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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Who is using an SD1 axle

hi there,

I am studing to modify an SD1 axle as i'd like to raise the end ratio and my standard B axle is not worth to be converted.Is there anyone who did this job (shortening the axle and modifying the halfshaft to fit the B brake drum??)

regards,

Arno
Arno

A1 Fabrications who did mine about 4 years ago have gone out of business but I have heard that Andy Robinson - specialising in racing and hot rods may be prepared to do it for you. Telephone +44 1256 880589
Marc

Hi Arno,

Mine was also converted by A1, I have driven about 15000 miles, and the splines of the halfshafts are showing signs of twisting, the've gone off to Andy Robinson today for replacement.

I mentioned about axle conversions to him, I have not dealt with him before, but he seems very helpful, he was recommended by another V8 owner on this site, and reckons he can get conversions done, why not contact him, his website is http://www.robinson-race-cars.co.uk

Mike
Michael barnfather

Thanks for your reply Michael, Marc

As an factory-engineer i have good contacts in construction compagnies, so I plan to have the work done in those compagnies and coodinate it myself, but I'd like to share some practical things with people who have done this job before.

regards,

Arno
Arno

Arno,

No problem, my axle's off the car at the moment so if you want measurements or anything please let me know.

Mike
Michael barnfather

Michael,

Is it possible to send me some pic's ??
I'm interested in (closeup) pic's from the hub (if your brake drums are removed) and the backside of the brakedrum backplate.

Arno
Arno

Is it a reasonable thing to consider shortening the axle a tad more on one side to compensate for the difference in rear wheel-arch clearances. I can't see that there is any problem in having one half-shaft very slightly shorter than the other and this would then allow wide wheels to be more easliy fitted later.
Maybe someone can comment as to whether there are objections to this. (I'm not planning to do it but I would have done a few years ago when I had my own axle shortened).
Marc

Arno,

Would be interested in your views on cut and resplined SD1 halfshafts as I've found they are not up to job and hence Strange halfshafts from Andy. Also you can use SD1 drums. Terry Brown has for somewhile been looking at selling a rear disc conversion for SD1, plenty of interest.

Mike,

Do you know specs of Terry's conversion?

Marc,

Could cut both sides short even to WW length giving the option of say Datsun wheels.

From previous posts its the shell thats the problem but I assume there is still the same amount of space on the inside of wheel and its only outside panel that is out.

Paul
Paul

Paul - the problem is not only with the outside panel - on my MGB, which you have seen, there is a difference in clearance on the inside as well - between the rim and the bump stop bulge. You have wide wheels - check itout. I suspect that you will find that you have a difference too.
Marc

Marc,

Tucked up in garage - but as I only have a minor diff I would prob be non the wiser. The distance between spring and tyre is exactly same both sides, but too late in day to check elsewhere.

Paul
Paul

I have just reflected over my last posting. It really is true that on one side the wheel is closer top the wheel arch lip and on the other side it is closer to the bump stop. This really says that it it is more than the exterior body which is misaligned. I am amazed at this new realisation. I don't understand how this could be. I have had the car since 15,000 miles and I know the previous owner. No accidents.
Marc

Paul,

I see more difficulties in welding the holes and redrilling the hlafshaft-studs to 4 bolt MG as I would not like to leave the SD1 drums on.
Cutring and resplining the halfshafts is an job that a good equipped enginering work should be able to do.
We had a big car and parts fair of the MGCC Holland to day and as several peolpe offered me standard MGB axles for Euro 100 to 250, Im am still considering to buy me a Crown and Pignon wheel set (355 pound Brown @ gammons)and stick to the MG axle and replace the end gear.

Arno
Arno

Arno,

IMO the resplined SD1 halfshaft is too weak and will need heat treatment, shot peeing.

The C&P may be cheaper from Clive Wheatley.

Marc,

If you make a note of all dimensions, I will check them to mine next weekend.

Paul
Paul

Hi chaps

Arno, not got pics, the Rover brakes were used, and the drums and half shafts re drilled for 4 studs.

The brake shoes are approximately the same area as the MG ones, drums are wider but nt as tall, I have not experienced any problems with brakes locking (I am using smaller cylinders ) so I guess they're all right, making the handbrake work is no problem as the axle is approx the same width as the MG one.

Paul is right the half shaft splines won't take 200hp without twisting, which is why i'm having to get beefed up ones.

Mike
Michael barnfather

This thread was discussed between 15/01/2003 and 20/01/2003

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