Thought you guys might enjoy these. I'll put together some words and better photos soon.
LimitedPrepMGBFrontSusp.jpg
Lowered ride height. Raised roll center. Eliminated bump steer. Shorter roll couple. Stiffer spring/wheel rate. Etc.
ModifiedArmstrong.jpg
As suggested by <a href="http://www.britishv8.org/MG/HenkJanVonk.htm">
Henk-Jan Vonk's How It Was Done article</a>... but I was in a great rush to get my car back on the ground before BritishV8 2012 so I elected to sweat details myself. (Henk-Jan was happy to supply modified lever shocks for a reasonable price, but the lead time for shipping would have scuttled my trip.)
With ~3000 miles of testing completed, my initial impression is extremely favorable.
However I plan to take everything apart for inspection, just to be safe.
Curtis, Looks good! Is that Dave Headley's drop spindle? What spring rate?
Thanks!
No, I did NOT use Dave Headley's drop spindles. Instead, I used the Dick Luening ("Killer Beez") version as recommended by and procured from John Targett at Targett Motorsport. With the Dick Luening version, the spring loaded dust/grease shield is retained and fully functional. I was able to simply swap over my kingpins. I checked clearance, and didn't even have to change shims! I don't know for certain, but I've been told that Dave Headley modifies the kingpin too. To correct bump steer, Dick offers special wide-angle Heim joints, or alternatively he offers modified MG steering arms (as I used.)
Springs are by Eibach: 6" length x 2.25" ID x 525#/in.
By comparison, my Huffaker GT-1 uses 2.5" id. x 9.5" with 350lb/in., front. I suspect with improvement in tires since mid eighties, 'I will need more rate. Cheers, rovertman.
Art, Thats why I asked Curtis about the rate. I knew you would need more in the MGB becauce the lower mount would be further away from the spindle (less leverage) compared to Mustang II where 350-400 would be about right. Curtis, thanks for the info!
I shall not talk about the Jensen Healey, for awhile, at least until the Huffaker GT-1 is restored and raceworthy. I will be keeping it McPhearson strut in front, but likey stronger spindles and double-just Koni inserts. Thanks, roverman.
Hi Curtis,
Are the tops of coil springs using the original upper locators in the cross member or are they incorporated into the shock?
Thanks!
-- Scott
Coilover.jpg
Curtis, How much shock travel ? Wheel rate ? Cheers, roverman.
Sorry to bring this back from the dead but Moss Europe is having a sale on the GAZ shocks featured in this thread, FYI.
Part No. TMG49025
Scott