Discussion
Look, I'm getting older and don't do much track work and have given up serious rallying but still want to tour and take pleasure in my cars. I've been a Jaguar man for nigh on 30 years but feel the need to scratch other itches, like a TR5 or an MGB or C roadster. There's one here I like the look of for example:-
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C288702
Now, you here are the knowledgeable ones on MGs, so I ask the collective wisdom for advice. Given that this will be fun runs, "soft" touring rallies and general pleasure I'm looking for your opinions. The above car has modified roll bars and overdrive by the way.
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C288702
Now, you here are the knowledgeable ones on MGs, so I ask the collective wisdom for advice. Given that this will be fun runs, "soft" touring rallies and general pleasure I'm looking for your opinions. The above car has modified roll bars and overdrive by the way.
Well, they're really different, first advice obviously would be to drive both (which you might already have done).
The MGB is lighter and feels lighter and more agile, making it more fun in the twisty bits.
On the other hand, the MGC has more torque and power and sounds absolutely glorious imho. It's more suited to touring and inspires calmer driving, compared to the MGB. That doesn't imply it is not fun in the twisties! Especially when tweaked. It seems MG Motorsport is one of the places people go to for that kind of stuff.
I noticed the car you mentioned has parabolic rear springs, it appears these make the ride a lot smoother, but I don't have any experience in that... The rear seems to be too high though.
Might I ask what you are looking for that the E-type doesn't offer? (can't really think of anything an MG would do better :-) )
The MGB is lighter and feels lighter and more agile, making it more fun in the twisty bits.
On the other hand, the MGC has more torque and power and sounds absolutely glorious imho. It's more suited to touring and inspires calmer driving, compared to the MGB. That doesn't imply it is not fun in the twisties! Especially when tweaked. It seems MG Motorsport is one of the places people go to for that kind of stuff.
I noticed the car you mentioned has parabolic rear springs, it appears these make the ride a lot smoother, but I don't have any experience in that... The rear seems to be too high though.
Might I ask what you are looking for that the E-type doesn't offer? (can't really think of anything an MG would do better :-) )
Thanks for the reply. I think that, as I've said, Ive had the E-type 30 years and while I have a lot of memories there are other things to do before I shuffle off this mortal coil. In addition, I have someone who is prepared to pay a substantial price for the E-type purely because she is "patinated" and as such hard to find today and he won't drive his own E-type much because she is concours. A neat twist on things huh!
I've driven a B many a time and like them, but the C had such bad press but it seems that today if properly sorted they are somewhat undervalued and a great tourer, because for such use torque is everything. Plus, it seems, there are specialists who can sort the engine to breathe much better and deliver more torque and power. If I sell the E-type I'll have plenty left over to have this carried out.
I'm not complaining about the E-type, far from it, and we have travelled over 100,000 miles together, but like I say, I feel it is time for a sea change. If I had the money I'd buy an Invicta Low Chassis, but I haven't won the lottery sadly. I don't like the TR6 but like the TR5, but they seem rather overpriced these days, especially the 150bhp european spec ones, so I'm thinking of the MGC.
I've driven a B many a time and like them, but the C had such bad press but it seems that today if properly sorted they are somewhat undervalued and a great tourer, because for such use torque is everything. Plus, it seems, there are specialists who can sort the engine to breathe much better and deliver more torque and power. If I sell the E-type I'll have plenty left over to have this carried out.
I'm not complaining about the E-type, far from it, and we have travelled over 100,000 miles together, but like I say, I feel it is time for a sea change. If I had the money I'd buy an Invicta Low Chassis, but I haven't won the lottery sadly. I don't like the TR6 but like the TR5, but they seem rather overpriced these days, especially the 150bhp european spec ones, so I'm thinking of the MGC.
Tony, have to ask the same question 'what can the MG give you over the E-Type...?' Apart from two very different cars?
You do have another option; why not look at a correctly modified V8 roadster? All the ease of ownership of the MGB, parts cheap as chips and readily available, V8 3.5 or 3.9 + R380 box, easy to drive, relaxed on long journeys when visiting the XKSS build, +++ serious amounts of fun when needed.
Ignoring the 'hairdresser' interior, something like this has all the right bits...
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3710216.htm
Or, send an email to the V8 Register who always know of a good one for sale...
http://www.v8register.net/
You do have another option; why not look at a correctly modified V8 roadster? All the ease of ownership of the MGB, parts cheap as chips and readily available, V8 3.5 or 3.9 + R380 box, easy to drive, relaxed on long journeys when visiting the XKSS build, +++ serious amounts of fun when needed.
Ignoring the 'hairdresser' interior, something like this has all the right bits...
http://pistonheads.com/sales/3710216.htm
Or, send an email to the V8 Register who always know of a good one for sale...
http://www.v8register.net/
Thanks V8250. Perhaps I didn't get it across well enough - I'm bored! I feel that I have spent my life lusting after, owning, building, converting and writing about Jaguars, and somehow feel that there are other things in life. The grey matter needs a new challenge. I have to say that the BV8 above is just too "bling" for me, since the dashboard and all is in my eyes bloody awful, but I'm not averse to something that at least looks like an MGB with a V8 motor. Perhaps I'll come through this phase and out the other side, but there was our first rally of the year today and I couldn't even be bothered to get the E-type out of her Carcoon. The bar looked more inviting instead. I also don't like the way that the more prestigious clubs are now all about money money, money and the bloody value of their cars etc. but perhaps I would be changing from one set of "merchant bankers" to another - I don't know, but you lot will no doubt tell me. Just call it the change of life for the moment.
Edited by lowdrag on Sunday 18th March 17:53
If you want original go for a Factory BGT V8. These are very good cars, much better than a B or C.
I have owned the lot over the last twenty odd years and put 40,000 miles on my Factory V8 taking it to Le Mans three times and many other places. I daily commuted in it for two years as well. They sound fantastic and are very reliable.
If you need a convertible go for a BGT V8 conversion.
As for the B, it's a good car, handles well, you won't be unhappy but the engine is pretty uninspiring and archaic. I actually prefer the 1600 in the MGA as it revs better than the 1.8 unit.
I currently own an MGC and I can't recommend one in standard form. I just don't like the handling due to the massive weight of the engine. The engine doesn't rev either. Mine is modified so it's nothing like standard.
My polarised 5p but there you go.
I have owned the lot over the last twenty odd years and put 40,000 miles on my Factory V8 taking it to Le Mans three times and many other places. I daily commuted in it for two years as well. They sound fantastic and are very reliable.
If you need a convertible go for a BGT V8 conversion.
As for the B, it's a good car, handles well, you won't be unhappy but the engine is pretty uninspiring and archaic. I actually prefer the 1600 in the MGA as it revs better than the 1.8 unit.
I currently own an MGC and I can't recommend one in standard form. I just don't like the handling due to the massive weight of the engine. The engine doesn't rev either. Mine is modified so it's nothing like standard.
My polarised 5p but there you go.
complete and utter 'merchant bankers'...understand exactly where you're coming from, and, in finding the bar more interesting than getting the car out of the carcoon. i gave up clubs about 7-8years ago due to the 'bankers' including the pcgb and grrc. really, had had enough of the bling and shiny cling-on types. in fact lost nearly all interest with classics during this period...even the september pilgrimage to the revival. have you the same sense of been there, done it, now what's next? these days much prefer kophill, ollon villars, morges etc.
back to the venerable b'. i picked up one of these last year for peanuts...a really good 1977 car that i'm slowly turning into a fast'ish road car; circa' 130bhp. i bought a later car just in case i get the urge to drop a v8 into it...and really, 200bhp in a well set-up b' will satisfy the urge of most hot-blooded males and be able to compete in most road rallies when the itch needs to be scratched.
the advertised bv8 is far too blinged-up for me too. excluding interior dash etc. + exterior colour, it was a suggestion of a well thought through v8 with the right bits...there are some good cars out there and for much less. all the people i know who've had/have a c' are always slightly disapponted unless a lot of money is spent setting the car up and engine breathed on...whereas as a bv8 will already be done.
to be frank, my little brooklands green roadster with her intrepid 95bhp brings the biggest smile every time i drive her. roof down, a steady 75-80mph all day long, a bundle of fun on country lanes; they're just hilarious. no pretence, starts every time, it does what it says on the tin...and for some odd reason it's a bloody totty magnet extra-ordinaire!! well, good luck with your search. btw, will the xkss be ready for kophill in september? last year dick skipworth was very 'present' with transporter and ecosse cars
back to the venerable b'. i picked up one of these last year for peanuts...a really good 1977 car that i'm slowly turning into a fast'ish road car; circa' 130bhp. i bought a later car just in case i get the urge to drop a v8 into it...and really, 200bhp in a well set-up b' will satisfy the urge of most hot-blooded males and be able to compete in most road rallies when the itch needs to be scratched.
the advertised bv8 is far too blinged-up for me too. excluding interior dash etc. + exterior colour, it was a suggestion of a well thought through v8 with the right bits...there are some good cars out there and for much less. all the people i know who've had/have a c' are always slightly disapponted unless a lot of money is spent setting the car up and engine breathed on...whereas as a bv8 will already be done.
to be frank, my little brooklands green roadster with her intrepid 95bhp brings the biggest smile every time i drive her. roof down, a steady 75-80mph all day long, a bundle of fun on country lanes; they're just hilarious. no pretence, starts every time, it does what it says on the tin...and for some odd reason it's a bloody totty magnet extra-ordinaire!! well, good luck with your search. btw, will the xkss be ready for kophill in september? last year dick skipworth was very 'present' with transporter and ecosse cars
Lagerlout said:
I currently own an MGC and I can't recommend one in standard form. I just don't like the handling due to the massive weight of the engine. The engine doesn't rev either. Mine is modified so it's nothing like standard.
And I have to say in comparison to all the RV8 fans on here I would not consider a Bv8 over a C any day, unless I was building it with a SBC.
hi Tony, I don't think I've ever even sat in a MGC but for a long time now I've thought that perhaps a MGC roadster with even perhaps a auto box might be a pleasant touring car
as for a V8 I'm a fan of Rover V8 engines in lots of cars, I've had a few and if I had the money I'd have a few more
if you like top down motoring it rules out a BGT of course but a B roadster conversion can also be a pleasant touring car and they're not all with the stereotype paintwork and interior
below is a photo of my BV8 apart from the replacement to the deckchair seat and those nasty oversills it looked like a standard B only the exhaust tail pipe and sound gave it away (I'd forgotten about those wheel trims they went when the the wheels were refurbed)
I went all over looking at converted c/b cars and ended up buying a r/b that was 3 miles from where I live, having the Spridget and a c/b BGT at the time I can say having a r/b B had its advantages from a practical use point of veiw
even with a (fairly standard) RV8 engine the B's not over fast or quick but is sufficiently so as not to dissapoint, when you're touring it's more about making it to the next open petrol station than acceloration or high end speeds (same with small engined cars that have small fuel tanks like Spridgets)
as for a V8 I'm a fan of Rover V8 engines in lots of cars, I've had a few and if I had the money I'd have a few more
if you like top down motoring it rules out a BGT of course but a B roadster conversion can also be a pleasant touring car and they're not all with the stereotype paintwork and interior
below is a photo of my BV8 apart from the replacement to the deckchair seat and those nasty oversills it looked like a standard B only the exhaust tail pipe and sound gave it away (I'd forgotten about those wheel trims they went when the the wheels were refurbed)
I went all over looking at converted c/b cars and ended up buying a r/b that was 3 miles from where I live, having the Spridget and a c/b BGT at the time I can say having a r/b B had its advantages from a practical use point of veiw
even with a (fairly standard) RV8 engine the B's not over fast or quick but is sufficiently so as not to dissapoint, when you're touring it's more about making it to the next open petrol station than acceloration or high end speeds (same with small engined cars that have small fuel tanks like Spridgets)
wildoliver said:
If it doesn't handle or rev then I suggest you have a look at it then because there is something badly wrong!
And I have to say in comparison to all the RV8 fans on here I would not consider a Bv8 over a C any day, unless I was building it with a SBC.
It doesn't handle or rev compared to a B or especially a BV8. I'd hardly say my opinion on this is in the minority either, the BGT V8 is widely acknowledged as the best variant of the B/C. Each to their own of course. I still like my C for it's character, I'm just honest in admitting it's dynamically flawed compared to the others. And I have to say in comparison to all the RV8 fans on here I would not consider a Bv8 over a C any day, unless I was building it with a SBC.
Im afraid we will have to agree to disagree, I find the rover v8 a poor engine in pretty much anything bar a TVR, I certainly don't find it a revvy engine and as for a B engine being revvy in standard form!
I'd suggest looking at the timing of your C because it should be free revving.
I'd suggest looking at the timing of your C because it should be free revving.
Hi
Well Oli knows my MGC and it revs 7500 no problem and will go round bends lol! yes its a track car, tuning the car is easy and not expensive. Stay away from triple webers for cruising (mpg plummets). To handle 7/8 anti roll bar spax fronts dampers and new upgraded rear leavers 25%. lower the car a tad as well, easy for a C ! but I have a MGC roadster in build as a touring car fast road engine and a few tweeks to the suspension. Its gotta be the best cruising car. I have just sold a B with a zetec in it wonderful car 150hp fun but not a tourer.
The V8 car is a character as well I think you have to try all one will take you fancy, a good V8 may be cheaper than a C, there are more C roadsters for sale than v8, both will return the same mpg .
Buy the best you can afford.
Well Oli knows my MGC and it revs 7500 no problem and will go round bends lol! yes its a track car, tuning the car is easy and not expensive. Stay away from triple webers for cruising (mpg plummets). To handle 7/8 anti roll bar spax fronts dampers and new upgraded rear leavers 25%. lower the car a tad as well, easy for a C ! but I have a MGC roadster in build as a touring car fast road engine and a few tweeks to the suspension. Its gotta be the best cruising car. I have just sold a B with a zetec in it wonderful car 150hp fun but not a tourer.
The V8 car is a character as well I think you have to try all one will take you fancy, a good V8 may be cheaper than a C, there are more C roadsters for sale than v8, both will return the same mpg .
Buy the best you can afford.
lowdrag said:
Look, I'm getting older and don't do much track work and have given up serious rallying but still want to tour and take pleasure in my cars. I've been a Jaguar man for nigh on 30 years but feel the need to scratch other itches, like a TR5 or an MGB or C roadster. There's one here I like the look of for example:-
http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C288702
Now, you here are the knowledgeable ones on MGs, so I ask the collective wisdom for advice. Given that this will be fun runs, "soft" touring rallies and general pleasure I'm looking for your opinions. The above car has modified roll bars and overdrive by the way.
This C has all the right bits for cruising and a will handle well, far better than most peoples capability. Mine will be same colour with wires and a fast road engine, maybe a 5 speed box, Toyota or T5, just maybe!!http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C288702
Now, you here are the knowledgeable ones on MGs, so I ask the collective wisdom for advice. Given that this will be fun runs, "soft" touring rallies and general pleasure I'm looking for your opinions. The above car has modified roll bars and overdrive by the way.
Lowdrag
Over the years I've owned 4 x MGB GTV8's and 5 x MGC's. Without hesitation I'd go for an MGC every time.
It's true that the launch press criticism was harsh, and probably deserved, as the cars appear with hindsight to have been prepared in a hurry and to less than optimal spec.(tyre pressures and suspension settings being less than perfect).
The car in the link posted above wouldn't be my first choice as I'd talk to Doug Smith at MG Motorsport first and a.) see what he has available, and b.) ask what he would charge to prepare one to your own spec. http://www.mgmotorsport.com/
Doug worked on my MGC's and the end results were staggering in terms of performance, handling and comfort for relatively modest outlay.
Just to add that I have no connection with MG Motorsport other than as a past satisfied customer.
Trophy200
Over the years I've owned 4 x MGB GTV8's and 5 x MGC's. Without hesitation I'd go for an MGC every time.
It's true that the launch press criticism was harsh, and probably deserved, as the cars appear with hindsight to have been prepared in a hurry and to less than optimal spec.(tyre pressures and suspension settings being less than perfect).
The car in the link posted above wouldn't be my first choice as I'd talk to Doug Smith at MG Motorsport first and a.) see what he has available, and b.) ask what he would charge to prepare one to your own spec. http://www.mgmotorsport.com/
Doug worked on my MGC's and the end results were staggering in terms of performance, handling and comfort for relatively modest outlay.
Just to add that I have no connection with MG Motorsport other than as a past satisfied customer.
Trophy200
Trophy200 said:
The car in the link posted above wouldn't be my first choice as I'd talk to Doug Smith at MG Motorsport first and a.) see what he has available, and b.) ask what he would charge to prepare one to your own spec. http://www.mgmotorsport.com/
Doug worked on my MGC's and the end results were staggering in terms of performance, handling and comfort for relatively modest outlay.
Just to add that I have no connection with MG Motorsport other than as a past satisfied customer.
Trophy200
I think MGMotorsport do a very fine job, see the car above (Chormy's) but beware of the spurious power claims. I think Chormy will tell you the 200+ claimed fell a fair bit short! It took a fair bit more work to get it over and above that figure.Doug worked on my MGC's and the end results were staggering in terms of performance, handling and comfort for relatively modest outlay.
Just to add that I have no connection with MG Motorsport other than as a past satisfied customer.
Trophy200
Thanks all. I tried ringing but he's not in until later this afternoon. My reasoning behind a C rather than a B can be summed up in one word - torque. I want a relaxing tourer, not an engine that needs revs all the time, although a B isn't that bad either. I have won bets with the E-type by putting it in 4th, slipping the clutch to 12mph, then driving away to 130mph with no vibration and even today I took a roundabout without changing gear. I just want a relaxing tourer sine I'll have the XKSS with an animal of an engine if I want to play. The whole thing hinges on a reply from a prospective purchaser of the E-type at the moment.
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