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Re: MGAs/MGBs and the Dreaded Twincam

To: Max Heim <mvheim@studiolimage.com>
Subject: Re: MGAs/MGBs and the Dreaded Twincam
From: Bullwinkle <yd3@nvc.net>
Date: Wed, 07 Jun 2000 16:29:27 -0700
Max Heim wrote:

"I don't even know the nominal HP output of a Twincam,"

-----------------------------------------------
>From the graph supplied by MGA on their twin cam sales flier:

35 BHP and 91 lbs/ft at 2000 RPM
52 BHP and 95 lbs/ft at 3000 RPM
75 BHP and 100 lbs/ft at 4000 RPM
97 BHP and 103 lbs/ft at 5000 RPM
106 BHP and 95 lbs/ft at 6000 RPM
108 BHP and 82 /bs/ft at 6700 RPM
---------------------------------------------------

Road & Track Acceleration Tests:

                Twin Cam                MKII            MGB             Datsun 
240Z
                1588cc                  1622cc          1796cc          2393cc

0-30            2.7                     4.0             3.9             3.2
0-40            4.8                     6.0             5.9             4.9
0-50            7.3                     9.3             9.0             6.6
0-60            9.9                     12.8            12.5            8.7
0-70            13.8                    18.0            17.7            11.8
0-80            18.1                    25.4            25.0            15.2
0-90            27.0                    NA              34.5            NA
0-100           41.0                    NA              NA              27.1
1/4 mile        18.1/80mph              18.7/71mph      18.5/72mph      
17.1/84.5

MPH/1000 rpm    17.6                    18.1            17.9            21.0

---------------------------------------------------

>From this chart, it is can be seen that the MGB is only
marginally better in acceleration than the MKII and any
difference could not be felt by 'the seat of the pants.'  If the
MKII was geared exactly the same as the B, it might be a little
faster.
I stuck the 240Z in there as many of you may have ridden in one,
so you can appreciate the performance of the twin cam.  Notice
the twin cam is faster to 40 mph.

-------------------------------------------------------
Graham Robson wrote in "The Mighty MGs"

"The caliper (brakes) actually used was what I would call the
'standard' Dunlop product of the period, and was supplied, at the
same time, to concerns as eminent as Ferrar, Aston Martin (for
the DB4) and Jaguar (for the XK150s...)."

"... a properly built, and carefully maintained MGA Twin-Cam is a
real joy to own...it will be much quicker than any
pushrod-engined MGA, quicker than any MGB, quicker AND better
handling than any four-cylinder TR... It was the only MG ever to
have four-wheel disc brakes..."

Blake


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