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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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