Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
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Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
Not many rules really, this board being aimed at technical issues, it shouldn't fall foul (hopefully) of some of the more personal issues that can affect forums.
Rule 1 - Is that you need to think very carefully before posting anything technical or asking anything technical relating to the security system of the car - See 'Security Issues' sticky for more info.
Rule 2 - We (MGF Register) do not support copyright infringement and therefore references to CD ROM, PDF versions or paper copies of the workshop manual (for instance) should not be posted on the forum. We don't want to get into trouble and we'd rather sell you a genuine hard copy through our Regalia shop anyway!
Because advice is honestly and freely given in this technical section, much of it will be amateur experienced based, so any information is given in good faith and is not guaranteed as correct.
- Rob Bell
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Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
For information only really, but when ordering a new battery for my MGF, I found that Eurocarparts.co.uk erroneously only lists a single battery for the MGF and two for the TF.
To the best of my knowledge, all MGFs equipped with EPAS from the factory (and therefore all TFs?) use the 075 battery battery size. Only MGFs that did not have either EPAS or ABS had the smaller 063 battery.
Battery dimensions/capacity/performance:
063 (non-EPAS MGF): h 175mm x w 175mm x l 207mm Typical performance* - 44 Ah, 420 CCA
075 (EPAS MGF and TF): h 175mm x w 175mm x l 242mm Typical performance* - 60 Ah, 610 CCA
*Performance based on equivalent Exide batteries; Ah = Amp Hours; CCA = Cold Crank Amps
The battery tray has two available screw positions, both available for use with a captive nut welded in place, to accommodate either battery size - and indeed either battery has sufficient performance to start your MG when in good condition and in warm weather. However, the larger battery may be worth considering if you use your MG all year round, or use the car infrequently - the larger capacity battery less susceptible to current drain due to the presence of the alarm and continuous supply of power to the clock and possibly stereo (head unit).
Picture above is a battery tray removed from an MGF (TF is identical). Two screw holes arrowed - A is for the 075 battery, while the 063 is retained by screw hole B.
Hope this is of help to someone!
To the best of my knowledge, all MGFs equipped with EPAS from the factory (and therefore all TFs?) use the 075 battery battery size. Only MGFs that did not have either EPAS or ABS had the smaller 063 battery.
Battery dimensions/capacity/performance:
063 (non-EPAS MGF): h 175mm x w 175mm x l 207mm Typical performance* - 44 Ah, 420 CCA
075 (EPAS MGF and TF): h 175mm x w 175mm x l 242mm Typical performance* - 60 Ah, 610 CCA
*Performance based on equivalent Exide batteries; Ah = Amp Hours; CCA = Cold Crank Amps
The battery tray has two available screw positions, both available for use with a captive nut welded in place, to accommodate either battery size - and indeed either battery has sufficient performance to start your MG when in good condition and in warm weather. However, the larger battery may be worth considering if you use your MG all year round, or use the car infrequently - the larger capacity battery less susceptible to current drain due to the presence of the alarm and continuous supply of power to the clock and possibly stereo (head unit).
Picture above is a battery tray removed from an MGF (TF is identical). Two screw holes arrowed - A is for the 075 battery, while the 063 is retained by screw hole B.
Hope this is of help to someone!
- Martin_Bmth
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Hey Rob, i got my battery tested and it showed as being weak so im investing in a new big 075 one from europarts (£29.63 using mgrorg25 discount code - comes with a 3 yr guarantee - bargain i believe ).
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/MG_MG ... ad1&000020
My F's got epas and abs and seems to have had a small battery from the start as its larger battery clamp hole has never been used. Seems weird but europarts list the 063 batteries for an F too...
So Top tip from you on this post here i recon for getting the right size battery, thanks
Martin
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/MG_MG ... ad1&000020
My F's got epas and abs and seems to have had a small battery from the start as its larger battery clamp hole has never been used. Seems weird but europarts list the 063 batteries for an F too...
So Top tip from you on this post here i recon for getting the right size battery, thanks
Martin
Former owner of Zippy the Blue 2004 TF
Joker the Tahiti Blue Metro
Tahiti Blue R216 Cabriolet
Joker the Tahiti Blue Metro
Tahiti Blue R216 Cabriolet
- talkingcars
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
I made this mistake on my F and have been running the 063 for about a year, it seems ok.
Eurocarparts have the same mistake listed for the ZR160 so my wife ended up with the same but the ZR seems to be fine, even after standing for 3 weeks.
If my mk1 ZS180 doesn't sell soon and I have to scrap her one of the others will get a 075.
I had to get Halfords to change the battery recently for the mk2 ZS as it had expired after 10 months
(I only went there as I needed it in a hurry on a Saturday night as I was going to Manchester the following day).
Their 075's used to be 520amps, the new ones are 500.
Eurocarparts have the same mistake listed for the ZR160 so my wife ended up with the same but the ZR seems to be fine, even after standing for 3 weeks.
If my mk1 ZS180 doesn't sell soon and I have to scrap her one of the others will get a 075.
I had to get Halfords to change the battery recently for the mk2 ZS as it had expired after 10 months
(I only went there as I needed it in a hurry on a Saturday night as I was going to Manchester the following day).
Their 075's used to be 520amps, the new ones are 500.
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.
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- Rob Bell
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Glad it was of help
- Mike H
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Interesting what Martin_Bmth said above, as I replaced the battery on the TF just before Christmas, noting that with a 10 plate car, assuming that the battery was the original, I removed a '63' and replaced it with a '75' using a securing plate screw hole that had never been used!
Audi TTS owner
Former MGTF 135 owner
Former TF 160 Sprint owner
Former ZS180 owner
Former MGF owner
Former MGTF 135 owner
Former TF 160 Sprint owner
Former ZS180 owner
Former MGF owner
- Rich in Vancouver
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
There is another option for those who think they have to have the biggest, most powerful battery that will physically fit in the car. (Weight be damned!)
I am using an Optima Red Top group 34 battery. This battery is too large to use the MGF battery clamp but it is very simple to use a TR-7 battery hold down in existing holes. If the car won't start I can just drive it home on the starter!
I am using an Optima Red Top group 34 battery. This battery is too large to use the MGF battery clamp but it is very simple to use a TR-7 battery hold down in existing holes. If the car won't start I can just drive it home on the starter!
Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
I am not sure that biggest is best.
I use Varta batteries and have 3 cars each with their "Silver" 075 with 600 CCA.
They are passed down from car to car with the MG getting the new one. The Clio one is 13 years old.
Not the cheapest or perhaps they are with the additional cost of a tank of petrol amortized over 13+ years and never let down.
Geoff F.
I use Varta batteries and have 3 cars each with their "Silver" 075 with 600 CCA.
They are passed down from car to car with the MG getting the new one. The Clio one is 13 years old.
Not the cheapest or perhaps they are with the additional cost of a tank of petrol amortized over 13+ years and never let down.
Geoff F.
- MaddAussie
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Sacrilege!!!!Rich in Vancouver wrote:There is another option for those who think they have to have the biggest, most powerful battery that will physically fit in the car. (Weight be damned!)
I am using an Optima Red Top group 34 battery. This battery is too large to use the MGF battery clamp but it is very simple to use a TR-7 battery hold down in existing holes. If the car won't start I can just drive it home on the starter!
TF160 - Bilstiens, Mike Satur 4-2-1, Sports Cat, Quad Daytona, Z and F Tuning Phase 2 Remap showing 177Bhp @ Janspeed RR day and a Big Grin (oh and a glass rear screen and bits of shiny stuff) 85th suspension bits to fit!
- talkingcars
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Don't panic, it is exactly the same as the one found in the early mini so it is in the family.MaddAussie wrote:Sacrilege!!!!
Home to black Alfa 159 3.2 V6 Q4, blue MGZR160, green MGF VVC and grey MGF 1.8i, and red MG Maestro T16.
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- MaddAussie
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
But but but its a Triumph part....
TF160 - Bilstiens, Mike Satur 4-2-1, Sports Cat, Quad Daytona, Z and F Tuning Phase 2 Remap showing 177Bhp @ Janspeed RR day and a Big Grin (oh and a glass rear screen and bits of shiny stuff) 85th suspension bits to fit!
- Rich in Vancouver
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Actually it's an aftermarket Stainless Steel part!
If it makes you feel better I sold my Rust-free (Really!) 1975 TR7 to finance my MGF.
For what it's worth, once it was sorted my TR was a great car. Of course, being 35 years old it was nowhere
as civilized as the MGF, but it was a decent car, reliable even!
BTW: If you think changing a head gasket on an MGF is a pain, try doing it on a TR7!
If it makes you feel better I sold my Rust-free (Really!) 1975 TR7 to finance my MGF.
For what it's worth, once it was sorted my TR was a great car. Of course, being 35 years old it was nowhere
as civilized as the MGF, but it was a decent car, reliable even!
BTW: If you think changing a head gasket on an MGF is a pain, try doing it on a TR7!
- colintf
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
MaddAussie wrote:But but but its a Triumph part....
It was all BL
Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs
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- colintf
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Rich in Vancouver wrote:Actually it's an aftermarket Stainless Steel part!
If it makes you feel better I sold my Rust-free (Really!) 1975 TR7 to finance my MGF.
For what it's worth, once it was sorted my TR was a great car. Of course, being 35 years old it was nowhere
as civilized as the MGF, but it was a decent car, reliable even!
BTW: If you think changing a head gasket on an MGF is a pain, try doing it on a TR7!
I was more of a TR6 fan myself (and the TR5) I remember feeling so gutted when the TR6 was replaced with a tin top TR7. Maybe if the convertible was released at the same time, it might of been a softer blow?
Your TR7 looks nice there
Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
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- Rich in Vancouver
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
The paint on the TR looked pretty sad at that point. It was originally French Blue but someone had put a cheap coat of paint on it at some time.
At the risk of being drummed off the forum here is a pic of the car when it was looking better. It was actually car #764 out of the 115000-odd built.
One interesting point is that BL actually badged one of the TR7 prototypes up as an "MG Magna" and ran it through some focus groups to see if it could be a replacement for the MGB. That didn't pan out apparently!
At the risk of being drummed off the forum here is a pic of the car when it was looking better. It was actually car #764 out of the 115000-odd built.
One interesting point is that BL actually badged one of the TR7 prototypes up as an "MG Magna" and ran it through some focus groups to see if it could be a replacement for the MGB. That didn't pan out apparently!
- colintf
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
I didnt know that Rich
Thanks for sharing the info and the great pic
Thanks for sharing the info and the great pic
Colin Murrell
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MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
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- Rob Bell
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
I actually really fancy a TR7 DHC....
- colintf
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Rob Bell wrote:I actually really fancy a TR7 DHC....
drop in a V8 Rob
Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs
http://www.two-sixties.com/main.htm http://www.triple-mracing.com/
- Rob Bell
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Yes, a TR7 V8 DHC would be very nice indeed Colin! A genuine TR8 DHC would be nicer still of course!
BTW, back to batteries. My 1.8MPi was fitted from new with the 075 battery (it had EPAS). I wonder whether during the "Project Drive" era (where as much cost as was humanly possible was removed from the TF) the decision was made to fit the smaller battery to all cars?
BTW, back to batteries. My 1.8MPi was fitted from new with the 075 battery (it had EPAS). I wonder whether during the "Project Drive" era (where as much cost as was humanly possible was removed from the TF) the decision was made to fit the smaller battery to all cars?
Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Triumph did not make a decent sports car after the TR2.
As for the Optima Red Top, if I am reading their Website correctly then it has a capacity of 50AH. The VARTA 075 has a Capacity of 61AH. I will test it again in Switzerland soon.
Geoff F
As for the Optima Red Top, if I am reading their Website correctly then it has a capacity of 50AH. The VARTA 075 has a Capacity of 61AH. I will test it again in Switzerland soon.
Geoff F
- colintf
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Re: Car Battery sizes: MGF and TF
Many would disagree ref the statement regarding the TR2 there GeoffGeoff.F wrote:Triumph did not make a decent sports car after the TR2.
As for the Optima Red Top, if I am reading their Website correctly then it has a capacity of 50AH. The VARTA 075 has a Capacity of 61AH. I will test it again in Switzerland soon.
Geoff F
Colin Murrell
MGF Register International Liaison Rep
MGF Register Regional Rep for Devon & Cornwall and Cotswold Regions
MGCC Z and V8 Registers Reps for V8 ZT'/ZTTs
http://www.two-sixties.com/main.htm http://www.triple-mracing.com/