By Kelvin Dodd MG Caliper Rebuilding The Lucas Service Bulletin calls for replacing the bolts when “halving” calipers in order to replace the O-ring. The bolts, however, have never been available. Rebuilding calipers without replacing the inner O-ring doesn’t seem safe. Am I stuck replacing my calipers just because they need O-rings? —Ben Severson The…
By Kelvin Dodd SU Fuel Pump Retrofit I want to re-install the original SU electric fuel pump in my car, but the original steel lines have been cut. Is there any easy way of doing this? —John Campbell The original SU fuel pump is a very reliable unit, so refitting it is a good idea….
By Kelvin Dodd Supercharger Stress I have a question about the MGB supercharger kit in the Summer 2003 issue: How does the use of a supercharger affect the stress experienced by the engine, piston connecting rods, etc.? —Tim Harrington The supercharger does a much better job of evenly filling the cylinders, so normal driving stress…
By Kelvin Dodd MGA Disc Brake Conversion I have a 1958 MGA and would like to change the front brakes from drum to discs. I have wire wheels. What’s the best way to do this? Is there a kit available or can I do the conversion with stock MGA or MGB parts? —Tony Colima Moss…
By Kelvin Dodd Bushings and Ride Height I recently installed new front and rear suspension bushings in my car and now it doesn’t sit level. How can the bushings change the ride height? —Jeremy Feldman The answer requires a brief description of the three major types of bushings used in British car suspensions: Unsupported rubber:…
By Kelvin Dodd Sorting Out Distributors Q. There seems to be a lot of different options on the market for electronic ignition conversions and distributors, and it gets pretty confusing. Can you break it down to basics? A. The Lucas 25D type distributor was made obsolete by Lucas in 1974; from then on the new 45D type unit was…
By Kelvin Dodd Jag Balljoint Replacement I purchased a one-piece lower balljoint and tried to install it in my E-Type vertical link. The hole was too small and the rubber boot was damaged. Did I get the wrong part? —Tom Southland Jaguar designed one-piece balljoints for the 1988 XJ6, and the lower one can replace…
By Kelvin Dodd Jag XJ-S Axle ID I am working on the rear brakes of a Jaguar XJ-S. How do I determine if it has a Dana rear end? —Cliff Singer Take a look at the side of the rearend assembly where the stub axles come out of the differential case. The flange that holds…
