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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - mustang hubs.... Jim Blackwood?

I've been researching the possibility of converting to mustang 5 on 4.5 front hubs, rotors & calipers, and I came across this post from Jim Blackwood:

"I used Mustang Mach 1 components and modified the hubs to match by removing the flange and replacing it with one I made, in order to keep the MG bearing spacing. Far easier to bore one of the bearing races of the Ford hub deeper, as the bearings are the same and only the spacing is different. This leaves you with a large ventilated rotor. For the caliper, again I used the Mustang part, and made custom brackets to mount them to the MG spindle."

I would like to investigate this a little bit more by getting some Mustang parts to measure, but I'm not that familiar with Mustang parts. Looking at Ebay, it looks like the hub and rotor come as an assembly? For example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2486767460&category=34199

I'll probably head to the library to look at a Mustang manual, but can Jim or anyone else tell me more about what I'm looking at? This would be a lot easier if I knew someone with a Mustang I could examine!

Thanks in advance,

Ryan Reis

Ryan Reis

Ryan,
The rotor is removed from the hub by pressing out the studs. However, this is not the best option as the machine work required will pay for lighter brakes that are just as good, giving less unsprung weight. The main advantage of the Mach I Mustang brakes is that they have enough swept area to last an extremely long time between changes even with very hard usage, and with organic linings at that, so light braking also works very well. However they are heavy and require a custom caliper mount, and the hub flange is offset from the MG hub flange a bit as I recall. It does have 5 lugs, but there are plenty of 5 lug hubs out there, and plenty of calipers too. Huffaker used a Chrysler hub, rotor, and caliper set that bolted right up with a couple of minor details. These parts came from a mid 70's mid size sedan as I recall.

Jim
Jim Blackwood

Jim,
Just curious.. The 5 lug conversion is a VERY popular conversion among pre 1995ish mustang guys, I am wondering if maybe doing the 4x4.25 (guestimate) conversion might not be economically better?? MOST fords ran that bolt circle and then you have all the people upgrading to the 5 lug buying up whatever they can find driving up costs??

Just curious on your thoughts. I am not in the market to alter mine, just thought rather go for the common and often cast aside stuff as it would be cheaper to obtain..
Larry Embrey

Jim and Larry,

Thanks for the comments. The reason for my question is that I already have front and rear disc brakes from my '94 mustang gt parts car. My plan for the rear is to just narrow it and use the brakes "as is". Unfortunately, if I stick with the mgb fronts, I'm guessing that I'm not going to have a very balanced system. The mustang gt calipers look huge, even in the rear. I'm trying to figure out a way to use the front rotors and calipers from the mustang, but the hub has what I've always called a "unit" bearing. I'm starting to think that the best route is to do what Jim did - cut the flange off of the mg hub and machine up a new one to match the mustang rotor with the correct offset. I don't have the equipment or the ability to do this, but my Dad probably does. I'll let you know if I figure anything out.

Ryan
Ryan Reis

A couple issues of the British V8 newsletter-

A guy up in Oregon- Didn't he use Ranger Pickup front hubs and calipers?

It's all so fuzzy, as the Michigan rains are causing moss to grow in my cranium
greg fast

Greg,

Hmmmm, might be a good excuse to go to the u-pull it yard and examine a ranger hub and brakes. Thanks.

Ryan
Ryan Reis

Ryan, even if you did get everything to work properly, I couldn't fathom 'not' using a brake proportioning valve on the rear to get everything balanced properly.

Justin
Justin

Justin,

I am planning on using a proportioning valve. I agree that it will be a "must have" item.

For anyone interested, I located the V8 newsletter that mentions using ranger hubs and brakes.Thanks Greg! Here's the link:

http://www.britishv8.org/sep2003.pdf

Look under the article on Tony Thiel's 289 powered 'b for the mention of Ranger brakes. Anyone know Tony? Looks like quite a craftsman. I am in awe of someone who can basically handbuild a car like that!

Ryan
Ryan Reis

We now have 5 lug hubs that are direct replacement, no mods. Choice of 5 on 4 1/2 , 5 on 4 3/4, 5 on 100 mm, etc. Just take the old hub out and install the new one.
Bill Guzman

Bill, other than the rotor, what else do you need?

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Wayne, the hub kit comes with with a hat, rotor, caliper bracket for Wilwood calipers,Wilwood pads and all of the necessary bolts to do the installation.
Hub kit is a direct bolt on.
Bill Guzman

Very nice Bill. Definitely sounds like the short path to the goal.
Jim
Jim Blackwood

Bill,
Where can I see this hubs and brakes.
Fast Larry

The pictures will be in the web page next week.
Bill Guzman

This thread was discussed between 16/08/2004 and 25/08/2004

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