Winter Modifications?

[richandpaula]

With the onset of dark nights & bad weather being forecast, winter is most certainly upon us.
For some, this brings more available garage time maybe the chance to lay up their cars on trickle charge in nice warm blankets until spring.

Not so for us unfortunately...Our TF is a daily drive.

With this in mind and being from the frozen north, I'm thinking of adding a front splitter over the next weeks, but not for the added front end stability benefits at high speeds, more of a 'Snow plow' effect.

Just wondering if anyone has done this before?

[Rob Bell]

I've not seen a snow plough on an TF before Rich! :LOL:

[stuart]

In my opinion, the TF doesn't really need a front splitter as it's miles more sure footed at speeds than the F.

I reckon all you'd be doing is lowering the groud clearance at the front of the car and making the prospect of driving over snow even worse.

Leave it as it is- by the look of your photo/avitar it's already a great looking car!

[colintf]

I would not bother but would fit winter tyres

[richandpaula]

Seeing as the TF is rear wheel drive, it could work really well as the pushing force will be behind the whole car. Therefore, I'm thinking I might need to counteract the front end drag if I get the maths wrong on the clearance required for the snow plough front splitter...has anyone ever fitted knobbly back tyres?

And with the bonus of the built up snow adding to the cooling effect of the radiator, HGF would be most certainly a thing of the past.

[colintf]

Seeing as the TF is rear wheel drive, it could work really well as the pushing force will be behind the whole car. Therefore, I'm thinking I might need to counteract the front end drag if I get the maths wrong on the clearance required for the snow plough front splitter...has anyone ever fitted knobbly back tyres?

And with the bonus of the built up snow adding to the cooling effect of the radiator, HGF would be most certainly a thing of the past.

No, proper winter tyres like they do in Germany etc (as well as in uk)

[Rob Bell]

Seeing as the TF is rear wheel drive, it could work really well as the pushing force will be behind the whole car. Therefore, I'm thinking I might need to counteract the front end drag if I get the maths wrong on the clearance required for the snow plough front splitter...has anyone ever fitted knobbly back tyres?

And with the bonus of the built up snow adding to the cooling effect of the radiator, HGF would be most certainly a thing of the past.

People have fitted splitters to TF, as although the TF is better than the MGF in terms of front end lift, there is more aerodynamic front end lift than is strictly desirable. Which is why the MIRA-co-developed MG TF200HPD with the bonnet duct

BTW a build up of snow won't be cooling - it'll cause over-heating if it blocks the air flow through the radiator...

[richandpaula]

I'm replacing air flow with snow flow.

snow is colder than air.

I can see that I may have to add a bonnet duct now though, to let the snow out easier.
Back to the drawing board for a while then...I've got a couple of weeks before the snow comes

[Rob Bell]

Perhaps you should duct through the near side wing and clear the road for other road users?

Something like this perhaps?

[adrianclifford]

Better tyre grip on the back (if not all four), keep the battery well charged (lots of drain this time of year, lights, heater and cold all take their toll maybe you don't travel far enough to fully charge). Maybe grippy tyre socks if you don't go for winter tyres when the snow and ice is prevalent.

Many in Europe change not only their tyres but wheels also, it makes sense. Keep your good "summer" tyres on your alloys and fit four steel space saver wheels, these are narrow 14" so get winter tyres to match, this way you protect your alloys too and you can change them yourself, this saves the cost of having them changed over by a tyre fitter at £10 per wheel, twice per year. However, I'm not sure, I don't think it's been raised before "will these wheels cover AP calipers" should anybody choose this option ?

As Rob says and I agree, the TF has excellent handling leave the front end alone, it will allow more snow to build up, it could then possibly fracture leaving the front bumper damaged and you must leave the front end clear to allow the radiator to breathe. Even untouched I would recommend you regularly look at any snow build up and clear it yourself, don't wait for the snow to thaw, if you're on a long journey.

Don't be complacent, you are low to the ground after all.

[colintf]

Might be an idea to check with your insurance company ref fitting different sized wheels / tyres. With some it's no problem others it could be a no no.
Could also be easier to find out what sizes MG Rover recommended over in Europe as the insurance company may buy into this but not some other size. I know this has been discussed on here before, probably at the start of last winter.
On my ZS for example, my winter tyres are fitted to steel wheels to save the alloys (like Adrian suggested) the size enabled much cheaper but still good Toyo winter tyres and are a standard size as fitted to the Rover 45 ( the brother of the ZS) so a non standard MG size but one that the insurance company fully bought into and the size that my local MG Dealer suggested and supplied ( the new wheels being a total bargain!)

If in doubt, check first

[richandpaula]

Rob, I like your thinking...I will grant you 5% of my earnings from the council should they approve my TF snow Plow for use in emergency situations.

I could incorporate a length of 'Henry Hoover' ducting along underneath the passenger side of the car to route the surplus snow from the front to the side scoop, therefore making it very good news for other cars using the roads i drive down. This could be aided by the radiator fan as this will now be redundant as I will be snow cooled now...

This could work! - watch this space!

[Helsbyman]

Hi Rich I already have my airofoil fitted so { CUPPA SPORT AIROFOIL } will came and recue you from these snow drifs
The coucil paid my 5p a ml last yr

[Geoff.F]

14 in Steel wheels were used when 15 in alloys cost an arm and a leg however scrap yards are now full of alloys therefore they come cheaper than steels.
The Design Approval does not permit 4 steels but does include narrower 15in tyres which we have. It should be noted that Snow Chains cannot be fitted to the 16in Tyres. No good in Countries where carrying Chains is Mandatory..
Geoff F.

[adrianclifford]

Hi Rich I already have my airofoil fitted so { CUPPA SPORT AIROFOIL } will came and recue you from these snow drifs
The coucil paid my 5p a ml last yr

A few years ago we were on a winter run in the Midlands, during the road run Sean had his Cupra front trim ripped off by the snow so beware.

[Barred]

My primary modification in winter - is switching to bitter over lager when I order a pint.