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MG TD TF 1500 - TD Modification Questions

I have just finished getting my '56 MGA back on the road with some reversible modifications to make it a better touring car for long trips: an early MGB 1800 engine, five-speed Sierra gearbox, front disc brakes and 3.9 MGB rear end.

I now have an opportunity to purchase an engine-less TD. If I give in to this temptation, I will most likely make it a pure restoration. But then again, maybe not.

I looked through the TD-TF archives and found nothing on replacing the XPAG engine with other types of motors. So, at the great risk of enraging the faithful, I will now humbly ask about resto-mods for the TD.

I know the Ford Sierra 5 speed transmission is an available reversible modification for the TD.

Can a 3 bearing MGA 1600 or early MGB 1800 engine easily be put into the TD? If so, how difficult is the operation, especially concerning the proximity of the TD steering column and rack?

Are the front brakes modifiable for conversion to disc, as they are with the MGA?

If a larger HP engine replacement is possible, can then a banjo 3.9 differential replace the original as a bolt-on operation?

What other mods are being done to TDs?

Thanks, and apologies again to the those whose hearts and TDs are pure.
Frank Nocera

Frank,

There is a series of articles running in the Octagon Club magazine at the moment on using a later MG engine, suspension and brakes.


Jan T
J Targosz

Maybe I'm right maybe I'm wrong (flip/floper) but I remember when back in 1965 I was selling my groundup (I did all the grinding with wire grinders frame and all) restored 1932 MG J2 and a Gent came to see from about 125mi away in an mgtf which had been fitted with a Buick (ne-ROVER) aluminum V8. I wouldn't even open the garage door and let Him see it. I addmonished Him for what He had done to an MG and sent Him off on His way. Well I had second thoughts on that as time wears on because at that time (pre-internet) I was getting all my info and parts from England and my bloody blokes over there chewed me out for what I did . They love to modify their cars. None of this "FACTORY ORIGINAL STUFF HERE" do what you want mate. hey I got correspondence that stated there are 42 shades or BRG. Jag being accepted because of racing, but their advice paint it the shade that suits YOUR fancy. Well I still feel guilty because I couldn't find the gents number to call him and invite him back. Can't live in History (reserved for politicians) So Frank I say go for it and do what you love. Have a good nip.
Greg & grimm
52TD/65BSA650
G.J. Cenzer

When we bought our cars in the 60's, new or used, the first thing we did was "personalize" them. Wooden dashboards, wooden wheels, radios, "seat belts" (i remember being chastized when i first installed mine), removing grille slats for fog lights, etc etc.
As i get older (and MG's get more scarce) i can appreciate a fully stock car... however, there are a lot of upgrades that just make more comfortable cruizing (and the factory did make some pretty weird errors... ).
I think the big thing is not cutting things up so badly they can't be put back to stock....
We are after all, only taking care of our cars until the next owner gets them....and hopefully they will keep on going into the future long after we are gone!
gordon.b.lawson '53TD

Got to agree that Modified MG's used to be more the norm. Today, you do see a lot of T's that are near original, but each has it's own unique thing that is not stock. We will easily replace the gearing in the differential and don't think much about it.

I had the opportunity to add a supercharger to my TD. I would love to drive a TD with a supercharger, but I really do not drive my car in a way that a supercharger would matter. If you find a TD that does not have a stock engine or transmission, I say do what you want.

Now if you have a stock TD and are going to gut it just to add more power or make it faster, etc. I say no.

If the engine in my 67 B blows, Yea, I will probably look at putting a different power plant, transmission and differential in it. In my TD? Well, I did blow the engine and there is another TD engine in it now.
Bruce Cunha

Frank

I have a friend, here in Jacksonville, who can supply you with needed engine and trans if interested.

Bob
Bob Wrenn

Frank,
I do appreciate and respect an Original T series, lovingly maintained by their owners and there are a good number of those cars out there. But there are also a good number of Ts that have been neglected, abused or otherwise ruined by their P.O.s and will never be original again. I purchased a 51 TD a few years ago. The engine had been pulled and partially disassembled and left setting outside for 30 years! Of course it was so rusted out that it couldn't be rebuilt. Luckily, the body and frame had been stored in a basement so the wood was pretty good except for the rear panel which was easy to replace. Body had some dents but was relatively rust free. Radiator and shroud, transmission tunnel, windshield mounts, gauges, and many other parts were missing. Ugly holes were hacked into the front firewall area just below the battery box for heater hoses I guess. Clutch linkage had been "modified" and very messed up. The car would take much more money than I wanted to spend to retore it. I decided to go the resto-mod route and not cut up the frame or body so that a future owner could re-install TD running gear if so desired.I put'67 MGB running gear in it from a $300.00 donor car with good running gear and little else. I'll email you an outline of my process so as not to take up a lot of space here. To me a resto-mod T on the road is better than one rusting away in a back yard so long as the "mod" part is done without seriously hacking up the T.

Mel
Mel

Mel,
Thanks for the informative email. The engine-less TD I am looking at is very much like the one on which you did the rest-mod. It is not complete and not a great candidate for an easy restoration; a lot of damage from sitting in the weather in primer for several years.
Frank
Frank Nocera

Frank,
I just put in the Sierra 5 speed prior to a 3400 mile trip across the US...It's the best thing since sliced bread...
Robert Dougherty

This thread was discussed between 13/10/2004 and 21/10/2004

MG TD TF 1500 index

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