[Paul Underwood]

Sorry.  I’m still learning.  That last post was the pic I found of the rear springs.  (Can someone confirm that it is a TD?)

Any idea why the kit uses a half spring when the original was a full leaf spring?  (Besides cost and ‘because they can’?)

Bill, interesting idea about the ’02 Escape…

[Paul Underwood]

[Paul Underwood]

Found another v8:  https://stevemckelvie.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/a-very-fast-mg/

I like the visible engine and roll bar, but not the front fenders.

(I hope I’m not offending any purists here by obsessing on the v8 idea…)

edsnova2015-04-08 20:04:42

[Paul Underwood]

Here’s what appears to be an original rear spring setup:http://www.britishcarpartsco.com/new_page_3.htm

You’ll have to scroll about 1/2 way down the page and click on the image to enlarge it.

Is there any way to add a picture to this forum?  Thanks.

edsnova2015-04-08 20:03:00

[Paul Underwood]

So, I went hunting for pics of original MGTD rear suspension, and I found this:  http://http://www.britishv8.org/MG/EdLaBrush-MG-TD.htm

Interesting take on the V8 as well as the rear suspension (really, the whole car).  Maybe it’s not impossible to get a V8 in it PLUS have it handle well.  Spendy, but not impossible.

That whole cut-off spring setup seems to leave a lot to be desired.

edsnova2015-04-08 20:03:53

[Paul Underwood]

Allen,

 Well, that sure looks similar to my first car, Ford engine and all, right down to the alternator being butted up against the side panel of the engine compartment.  Real close to me too!

It’s probably more than I want to spend on it, especially to go modifying.  But it’s really making me regret what I sold the last one for…!  (Oh well.)  I may go see it anyway, just to discuss it.

Billnparts,

My first car did not have this strange position of the rear axle.  What exactly is going on with that rear axle, and what are you referring to about “correcting” it?  What needs to be done?

Thanks all,

Paul

[Paul Underwood]

Thanks for the opinions everyone.  I did not get the FF kit as I thought, so things have changed for now.  But for the sake of continuing the conversation about the v8, I’ll add:

Paul,

Good advice about fit and finish.  (Sort of intuitive, too, at least in hindsight.)

I also figured that the V8 would entail a big compromise with handling.  Probably not impossible to get around, but a challenge at least.  The more road-able it is, the more I’d drive it.

I also got similar advice from a hotrod friend nearby.

Royal,

Why.  Well, good question.  

Basically I guess “because you can”, assuming that it can be done at all.

You’re absolutely right about them being squirrely above 70, and my friends always warned that I’d kill myself in the one I had before.

Plus the gas mileage.  !!  Plus cooling it.  !!  Plus getting it titled and registered.  !!

Why is a great question.

Edsnova,

Being careful is relevant advice.

Anyway, moot questions for now.  I’ll have to resume my watch for a car.  

Cheers,

Paul

[Paul Underwood]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.  Sometimes the world changes on you, and it did for me.  The kit was sold before I could get it.  !!  

But I’m looking at it from the perspective that maybe it was meant to be that way.  I have too many cars now, as it is, so my wife is still happy.  This saves me from working for the next several months to build it, so it’s sort of like getting some extra time.  Etc. Etc.

But darn.

So I’ll keep on searching.

Secretagentcat, 

I think the takeaway is that we should never sell any vehicle that we get from our Dad.  🙂

Cheers

[Paul Underwood]

Hi Paul,

Yes, you are correct.  I was being lazy when I wrote that.

When I found this one, I initially thought it was the same brand.  My memory had escaped me, but I discovered that they were different from a short search.  I have some questions about this car, but it’s probably more appropriate that I put them in a different sub-forum.  It’s raining out, so I guess now’s the time…

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