OK, as I reported previously having driven Henry's car for 90 miles I found it a bit harsh on the rear, not quite what I expected, although it did handle and corner very well. So I looked at the Quantum shock absorber settings this morning. The coil over springs are set to what looks about half way, I could not adjust these as I do not have the right tool, the top shock adjustment was set to 11 out of 24 (being hardest). So pushed up and down on the rear and as I expected it was very firm with a lot of resistance. I took the top shock adjustment back down to position 6 making the shocks softer, and bounced the rear, still reasonable resistance but easier to get it to move up and down.
So out I went in the car and took to some well known roads and open lanes where I live, a mix of fast A road sweeping bends, bumpy lane with bends that can be taken at 60 if clear and feeling brave. Conditions were not great due to mist and slightly damp roads.
So I am pleased to say the change was obvious, more compliant rear and a pretty comfortable ride, still no under or oversteer. In fact very responsive steering not dissimilar to the feel from my old MR2 hit climb car. I think once confidence grew you could really be quite adventurous with it. On the bumpy parts the rear soaked them up and did not feel the usual transfer of the bumps to the chassis upsetting stability. So a good result.
One think I still do not like is the way the front Suplex reacts on turn in to corner when driving hard. Initially there is what can only be described as an immediate lean in on the outside wheel, this does not in any way seem to unbalance the car and it continues to go round the corner as you would expect. Maybe this trait can be dialled out to an extent but suspect it may be that the front Suplex may have been set up more for comfort, and maybe sightly higher lbs springs would improve this, but I am sure PJB can give light to this.
I did do some wibbly wobbly steering when no one was around to see if the car remained balanced when provoked and it just turned when the wheel moved with no dramas. So very stable, some might be surprised how reactive it is compared to a standard setup.
So to sum up.
1. Is it an improvement?
Yes
2. Does it give an improved ride?
After I tweaked the shockers yes, with minimal change, I suspect that most types of handing requirements could be catered for by dialing in the right settings i.e. from general touring to track day use. How it is set nows gives a very comfortable ride, slightly sporty feel.
3. Is handling improved?
Yes, better turn in, very responsive to steering adjustment during turns and no dramas
4.Would I buy it?
Well this is the big question. If I had the dosh, and I was not considering joining Speedmog in the near future, then probably yes. I would be likely to wait for leaf spring replacement, and shock absorbers, unless money did not matter.
So there you have it, I think the Suplex 5 link is a success, it delivers what it is supposed to a controlled rear axle which helps the Morgan handling and steering. It is probably a big investment for most but probably worth it if you use you Morgan regular. If you are an occasional user (get the Morgan out a couple of times a month and do a few long drives resulting in a couple of thousand miles a year) then I would question the value add against cost. It depends on the depth of your pockets and what you want at the end of the day.
I have no relationship with Suplex, or Quantum so my views expressed hear are independent and as honest as I can be.
By the way Henry's car is a really fun drive, with the induction kit and exhaust system it zipped along, great fun, and pulls up really well with the Williams 4 Pots on it. It would be a great car to buy if it goes on the market. (this setup might suit you Jays, colour to match the Porka
)
