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Mechanical Modifications
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If you are only going to keep your classic
in the garage or a museum, this section probably won’t
interest you. However, if you intend driving more than just
a few miles each year, read on.
SVW cars are, even in standard form, among the most usable
of pre-war cars in modern traffic conditions. Comfortable 60mph
cruising and 300 miles in a day are perfectly feasible even in
the 4 cylinder VA model.
During the past few years, as more and more
of the cars have been restored, and are being used for more adventurous
motoring abroad and in gentle historic rally activities, we have
developed various mild tuning modifications to make the cars
more user-friendly.
These centre around the following areas:-
1. Suspension Modifications
Suspension improvements, including
bolt-on telescopic shock absorber conversion kits for
all the SVW range. These absolutely transform the handling.
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MG VA telescopic shock absorber kit
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2. Raised Gear Ratios
Higher ratio crown wheel and pinion sets enable the cars
to be cruised at 70mph with acceptable noise levels.
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An MG SA crown wheel & pinion
with a 14/57 ratio
giving 21 mph/1000rpm in top gear
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Mild, conventional tuning techniques
applied to all the range of SVW engines, raise power outputs
by 30-40% and make the cars altogether brighter and even
more enjoyable to drive. Surely that’s what we are
all looking for?
click images to enlarge
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A 1700cc VA engine installed in a chassis
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A 1700cc VA engine for installation in a TA chassis
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A 2900cc WA engine ready for
installation in a WA chassis
prepared for rallying
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We have, for many years, prepared cars to exactly original specifications
and continue to do this for those customers who are interested in
concours. However, we have noticed over the last few years, a general
willingness to include slight modifications to make the cars a little
easier to live with on a day to day basis. A push button starter,
heater, electric fan, screen washers, flashing direction indicators,
hazard warning lights and battery master switch can all be installed
in a tasteful and unobtrusive fashion. In my own VA Saloon subtle
changes to the shape of the front seats and extra lumbar padding
have made a whole day in the driving seat absolutely ache-free.
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My own VA saloon, the ex-factory demonstrator
AMO 602 which incorporates
some of the modifications mentioned above.
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