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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - uprated shock valves

In the ongoing quest to furnish my conversion with an exhaust system, I've found that I might be required to remove the Koni add-on shock conversion that I fitted several years ago, and use the lever shocks. This is due to an interference problem between the Konis and the header down tubes, as the Koni conversion is the cheapo kind where the shocks sit behind the lever arm unit. I'd planned to simply bring the headers down further toward the rear in the wheel well, avoiding the problem, but I've now been told that to do that might invite interference with the tire when it's on full lock! It seems that the RV8 headers being sold come down near the center of the block, so something's gotta give, and I think it's gotta be the Konis. Custom headers are probably out of reach; number one, I don't have a trailer, and number two, I've been quoted $1500-$2000 to have some made up. Wouldn't be any good anyway if they're going to interfere with my tires. So, finally, to my question: Who's a good source of uprated lever-arm shock valves, and how much uprating should there be on a street driven car with a 3/4" front sway bar, Konis in the rear, new springs all around, and poly bushings? Are the ones from Moss as good as any? My lever arms are brand 'new' rebuilt.

Thanks, Joe
Joe Ullman

Joe

I use 30% uprated with same set up.

Paul
Paul

Thanks, Paul. Now, I'm being told it may be up to a two month wait to get 'off the shelf' big-bore headers, so I have plenty of time, maybe, to research a source of uprated shock valves. On the bright side, if that's the case, it'll also give me time to fix up the body trim, tail light reflectors, and 'finish' the rustproofing. Never a lack of things to do, is there? Joe
Joe Ullman

Joe,

You could try http://www.victoriabritish.com as Steve S recommends them.

Paul
Paul

D & D has Rv8 headers with 1 5/8" primaries in stock, if that is what you mean by big bore headers. The standard RV8 headers are 1 1/2"
Jim

Thanks for the tips, guys. I've just ordered 1-5/8" mild steel headers from Glen Towery, who says that I should have em in a week or so. They were said to be the last in stock at this time; evidently the builder waits till he has a certain number of orders, then makes a batch. He supposedly supplies several vendors whose prices vary a little, so it pays to shop around some. Glen put in a little extra effort to get these for me, so I bought his, which also happened to be priced the lowest. I'll see if they'll clear the shock, but I doubt it. Then I can shop for valves if need be.

Cheers, Joe
Joe Ullman

This thread was discussed between 29/07/2002 and 01/08/2002

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