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MG MGA - MGB rear brakes on an MGA

I would like to find out if early banjo axle (or later tube type) MGB rear brakes are a bolt on replacement for MGA style.

Noting that the MGB brakes are a bit easier to adjust, parts are a bit less expensive and from last time I looked, the MGB and MGA parts appear to be almost a direct change. I have not looked at a early MG B setup for a while now, so I would be glad to hear from anyone who may have attempted this changeover.

Thanks,
-BMC.
BMC Brian McCullough

Real MGAs have discs on the rear....;-)
Bill Spohn

>Real MGAs have discs on the rear....;-)

Well, we aren't all quite as fortunate as you. :)

But I have wondered for some time of there is a cost effective way to do a conversion of my 1600 MKII over to rear disc brakes. I recently installed new brake lines and stainless steel hoses and plan in the next year to upgrade my front brakes to cross-drilled rotors with MGB calipers. Any information is much appreciated... thanks!
Josh

Real MGAs have drums on the front and rear.... ;-)
Fritz

A copy of an earlier BBS post by Mark Badger:

I have made the rear disc brake modification to my 1960 1600. It involves the use of Jaguar Mk2 sedan caliper assemblies, which are almost identical to Twin Cam/Deluxe units since they all came from the same supplier. I also used the Jaguar caliper hanger brackets that bolt to the MGA rear axle housing, and MGA front brake rotors. It all assembles like a Twin Cam after a little machine work for spacing. My car has wire wheels so it does look cool seeing the rear discs inside the wire wheels. Other than looks there is no real performance advantage.

Email me directly if you need details.

Mark Badger, Central Florida

markb@daytonatrophy
Mick Anderson

I suppose that email address for Mark Badger should be:

markb@daytonatrophy.com
Mick Anderson

Brian,

MGB banjo axle backing plates will bolt on in place of the MGA units and you're right, it's a nice swap and cheaper too.

A complete MGB rear axle (banjo or tube type) will bolt in as well, giving you the 3.9 gear.

For those who would like rear discs, Kent Prather (Prather Racing) sells a kit for the rear that uses Wilwood calipers. No e-brake, though, unless you add a Willwood cable operated spot caliper that would be marginal at best.

My opinion is that rear discs are overkill for the street and the MGB swap is a good choice.

--Carl
Carl Heideman

"REAL MGA's" have push rod engines.
W Wolcott

>A copy of an earlier BBS post by Mark Badger

Thanks for the help Mick!
Josh

Fritz,

"Real MGAs have drums on the front and rear.... ;-)"

Isn't that why so many 1600's have been "upgraded" to 4-wheel drum brakes?

Chuck
Chuck Schaefer

Chuck...

You're right, I misspoke... "Real MGAs have 1500 push rod engines and front and rear drum brakes." ;-)

Isn't it great, though, that we all get what we want in a MGA, whether it's the original 1500 with the original B series engine and drums, the 1600 and front discs (for a touch more driveability), the 1622 for a bit more power yet, the twin cam for even more, a coupe for warmer driving in the winter (and a lot warmer in the summer!), and variants for whatever we desire...including A/C in coupes and 1800 engines. Of course, not everyone wants to put diesel engines, 4 wheel drive, V8s etc. into 'em but that's ok too!

1500 Coupe
Fritz

Whilst on this subject, do we know if MGB springs are a direct replacement for MGA 1600 Mk.1 and if so, what are the advantages / disadvantages?
M. Standish

As far as MGB springs on an MGA, I've been looking into this with regard to installing the composite springs Doug Jackson (British Automotive) sells on my current "A" rebuild. The springs he sells are fabricated for the MGB. The distance between the front mount and the axel mount is about 3/8" shorter on the MGB than the MGA. [Note the different part numbers in the Moss (and other vendor's)catalogue(s) confirm a difference exists.] According to Doug, this means that if MGB springs are installed on the MGA without modifying the front frame mount, the sliding joint on the drive shaft can "bottom out" because of the effective decrease in length. Alternatively, the length of the driveshaft can be shortened, but moving the mount is probably less effort (and/or money) and re-centers the wheel in the fender arch.

Steve
Steve Brandt

After reading many threads where folks are asking about putting MGB engines, transmissions, clutches, differentials, brakes, springs, shocks, etc, etc, etc into their MGA, it occurred to me that maybe for some folks it'd just be easier to find a mechanically sound B and replace the body panels with those from an MGA! 8^)
Andy Bounsall

The front spring eye of an MGB spring is larger in diameter than the MGA spring and may rub against the frame, it did on a car I have that came with them. The mount is also a bit wider than the MGA bracket which had been beaten out to accomodate it. I have removed them.
John DeWolf

I concur with Mick Anderson.

Properly adjusted drum brakes should be fine at the rear.
Nigel J S Steward

Steve & John,

Many thanks for the comments. I am restoring a 1960 Mk.1 1600 roadster for racing next season and I would have used MGB rear springs if there was any advantage. As it is I will stick with originals.

Out of interest I also have a 1960 1600 Mk.1 coupe which I have restored 100% as original - including the four speed gearbox.

Maurice.
M. Standish

This thread was discussed between 04/01/2005 and 07/01/2005

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