Front-suspension conversions cover the substantial specification changes available at the front of any classic MG with double-wishbone suspension. The two principal categories are telescopic-damper conversions (replacing the original Armstrong lever-arm dampers with modern telescopic units) and geometry-correcting conversions (adapting the chrome-bumper or rubber-bumper specification to suit a different bodystyle configuration). Each is a workshop-level installation but transforms the front-end behaviour of the car when completed.
Hoyle Coil-Over and Telescopic Damper Conversions
The headline conversion stocked by MGOC is the Hoyle coil-over front suspension system, a supple and infinitely versatile front suspension conversion suitable for MGB, MGB GT V8 and Rover V8 conversions. The Hoyle system replaces the original Armstrong lever-arm damper and coil-spring arrangement with a modern coil-over damper unit, giving fully adjustable damping and an entirely modern feel at the front of the car. Alongside the Hoyle kit, telescopic-damper conversion kits replace the original Armstrong lever-arm dampers with modern telescopic units in the manner that any modern road car uses. The conversion involves mounting the new telescopic damper to a bracket on the chassis at the top and to the lower wishbone at the bottom, with the original lever-arm damper either retained as a structural component of the upper wishbone or replaced with a fabricated bracket that takes its place.
The benefit is substantial, telescopic dampers offer a wider range of damping characteristics than lever-arm units can practically achieve, are available with adjustable settings for ride-tuning, and are much easier to service or replace when the time comes. The trade-off is the visual change at the front of the car, the conversion is visible from underneath, though typically not from the side once the car is at normal ride height, and the loss of the structural function that the original Armstrong damper performed.
Geometry-Correcting Kits
The front crossmember of the MGB was raised by approximately one inch in autumn 1974 to meet headlight-height regulations, with the chrome-bumper and rubber-bumper crossmembers being different parts not directly interchangeable. Geometry-correcting kits allow a rubber-bumper car to be returned to chrome-bumper geometry, or a chrome-bumper car to have its geometry adjusted for the wider track introduced from September 1976. The work involves replacing or modifying the crossmember mounting points, adjusting the rack-and-pinion position, and refitting the suspension to the corrected geometry. The result is a car with the visual and handling characteristics of its target specification, with the appropriate front-end behaviour and the right steering feel for the bodystyle the owner is aiming at.
Supporting Components and Application Notes
Front-suspension conversion work typically involves a series of supporting changes alongside the headline modification. New springs to suit the changed ride height or damping characteristics, polyurethane bushings to take advantage of the renewed precision, uprated anti-roll bars to match the increased grip, and (on telescopic conversions) an adjustment of the bump-stop arrangements to suit the new damper travel. The kits are typically supplied as complete packages, damper conversion, springs, bushes and supporting hardware in matched specifications, to allow the entire front-end conversion to be done in one workshop visit. The technical team is available to advise on the right kit specification and the appropriate combination of supporting components for any specific car and intended use.