat' on the smaller manifold and you should have no trouble, but just make sure its nice 'n smoothe for good airflow.

Gord Clark
Rockburn, Qué.
Gordon A Clark

I would be concerned about using the carb to manifold gasket as a pattern for modifying the manifold.None of the gaskets I have used, match the openings close enough for that purpose. I suggest making your own template from the carb flange to mark the manifold. Accuracy is important when matching up the flanges.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

Gentlemen:
Alex - the engine I have that I will use in the 54 is an engine from a 50TD (XPAG/TD3312). When I bought the car it was a bodged job with a Metropolitan engine and an MGA gearbox.
All- just out of curiosity does anyone have a picture of the MarkII manifold?
Regaards
Rod
Rod Murray 54TF 3006

Rod,

If you were to put a TD manifold beside a Mark11 manifold, the only difference you would see is the size of the carb to manifold throat, and the Mark11 would have studs instead of bolts for the carbs.

George
George Raham [TD4224]

This thread was discussed between 17/08/2010 and 25/08/2010

MG TD TF 1500 index

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