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 TD TF 1500 - Originality or not

From the beginning of MG time, enthusiasts have been tinkering with their beloved little cars to get the most out of them. Admittedly, during the pre-war period, this may have been initially restricted to the well healed boy racers of that era. However, when it became known that the factory competitions department could tweak an engine for more power, the ordinary man in the street wanted to know why his MG should not achieve and receive the same performance. Those pre-war days are now etched in history, and the engine enhancements from the original are now part of MG heritage and have contributed along the way to the modern automobile power plants of today's cars.
For many, departing from the factory release specifications of their precious post-war MG's would be sacrilege. To others, it is just continuing the tradition of the 30's. Who is to judge which camp is correct? I for one am happy to upgrade TD11148 to enhance its drivability and reliability. I know my club colleague and BBS contributor, Mr. Originality, Matthew Magilton, will be horrified to learn that Matilda Grace is now sporting a MGT Repair/Tom Lange Eaton supercharger kit. I see Matthew wince every time he peers under the TD's bonnet - electronic ignition and fuel pump, spin-on oil filter, blue silicone hoses and plug leads, alloy rocker cover, radiator overflow catch tank, bright yellow plastic MGB fan and NOW a blower.
The supercharger has transformed the drivability of the car and has lived up to my expectations and all the claims made by Tom. I have limited mechanical ability, but managed to install the blower following the comprehensive step by step installation instructions without the need for any professional assistance. Any queries I had were answered by return email from Tom and I would have no hesitation in recommending the kit and supplier. If you are half interested, go for it. I am happy to go into further detail if you wish to contact me at robert dot woodfull at bigpond dot com.
A final note for Matthew: Should you get me to be a judge at the next Concours, be warned, any T-Type with a supercharger will receive extra points.


Rob Woodfull (TD 11148)

Rob

That is a very big call regarding Concours judging, you are creating a new set of judging criteria which cannot applied to all T types.

The only way that this approach should be applied is by creation of a separate judging class/classes as per the MG Car Club of Queensland model.

http://www.mgccq.org.au/MGCCQ%20Concours%20Manual%20March2007.pdf

Graeme

G Evans

Don't take me too seriously regarding the concours comment Graeme, just stirring Matthew's pot.
Rob Woodfull (TD 11148)

What is the factory air cleaner doing on top of the blower?
-David
D. Sander

COULD BE A "SPARES" COMPARTMENT????

spw
STEVE WINCZE

If you think it runs good now, call Peter Fogarty
011 61 295793910 Mortdale NSW.
His supercharged MG can now go up a hill in 5th gear instead of 3rd!
My period correct Roller lifter camshafts are 1/3 the price of a supercharger.
Len Fanelli
Abingdon Performance
Len Fanelli

"What is the factory air cleaner doing on top of the blower?"

If that indeed is the oil supply for the S/C ...well done!
David Sheward "IZZY" TF 7427



You don't need an oil supply for Tom's blower.


JNeel43

My bad....old Judson is only one I have ever had experience with.
David Sheward "IZZY" TF 7427

Rob wrote me that in addition to liking the traditional way the engine looks with the air cleaner, another purpose is to serve as a vent for the valve cover.

There's a lot to be said for the traditional look of an old blower - Judson, Marshall or Shorrock. But there are negatives as well - for one thing, the technology and materials are at least 60 years old, and metallurgy has come a long way.

As Jim notes above, my supercharger does not need a fragile external oil supply line like a Shorrock. Those lines tend to vibrate and have been known to crack, with unfortunate results if not caught in time. My blower is internally lubricated and needs no service for 100,000 miles. It's good enough for Lotus and Mercedes, so it's good enough for me!

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

You Australians sure like to get each others dander up :-)

I am good with all of this but have to draw the line on the blue coolant hoses.
Chris Couper

I love the color, Clipper Blue if not mistaken
Tom Maine

As mentioned by Tom L, the air cleaner is utilised solely as a rocker cover breather and no longer contains oil. A small after-market breather I initially tried was a bit cheap and nasty and dripped oil. Perhaps a little over the top (pun intended) but retains the TD character.

Sorry Tom M, colour is not clipper blue but Nissan metallic blue. Shame, shame. However, it does receive many favourable comments.

Len, if you would like to put one of your products on the shelf, next time the engine comes out I might just be tempted.


Rob Woodfull (TD 11148)

Rob one is on the shelf for you.
Ring up Peter Fogarty.
Len Fanelli

Gday Rob, Actually I have no problem with tastefully modified cars like yours (so you will have to stir a lot harder than that LOL).
If you or any of the Geelong members want to help judge our coming concours then just let me know, you are all welcome.

Matthew.


M Magilton

The "new" blowers of today, will become "vintage" superchargers in due time.
What'll be the value of these blowers in years to come?
Remember, the old blowers in the 1950s were only a couple of hundred dollars.
JRN JIM

Are the wheels on this TD stock? From the angle of he photo, they look extra wide, more than original? PJ


Paul S Jennings

It looks as if both front and rear are a good bit wider than stock. The sort of thing I'd expect to see on Dave's "Izzy". Bud
Bud Krueger

//QUOTE
Remember, the old blowers in the 1950s were only a couple of hundred dollars.
//QUOTE

Actually a Shorrock Supercharger kit in 1953 was $395. In today's dollars you would have to spend $3,447.73 adjusted for inflation so the new ones are a lot better value.

http://www.mg-cars.org.uk/mgtd/Pictures/Brochures/arnolt_accessories_catalog6.jpg
Chris Couper

The Dayton 60's I run on Izzy, although wider than the stock 48's, (by 1.5") seem to be very close to the same on the "front beed". The extra depth is on the "rear beed".

This information may be of interest to someone considering that change.
At the time I had installed new springs and rebuilt shocks so (luckily) oversized tyres were not an issue for my car.
Be warned that this could be a problem with clearance if your suspension is not up to snuff.

I know we have talked a lot about "correct wheels and tyres" on these cars. I'll say it again: The deference in handling and ride is nothing short of remarkable. Izzy is a driver.
Soon as I find one ...she will be sporting a :
"I drove my car to the trailer show" sticker!


David Sheward "IZZY" TF 7427

David, I like the crank in there! Are we advertising? Grin. Beautiful car I might ad. PJ
Paul S Jennings

On average, Matilda Grace, has covered 5,000 miles per year over the past 5 years. Like Izzy, the wider wheels have provided remarkable benefits to handling. The modern wider rim (original centres)incorporates the safety beading which also allows tubeless radials to be used with a little more confidence.

It is all about enjoying your MG to the max.

Rob
Rob Woodfull (TD 11148)

Thanks Paul ...that was at a local show with my uncle.
I like to put the crank in and watch the reactions.
Sometimes I can make a little $$ taking bets on if I can start it that way on the first try. LOL
She hasn't let me down yet ....best yet has been $50 ...but I have done it a lot cheaper.
"Yoots" are amazed that you can start a car this way.
David Sheward "IZZY" TF 7427

For those not in the know like me:

First I thought "Yoots" was some down under euphemism which we normally encounter (keeping with the origin of this thread). Then I thought Cockney rhyme slang and lastly using the internet, discovered its US based:

Originally from the 1992 film; My Cousin Vinny" when Vincent Gambini, played by Joe Pesci, proncouces "youth" as yoot, due to his heavy New York accent.
Chris Couper

This thread was discussed between 11/02/2014 and 13/02/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

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