Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Thanks for the thoughts gents!
Noddy is purring along again since I figured the distributor turning issue.
Going to take her out a bunch this weekend and maybe I’ll charge up the GoPro and record some of it.
Here’s hoping you all have a good weekend and those with kids are appropriately busy, and spoiled this Sunday.
Cheers..

Other than the tow it sounds like a very minor issue.

Would have been every day back in the day.

It might be worth the effort to score or chissel a mark on the block/intake and base of distributor so you can easily check for movement in the future.

I do this with antennas on trucks. They like to rotate now and then but with the marks i can see the slightest movement and fix it before it frys a radio.

I used to do that iny hotrod days so I could experiment with advance/retard.

Well after a week of solid, spirited driving, and incrementally advancing my micro adjustment on the distributor, I’m pretty surprised by how much more jump I’ve been able to get out of the engine.
I think I’ve been running retarded since rebuild without realizing it. ( yes, I said retarded, insert joke here)
I chocked up the stoic acceleration to her age and gearing cause I had no reference.
Well she’s still not into the too advanced stage but she’s taking off with terrific pull now and is even more fun than she already was.
So much so I’ve switched my next project plans and pulled the trigger on the new rear leaf springs and koni shock conversion kit for her.
I was thinking the 5 spd transmission swap should be next but think I’ll get more satisfaction from a tight rear end than a quieter hiway experience. Besides the shocks will help now and the existing 4 spd is still pulling quite well so it can afford to be delayed since I can’t afford both upgrades at the same time hehe.
Should arrive before the end of the month and maybe I’ll get the time in the fall to convert her on a weekend.
Adjustable koni shocks are leap years ahead of the girling rotary dampers she’s running now so I’m excited to feel her cornering ability once installed.
Cheers gents.

My question is this-------------------------Have you been able to get the lovely bride convinced that it's 'Reliable'--

Well she sees that it was a quick fix, and is now quick to tell me it’s much faster, and to slow down, lol.
So yes, she’s ok with longer drives.
Taking her out this weekend if we get some sun to a quint town north of here that happens to house my fav brewery..
Hehe

The leaf springs are original, from 51 on her as are the girlings.
One of them will be used for blade stock in that forge I’m playing with. The other may end up as the top drive on a power hammer I may end up building this winter, if the fall projects reap rewards.
They are both still quite springy, but their mounts are rotten and the overall spring arch has changed over 70 years. Should make some good blades though as it is fine old British steel still.
Cheers gents.

Advance the timing ....until the started binds...while turning it over. Then retard it slowly until the motor spins over easier and starts up. That’s your sweet spot.

Ah the good ol days of tweaking a performance vehicle. I have fond memories...but I don't envy you one single ioda.