The MGF Register Forums

I have a few questions before proceeding. I've owned a 1996 1.8i since 1998, and following a coolant hose failure and a brief overheat, I'm replacing the head gasket preventively. I've obtained a reconditioned TF135 head with valves and camshafts, hoping to enhance performance for track days. First question: Does this modification make the car too rough at low rpms without upgrading the ECU, or is it manageable? Secondly, as it requires an adapter for the distributor drive, how is this done? I can't find a detailed description, just people mentioning it's not an issue.

The J31/J32 engine has a bush on the end of the inlet camshaft that drives the distributor. Then the rotor button is pressed on by hand.

What I can't tell you is if the bush will press straight onto the 135 camshaft or if some machining will be needed.

As for driving 135 performance with MEMS1.9 I think Rob is getting around 130 PS but has found a way to get MEMS1.9 to put in a
little but more fuel. From the power curves I've seen over the years I'd be more worried about it getting too lean at high revs.

Also if I remember correctly the 135 has a higher redline than the 120 engine and some of the extra power comes from that.

You might look at a larger throttle body and different exhaust to help the increase in power. I understand changes from 120 to 135 cars were not limited to the camshafts.

It sounds like you have the early version of the 120 engine that has a distributor. It would be worth reading up to assess if more practical to change over to the later distributor less setup as an alternative to doing machining. It can all be done with second hand parts from the usual favoured vendors to control costs. Once you have replicated a standard 135 TF setup you will then have the option to remap the later ECU for a bit more oomh