MGTF 160 Project

[Sergi Bmw]

And more brand new bits required...

[Sergi Bmw]

Running gear... This has given me a lot of headache... But we will start from the beginning:

Because all was so shiny that I wanted to clean the gearbox (BP4 Close ratio with a quaife diff in it!!)







And time to fit the slick shift this later became problem number 2...



Once the car was finished... I encountered a number of problems with the running gear.
We changed the gearbox cable for a brand new one. This was too short and it didn't allow the gearbox to fit 2nd, 4th or reverse.
We changed the cable (AGAIN) for a replacement of the faulty item (What a pig to do) but after a lot of adjustment we manage to engage all gears.
The 5th was really tight though.
After a short drive I realised that when cruising on 5th the car pulled out the gear and left in 5th so after much more cable adjustment, head scratching and swearing I was decided to take the box apart again to see what was wrong... (Remember Quickspider built the gearbox so I was quite sure that everything was OK at the time of his inspection!) So after a few videos and whatsapps with Jon Aka Quickspider he kindly offered me to inspect and rebuild the gearbox again for me (That meant a lot of shipping costs!) but he was so clever to ask me if could be that the gearbox was low on oil as 5th gear is the first that suffers from oil starvation... I mentioned that we had refilled the oil to correct level a few days ago when we reassembled everything...

But I decided to double check and here is what I did found



EPIC FAIL Either we forgot to fit back the oil filler plug or we did not tighten it enough and I lost it... so after a good refill and a new bolt kindly supplied by Quickspider I got smooth and sweet gear changes!

[Rob Bell]

Builds are often scattered with EPIC FAILS - and it is great to read about them so we can collectively learn!

Hoping that this solved the gear selection problems?

[Sergi Bmw]

Here you can see more pics of the progress... the engine in the restored subframe

[Rob Bell]

Is that Allan's engine? It looks more like a VVC?

[Sergi Bmw]

That´s my 160 engine Allan´s engine still in UK!

[Sergi Bmw]

Once the engine was in the car we found out BIG problem Nº3

Everything was running fine but the engine leaked through the crack seal...

We though that it was just the seal but no... the crank was in bad condition because someone had the idea of grind it in the past. (Any known takers??)

Unfortunately I was so disappointed at that point that I did not took any pictures.

But I was determined to sort out my car and I decided to buy another 2002 1.8VVC engine. This came from MGFnTF Bitz (Thanks Darren & Jill) and after swapping all the good bits but the Hellier head and the Lightened flywheel (IE keeping it Stock) we place it in the car uneventfully.

And here are the results...

From untherneath!!!

[Sergi Bmw]

The running gear of the car was sorted and everything was in perfect condition... it was time to clean and compliment the interior.

I always hated with passion MG TF seats IMO it's by far the worst thing of this cars, the seats are adequate for a Ford fiesta or a Toyota Yaris but not for a sports car. Because my previous Audi S3 Recaro weighted a TON and needed a lot of wiring (They were fully electrical) and also needed retiring (Blue alcantara in grenadine interior would look quite odd). I decided to give myself a treat and bough a new set of seats...

And the seats are.....


Yep!! Recaro Pole Position Bucket seats!




Also felt the need to get a new hood that matched the new interior & seats

[Rob Bell]

Smart seats Sergio!

I am glad my eyes were not deceiving me regarding the 160 engine! Looks as though things were coming together well?

[Sergi Bmw]

Things indeed are coming together... the actual state of the car is this...

Enjoy


ç

[Sergi Bmw]

Few more...

[Sergi Bmw]

What the heck I am doing with the hood up in sunny Spain ?!?

Although at midday it's too bloody hot to drive topless here you go hood down squad...

[Sergi Bmw]

Some interior shots

[Rob Bell]

Looking fabulous!

When are you going to fit Allan's bananas engine? I've forgotten the exact spec, but he didn't spare the investment in building it!

This car looks to be about exactly what you wanted your original to be. I presume you've kept the airconditioning?

[Sergi Bmw]

Exactly Rob, this exactly how I wanted to be and I am really happy with the car and how it goes. Yes I kept the Aircon (It is a must here today we are going to reach 43C degrees ...) In fact all MG TF sold here brand new came with Aircon as standard equipment (Not 100% sure on the F though). I will be installing Allan's engine after the summer but I am thinking of getting a new shell for it as this one goes very well as it is!!
The engine spec you have at the first page of this thread post Nº3!

[Rob Bell]

Ah, now you're falling down the slippery slope! One car, then another...

Yes, I reckon this TF looks just about perfect just the way it is. I also agree with you: Allan's engine would be ideal for a track-biased car. Start with a shell, and add as little weight back in as possible, although you'll probably want to keep A/C - which is an easy option to dispose of in the UK!

[stuart]

Hi sergi,

Loving the progress with the car- looking really good. Quick question, the old tan interior- would you still have it? I'm after the rare as hens teeth dashboard cowl...can you help?

[talkingcars]

James thanks for the offer! So far I am fine! Let me know when are you coming as I may try to go to that region a weekend in summer

Is your wife from Bilbao?

She is but unfortunately we are flying

[DanieleT]

What a shame.. Sonic was seriously beautiful!!!

But, im sure your new tf will end up equally so.
reminds me of KITT from knight rider being rebuilt from the old parts.

fantastic work!

your new baby looks properly set up and really amazing.
so nice to see such a well built car.