Classic Car Weekly (UK)

5 WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER

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ADD SOME BOOST 1

If you’ve already got a sound engine then a supercharg­er kit will add a healthy slug of power. A bolt-on kit from Moss Europe is around £4000, but includes everything you need, including a manifold, carburetto­rs and belts. Want cheaper mods? Then a stainless steel exhaust, performanc­e air filters and electronic ignition are sensible upgrades that won’t break the bank.

2 GO FOR CHROME

Converting to chrome bumpers is a well-trodden path, so if you still fancy making the change then expect to pay in the region of £700 for a kit from one of the numerous MG parts suppliers. Although it’s a little more involved than just bolting them on, it’s certainly within the scope of a competent DIY-er, or budget for the services of a specialist.

AN EXTRA RATIO 3

The ‘B GT is a practical, longdistan­ce tourer, so you can make motorway miles a bit more pleasant with a five-speed gearbox conversion. Complete kits using a brand new Mazda MX-5 ‘box cost £2500-3000, and if you’ve removed and refitted a transmissi­on before then you shouldn’t have any trouble doing the job. This is a really worthwhile upgrade if you’re not too bothered about originalit­y.

BETTER COOLING 4

Overhaulin­g the cooling system is always a sensible move, but we’d recommend going a bit further with some sensible upgrades. Replacing the standard radiator with an uprated high-flow item is an easy job. The part costs around £300. An electric fan kit is always a good improvemen­t and you can pick up a Revotec kit for around £200.

SUSPENSION 5 UPGRADE

Not everyone likes the higher ride height that accompanie­d the rubber -bumper cars, so a lowering kit for around £250 will definitely improve the stance. And if you want to go further, you could consider swapping the lever-arm dampers for telescopic­s. A conversion kit will set you back around £600 and it’s definitely a DIY job.

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