MG Sports Cars

Hey Everyone,

I've been searching for several months here and there on my spare time and just have a few questions. I've heard of people using the MGB front suspension on a MGA, even Mustang II suspension, but I'm just not sure what is involved or what is the best solution.

Currently, I have a 1960 MGA with a 1966 Ford 289, late model Ford C4, and Ford 9" rear end. I'm going over the engine for a second time and converting to a T5. When driving it, the front end is pretty bouncy. There are some adjustable spacers in between the springs, but that doesn't help the spring rate, only the ride height.

Front suspension is definitely my next step after the drivetrain and frame strengthening. Any suggestions on where I should start? I know a couple of companies make kits, but I honestly don't know how stock my front end is which is why I was leaning towards a custom suspension.

If you have the money, the Fast Cars suspension would be the obvious choice. It should fit the MGA the same as the MGB.

JB

Based on a post on the MGE board it looks like Bill Guzman (www.classicconversionseng.com) is also readying a new front suspension system. He posted a pic of one in a thread about front clips if I recall. Not sure how close to available it is, but sounds like you have a bit of time so you might also check with him.

If your problem is that the front end is a bit bouncy then you should be able to solve this with good selection of springs and damper rate without going to the cost of coil over.

New leaver arms might be the place to start if you think it is bouncy. After that the rate of your leaver arms can be adjusted by changing the valve and/or the oil. I know more about Bs than As. With the B you get a 25% uprate in the damper by using the more restrictive valve that is available and a 40% uprate if you then use the thicker grade of oil that is available.

Spacers are for adjusting the ride height.

With a Ford 289 I expect you are already using higher rate springs.

A benefit of most coil over kits is that the use an industry standards diameter of spring thus reducing the cost of purchasing additional springs for switching and increasing the range available.

Thanks for all the responses. As far as what is currently on it, I wouldn't doubt its from 1960 as I think who ever originally built it was on a definite budget.

The thought of a new spring, new valve, and different oil never occurred to me. I'm going to have to look into that. Originally, my car was a 1600.

Michael, to start with the bouncy feeling in your front should respond very well to some rebuild fron shocks. Try contacting Peter Caldwell at World Wide Auto Parts for his units, very good pieces. As for the Fast Cars front, although extremely well designed and constructed it wouldn't be easy to use on a MGA because the front crossmember on an A is actually an integral part of the frame not a bolt on unit like the MGB so it would require some major surgery to adapt. MGB springs will work and might offer a better spring rate, there are about 6 different rate springs used on Bs throughout the produciton run from roadstes to GTs. I have a chart of those back at the office and can post them to you if you want.
As for oil viscosity in the shocks, Peter doesn't recommend anything thicker than 30w with 20w being the preferred fluid. There are stronger valves available that will stiffen up the shock action a bit, but using heavy fluid such as 50w oil or STP usually only results in internal damage to the shock in the long run. I don't think Peter will guarantee a shock that's run with heavy oil and he normally has a life time guarantee on his shocks. As for the MGB suspension on an A, that's fairly common, but is just basically the king pins and spindles being used on the MGA lower control arms and shocks. I did that on my A project.

Mike,

I recently converted my MGA 1600 to a Mustang II front end after the first builder screwed the pooch. The first builder removed the dampers and installed a set of springs and gas shocks. The left front spring collapsed on two occassions. He then attempted to install the Mustang II front end. I finally called a tow truck and had it taken to another shop (that's another story). The first shop had started the front end installation but welded the cross member in at an angle. The new builder installed the Mustang II front end, but said, had it been his car, he'd installed coil overs with (adjustable shocks) and left it at that.

I am not a mechanic, suspension specialist nor a race car driver. I can tell you the Mustang II front end handles like a dream. It takes a sharp 20 mph curve on country roads at 60 miles an hour with no sweat and stays flat and feels safe.

Best of luck to you.

Jeb

@Bill - I'm still unsure if I want to attempt to rebuild the suspension/keep the stock suspension. Thanks for the information and I'll definitely keep that stuff in mind. The spring rate chart would be nice if it's not too much trouble.

@Jeb - I'm definitely not a suspension specialist either, but I understand how it all works. Any clue what kind of suspension the Mustang II used and how difficult it was to install? Any chance you can get some pictures?

Ideally, I'd really like something that is an upgrade from what I have, but is as little work as possible. I don't mind modding the frame as it has already taken place.

Michael, I'm out of town on business and won't be back in the office until Monday, but I"ll send the spring rate chart then. A lof of factors will come into play in deciding what type of front suspension to use on your car. Jeb's car is very nice,but the Mustang II unit is a bit wider than the original and will probalby require widening the front fenders to cover the tires. If you narrow it then you may well run into problems with bump steer so do some careful engineering if that's what you want to do. The stock type suspension using MGB kingpins and brakes along with some rebuilt shocks with a bit stiffer valves will give you a very nice handling and riding suspension. Check out the article on John Mangles' car [www.britishv8.org] He lists using stock MGB suspension, but he actually used the MGB parts attached to the original MGA crossmember. and didn't modifiy the MGA frame in that area.

You might find this useful.

[www.rhodo.citymax.com]