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MG MGF Technical - MGTF Sports Pack

A question regarding the sports packs for the TF.
SP1 is listed as lowered and uprated suspension.
SP2 is listed as upgraded brakes ABS, wheels etc, but does SP2 include the lowered suspension upgrade as well or does that have to be specified as an extra to SP2 ?
Art Jacks

Extra.

Basically the TF160 has Sportspack 2 by default, so it only has the option of Sportspack 1, where I think all other models (probably excluding the 1.6) can have Sportspack 1 and/or 2.
Paul Lathwell

Any TF owners on this board who can give some advice as to the advantages of the SP1, i.e. is it necessary or does it give a big improvement in the road holding etc. The car will be used for normal road use no competition events so I do not want to price up a kit if it will have no practical advantages. The TF I road tested seemed quite firm on the road and handled very well so no problems with the standard SP2 set up I would just like to know if SP1 will improve the car in any significant way.
Art Jacks

Art
I have a TF 135 with the SP2 pack( bought dec 2002), of all the bits its the ABS that I wanted. Before getting my MG I took out four different models on the same route and on the same day, I must driven the dealer mad!
In the road test I thought the ride was a little on the firm side, I dont have a lot of padding down there. The reduction in the ride height etc improves the drag co-eff so its should be faster and cheaper on the fuel but your right foot would be more effective in that area.
There are changes to the tyres/wheels as well and these do change the drive.

Hitting the brakes is where I notice the big difference, esp in the past weeks driving in the snow and ice (but what are you doing braking anyway!). I think the balance of the car is better than a basic TF135 but with only 2000 miles I have yet to really find out, but at 3750rpm on the M40 the ride is very firm to the point of uncomfortable and on the concrete surface on the m42 had the coffee all over the floor.
I can not see anyone putting on makeup in an MG at speed, its that firm.

For my money the price between nothing and sp2 on a new car gives a significant performance and handling increase, I would not go for the sp1 option.
tony

I have a standard 160. I had the same dilemma whether to go for the lowered option. What I was told was if you're planning to take it on the track fine otherwise don't bother.

The ride has improved consideably over the 10k mls I've had it. It was quite unpleasant/choppy at first but has settled down. It is very good now.

BTW I understand MGR use the M42 to test suspension characteristics; cheaper than building a very poor surface!!!
Ian Walker

When ordering my 160 I also did not know whether or not to go for the Sports-pack 1 option. In the end I decided to play it safe and stick with the standard suspension on the basis that the TF was/is considerably stiffer and less forgiving over poorer road surfaces. To be perfectly honest it's not a decision I've regretted and I find the standard set-up is just fine for normal road use and handles just great through corners. I'd still like to see how much different the lower/stiffer suspension makes, but I'm very happy with my TF especially as the tyre wear is now completely even! :)
Paul Lathwell

I have SP1 on my TF 160 and it is true that it makes the suspension very hard and crashy, exacerbating the problem of the poor quality of interior fittings. No problem if roads are of good quality where you live, but on bad roads you'll loose your fillings...

However, it must also be said that the look of the car is much improved with the lower setup and that the stability and feedback at speed are great.

You pay your money...

Per
Per

My advice is go to Calais and order a right hand-drive TF160 from the local dealer. In France you get it all inc. (pack 1 & 2) for circa 27,000/28,000 Euros tops ....see your saving straight-away and no need to worry about packs choice.

In my opinion, the sport pack (lowered & strenghtened suspension) gives a proper sports car feel to the TF160. Seats are confortable enough to absorb the road uneven surfaces....unless you feel like going off-road but then that's not a TF you need.
Stephane

Interesting that ABS is available as part of a 'sports-pack'. Surely the motorsports hard-cases among us (not me, I hasten to add) would argue that a car is 'sportier' without ABS? Didn't they take ABS off the Trophy160?
David Bainbridge

>> Didn't they take ABS off the Trophy160?<<

May be more a question of not putting ABS on the Trophy160 David.

I know what the marketing line was for this no-show of ABS on the early Trophy, but I am honestly not so sure what the real reason was for this decision.

It is interesting to note that the fully homologated 'European' Trophy 160s did come equipped with ABS.

Perhaps this is because of percieved market demand.

Perhaps because when the Trophy 160 was initially launched, there wasn't time to get the ABS software/ hardware sorted to cope with the new front brakes.

Not sure which is the correct answer - may be a combination of both.

What does count against the hardware/software theory of no-ABS on the Trophy is the fact that a number of MG owners have now retro-fitted their MGs with Trophy brakes, with no apparent problems with the ABS.

Go figure.

But I bet the reason for ABS on Sportspack 2 is primarily marketing-lead. If you are spending the best part of 20 grand on a car, you would expect to find ABS wouldn't you? You'd definitely wouldn't be all that impressed with the 'it's a driver's car sir' excuse for paying more for less...
Rob Bell

ABS
In my view one of the best things to put on a car, gives full candesance braking and hence steering control to anyone without the need for IAM training.

****** total bias view on my part *******
but I am still breathing cos
a) I had it on a car I was driving
b) so did the car behind and we both missed the car in the outside lane

The third car didnt and the skid marks were on the M1 for at least 6 months.

the only down side is that they are a bu%(%er on snow and ice, but then again why are braking.
tony

Stephane is right.

For the price he quote you've got a TF160
And in france it will come in standard
with SP1 and 2 + ABS + 2 airbags + Leather Oxford seats + Chrome grid-haandbrake button-ashtray + Full Orford leather interior (door, central pannel, hand brake, gearshift) + wood interior + 16' Square spoke alloy all around + MG mats

maxime
mabonnet

I've got a 160 with SP1, great at high speed very responsive and you feel every bump in the road. At "slower" speed the ride is a tad harsh but if you enjoy ultimate feedback and response then go for SP1 - I don't regret choosing SP1 one iota, but then again I'm swapping my TF for a Mondeo TDCI tomorrow..lol

Shame on me..:(
Dave T50 EFC

>>>ABS In my view one of the best things to put on a car

I agree completely, but I know that some die-hards object...
David Bainbridge

Looks like I'm on my own again, but after having ABS on an 'F, complete with that momentary sinking feeling when the ABS decides that the wheels really aren't going to stop turning despite the stationary lorry in front.

And then my Trophy, with no ABS, that stops promptly when I want it to.

I know what makes me feel safer.

I'd agree you need to learn to respect the power of the brakes, but, IMHO, isn't that a good thing, perhaps?
Chris

I agree with Chris. My Trophy does not have ABS, and, having borrowed a TF160 last week with ABS, I have to say I prefer my Trophy. There is nothing worse than pressing the brake pedal to the floor, and a computer deciding whether you are going to stop or not. It does have it's advantages (being able to swerve when braking in the wet), but I prefer the feel of the standard brakes.

By the way Chris, I got a glance of your Trophy at Mikes on Saturday morning. couldn't see much of it (it was at the back of the workshop) but the cream interior and those wheels looked fantastic. I'd love to have a closer look one day.

Cheers

Paul
Paul

Thanks Paul, I'm going to be up Wombwell / Goldthorpe way in the not too distant future for a few beers on a Friday, you're welcome to pop over, if you want.
Chris

Bought Dealer Reg'd. model in January.Described as Limited Edition 135 Sprint. Has sports pack (not exacly sure which version!) and leather/ chrome pack.11 spoke alloys / ABS etc. Agree with the comments about the harder ride.Much firmer than previously owned MG F. Help though. what are the tyre presuures for the low profile tyres? Dealer didn't know. Nothing in handbook.Also did anyone know that MG no longer give you a spare wheel or tools.Zilch, just an aerosol can!Think lack of weight from loss of spare makes car even more jittery.Any comments? Otherwise handles / corners much better than F.
Steve day

per the hand book page 118

26 in th front and 36 rear

for faster speeds
28 / 36

Tony
tony

Steve,

>Also did anyone know that MG no longer give you a spare wheel or tools.

A full size spare alloy is available as an option. The TF160 and I assume other models fitted with sports-pack 2 only come with the IMS puncture kit thing. Got a 160 myself and got the optional spare wheel.
Paul Lathwell

This thread was discussed between 07/02/2003 and 17/02/2003

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