MG Sports Cars

engine swaps and other performance upgrades, plus "factory" and Costello V8s

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deltadave
dave plumley
unionville TN
(69 posts)

Registered:
10/24/2010 08:21PM

Main British Car:
1953 MG TD Chevy 350

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test drive
Posted by: deltadave
Date: April 09, 2011 10:42AM

My son and I took the TD for a fast test drive last night. Everything seem to be OK. The car got a little out of control in second gear but recovered quickly. The Corvair front suspension uses the stock TD rack and 16" steering wheel and is very sensitive. I need to pay more attention and not over control, it's like a go-kart. I could go to a smaller wheel, but love the looks of the original. I'm sure it will be fine with some more time to get used to it. Attached are a couple shots of the completed project. Wish all of you out there doing projects good luck. At times I find it can be a bit overwhelming, and I just walk away from it for short time. The TD build time was about one and a half years.
take care, Dave
PICT0909.JPG
PICT0912.JPG
PICT0916.JPG


kstevusa
kelly stevenson
Southern Middle Tennessee
(985 posts)

Registered:
10/25/2007 09:37AM

Main British Car:
2003 Jaguar XK8 Coupe 4.2L DOHC/ VVT / 6sp. AT

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Re: test drive
Posted by: kstevusa
Date: April 09, 2011 11:07AM

Look great! bet it is fun.
SAFETY FASTER!


rficalora
Rob Ficalora
Willis, TX
(2764 posts)

Registered:
10/24/2007 02:46PM

Main British Car:
'76 MGB w/CB front, Sebring rear, early metal dash Ford 302

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Re: test drive
Posted by: rficalora
Date: April 09, 2011 12:16PM

Awesome Dave! Congratulations. It's a great feeling to hit that milestone!


J Man
jason adkins
NW OH
(202 posts)

Registered:
01/21/2009 08:49PM

Main British Car:
'61 Morris Minor panel, '70 MGB GT, '74 MGB GT MGB 1.8, unsure yet on the GTs

Re: test drive
Posted by: J Man
Date: April 09, 2011 12:58PM

Corvair front suspension? What year and did you have to narrow it or did you use it as is?


MGBV8
Carl Floyd
Kingsport, TN
(4516 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 11:32PM

Main British Car:
1979 MGB Buick 215

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Re: test drive
Posted by: MGBV8
Date: April 09, 2011 02:19PM

Dave,

A smaller diameter steering wheel will just make things happen quicker.


mgb260
Jim Nichols
Sequim,WA
(2465 posts)

Registered:
02/29/2008 08:29PM

Main British Car:
1973 MGB roadster 260 Ford V8

Re: test drive
Posted by: mgb260
Date: April 09, 2011 02:51PM

You might want to change your rack over to the slower RB rack. You would have to source a used one as the newer aftermarket are fast ratio like the chrome bumper B. I remember others trying a rack with Corvair and the geometry wasn't right,maybe bump steer? Are your tie rods on the rack about the same length and plane as your lower control arms? Another idea would be to change to cross steering and Vega box like the streetrodders.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/09/2011 03:01PM by mgb260.


deltadave
dave plumley
unionville TN
(69 posts)

Registered:
10/24/2010 08:21PM

Main British Car:
1953 MG TD Chevy 350

authors avatar
Re: test drive
Posted by: deltadave
Date: April 09, 2011 03:41PM

Hey guys, thanks for the complements. The Corvair suspension is narrowed to fit the TD foot print. All the geometry is spot on with no bump steer, it's just a little quick for an ol dude like me. As one gets older the eye to hand coordination gets slower, but I just have to remember that. I'm an RC pilot so I know it takes a few flights to get the feel back after the winter layover.
take care, Dave



BlownMGB-V8
Jim Blackwood
9406 Gunpowder Rd., Florence, KY 41042
(6470 posts)

Registered:
10/23/2007 12:59PM

Main British Car:
1971 MGB Blown,Injected,Intercooled Buick 340/AA80E/JagIRS

authors avatar
Re: test drive
Posted by: BlownMGB-V8
Date: April 16, 2011 11:04AM

Your front alignment specs can affect how quickly the car steers also. You'll have to do a little studying to determine what affects it the most, but the good news is that the Corvair arms should be very adjustable so you might find it pretty simple to dial in.

JB


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