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MG MGA - Moss Supercharger

I have just enquired of Moss which supercharger I should use in the MGA with my 1800V engine. The reply has just come back that I should use the MGB spec system. They also added that to achieve full benefit I should fit a supercharger cam: http://www.moss-europe.co.uk/camshaft-special-supercharger-system-tmg10701.html and that I may have to "shorten some water hoses".

Anyone gone this route with the 1800V who can throw more light on the camshaft and water hoses? The water hose shortening seems interesting. I wonder how that's done?

Steve
Steve Gyles

Moss have given me the camshaft spec: The cam has a slightly longer duration, higher lift but the inlet/exhaust timing is the same as standard.

The duration is 270' with 0.330" lift, timing is 25 65 65 25

Waiting for them to comment on the hoses.

The camshaft is something I have never played with on the engine. Is it something I can do with the engine in situ? Does it usually mean replacing the bushes or simply one out, one in? - bit of a novice on camshafts, but done just about everything else on the engine in the last 20 years.

Steve


Steve Gyles

I have changed the camshaft without removing the engine but it's a long time ago and I am a bit hazy on the details but I remember it being amazingly fiddly and saying never again. I didn't then have an engine crane and thought doing the job with the engine in would save the hassle of hiring one. The old camshaft had failed after one of the cam followers must have had a hardening problem and wore away taking a cam lobe with it.

By memory you have to remove the radiator and possibly the grille to let the cam come out forwarda. The sump has to come off to remove the oil pump and the rocker shaft also to get the push rods out upwards and tappets out via the side cover. The canshaft bearings were in good condition - to replace those is definitely engine out - and the new cam fitted with no problems. I think some of the front sump bolts are still missing and have been for the last 15+ years.

If I ever have to do it again the engine is coming out.


Malcolm
Malcolm Asquith

Thanks Malcolm

Taking the engine out does not phase me so it's always an option. In any event the rad has to come out and I have an externally configured quick release grill.

Moss has come back again. Not the water hoses but the vent pipe. I presume they are talking about an MGB vent pipe rather than the MGA version I have on my MGB engine.

The following link may be interesting for others:
http://www.mossmotors.com/graphics/products/PDF/MGBSCFAQ2.pdf


I would add that I am just running a feasibility study in my mind at this stage. Nothing ordered or imminently planned. Although with investments not doing much at the moment, hardware looks a good investment as any!

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve
I dont think you have to fit a new camshaft although I can understand why it would help.
I suppose that in supercharging the fuel/air mixture, you are forcing more of into the combustion chambers which is, in effect, increasing the compression ratio.

I too was looking to go the supercharger route but my 1850cc 3-bearing engine already had a ported higher compression head fitted to it which was not really suited for supercharging. It also had a fast road cam which was not profiled for a supercharger and finally, there are some that say that a 5-bearing engine would better cope with the extra power.

So, it appeared that I would have to buy a complete 5-bearing engine before I even started to look for a supercharger which would make for a really expensive process.
I have therefore decided to go the 1950cc 5-bearing route and I should have it installed by the end of March.

It should give about 35% increase in both power and torque which sounds just great to me and I cant wait to see how well it goes.

I will let you know how it works out.

Colyn

Colyn
Colyn Firth

It's a bit much for Moss to say it works best on a standard engine and still try to sell you a cam.

I'd give Peter Burgess a call and ask his advice. It would probably be a good idea (and fun trip) to go visit him after fitting it and let him do his magic to get it set up dead right.
dominic clancy

This thread was discussed on 07/03/2016

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