The MGF Register Forums

Hi. I have just bought a very low mileage, one owner, TF Stepspeed. It drives really well, with no apparent nasties. And its clearly been pampered

I am planning to do some preventative maintenance, head gasket, cam belt, water pump, cooling pipes, plus of course all oils and filters . I am also replacing the almost unworn, but 19 year old tyres. I am told that Toyo are a good idea, as some (most??) tyre manufacturers don't make both sizes in the same spec.

I would appreciate any suggestions on what MUST be done, what MIGHT be done, and what is a waste of time!

When what must be done is done, any suggestions on the best route to a softer ride?

Thanks in anticipation

Toyo are are good choice of tyre. Don't change the head gasket if it's not gone ~ no need to do so. Water pump at the same time as the cam belt is always recommended, as is changing the underbody coolant pipes for stainless ones.

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I have had several sets of Toyos over the years and will have more when the time comes.

A full service changing all the filters and fluids, including petrol filter and clutch fluid is a good idea.

The stepspeed box like clean filters and fluids.

James

Sounds like you've found a gem with your TF Stepspeed! For your preventive maintenance, you're on the right track with head gasket, cam belt, water pump, and cooling pipes. Consider checking the suspension for wear and tear while you're at it. It's great that you're replacing the old tyres; Toyo is a solid choice. For a softer ride, you could explore lowering springs with a less aggressive rate or upgraded shocks designed for comfort. Remember to flush and replace brake fluid, as it's often overlooked. Good luck with your project!

One advice: aside all of the actions you plan to take, replace the CVT oil filter and oil. This is a more sensitive part of your car as all other parts apart from the cam belt.

As an alternative on the tyres I've just fitted Yokohama Advan Flevas front and back, circa £400 the lot through etyres. This tyre was developed for the MR2, another similarly sized mid-engined car. I'm very happy with the tyres, they perform well.

I was going to make EXACTLY the same comments as Kasper and nigelandjo AKA Nigel May, but they both beat me to the draw. Particularly agree that there is no point/no need to replace head gasket unless you have a GOOD reason to be SURE that it is failing.
As regards tyres, I changed my 10-year-old tyres for Toyos and am very pleased with the results. If you decide to get tracking checked DO NOT TRUST KWIK FIT (OR ANY OTHER MAJOR CHAINs) to have correct settings in their computer. The workshop manual and technical sections of this site have the correct settings.

Rimmers do a softride kit. I am pretty sure this does NOT lower ride height. A reduced ride height inevitably forces a stiffer spring rate, to avoid running-out of suspension travel for a given extreme bump load. I am sure we can all agree that there are more potholes therefore more extreme suspension loads around these days

On the subject of tyres, I have just fitted a new pair of Toyos to the rear of my Mk1. They are Toyo Proxes TR1, not the T1R which I have had on originally and appears to have been discontinued. Haven't been out in the car yet to see if they're any good, but they look good and there's plenty of tread depth on them.

Another suggestion on maintenance: Check that the top swivels on the front suspension have BOTH been greased. This is often overlooked by previous owners and Garages are unfamiliar with this 1950-1960's era "Technology" The F inherited this feature front & Back from the Metro, which in turn inherited it from the Mini, and so-on. The TF was given new REAR suspension, but still has the swivel pin at the front, which needs grease to survive long-term.
If not sure where it is the picture attached might help:

Good advice, so many people and garage arent aware those grease nipples exist on the TF front suspension - plus they are usually so caked in road dirt you'd never spot them unless looking for them.

I would add one MUST; a coolant level sensor if you dont already have one. Low coolant level is now the main cause of head gasket failure. There are several options available if you ask around. I bought a DIY fit one that is made and sold by a TF owner, very good value