The MGA Twin Cam Sports activities Automotive
A assessment of The MGA Twin Cam Sports activities Automotive, overlaying improvement, necessary options, and technical knowledge of this the third mannequin within the new MG vary.On this Article, I provide a nostalgic take a look at the MGA Twin Cam, one in every of an elite group of basic automobiles, which was manufactured throughout the interval 1958 to 1960.In 1958, the MGA Twin Cam sports activities automotive was launched. Initially, the engine for use was an overhead cam model of the B-Collection unit, and one which had by no means been used on another automotive.In reality, the final roadster to make use of a twin cam engine was the MG PB, again in 1936.As a result of push rod engines have been simpler to fabricate, have been cheaper, and extra dependable than the dual cam model, it was these that have been used put up 1936.Nonetheless, because it was turning into more and more troublesome to generate greater than 60-70 bhp from the B-Collection engine used within the MGA 1500 and MG Magnette saloon automotive, it was determined to revisit the dual cam possibility.Additionally, the corporate needed MG to return to the race monitor from which it had been absent for quite a lot of years.In reality, way back to 1955, an MGA was fitted with a prototype twin cam engine, and was raced within the Dundrod Vacationer Trophy Race.
Consequently, the present B-Collection engine was bored out to extend capability from 1498 to 1588 cc.The crankshaft used solely three slender important bearings, and the con rods have been significantly strengthened.The dual overhead camshafts have been positioned inside a light-weight alloy cross movement cylinder head, and the hemispherical combustion chambers used two valves per cylinder, and have been employed to create the very excessive compression ratio of 9.9:1.It used two 1.75 inch SU carburettors on the LHS of the engine, and there was a brand new manifold with separate down pipes for every cylinder.The end result was spectacular, with the engine producing 108 bhp at 6700 rpm, and a torque of 104 lb-ft at 4500 rpm.Nonetheless, reliability issues with the engine dogged the automotive from the start.This was on account of the truth that the very excessive compression required good ignition timing coupled with the usage of the very best octane gas.With out these beliefs, holes may very well be burned within the pistons. Moreover, for the reason that twin cam engine used rings and bores that have been chromed, this triggered it to make use of massive portions of oil.Sadly, all these issues have been addressed simply earlier than manufacturing, which was now right down to a trickle, was halted in 1959, by which period the injury to the automobiles’ status had gone too far.One answer that was employed was to cut back the compression ratio from 9.9 to eight.three:1, which diminished energy to 100 bhp on this low compression variant which was launched in a while.Nonetheless, coupled with these issues, was the stiff competitors that it acquired from the likes of the Triumph TR3A and the Austin Healey 100-6, each of which supplied higher efficiency.Externally, it differed little or no from the MGA 1500, apart from the Twin Cam badges on the highest of the bonnet close to the air consumption grille, and on the boot lid under the MG badge.Wire wheels weren’t supplied as an non-obligatory further.The specification included the next:
75 inch disc brakes have been fitted to all 4 wheels and, owing to their massive braking floor space, it was felt that servo help was not required
Particular to this mannequin have been Dunlop knock on metal wheels related, to these on Jaguars use for racing
A 4 pace gearbox with synchromesh on the highest three gears
Impartial suspension on the entrance utilizing coil springs, with leaf springs on the rear
Rack and pinion steering
The roadster had leather-based lined bucket seats, while the mounted head coupe had “De Luxe” variations providing higher suppport
Of the two,111 MGA Twin Cam sports activities automobiles constructed, 1,801 have been convertibles and solely 310 have been the mounted head variations.This marked the top of the MGA Twin CamPerhaps this stroll down reminiscence lane may need answered, or not less than make clear, a doable query:Which MG Sports activities Automotive is Your Favorite?Nonetheless, ought to this query nonetheless stay unanswered, I will probably be reviewing, in some element, in future articles inside this web site, all the vary of MG sports activities automobiles which have been featured within the memorable period spanning 1924 to 1995.I hope you be a part of me in my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane”.