Originally Posted by Hamwich
Originally Posted by Julian BB
Duratec 4/4........
The zenith of the 4/4 imho.
The narrow body, perfect engine, lightness and nimbleness, availability of parts, all the 'modern' bits but not remotely modern or sensible......!
Perfect.

I'd go with this, or the X-Flow if one wanted to go the whole points and carbs thing.

My 4/4 had a CVH engine originally but It was knackered and in early 2008 I got Kevin Vernon to bung in one of his Ecotec conversions (1800cc Z18XER engine as fitted to the Astra Sri but with a MBE ECU bringing power up to 165bhp).

Since then the engine servicing has been minimal, I've just changed the oil and filter every other year, put in a new set of spark plugs every 5 years, and replaced the timing belt at 10 years. Far less hassle than the CVH and loads more power. I can't see a Durance needing much different, and they're a lot easier to find than a Vernon conversion!

From memory I think the CVH was very dependant upon regular oil changes possibly every 3k miles and quite regular belt changes. The only other point I would make is either go with Morgans over 40 years old (and hope the current regulations don't change) or go with a more recent Euro spec especially if you are living in or travelling to environmentally controlled zones which are extending rapidly across the UK and Europe. In part due to the extra costs involved but also the likelihood that those non compliant vehicles may become less attractive over time and more difficult to move on..

22 Plus Four KIMI
12 Plus 4 Sport OZZY
08 Roadster FELIX
06 4/4 70th LOKI
77 4/4 SEAMUS
85 4/4 MOLLY