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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Frontline / Costello - Rear end



I spent some time at Silverstone looking at Roger Cook�s green B GT V8 on the Frontline Costello stand.

An awesome 5 litre engine, the prototype Costello 6 speed manual gearbox, soon to be in production (although this has been the position for years), Quaife LSD etc..

What interested me most was Frontline Costello�s rear suspension, in particular their Rear Traction Linkage (�RTL�), for which they claim wonders when coupled with their Anti-Tramp bars.

The RTL seems very new, and as yet is not on their website http://www.mgcars.org.uk/frontline/pricelst.htm

I have never had any dealings with Frontline, so would appreciate comments on their level of expertise and service.

I suppose no one has any experience of their RTL yet - has anyone any comments from looking at it at Silverstone or of any similar linkages for lateral location of the rear axle?

Thanks in advance

Safety Fast

Nigel

1973 B GT V8
1959 A 1600 Roadster
1995 R V8 - regrettably for sale (due to inEquitable life!)
Nigel Steward

I should have added to my earlier post that the car is a Factory chrome bumper, lowered 1/2 inch all round, used for Historic rallying, but does not need to be FIA.

It has a John Eales engine giving 216 bhp @ 5000 rpm with 255 ft. lbs. of torque @ 3000 rpm; R380 gearbox, Konis and uprated (25%) springs all round, 7/8ths inch front anti-roll bar and 4 pot calipers on ventilated disks at the front.

I do not want to compromise the ride height, but need to locate the axle more precisely.

NJSS
Nigel Steward

Nigel

I too was impressed, there are some pics on their site somewhere, I downloaded a page earlier in the year, I think I still have it somewhere, and will send it to you if you can't find it.

My rear axle seems solid enough with poly bushes, I had no trouble on the parade laps at Silverstone, so I will hang on until I can find someone whos'e fitted it.

My spec is similar to yours,( I guess the Vitesse FI engine puts out about 200hp,) my rear shocks are Spax which I wound up to full before the run, and this seemed to do the trick.

Mike
Michael barnfather

I looked at this on their stand last year when it was then about to go into production also. I seem to remember that it needs composite rear springs as well. BTW 216 BHP doesn't sound enough for a 5L engine.
ian thomson

Nigel,

As you gathered from website Frontline was Spridget orientated and I use frontline front and rear on my midget and Tim is very helpful and great customer service.

The RTL is new and was fitted to demo cars so I would advise a trip to Bath to test the product. I have pics but I'm sure if you email Frontline they will send updated version.

Mike,

As we both use SD1 rear end I was going to take car to Bath at some time so Tim could check RTL would fit a non standard rear.

Paul
Paul

Paul,

I wondered about that , too, but as the axle fixings are the same, presumably ther wouldn't be a problem.

I would like to see one in action, I don't think I want to go to composite springs yet as these are only about 12.000 miles old.

Mike
Michael barnfather

Ian - the numbers in my second post - 216 etc,, relate to my car!

Paul - pleased to hear Tim's service is good; I guess I must go to Bath in the next couple of weeks.

Safety Fast


Nigel
Nigel Steward

Mike,

Tim assumed there would not be a problem but wanted to check.

I don't think composites are required.

He may also consider making up a SD1 rear disc brake kit.

Nigel
The demo car had 220bhp at wheels so should be a good comparison, mind you his Midgets have about 220bhp.

Paul
Paul

This thread was discussed between 24/07/2002 and 25/07/2002

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