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How
to improve the MGB GT 's suspension
"As engine and braking performance improve it becomes more
and more essential that the car's roadholding is also
correspondingly improved." Here are some modifications for
front & rear suspension which will find their way into
my GT...
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Front
Suspension
In addition to the standard modifications (3/4" roll
bar, Super-Flex polyurethane bushes), a coil-over-telescopic-shocks
conversion for the front suspension will replace the standard
lever arm damper and spring unit. On coil-over-shocks suspensions,
the damper is acting in the same plane as the spring, making it
much more effective.
Other suspension modification kits for the MGB use also
telescopic shocks, but with spacers etc. to fit them alongside
the spring, some with the old ARMSTRONG lever dampers still
in place (minus their valves). In my opinion, the coil-over-shock
system is the only useful alternative to the original front
suspension.
There are some conversion kits on the market: MOSS,
MGOC,
NG Cars
(just don't look at the cars of the later) and Ron
Hopkinson and maybe more. I will go for the MOSS
kit, because it has the neatest layout and requires no
or very few modifications to the front crossmember. This enables
me to convert my car back to original specification. All restoration
and conversion work will be featured on these pages. Work has
already started, so please visit again...
Rear Suspension
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MOSS
coil-over-shock kit
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Bushings & Shock Absorbers
The rear axle will see just a few modifications:
Super-Flex Polyurethane bushes and a telescopic damper
conversion for improved handling. I chose KONI Classic
shock absorbers for their quality, looks and maximum ground clearance.
Standard
Leaf Springs
If you stay with the original leaf springs, the best way improve
those will be to install the triangulation kit offered
by the MGOC. This kit bolts directly on the springs and
reduces spring wind-up.
Composite
Leaf Springs
I also love the idea of fitting a composite
leaf spring (from British
Automotive or MGOC).
Their biggest advantage is the reduction of unsprung weight
of approximately 10-15 kg! The composite material responds
also much quicker than a steel spring, so telescopic dampers are
a must. Apart from being extremly expensive, these composite springs
might seem a bit too "new" and high-tech for a classic
car, so...
Parabolic
Springs
... I choose parabolic springs, offered by the MGOC
(about € 300). These have a parabolic (as you might have already
guessed...) taper rolled into it, making the spring thickest in
the centre and tapering evenly to the thinnest part at both ends.
This will allow progressive flexing from lesser road impacts whilst
retaining the max load bearing capability. Also, the unsprung weight
is reduced, all together resulting in an improved ride comfort and
better roadholding.
Parabolic springs have no interleaf friction as standard leaf springs,
so the use of telescopic shocks is necessary.
What I don't like on the MGOC kit are the shims for
setting the height of the car, those are looking like an unprofessional
DIY setup, and are also prone to corrosion. After leveling the hight
on my car, I will replace them with specially machined and powder-coated
blocks. Sexy, isn't it?
After testing my modified GT on the road I'll see if there is any
need to install a bolt-on Panhard rod... |
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KONI
Classic shock absorbers
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Parabolic
rear springs, as offered by the MGOC
Not good: Shims
for leveling lateral hight, as shown on this MGOC car, will be
replaced with machined blocks on my GT
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