It may be a good time for patience on 4/4 and Plus 4 upgrades. One of the GM companies in the UK is developing and co-sponsoring a pleasant package that will add a more powerful engine (155ish), more drivability and add a 5th gear...all with warranty coverage.
Considering it should be announced shortly, it may be wise to see how that turns out before making a decision.
Lorne
I'm a bit confused here.
The Rover T16 engine looking to be upgraded is a dead and buried engine (I stand to be corrected if wrong) and was produced by the now defunct MG Rover. The current 4/4 and Plus 4 have Ford Duratec engines. How come a GM company is doing a package. I assume you mean GM = General Motors or am I lost in a mid Atlantic abreviation?
Sorry for the delay Phil. I only drop by here on occasion and we have guests fresh from Bristol and Ashford in house.
Yes GM=General Motors for me too!
(one UK marriage and 4 months a year over there have taught me much about translating between the French, the English and the Americans.)
This GM arm (UK-based and run) was the same facility that was hired by the Morgan board in 2005 to adapt a Series I chassis to carry a trad body powered by a LS2 or LS7. (The project was cancelled in 2005 after CM assumed the MMC reins.)
The fellow running the company in question, Stewart Halstead, has enjoyed a remarkable reputation in the British motor world for decades. It has been said that the present demographics suggest that there is a demand for a more travelable (primarily) and powerful option for earlier 4/4s and early Plus 4s. I have also heard that one of the UK's more prominent Morgan restorers has been engaged to see how the marriage between a GM 1.8 and box, along with 4 pots and much better cooling will do.
If it continues to proceed, I will get you more details if you wish....
On other options, well...I am loathe to stress engines with addon gimicktry. It produces neglibly more power at a sacrifice to reliabilty and the comfort/safety/lore of the pack. If the desire to remain Concours d'Etat original runs deep, it is best to consider selling and buying a more powerful model Morgan. Less misery and cost in the end. For that matter the latest Plus 4s are super fun and good cruisers under any conditions.
Lorne
