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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - 5 link rear suspension.

Whilst in pursuit of yet another engineering challenge, I wondered if it was possible to convert the rear end of a bgt to run with a 5 link suspension setup. I see that TAS do a kit for the MK1 escorts, with lots of nice little rose joints etc. Has anybody tried this yet? I'd like to hear from anybody that has done or tried this!
Regards... Phil
Phil

Phil, There was a plan to produce the B with a coil sprung 5 link originally but MG thought it too expensive and opted for leafs at the rear instead.
The David Knowles book (I think)on MG has some details. It would be interesting to know if any cars were built and survived.
Personally I do nt know of anyone who has donet but I too would be very interested in any conversionas and / or transplants. Pete, Sydney, Australia.
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Peter Thomas

I'm also interested in this conversion, my MGB V-8 is finihed and I'm ready for my next project a LOCOST LOTUS SUPER SEVEN the one RON CHAMPION wrote the book, i have purchased a welder. Anyway this set up uses a 5 link rear suspension with coil over shocks, i will use this as a learning experience to adapt it to the MGB.
Romney
Romney

The trend nowadays is for this kit type (and others) to use IRS based on the Sierra back end. Even the Locost is offering a version using this.

I reckon this is a much more intersting conversion for a B. There was one in the UK mags done by a chap and he offered it as a kit I believe. It looked rather heavy to my mind.

A good starting point would be to buy the wishbones etc from one of the kit manufacturers and make a sub-frame to bolt them to which in turn bolts under the B.

One problem you'll face is the width - the drive shafts will need cutting dowm unless you don't mind going for a wide body B.

You may feel you want to know exactly how the suspension will behave without the expension and time of building one or more prototypes. To avoid some of this a suspension program could save you loads. Visit www.BevenYoung.com. I've tried the program and one other I can't recall at the moment and they are both educational at least.

Alan
Alan Boother

Alan, You have noted some valid points there. I am thinking that the 5 link uses many of the B's existing components and mounting points but offers better rear axel location than the standard leaf springs arrangement. It should also be significantly less expensive too and properly engineered and installed it should offer a valid alternative to the various independent set ups on offer. MG World magazine had an article on those some time back with contact details for people interested. Having looked into some of the product kits on offer I have some concerns about the suspension geometry and which seems to be totally ignored by some makers who seem more interested in having IRS attached to the product than offering a genuine improvement although doubtless others may well feel differently!
Regards Pete, Sydney, Australia
Peter Thomas

I'm working on a link suspension.

Main problem is finding rubber or poly bushed rod ends.
I'm concerned about the road noise steel ends could transmit.

I also plan on reinforcing the leaf spring mounting points.
Michael Hartwig

Hi Mike,
Good to hear from someone actually doing it! Any chance of an update as you progress? This would be of interest to a lot of people. Cheers, Pete, Aystralia.
Peter Thomas

Phil & Mike:

I am working on a Mustang spindles, coil over front end. If you guys sort out the rear, I will trade progress reports! Actually, I will trade anyhow, but the rear will be next years project.

Pete
Pete

This is not a conversion that I've done but there is a book that I can recommend that contains a fantastic amount of information on converting any car to a 5 link rear end. It is called 'Race and Rally Car Source Book' by Allan Stantiforth, published by Haynes, ISBN 0-85429-848-7.
David Daw

I've been really busy lately, so I haven't had much time to work on the rear end. It should be finished in 2 months one way or the other.

I do have one side of the front end done with a coilover, adjustable upper a-arm, Porsche 911 rotors and 944 Turbo calipers.

I should have everything finished and a webpage done around Jan or Feb. <crosses fingers>
Michael Hartwig

A 5 link rear suspension is a geometry challange, if not done properly it could create binding and oversteer. You would have to deal with anti dive etc.

Two simple designs are found in the early Mazda RX7 and the Triumph TR7. They do work if everything is in good order, too stiff bushings can also create problems, the chassis has to be design for such stress crreated by the change of angles etc. The good news is that the MG was design for such suspension, in fact it would have looked like the TR7.

Bill
Bill Guzman

Thanks for the input guys. I'm interested in the TR7 Idea Bill. Any idea of any places on other web where I can get some "schematics" of the layout or dimensions of the axle / shock combination that was used? I dont want to copy Tr*@mphs design, I want to learn from their mistakes and improve it for inclusion into an MG. My housemate has a T*Łumph Dolosh*te, and I had a crafty look at that earlier for (anti) inspiration. As expected it wasn't terribly inspiring. But I think 5 link might be an interesting and worthwile mod to the car. It would save my having to make up a set of anti tramp bars if nothing else!
Regards... Phil
Phil

Phil,

Have you seen this website? http://www.hawkcars.co.uk/mgb/index.html
It's a bit expensive but you could try a DIY approach if you wanted.
Mike Howlett

A company called Maidstone Sportscars are developing a milti link rear end for a B. Check em out.
Leslie Cole

Are they on the net?
Alan Boother


Good site that Phil, but are these coversions really better than a well set up origianl layout(OK with better location at the rear).They certainly look fab. but at a price ....
John

This thread was discussed between 07/11/2001 and 27/11/2001

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