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I am getting ready to buy a Allison Replica MGTD made by Allison Replica Inc.in 1981 with a 1700cc 102hp VW eng. Can any one tell me if this replica will have the power & speed needed too safely go cross country using both freeway and open hwy.
Thank you
CliffHi Cliff,
Welcome aboard.
The Allison is a nice car!
I say you will be fine with a 102 hp 1700 cc engine.
Just be ready for the engine noise! An aircooled VW engine will turn approximately 3,000 rpm at 60 mph. That’s likely higher than your daily driver, and is necessary for proper air flow and cooling. Aircooled engines are by nature louder than a watercooled, and add to that the fact that the engine is about 24 inches behind your ears.
My longest run in my VW powered Duchess was NJ to Indianapolis, essetially stopping only for gas, food and “rest stops.” Had only a 1641 at the time. She was a little under-powered for long uphill grades, but handled the trip with no problem. The car has a 1,776 engine now, and is fine, even the long uphill battles have gone away.
I wore the foam “racers plugs” in my ears. That helped a lot with muffling engine noise, without shutting out my surroundings! I could hear the cars around me, and could hear the stereo!
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
Hey, Cliff: Welcome aboard. If your car really has 100 horsepower it will be one of the stronger TD replicas out there. It weighs about 1800 pounds (200 less than the original TD), and has twice the power of a stock VW engine.
A few Julys ago, I saddled-up my 1500-cc(?), 46-horse BCW, loaded in a couple day’s provisions, and my wife, and drove 300 miles over the mountains from Baltimore to Pittsburgh for the Vintage Grand Prix.
Was a little slow going up some of them hills, but we made it.
The real enemy wasn’t lack of power, it was heat and fatigue. Six hours is a long time in an open car with no A/C on a 90-degree day. We had a great adventure, but flat-towed the TD on our next Pittsburgh jaunt.
Aside from earplugs, make sure you pack sunscreen, and keep all your important stuff in the kind of “drybag” kayakers use.
I’m itching to do a cross-country trip in Bridget, but I’m pretty sure my wife will not be down for that. Keep us posted!
Cliff, You will have plenty of power. You will find that your TDr (Allison is one of the best) is probably not very comfortable above 65mph. (maybe 70). I like 60 on my TDr and it’s in nearly perfect condition.
I hope you will drive it for a while locally until it is fully sorted out. Even after that, carry a full set of tools. I’m assuming that you like tweaking and fiddling with the car else, I would not recommend a cross country trip. Others may argue with me, but:
I’m not young enough to know everything.
I really don’t know enough about your expertise with VW’s to advise without sounding like a grandmother. The longest trip I ever took was in a showroom “real” MGTF-1500 from RI to Charleston, SC. I was 35 when I left and 60 when I arrived in Chasn, three days later.
Do it. You’ll have another story to tell your grandkids.
Cliff, You will have plenty of power. You will find that your TDr (Allison is one of the best) is probably not very comfortable above 65mph. (maybe 70). I like 60 on my TDr and it’s in nearly perfect condition.
I hope you will drive it for a while locally until it is fully sorted out. Even after that, carry a full set of tools. I’m assuming that you like tweaking and fiddling with the car else, I would not recommend a cross country trip. Others may argue with me, but:
I’m not young enough to know everything.
I really don’t know enough about your expertise with VW’s to advise without sounding like a grandmother. The longest trip I ever took was in a showroom “real” MGTF-1500 from RI to Charleston, SC. I was 35 when I left and 60 when I arrived in Chasn, three days later.
Do it. You’ll have another story to tell your grandkids.
Yes!! I like to tinker, I am not a mechanic but more like a jack of all trades. I have had a couple of VW and I was always working on them, but that was 30yrs ago when I knew everything so yes, a new story in the making.
Hey, Cliff: Welcome aboard. If your car really has 100 horsepower it will be one of the stronger TD replicas out there. It weighs about 1800 pounds (200 less than the original TD), and has twice the power of a stock VW engine.
A few Julys ago, I saddled-up my 1500-cc(?), 46-horse BCW, loaded in a couple day’s provisions, and my wife, and drove 300 miles over the mountains from Baltimore to Pittsburgh for the Vintage Grand Prix.
Was a little slow going up some of them hills, but we made it.
The real enemy wasn’t lack of power, it was heat and fatigue. Six hours is a long time in an open car with no A/C on a 90-degree day. We had a great adventure, but flat-towed the TD on our next Pittsburgh jaunt.
Aside from earplugs, make sure you pack sunscreen, and keep all your important stuff in the kind of “drybag” kayakers use.
I’m itching to do a cross-country trip in Bridget, but I’m pretty sure my wife will not be down for that. Keep us posted!
Great info!! Thanks. I am looking to make a trip from calif. to D.C and back with my brother. Heading to the wall for the first time kinda like a bucket list thing. He’ll Be on his Harley and me in my TD I can’t ride anymore and I have always wanted a TD so now is my chance I am not getting younger. Will keep ya posted.
PMossburg thanks for the help today!!
I rode a Harley for 30 yrs and wish i had wore ear protection. “WHAT” is used a lot!! I some what remember just how loud the VW eng were. Thanks for the tips and the help
I think i have made a good choice with this TD replica . What do you know about the TD replica’s with the chevy 4 cyl. eng. in the front.
My issue with taking my TDr on the interstate or highway isn’t the speed, but being the SMALLEST thing on the road. You really need to keep in mind that, other than motorcycles EVERYTHING will be BIGGER and weigh MUCH more than you. This is super important when being passed by semi’s that disrupt the wind flow around them (and YOU, too!)
I drove a Triumph Spitfire cross country one summer and was getting passed by an 18 wheeler when it occurred to me, “He can’t even SEE me!”
Maybe driving with your headlights on at all times would help with this. Just remember to turn them OFF!
One of the rules of defensive driving is “put yourself in the other car” and be proactive at all times.
Hope this adds another bit of advice.
Amor Conquista Todo
One thing going for me is i have always been the smallest around, but I have learned a few tricks on just how and when to be seen!!! and yes using my “HEAD” light is a smart move!! always. Thanks for the in-put.
Cliff
Cliff,
Welcome!
I have a 1641 VW in my TDr and drive on the interstates as needed without trouble although I stay in the right lane unless passing slower traffic. But… I do not enjoy this much at all and much prefer driving the smaller roads and taking in the true USA. If you make a plan I think the trip is as much the idea as the destination.
Like Ed I dream of a cross country run ( but opposite way from you as I live just south of DC) and take in the sites and plan the route but allow myself to change up as I go with no pressure and visit friends, family, car buddies and make new friends along the way.
Hope you get to do this – you only live once – right?
I’ve got a TDR with a modern 2.2L Chevy engine. I use her as a daily driver here in SoCal so I use the freeways all the time. 70 MPH is more comfortable than a bike but less than an enclosed car. On the other hand get used to getting your picture taken and the waves and honks.
My brother tours all over the world on his Honda Goldwing. (http://www.bobkatsjaunt.com ). I hope to emulate him in my TDR Dutchess pulling a teardrop trailer (I’m too old for a tent).
Welcome aboard.
No trees were injured in the making of this message, but some electrons were inconvenienced.
We will try driving as much of route 66 as we can starting from Santa Monica Ca which is the beganing or the end of 66? I believe?? This will be my last big ride (trip) so will make the most of it and see what is left of the old country , before it’s all gone as parts of it are already gone now!! Still planning the route right now.
Thank you for the in-put
Cliff
It’s 540 miles to La Posada Hotel in Winslow, AZ. If you’re in a hurry, that’s your first overnight stop. It’s worth the stop.
No hurry here!! Will stay off interstate as much as possible. I want to see the mom and pop cafe’s the motels not the hotels.
Thanks Cliff
HELP asap!! Can anyone tell me why my new 1981 MG TD Allison 1700cc 102hp replica has only 15 # in the VIN?
HELP asap!! Can anyone tell me why my new 1981 MG TD Allison 1700cc 102hp replica has only 15 # in the VIN?
I went to http://www.aircooled.net/vw-vin-number/, to try and get the dates for my VW donor parts, but I could NEVER get the VIN for my car figured out. It would not take any combination I put in. I was told VW stamped the original VIN on the engine block, but couldn’t find it there, either. I finally realized the “VIN” plate on the car WAS NOT standard VW setup, but was, more than likely something the CAR company came up with on their own , NOT VW. It may be the same thing in your case, and you may not be able to find any factual info for your donor parts.
As far as the state and insurance company were concerned it was not an issue getting registration, plates and insurance for my car.
I may be totally off base with this. Anyone else feel free to correct me!
Amor Conquista Todo
Steve. The 15#s of your cars VIN may have been assigned by the state. But if you’re looking for the VW VIN, its not on the engine case. The number there is the engine serial number. The VW VIN is stamped into the Tunnel just in front of the shift coupling access plate under the carpet at the back. Lift up the shift coupling access cover carpet piece and you should see the VW VIN stamped into the tunnel. It has 10 numbers with no letters. If this isn’t what you are looking to find, disregard this response. 🙂
Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackFrom what i have been able to ascertain is that prior too 1981 there was no set standard on the use of Vin#’s and from what i hold to be true is that a Vin# follows the car not the power plant(eng.) So as long as the car’s Vin# and DMV’s Vin# on the title are a match I am good to go? I HOPE!! But then did/Do replica’s have a Vin# or did/Do they just have a S/N??? Is there a Vin plate on a replica?
Depends on the individual state on how they accomplish titling of the vehicle. There is a SEMA or DOT site that explains it all but not sure if it covers vehicles earlier than 1981. Mine is registered using the VW VIN but that’s here in Georgia.
Allen Caron
VW based 53MGTD - "MoneyPenny"
"If one thing matters, everything matters" - from the book The ShackIn Illinois, before title is issued, the Sec of State inspects the vehicle and issues a new identification number, “SOSXXXXX”. This number appears on the title along with description of vehicle.
Cliff,
First, let’s be clear that we are talking about the Titling of a vehicle, not “registration” as has been mentioned above.
It is unlikely the 15 digit VIN on your car was assigned by the kit manufacturer. The kit manufacturers usually assigned serial numbers and most provided a serial number plate. Locations for the serial number plate varied. And of course whether or not the plate was attached is entirely up to the whim of the builder.
VINs are assigned when the completed car is titled. And the rules for that vary by state. As do the rules for what Make/Model appear on the title.
If there is a clear donor vehicle, many (but not all) states would use the VIN from the donor car.
If there is no clear donor car, the state, sometimes the state motor vehicle division, sometimes the state police, sometimes the state department, assign a VIN. Normally, the state also provides a VIN plate which must be attached to the completed vehicle.
Some states assign a VIN in all cases, regardless of the donor situation.
Give your fifteen digit VIN, my guess is that VIN was assigned by the sate in which the car was first titled.
That said, I believe Allison only delivered turn-key vehicles (not kits). Somebody please correct me if that belief is wrong. They may, I repeat MAY, have created their own VINs. (I doubt it tho 😎 )
The Make and Model are also typically assigned by the state. Reconstructed, Specially Constructed and other variations on that theme are typical of what various states use for “Make.”
SEMA has a terrific site for state Title and Registration procedures: http://www.semasan.com/page.asp?content=tag_title_toolbox&g=SEMAGA
One caution…the info at the above link is current info. The rules may have been different when your car was built.
Next up is the challenge of transferring the Title. If seller and buyer are in the same state, you should have no problem. The state already has the info, they’ll just carry that over. If seller and buyer are in different states, there may be an issue. I could imagine 50 times 49 scenarios, ranging from the new state accepts all the info on the title, to the new state requires new information to be assigned according to their own rules.
Hope this sheds some light on the darkness.
Paul Mossberg
Former Owner of a 1981 Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (VW)
2005 Intermeccanica RoadsterIf you own a TDr and are not in the Registry, please go to https://tdreplica.com/forums/topic/mg-td-replica-registry/ and register (you need to copy and paste the link)
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