<<Have my mga engine out for rebuild (& modification) and consequent
opportunity to replace orig clutch w/ mgb clutch and associated parts.
I want to make a decision now that George M's prices are going up in 4
days.
Any words of wisdom on the cost vs benefits?
I know Univ Motors tech page recommends it, though I've limited first
hand knowledge and hate having to make the decision in a hurry.
Thanks for any advice.
John Vallely>>
The MGA clutch is perfectly adequate for normal use, John. I don't think I'd
bother switching to a diaphragm style unless you were doing a performance
rebuild on a B engine, especially as you'd have to change the front clutch
fork/trans cover as well, and play with flywheel dowels or replace the
flywheel as well.
I raced for many years with the spring type, for the simple reason that you
could have them rebuilt using stronger springs easier (and a lot cheaper) than
you could find a factory heavy duty clutch in the old days.
While you have the engine apart, you will probably need a new ring gear (and
will need one periodically unless you convert to a pre-engaged starter such as
I use), and it is cheap and easy to have the flywheel lightened to the same
weight as the 3-main MGB one for a little more snap and quick revving. I
wouldn't bother going much lighter than stock for the street, as something in
the 24 lb range seems to work well. One of my engines has a 9 lb wheel on it,
and you wouldn't want to be using it on the street, I assure you!
Bill S.
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