Performance Suspension Assembly

The latest MGB performance modification evaluated.

The MG RV8 incorporated much improved design in suspension and braking systems than was used on its former MG stablemates, to provide the handling characteristics and braking performance of a modern-day sports car. The MG RV8 front suspension was configured on an original MGB style crossmember, but to a double wishbone design with telescopic dampers centred within coil springs. The original style king pin design was also replaced with modern, maintenance free ball joints for better steering responsiveness. Further more, braking performance was also much improved, by the fitment ventilated front discs and 4-piston brake calipers.

Having an original style MGB crossmember, means that the MG RV8 complete assembly can be easily installed to an MGB, by mounting it to the chassis in exactly the same location using the identical four crossmember/chassis mounting bolts.

Martin Bentley fitted an “MGB Performance Suspension Assembly” to his 1973 V8 to establish how straightforward fitting is and evaluates the improvements gained.

Fitting the Assembly
Fitting the crossmember assembly unit is straightforward, involves unbolting the steering rack, undoing, removing and then reconnecting the new crossmember to the four chassis/crossmember mounting bolts. The steering rack can then bolted back in position using two threaded mounting plates supplied. The new brake pipes supplied with the assembly can then be connected and the brake reservoir topped-up and the system bled. The steering track can then be adjusted at the track rod ends to the recommended car handbook setting.

	Cap
	Coil Over Springs, Telescopic Oil Filled Koni Dampers
	Modern Ball Joints and Double Wishbone design

CLUB DRIVING IMPRESSIONS

Martin Bentley
(Everyday car GTV8 with Koni telescopic dampers all round)
“The effect is immediately noticeable, with the car seeming to glide over our locally pot-holed country roads. The track dimension of the standard MGB front axle is 124.4 cm, whereas the track dimension of the MG RV8 front axle assembly is 126cm, an increase in width of 16mm overall. On cornering at speed the steering is very precise with handling sure and positive. Braking is superb and as an added bonus there is no familiar brake squeal common to many standard MGB brakes. The 4 piston-calipers and ventilated discs cope comfortably when under heavy braking”. “To sum up my impression. Fantastic ! – Dave, Roche, Mike, Richard – come and have a go at this – you’ll love it”.

Dave Sculthorpe
(Everyday car: MGB, Koni telsecopic dampers, urethane bushes)
“Steering feels very smooth, tight and positive – totally responsive. Those tighter ball-joints make all the difference. Over road bumps the suspension is very quiet and the car feels so comfortable – in fact just the set up you need for long journeys. The 4 pot calipers appear well in tune with the master cylinder, so that the pedal travel is remains unaffected. The brakes are responsive and constant.”

Mike Beales
(Everday car: MGB with Club lowering kit, uprated lever arm dampers.
“This feels excellent, the front end is now much more possitive than any other MGB. The problem with the MGB front suspension is that it is based on 1940’s original design and therefore any modification to that design by fitting stiffer springs or uprated dampers can only be a compromise. This RV8 Performance Assembly however is using 1990’s technology and the effect is immediately noticeable. If anyone is improving their MGB by fitting a performance engine, then the benefits of fitting this assembly is worthwhile.”

Richard Monk
(Everday car GTV8 with Koni telescopic dampers all round)
“Steering appears lighter than my car especially at lower lower speeds, and more positive under all conditions. I expect this is the modern ball joint couplings being new and of more efficient design. Over rough bumpy roads at speed the suspension copes nicely as bumps are evened-out, with no harshness as experienced with standard lever arm dampers. The brakes are excellent with good progressive braking and a nice pedal feel”. Overall impression: “My V8 has recently just had a complete suspension rebuild, a new front crossmember to replace my original rusted one, with telescopic Koni dampers, but even so I can appreciate and feel the improvements in handling and steering. Also, the brakes are very good, just the thing you need for fast driving or when decending a steep and windy mountain pass. If I hadn’t just replaced all my front suspension, I would have one of these”

Richard Ladds
(Everyday car MGB GT with standard lever arm dampers)
“The car is amazingly stable on cornering compaired to my GT, just point the car into a corner and it holds its line no matter how uneven the road surface.
My car would skit across and loose its line if it hit a road bump, whereas this set up is rock steady.
Very enjoyable to drive by providing pin sharp steering and a confident aspect to handling and precise cornering. Really impressive – I like it !”

Cost, Value and Availability

Price: £1,500 plus vat (£1,762.50 inclusive of vat)

Considering that a new crossmember is incorporated with these modern components ready fitted into position, torqued to the required settings and ready to be fitted directly to an MGB there is automatically a huge saving in labour costs alone. Then when calculating the costs of the individual components used in its manufacture, the assembly represents excellent value for money.

The Performance Suspension Assembly is a direct development of the MG R V8 and approved for MGB fitment by Rover Groups’ British Motor Heritage Engineering division. Currently available for MGB, GT and V8 models in both right and left hand drive form for cars fitted with either steel or alloy wheels and also for cars with wire wheels. (Please state wheel type when ordering).

MG Owners’ Accessories currently holds stock of these Performance Suspension Assembly units. We also provide a fitting service by arrangement, for details and to order, telephone MGOC Accessories 01954 231318.

Martin Bentley