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Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - pistom rods for MGTF

I am trying to identify the piston rods on my engine. I have a 1955 mgtf 1500 and it has been recommended to me that I use XPAG 1250 rods instead of the XPEG 1500 rods. I currently am replacing the crankshaft due to cracking on the center main journal. The casting number on all four rods is 168559 *8. Does anybody know the casting numbers for the rods? I know the 1500 rods are larger in the "H" section of the rod but I do not have one available to match up. Thanks, Andre
Andre de la Chevrotiere

Who gave you that advice? Send your old rods to me if you don't want them!

I recall reading recently the 1500 TF rods were beefed up in the evolution of the X engines. I watched for them for a while on ebay, but as they're so rare and probably so cost prohibitive, I gave up and had the XPAGs shot peened. The shotpeening is part of my "engine insurance policy" along with billet crank.

I've got good faith that the peened XPAG rods will hold up well enough, even supercharged, running roller lifter cam and bored to 1466cc. I'd have much rather gone with peened TF rods, but to buy them and then spend the bucks for peening, one might as well spring for new high performance rods.

JRN JIM

I have a set of xpeg rods that I can no longer use and would like to sell if someone wants them. I have modern floating wrist pin style now and have no interest in going back.

Alex
Alex Waugh

You may be able to purchase a set from Crower Rods of CA for under 800 bucks and they are modern style and balanced and beautiful. I have em in mine.
Tom Maine

I had found this on the TABC web years ago:

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Just a bit more connecting rod information for the XP-- engines: Morris 10/4 XPJM engine connecting rods are very spindly and have 22809 cast into the web of the rod. The wrist/gudgeon pin is also smaller in diameter. I would not use these rods in a T type to be reved over 4,000 rpm or with any increased power.

As far as I know all TC and TD rods were noticeably heavier and had 24005 cast into the rod web in fairly large numbers. MG parts book for the TB, TC and TD indicate part number MG862/14.

Later 1250 TF rods also had 24005 but the numbers were smaller and the rods were lighter than TC/TD. TF parts book still shows MG862/14 for the TF rods. TF 1500 rods were quite a bit heavier in weight and dimensions and have 168559 cast into the rod web. I agree, racers found the TF-1500 rod weight contributed to early rod bearing failure due to increased centrifugal forces on the bearings at high RPM.
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I had a set of the 168559 rods and sold them on eBay - didn't get any more (or less) for them than I would have for a TC/TD set.
Gene Gillam

Gene, thank you. That is exactly the information I was looking for. You verified that the rods in my engine are 1500 rods. The question now is do I keep my 1500 rods that have been magnafluxed and balanced or look for 1250 rods. I am not a racer and just want to enjoy the car for what it is. I think it's an easy decision. Thanks!
Andre de la Chevrotiere

Yep, Andre...easy decision...keep the 1500 rods and drive safe!

Gene
Gene Gillam

This thread was discussed between 24/02/2014 and 26/02/2014

MG TD TF 1500 index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG TD TF 1500 BBS is active now.