How to lower front suspension on mgb gt

[MG CHRIS]

I have a 78 mgbgt and just put minilties on it. But the tyre profile is slightly smaller than on the old rostyles and there is a gap between the wheel and the wheel arch. I know how to lower the rear suspension but what can be done to the front and what can i do to lower it.

[na]

Notes:

what were the size of the previous tyres, what are the size of the present tyres

tyres sizes are not exact, vary from brand and size

the wheel/tyre clearance is to allow for load, suspension and road condition and good for things like mud and snow

the craze for large wheels and low profile tyres is not always very practical and especially not on classics

the larger profile tyre acts as part of the suspension and gives a more compliant ride, narrower tyres are usually better in the wet and snow

http://www.kouki.co.uk/utilities/visual-tyre-size-...

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible_pg4.html

[mgtony]

Isn't it just a case of put a pair of front lowering springs on, available off the shelf from the usual suppliers?

[MG CHRIS]

The old tyre were 165/14 on rostyles. The new tyres are 165/70/14 on minilites. I was told they were roughly the same but put the one tyre against the other and it slightly lower. Whats the most you can lower the front by i was told you cant lower it that much 2 inches would be fine for me.

[mgtony]

Some lowering kits say they give a 1 inch drop, some say 1.5inch. Give MGB Hive a call and see what they have.

[na]

Chris I realise you're young but as an apprentice I'm sure you've already learnt not to believe everything you're told and to do research and cross checking and cross referencing for yourself

the original size tyres were a norminal 80% ratio so 165/80/14, your new tyres are 165/70/14 - tyres sizes are not exact and vary a little by make and model

165/70/14 = sidewall height of 11.5 cm approx
165/80/14 = sidewall height of 13.2 cm approx

so not much in it on paper see links

you're already lower!

don't be caught up with the obsession of lowering the car

Hi Tony

Edited: to read more as I intended

Edited by na on Sunday 22 May 22:54

[mgtony]

Nigel, have you given up on the other thread?

My car sits at regular height at the front, there is a fair old space in the wheel arch, but I like the cars look better with the rear sitting slightly lower than the front. Kind of gives it a nice stance.

Re new tyres, I was thinking of going 185/70's seems to be common size used on the B.

[MG CHRIS]

Not into slammed cars just want it siting lower than it is now. As its a 78 mgb it sits higher than the crome bumper version which is what i want to get it to.

Ive removed the front and rear bumpers and put the le front spliter and sebring rear valance on it which as also improved cooling which is good. Will be putting a roll over bar and semi racing seats and harness in it as i would like to do some sprints, hill climb or autotest events in it.

Will get pictures up of it when finished.

[na]

Hi Tony, no I've not given up but appear to have carried over the moaning to this thread

I've edited my previous post to get nearer what I meant

not sure who said to have 165/70 instead of standard tyres even in the '80s ('70s?) 185/70 was the next size up or alternative (as I’ve just noticed Tony’s already put)

even with these smaller tyres you’ve only gained around 17 mm more wheel arch clearance, don’t forget the gap reduces as soon as you anyone sits in the car

if it’s a car you’re just using it for road use you should have no issue with keeping it cool subject to the car being in good condition and it being fully and properly serviced, maintained and repaired

(sound familiar Tony)

I know you’re a mechanic Chris but as an owner and driver a (paper) copy of the owners Handbook would help you no end – Ref: 0053 – http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

and a paper copy of the (factory) Parts Catalogue - Ref: 008 - http://www.mgocshop.co.uk/catalog/Online_Catalogue...

or this DVD for lots of stuff – http://www.motoringclassics.co.uk/mgb-and-mgb-gt%3...

Regardless Chris enjoy your car

[alfa pint]

Pair of shorter and stiffer front springs from the B Hive sorted my 79 B out. They're not ridiculously short, just chrome bumper short, so about 1 1/2". That, plus blue poly bushes and a 3/4" antiroll bar, lowering blocks and new uprated lever arms at the back have transformed both the way the car sits and the way the car handles.

There's not much else you can do without spending £££ fitting coilovers or an RV8 crossmember. The rubber bumpers are higher at the front because of the extra height built into the crossmember.