Scimitar rear axle

misterb · Post by **misterb** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:02 pm

Hi,

I'm interested in comments, suggestions and views of my choice of axle for my Rover V8 powered MGA, project, which is a H4A axle from a Reliant Scimitar.

The reason for this choice went as follows:
The right ratio at 3.07
Strong enough to cope with power
Correct PCD for MG
Existing four link/coil over set up.
...and it came at the right price!

But here's my dilema - it is 2 inches wider than required and needs this taken from the near side casing/shaft, to centre the pinion to fit the MGA.
Before I shell out for narrowing and new halfshafts etc, I appreciate members views/experiences with the axle and potential problems (I plan to convert the 'A' to 4 link coil over set up as well).

Chris.

Post by **katanaman** » Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:25 pm

I am guessing its from a 5A so should have the modern seals although its still old fashioned in the taper mount hubs that are a sod to get off. Its also likely to be a bit worn a tired so allow for a diff rebuild. Bearings are easy to come by but the crown and pinion arent. The seals are likely to be knackered as well because of the stupid breather arrangement that gets blocked. The tubes and 4 link metal work can suffer from tin worm so give this a check before you hand over the cash. If your not planning on a rear disk conversion check the drums as they crack and they are £80-£90 each. Last but not least its a heavy old chunk of iron but is fairly strong.
The 3.07:1 is a bit odd as their normally 3.37 for the manual and 2. something for the auto. Are you sure this is right as it might point to it being from an SE6 which means its a lot wider than you think. Course it could have had bits swaped around.

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:07 am

my Rover V8 powered MGA

...the pipe and slippers brigade aren't gonna be happy!

Post by **katanaman** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 9:52 am

kev_the_mole wrote:
my Rover V8 powered MGA
...the pipe and slippers brigade aren't gonna be happy!

Stuff them, cars were made to be modified

misterb · Post by **misterb** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:47 pm

kev_the_mole wrote:
my Rover V8 powered MGA
...the pipe and slippers brigade aren't gonna be happy!

No, they aint - but I've not been chucked out of the register yet!

Anyway thanks for comments Marki,
I've had the axle for sometime, its definitely the narrow one and I was fairly sure of the ratio but will check again. I got it from a guy I know who acquired a complete rolling chassis with a Scimitar he purchase off e-bay. I've checked the ring gear and although I'm no expert, it looks pretty good to me, very clean with little wear pattern (I took the view that it may have had a recent rebuild, although the front seal leaks). The weight, the grief of removing the hubs, along with the narrowing issues are the reasons I'm having second thoughts.

Apart from going the independent route, the other option would be MGB, with V8 gears.

Also, does anyone know a company who can narrow this axle?.

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 1:01 pm

Oh I agree

....but I picked up my second Fatwah at the Wessex show on Sunday.

Boiling a long (boring) conversation with a 'gentleman' down to just a few words it went something like this ....

"If you want to fiddle with cars young man why don't you get a Caterham or one of them kit cars rather than ruin an irreplaceable '50's icon"

.... then didn't like it when I pointed out his car was painted in a non-original colour, that with his attitude he'd have to get rid of his electric fan, contactless ignition and lead-free head. Obviously he liked to fiddle as well.

Anyway I can't join his group. (They only have one good road run a year so it's not the end of the world)

Mind you the NSRA boys also have problems with me

Mention that you have a heavily modified 50's car with a Chevy lump and axle and watch the smile on their faces fade as you tell them it's a sports car. Any americans, anglo-american hybrids, classic british tin except a sports car where they seem to be blindsided as it being 'not quite right'.

It's discrimination, that's what it is!!! Perhaps I can get a lottery grant

ihatesissycars · Post by **ihatesissycars** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:01 pm

In that situation my argument has always gone towards "well if I hadn't of given a new lease of life to the car would it still be here?"

Or "listen to this!" cranks engine "oh well yes that is most agreeable!"

Post by **katanaman** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:33 pm

The front seals always leak lol, if it doesn't then it finds its way along the pinion thread unless it has sealer on it. The older ones were even better as they had leather seals which were totally US.

Ian Anderson · Post by **Ian Anderson** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:54 pm

Is the axle width too much or could you get away with a different offset on the rims? Thereby moving the outer rim position inboard

Ian

misterb · Post by **misterb** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 8:27 pm

Hi Ian,

I was hoping that this would be the case, as its only 1 inch (bigger) on each side but the 'A' needs to have the pinion bang in the centre of the chassis and on the Scimitar axle its offset.

kev_the_mole · Post by **kev_the_mole** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 12:28 pm

Just found this if you're looking for ideas

Can be found somewhere on www.britishv8.org.

Cheers,

Ian

mgbv8 · Post by **mgbv8** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 5:08 pm

Dont worry you MG boys.
I've got an MGB V8 with a Chevy auto trans, Al6, Mallory electronic stuff, Weber 500, WON nitrous system, lots of gauges ,bells and whistles. The MG owners club love it.
Mind you, when I go to Bromley not many of the Tartan rug and picnic basket MG mob want to talk to me. And the V8 register seem a little stand offish when I go to Silverstone.

But what the hell!!

Build it, test it, rag it.....

PS
Hauser rwcing will do axle narrowing. I dont know where you are, but they are in Northampton area.

v8viva · Post by **v8viva** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:04 pm

Hi...this is the axle i am using in my V8 HB viva
I have had a jag powerlok diff machined to fit and it has been 4 linked with a panhard rod.Rear brakes have been converted to sierra cossie discs.
Seems to be just the job so far and handled its first burnout nicely lol
www.youtube.co.uk and check out HB viva v8

v8viva · Post by **v8viva** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:07 pm

PS
Hauser rwcing will do axle narrowing. I dont know where you are, but they are in Northampton area.

Now in Finedon northants...the hot bed of all things V8 lol

Forgot to say John sharp at john sharp engineering is the man to talk to on modifying scimitar axles.He is based leicester way and i'm sure he has his own website

magpies · Post by **magpies** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:54 pm

just googled and john sharp engineering is on 01162 416287

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