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MG TD TF 1500 - XPEG Engine in TD

I just acquired a running 1952 TD from a Barn, in Utah. I was checking engine numbers, and of course, no match. However, I did notice that my engine is an XPEG which I think makes it the 1500 cc version used later in the TF series. I guess that will make up a bit for the fact that the engine number doesn't match. So, is it possible, that at the same time the owner changed the rear end ratio, and if so, how would I tell? Also, how can I tell if I have the correct carb set-up. Should it have the 1.5 inch SU's, or would the XPEG run okay on the 1.25 inch. I haven't measured anything yet to see what I have. Also, since it is the "hotter engine", do I loose value by removing the oil type aircleaner setup used on the TD and replace it with the dual dry aircleaner system that I think TF's have? And finally, the wiring is of course pretty ratty. Do I loose value on the car replacing the LUCS wireing with something much more up to date?

Those are enough questions for now. Cheers, and thanks in advance for the comments.

Harry
Harry

Congratulations on the new TD. Curious to know how or from what you determined you have an XPEG engine; you could have a 1250 xpeg.
As for the rear ratio, jack up the car, put a chalk mark on both the drive shaft and a rear tire -- turning by hand, count the number of drive shaft rotations for one rotation of the tire.
If you change the air filters, just keep the old ones so you can return to original.
A new, correct wiring harness would add value and give you to opportunity to upgrade to turn signals if not now equipped.
Dennis
D F Sexton

Error, meant to say you could have a TF 1250 engine -- not an XPEG 1250.
D F Sexton

Seems to me in my reading that the XPEG is by definition the larger displacement than the XPAG. All of the references I see seem to directly relate the XPEG to the 1500cc displacement. Were there XPEG's of 1250 cc? I am certainly no expert, so any new info would be welcome. Did TF's have XPAG's at 1250cc?
Harry

Harry,

I'm assuming the engine number doesn't match the number on the guarantee plate? Is the XPEG designation based on the engine number plate (an octagonal brass plate on the engine block sort of beneath the front carb)? The TF XPEG engine numbers were from 0501 to something around 3936. The XPAG engines also had numbers in this range, but these would be early motors with the number plate probably on the bell housing.

Yes, the TFs had XPAG (1250 cc) engines, the numbers ranging from 30301 to around 36516. During the TF production run, engines switched between XPAG and XPEG, and there were even times when XPAG and XPEG TFs were built simultaneously.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Greg
Greg Van Hook

Keep your original wiring, and eventually the smoke will suddenly leak out and the car will stop(you know smoke makes Lucas electrics work!) , and you will have a fire! The new braided harnesses are beautiful and fit perfectly. If really the 1500 motor, it would need the 1-1/2 carbs to perform well.
George Butz

Standard TD rear axle ratio was 5.125:1. TF and TD Mk. II was 4.875:1.

It would haven't been much of an improvement to used the XPEG block and then still mounted the 1 1/4" TD carbs and air cleaner assembly. What makes you think this is an XPEG engine?

What is the oil pump like and the oil filter assembly? Late XPAG and XPEG engines have the filter as part of the oil pump.

Also what are the valve clearances listed on the valve cover? Late XPAG and XPEG engine should say 0.012" not the 0.019" used for the earlier engines.

G'day
Blake

Can you post your engine #?
Jay Dyck
55TF 1500 #8631
{8^{
Jay Dyck

<<<snip>>>
Do I loose value on the car replacing the LUCS wireing with something much more up to date?
<<<snip>>>
No, and you gain much safety. New wiring harnesses identical to the original are available or less expensive vinyl wrapped instead of the cloth. Also available are harnesses which are made for using turn signals. Original type components are available, but expensive. There are less expensive alternatives for the relays and switches. Also consider adding fuses under the dash for the lighting circuits which are unfused on the original cars. Do you have a factory or other workshop manual? YOu should.

G'day
Blake

This thread was discussed between 18/02/2003 and 20/02/2003

MG TD TF 1500 index

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