PDI Vs VVC

[whythem]

£1200 max to spend on a MGF. I know the VVC has half leather, ABS, Alloys and a few horses.

As a road only car is there a noticeable difference between the two engines? Search is down again as usual.

[MGSteve]

I would try and get a drive in both before deciding. Below around 3K RPM they are very similar, but once past 4K RPM the MPi with start to run out of puff whereas the VVC will keep pulling strongly right up to the red line. I have come arcoss woners who dont like using high revs, so dont miss not having a VVC.

There is a buying guide and a model guide over on this site you may find usefull.
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/MGF_buyi...
http://www.mgf.ultimatemg.com/group1/info/mgf_hist...

[whythem]

Thanks Steve, I'd already found that site, but was hoping for some direct comparrisons between the two cars. However, I think from what I have read the VVC is the better car, particulary as in my price range there doesnt seem much of a price difference between the two.

[Mr2Mike]

Which one is the PDI engine?

[chris watton]

I don't know about the 'normal' VVC, but I had a PDI MGF and then an MGF Trophy 160 - the difference in handling and performance is night and day - the standard 1.8i being very sluggish by comparison, plus handling was questionable.

I'd also like to say that, we bought another Trophy 160 in 2006, for the wife. We then moved to Italy in 2007, and I used it for the 100 mile a day commute to Turin, and it was great. It was then left in the garage for the next couple of years, not used, while I went to and from Italy in a Nissan. When we sold our house in Italy, the battery was dead in the MG, but we bought another, turned the ignition and it fired up first time. I then drove it all the way back from Italy to the UK with no problems - it is now taxed, MOT'd and insured for the UK again. Fantastic little car.

ETA - Also had a TF 160, replaced it with my first MGF Trophy, and hated it - nnothing but a watered down /diluted version of Trophy 160...

Edited by chris watton on Wednesday 6th October 14:03

[PJ3074]

If you do end up with a 1.8 MPi, they are ok with a few little tweaks: K&N Panel Filter, Performance Plugs and some engine tuning. Then it's pretty quick off the mark and these tweaks will iron out some of the flat spots. Approx cost is £70.00 for parts as easy DIY. Engine tuning was free for me as mate runs own business in that area... The only issue I read on the VVC is that they have been prone to throwing cambelts? But replacement in this area is always a given when buying any second had car IMO.

PS. (Chris) your comment about handling on the MPi being questionable??? You must have had a go in an "Iffy" example - mine is spot on, but I have all the key bits sorted ..... Remember tyre choice is wayyy critical and odd branded tyres (aka comedy specials) will F*** the "F's" handling big time regardless of it being MPi, VVC or the more potent Trophy... Notable elements affecting handling is all suspension related on these, so things like rear track rod ends, bushes etc.

Edited by PJ3074 on Wednesday 6th October 16:48

[whythem]

Mr2Mike said:

Which one is the PDI engine?

I think I meant the Mpi engine, either way I mean the lower hp base 1.8i Vs the higher revving VVC which has roughly 25bhp more than the mpi engine.

Research has lead me to be looking for a yr2000 MK2 VVC. The search begins.

[whythem]

PJ, do the engine tweaks you mention effect the insurance premium you pay?

[MGSteve]

whythem said:

PJ, do the engine tweaks you mention effect the insurance premium you pay?

It will depend on which insurance company you use, and what policies they offer. The tweaks mentioned will be classed as modification to an insurer. Pick a company that specialises in insuring standard cars and your premium will be loaded significantly. Use a company offering specialist policies for modified cars and the cost will not rise. My advice would be to join a recognised MG Club (Mg car club for example) and use an insurer who gives club members a discount. There are significant saving to be made if you can limit the milage too.

By doing this, I can now insure both my modified MG's (TF160 & ZT260) for less then what the larger less specialised companies were quoting just to insure my TF last year .

Up until the introduction of the MGF Trophy and Freestyle, the chassis of the F is the same for both VVC and MPi, so there should be no discernable difference in the handling, only in the performance. The Trophy was updated with solid subframe mounts resulting in slightly tighter handling, but still not a patch on the stiffer chassis, quicker steering and improved suspension geometry of the TF IMHO.

[PJ3074]

Personally, I have not bothered telling them about a straight panel filter replacement and some Iridium Plugs. Only the bits that stand out on mine which are VVC alloys, Roll Hoops and the chrome interior trim upgrade pack. It's not an induction kit that would stand out and when I add a performance exhaust the premium goes up by £20...Besides, having smacked a couple of cars years ago the insurer never had my car checked it went straight to the body shop and back in 3 weeks.

PS. An Induction Kit Option may sound good, but on the "F" its pointless unless you either go for a Taipan system (quite pricey) or you connect up so cold air feed hoses to suck in cold air. You maybe aware that the engine bay area on these cars is far from cool. So a Std. K&N Induction kit would be pointless unless you do the aforementioned. K&N Panel Filter is only £40, takes 30 mins to do (most of that time is removing the cover and sorting your hood etc. no one will know its there except you. Plugs is easy and swap out your HT leads to go with the Iridiums. Runs a treat and better on the MPG to boot.

Edited by PJ3074 on Thursday 7th October 15:36