The MGF Register Forums

Hi all,
I've been contemplating changing my MY2000 Jaguar XK8 for something a little smaller, both physically and cubic capacity wise. Among the candidates have been Porsche Boxster, Fiat 124 Spider(new one), BMW Z3/4 and the MX-5 NC. I have an MY06 diesel Freelander for the day to day things so whatever I get will be my bit of a treat!
The Boxster would probably give me nightmares about its IMS bearing unless it'd definitely been done and they are a bit popular in the eyes of thieves. So they're out.
The Fiat, hmm well it's an MX-5 with a different body and also I don't really want anything to do with a turbo. The Jag is a NA 4.0 and prior to retiring I'd always wanted one but with a company car for decades couldn't justify one.
Beemers, the Z3, I don't know what it is but they don't really appeal. The 4's more appealing but in E89 guise are too complicated with that hard top power roof. Mucho, mucho potential for an expensive surprise. Also, both the 3 and 4 seem to have far too many bushes which are another source of expense. Don't get me wrong, the Jag and myself are familiar with expense - head gasket, timing chains and tensioners, thermostat and housing, brake calipers and other joys, but now it's running superbly.
Luckily I've got a good Freelander if there is such a thing and I've enjoyed (yes, really) changing all its filters and fluids like I used to do when cars had a coil and points!
So that leaves the MX-5. They can rust atrociously from the inside. The NC's can chew their engines if you don't keep a sharp eye on the oil level. Power hood. But reliable and relatively cheap.
So, onto MGF/TF's. Obviously, I've been reading and YT watching and there isn't anything that really causes me to metaphorically sit up with wide eyes. Head gasket? Pah! Coolant pipes upgrade? Sensible. Cambelt? once you've had the £2.5k bill for a Jag this all looks a pleasure.
So, I've seen Trophy cars website and can honestly say any of them except for the ones over five figures I could see myself buying. Especially the BRG ones. The only things I'd like are heated seats, and I'm sure that's do-able somehow.
Regards,
Michael.

There is not much wrong with a properly sorted MGF or TF. (or Freelander) However you might need deep pockets or a lot of patience to get there if you buy a dog.
Any decent MGF should have had its suspension spheres regassed by now, and I wouldn't entertain one that hasn't got either a service history and/or good evidence of a recent cam-belt kit.

I might be wrong but I think heated seats kits are available for the TFs.

Hi RR,
Thanks for your reply. I’m not in a rush and certainly won’t be entertaining anything that like you say hasn’t a FSH or at least a decent SH and documentation to verify things like cambelt, HG etc.
There’s a car restorer near me who specialises in Austin Healey’s but has plenty of experience with MGBGT’s and others of that era. I’m quite prepared to pay for his time in assisting in checking potential buys. Also, apart from maybe subframes I’ve not seen anything that has a price that’s scary. After all I’m a Jag owner!!
Cheers,
M.

A clutch change could make your eyes water...

Welcome and good luck with the search.

Reckless Rat wrote: ↑

Tue Jan 10, 2023 7:57 pm

A clutch change could make your eyes water...

Really? What’s the going rate for that?

Sorry can't help with an accurate estimate because I have never had to do one, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I don't have to! Some experienced MGF mechanics can replace the clutch on the car, but it's a bugger of a job. It is suggested that the easiest method is to remove the rear subframe with the engine/gearbox and then do it on the floor.

Someone somewhere suggested that it can be done in 5 hours, but I would take that with a pinch of salt. I would double that, at least. No idea what UK workshop rates are these days but you've got to be looking at £100 an hour plus VAT at a reputable workshop, so a grand plus the parts. That would make my eyes water. I'm a Scottish Yorkshireman!

Hmm. I can see why now.
About 16 miles from me are these guys:
https://www.roughluckracing.com/clutch- ... placement/

£370 fitted as I read their site.
Cheers,
M.

That's cheap.

Hello from Germany,

according to my experience the main reason for a clutch change is not a worn clutch but a stuck clutch lever. The symptom is a "exploded" clutch slave cylinder. Renewing the clutch is a sideeffect. There are several improved versions available with a greasing function from the outside.

My mechanic managed to change the clutch without the subframe out.

I am interessted to change my Mk1 MGF against a Jaguar XKR X104 (last facelift), but the prices in Germany for a good one are about 30-50.000 €. So it stays a long term project or dream especially because of the current inflation crisis.

Greetings

Reckless Rat wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:22 pm

That's cheap.

Yes, that what I thought - If it sounds too good to be true it probably is, but I’ve had a reply and they confirmed the prices.

Tomcatciller wrote: ↑

Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:34 pm

Hello from Germany,

according to my experience the main reason for a clutch change is not a worn clutch but a stuck clutch lever. The symptom is a "exploded" clutch slave cylinder. Renewing the clutch is a sideeffect. There are several improved versions available with a greasing function from the outside.

My mechanic managed to change the clutch without the subframe out.

I am interessted to change my Mk1 MGF against a Jaguar XKR X104 (last facelift), but the prices in Germany for a good one are about 30-50.000 €. So it stays a long term project or dream especially because of the current inflation crisis.

Greetings

Thanks for that Tom. Wow! Going from a MGF to an XKR, sounds a little more than over here. I’ve decided I’m after more simplicity in my driving, however I’m sure I’ll miss the power if/when it goes. Good luck and I hope you find one.
Regards,
Michael.

Hi and welcome to the forum Michael

Heated seats are quite easy to retro fit to the F/TF. I have converted 2 sets so far and my lad was doing a 3rd this weekend.
Other "comforts" I have done are retro fit AC (some cars came with this fitted) and heated front and rear screens. Ricky Evens motorsport supply front screens.

James

Hi,
After a good while of radio silence, I do believe I’m about to pull the trigger on an 03 TF160.
I’m viewing it tomorrow but it’s write up sounds perfect - everything that should be done to F/TF’s has been done apart from the coolant level sensor. HG, cambelt, water pump, coolant pipes. One owner, so there’s years of records. The MOT history is almost spotless, completely spotless could be a bit of a red flag (IMO) with only minor brake wear related items. If there anything else I should be paying attention to please let me know. I’ve spoken to the seller two or three times, he seems on the level, not vague, evasive and has spent £15 putting me on his insurance so I can actually drive it.
So, I’ll see how it goes and report back.
Cheers,
Michael.