Upgrades to ensure reliable MG TF 160 motoring

[firemarkonline]

New to the forum.

I am currently giving huge consideration to becoming an owner of an MG TF 160. However, a few internet scare stories regarding engine and head gasket problems have prompted me to seek your advice.

Are there any modifications or upgrades that I can have done that will assist or ensure that I have a reliable and enjoyable time with the car? I am willing to spend a reasonable amount of money (not huge amounts) in order to get the best possible experience with a car that has all but sold itself to me.

Very grateful for any advice that people can give.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by firemarkonline on Thursday 22 April 11:22

Edited by firemarkonline on Thursday 22 April 11:23

[PJ3074]

Don't be too concerned with HG scares. Most people would have had this sorted. Uprated Head, Top Bolt Set (must also do a Cambelt & Tensioner change with this too). If you have to hve this done, then budget £500 for parts and labour.

[alfa pint]

firemarkonline said:

New to the forum.

I am currently giving huge consideration to becoming an owner of an MG TF 160. However, a few internet scare stories regarding engine and head gasket problems have prompted me to seek your advice.

Are there any modifications or upgrades that I can have done that will assist or ensure that I have a reliable and enjoyable time with the car? I am willing to spend a reasonable amount of money (not huge amounts) in order to get the best possible experience with a car that has all but sold itself to me.

Very grateful for any advice that people can give.

Thanks in advance.

Edited by firemarkonline on Thursday 22 April 11:22

Buy an MX5?

Edited by firemarkonline on Thursday 22 April 11:23

[hearselover]

PJ3074 said:

Don't be too concerned with HG scares. Most people would have had this sorted. Uprated Head, Top Bolt Set (must also do a Cambelt & Tensioner change with this too). If you have to hve this done, then budget £500 for parts and labour.

What he said but I would also replace the under floor coolant pipes for stainless ones (about £70) and maybe even chuck in an aluminium core radiator for a TF (Larger capacity and better cooling). If you are decent with spanners then the cost will be a lot less than £500 to do the HG and belts. As for buying an MX5 well lifes just to short to blend in.

[PJ3074]

hearselover said:

As for buying an MX5 well lifes just to short to blend in.

Having driven a Mk2 MX5, they are as dull as dishwater (IMO) and the engine is also in the wrong place too! You will also find the nose twitches alot and much less of a thrill compared to an MG, especially the Trophy 160.. as long as you get the bits done as aforementioned then its very reliable and cost effective car.

[firemarkonline]

Thanks Fellas, is there much of a difference between the 135 and the 160?

Alfa-pint, my girlfriend has a MX5 so two girls cars would be too much mate! ;-)

[hearselover]

firemarkonline said:

Thanks Fellas, is there much of a difference between the 135 and the 160?

Alfa-pint, my girlfriend has a MX5 so two girls cars would be too much mate! ;-)

There is a world of difference, if you can get a 160 go for it. Ive got a 143 F and a 160 ZR and there is no comparison. Performance is better, brakes are better and oddly tax is cheaper.

Ash

[K90 DMC]

I have TF160 with minor mods, exhaust, de-cat, decent enclosed panel filter with cold air feeds, a full remap for 98ron fuel, it pumps out a rolling road proven 175+ Bhp, and is a bit of a Q-car apart from the colour I had the multilayer head gasket and shim fitted with new cam belt and water pump, no reliability issues, however it aint a German or Jap car so i expect to have a few niggles, a bit like my old mans TVR. A underrated car, imo, you will be surprised what it will see off, on a private track of course.

[PJ3074]

I've only had a go of a 160T and its O-M-G this is FAST!! let alone a tweaked one - nice car Danny!

I've only got a 1.8i F, but I have installed a K&N Panel Filter, done the bushes, grooved brakes/fast road pads and for like 120Bhp its still great fun, but I drive it everyday and the 160T is not as economical, but if its going to be like your toy, then Yes have the Trophy anyday!!

Jap cars are all well and good (Ex-Mk1 MR2 Man) but when you need to have stuff done it can be a bit £££ on the wallet. Service for MG's is quite cheap for a sports car and parts are no more expensive than a Rover 200. I think if you get the main bits sorted (as per thread) the on-going costs are very cheap.

I had a new Alternator Belt Fitted recently, so an original MG belt (Sussex Classic Car Parts) and fit came to just under £60 including parts, labour and VAT. Considering where the engine is and the belt is a fiddly place, not bad. Some Jap cars can be like that money just for a belt!!

Edited by PJ3074 on Thursday 29th April 16:37