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MG TD TF 1500 - Race Engine Parts ID

I recently picked up a TC with a bunch of extra parts. Among them was a completer race prepared TD engine. Can anyone explain why the valve train parts were changed from XPAG parts to parts of unknown (to me) origin? The valves have a head diameter that is the same as a MG Mk2 or TF but the keepers are not MG "T". The valve springs are much shorter and use a spacer on the bottom and a titanium spring washer on the top. The tappet are not MG and the push rods are much longer to fit these buckets.
What do I have here?? Picture to follow (I hope!).
Cheers, Hugh Pite
H.D. Pite

The valve asembly:


H.D. Pite

Hugh - besides the fact that I want it...

I have seen shorter Lotus valves used on T-series engines with a single aluminum spacer, but that is quite different from what you have. I understood it was to prevent valve-spring bind-up.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

I have no expertise in XPAG race engines but I can say that I was very surprised at the free or uncompressed length of the stock valve springs compared to other engines, even those almost as old as these.

I suspect that someone used a modern spring and the shorter length required the spacer.

Are the lifters the same diameter as stock? Is there a hole in them for oiling?
J E Carroll

I questioned my friend Terry Peddicord, and he replied:


"This is going way back for me, but these are all aftermarket parts. The valves I think are Toyota, the tappets are Studebaker (note no oil transfer holes – cam killer!) Can’t remember what the springs are (Lotus?) pushrods are Crane and I think the spring retainers are too."

It constantly amazes me how much accumulated wisdom there is on this BBS, and how much there is to learn.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
t lange

Hugh,

What you have are Brown and Gammons race parts. The springs are designed for higher lift cams and rpms. The bucket lifters and pushrods are higher rpm units also from B&G. I and many of the east coast T-Series racers use that exact setup. You may also have a BG102 cam, B&G's full race grind. If you're at all interested in selling, I would be very interested in buying.

Kurt
Kurt Byrnes

MIGHT BE A SHADOW OR OPTICAL ILLUSION, BUT THAT PUSHROD LOOKS BENT.
JIM NORTHRUP SR

Kurt, if interested I have 2 roller cams for race application, normally aspirated, & supercharged.
Len Fanelli

Tom, the tappets have a oil transfer hole.
Jim, it is an example of poor photography - an illusion!
Kurt, I think you are correct the B&G catalogue shows the parts I have.
I will be selling the complete race motor when I can get an idea of what it is worth. I can send pictures and complete details if anyone is interested.
Cheers, Hugh
H.D. Pite

There is a transfer hole on those lifters. Standard practice is to also cut a groove or grind a flat from the transfer hole to the lifter face to aid in cam/lifter oiling.

Hugh, please keep me posted if you come up with a price.

Len, can you provide specs on your normally aspirated cam? Lift and duration? I run a solid roller cam in a 351 Cleveland and have the lifters rebuilt often due to worry about the needle bearings. I know we're not running anywhere close to similar spring pressures but...
Kurt Byrnes

Kurt please E mail me
I also have 351c 400M engine parts
Len
Len Fanelli

Kurt, if you are still interested in the race motor can you send me an email? I will then send some pictures, a complete description and the price.
Cheers, Hugh
H.D. Pite

Sent an email to you Hugh...
Kurt Byrnes

Hugh,

From the looks of things you got the makings of a good vintage racer.
R Brown

This thread was discussed between 29/05/2013 and 03/07/2013

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