MG Sports Cars

It's been more than four years since the roadster has seen the sunlight and I just couldn't resist taking some pictures. It's not under its own power yet, waiting on the headers from Pete Mantell to show up this week so I can fabricate the exhaust, but it's close enough that the light at the end of the tunnel doesn't look like an oncoming train.

While it was out of the garage I took the time to clean out the bay (filthy) and give the beast a good wipe down.

Looks fantastic Dave! Great style, real eye catcher.
I'm waiting with baited breath to hear your "start up video".
Ken

Freaking Awesome!!!

Ken,

I'm waiting with baited breath to hear your "start up video".

Me too! Once Pete's headers arrive, I'll have 2-3 weeks of fabricating the exhaust and finishing up all of the "get ready" details (making sure everything has fluid, checking all of the nuts, bolts, connections, etc.) then hope to bring the engine to life.

Dave,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,you lookin to generate a little downforce there bubba !!!
Dave

Dave,

Yep. Motor should come in at around 420-425 or so. That, and I just think it looks like it should be there. Just described the car to someone as "MG Factory Lightweight and Dave's Craddock's body kit got together and had a love child."

Going to be putting new rubber on it this winter 245s out back, 225s in front so I'm going to have to grind away about a 1/2" of the rear well lip to accommodate the added width.

Also going to finish up my adjustable coil over suspension this winter so the front will be coming down about another inch.

DT



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/06/2013 07:26AM by DC Townsend.

Awesome David!

Headers are here! But I have a family obligation this weekend so fitting them will have to wait until my next opportunity. So close...so far.

No pics but managed to fit the left side header before taking off to help with the reassembly of a friend's '52 TD. Thought I was going to get away with a small opening on the fender well but, true to Pete's advice (why should I even question), I had to cut a much larger opening than planned to get the header past the cylinder head (still needed to remove the valve cover) then fit a cover plate to clean it up. Looked like the tube shock conversion (which, ironically I'm ditching over the winter for a coil over set up) was going to be in the way but it turned out just fine. Not so well on the front brake line mounting tab which is going to need to be moved.

Good part of having the left side opening complete is I can use it as template for the right side. With my rear steer set up, I'm going to need to get a bit creative with the exit out of the headers as I don't think that Pete's suggestion for the 90º bend is going to work. Plan on picking up a pair of 90º and 45º bends tomorrow and see which combination will get the deed done. Once I have a clear path under the car, the rest of the exhaust should come together fairly quickly.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/09/2013 06:26AM by DC Townsend.

David, I'm in the same boat. When we were at Palestine Graham told me I would need a bigger hole than I would think and I did but you can make a trim ring, kind of a horse shoe type of thing, that can be installed to reduce the size once the header is installed. I don't know if my reasoning is sound or not but I've heard the wheel well is a low pressure area so maybe the larger hole can help with cooling while the car is moving.

BTW, does anybody know if the black paint that comes on the headers is VHT Flame Proof or do they need repainting?


Paul

Paperwork that came with the headers recommends re-paintng them or having them ceramic coated.

Thanks Dave, I got mine from Ted Lathrop and I think he had someone paint them but I didn't know with what. I was thinking of ceramic coating.


Paul

Paul, I'm going to make patterns of my fender well openings. The pics that Pete sent with the headers were helpful but it would have been nice to have something a little more accurate. Not sure if Ted sends anything with his but I'm happy to send you what I have. Even though header location may be different from car to car, it seems like the basic shape of the opening should be pretty consistent. Can also make copies of the trim plates I made to help clean up the opening.

Thanks Dave, I've already installed the headers though I'll have to take them back off to get them plated. They just come in a box, no paperwork. Some cars are different as if the motor sets lower in the engine bay the header openings have to be wider. My motor sets a little high so I could get away with 4" wide openings. I've cut out and painted some trim plates but haven't installed them yet. I noticed them on Graham Creswick's how to page and liked the look.



Paul



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/10/2013 09:03AM by pspeaks.