VP T16 turbo

[threelitre]

If you want a more decent looking rear, you can try to source a pair of HLE rear strakes - it'll look nearly like the MG from the side, including the improved aerodynamics, but less obvious from the rear (and less 1980). I found that the straight line stability of Maestros and Montegos suffers with wider tyres than 185/60, the car will tend to follow irregularities more than with more narrow tyres. That's why I choose to stick with the original MG Maestro size (175/65) after trying Montego TD wheels and (on a Monty) MG Montego 15" wheels. But getting T16 power down is another matter Wouldn't a Torsen-diff from a late 800 or 600 help?

Regards,

Alexander

[countrydude]

yes, I have a torsen box from the ti rover so that side is sorted. I really need to be looking at 6j minimum for the t16 otherwise the wheelspin will be embarrassing! Also higher than 50 profile then the car will handle like a boat!

[Captain Slow]

Try cross-spokes from an MG Montego Turbo. They're much less overt than MGF wheels - most would think they were standard fit.

[countrydude]

I have a set of white ones I had in mind for this project, but I have them on the countryman now! It seems to like them. My old silver set are tatty and have 60 profile tyres on so they wallow in the corners which on an estate is a bit hairy!
I may switch back to the silver set on the countryman and start the maestro on the cross spokes and look for the right wheels.

Problem is the big brake kit might not fit under them!

[E_T_V]

If it is the PAW kit then it'll fit (I'm using 5.5J's on the van with the PAW kit).

[countrydude]

Ok, so that is the way forward then, i'll put the wheel search on hold for a while.

[countrydude]

Ok so after a few hiccups, countless hold ups and many hours work the long awaited VDPT16 is nearly?? there!

All is done bar actually firing it up! So that is a bit gutting! The weather was against me as I had to get back for this week's pesto and pasta making! All being well the car will be fired up and taken for a MOT, leaving me to pick it up early next week.

Here are a few pics I took today of the car and mainly the engine as the final touches were being made.

I like the abstract nature of this pic:


The underbelly:
New 1" lowering springs, dampers and fuel pump. The tank was swapped for a turbo one too.


The only non sleeper element:
Not quite the peashooter exhaust! I may well paint black to detract attention as it is 70mm so quite large and a bit of a giveaway!


My favorite I think, a real reportage type photo:


Trying to show the beefed up engine mount, a world apart from just using the o series mount!!


I think in some ways this shows it better though:


The bay:
A few missing pieces battery and pas reservoir which are now in place.

Many thanks to Jez (Triple M member) for his help and expertise in putting all this together. From doing the most impossible removing the automatic pedal box (it was supposed to be my job but it defeated me!) to making me the overlord of engine mounts. And doing a great job, managing to read wiring diagrams and create a working system of relays from scratch! Something I will get photos of at some point is the custom made cross member which has uprated the front end and allowing the depth necessary to fit the ti rad and i/c. Until then I sleep now...goodnight!

[Guest]

well done i love projects like this. i often find myself thinking, i wondor what so and so would be like with that engine...........only funds stop me

[countrydude]

It is as cheap or expensive as you make it. I did as much as I could and helped out whenever I could. The parts were collected together over a long period of time when I found products within spec and the right price.

For someone who wanted one and wanted it tomorrow it would be v expensive.

[matthewsemple]

I am pretty sure that this Maestro Mayfair has a T16 engine and the same wheels:



I don't know who owns it but it was at MG Saloon Day 2008 and the phrase 'street sleeper' was mentioned a few times!

[countrydude]

Good one! I think that is Ian Drews a Triple M member. He is fairly local to me so we are going to meet up! A mayfair and VP T16's!! Quite a sleepy pair

[countrydude]

Ok, for the record the engine has been running, proving the wiring, flywheel and everything is working fine. There are a few issues remaining. These include the fusebox (needs a lot of fresh solder!), a throttle cable, and the butterfly valve is sticking. I have a spare so no problems there!

I finally have the V5c through so I just need to sort out the insurance, tax and then away we go!

[Guest]

Excellent! Very very impressive

I'd adore a "sleeper" but would not know where to begin! I hardly know how to change a wheel
Always fancied buying something like that someone has built, but with a limited knowledge I also find that scary as I wouldnt know what I was buying...

I know its a completely different thing, and probably swearing on here but.... I've always fancied a Ford Fiesta with a Cosworth lump fitted, of course badged as a 1.1 "pop"

[countrydude]

Excellent! Very very impressive

I'd adore a "sleeper" but would not know where to begin! I hardly know how to change a wheel
Always fancied buying something like that someone has built, but with a limited knowledge I also find that scary as I wouldnt know what I was buying...

I know its a completely different thing, and probably swearing on here but.... I've always fancied a Ford Fiesta with a Cosworth lump fitted, of course badged as a 1.1 "pop"

A few years ago I was the same! When I first started driving I was much the same. Still rebelling against my Father at a guess, as he is v good at mechanics/engineering. Now after much trial and error and a lot of reading and speaking to people, also these forums do help as the information is right on hand and several v helpful people to answer questions when you really need it!

Aparently on some XR2's there is just enough room to fit the Rover V8!! Pretty heavy, but fun!

[Jumturbo]

The Rover V8 is actually very light ( aluminium block and head). My TR7 had a V8 conversion and the engine is only slightly heavier than the original 2.0 litre unit. Would be a major job fitting one to an XR2 though, due to it being a front wheel drive car etc. Certainly people have fitted them to Capris and Sierras, but never seen one in an XR2, but don't doubt it has been done!