transmission or supercharger

[Mel Appell]

If you were thinking about a modification to a TC would you do a supercharger or a 5 speed transmission. Assuming you could not do both at the same time.

[frenchblatter]

Mel, it depends what you nwant. The blower will give you faster acceleration and the 5 speed will lower the revs at top speed, more relaxing.

If I had to choose it would be the blower. However, if I want to go fast I can go out in the Caterham. 220 BHP, 600 Kgs and 0-60 in 3.6 secs.

[Duncan M]

Why not do option 3 which would also lower RPM at top speeds? The crown wheel and pinion modification for the differential is the most common mod to the drivetrain along those lines. Lower the final drive ratio. It would make much more sense to switch transmissions in a TD or TF, as they have weak gearboxes. The TC has a different, high quality gearbox. Later on, if you want more power, a SC can be added with no other mods but the diff. mod you have already done.

[Gene Gillam]

Supercharger with a 4.22 or 4.55 differential from a Sprite/Midget (http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/diff.htm)

5-speed is nice but the higher rear end ration will negate the need for it...

[Tom Lange, MGT Repair]

As someone who sells a supercharger for the TC, I can assure you that it, in combination with a Morris Minor/Spridget 4.55 pumpkin, will give you all the power you need, with lower RPM's. Once the steering is under control, it's a blast to drive!

Contact me off-line if you want any details about either the blower or the 4.55 pumpkin modifications.

Tom Lange
MGT Repair
mgtrepair.net

[Steve Simmons]

In the end the 5-speed will be cheaper, yet I agree with Gene that a supercharger and higher rear end gears is the way to go. You will have no need for the 5-speed with another 30 horsepower and 1000-1500 fewer RPMs at speed.

[Bob Grunau]

Another alternative is to install a 4.625 ( 8/37 ) gear set in the rear end, direct bolt in . No need for a 5 speed and keeps the TA/TC more original. I have several new sets for sale at $750.00 US$ + mail cost.
Bob Grunau 905-274-4136 or grunau.garage@sympatico.ca