Can anyone explain to me why the default upgrade for road cars (not only Morgans) is to fit ever stiffer springs ?
I've driven more than a few modified live-axle classic Jaguars. Almost without exception the ride and handling have been ruined by "specialist" supplied so called "fast-road" suspension upgrades.
When I owned an XK120 it was upgraded by a knowledgeable team who are proper specialists. What did they recommend ? Soften the rear suspension and improve the dampers. The car was amazing.
snip..
In general terms, a live axled car needs relatively stiff front springing, and soft rear. And then good shock absorbers.
Woodstock was stiffened at the front as the standard 4/4 springs it had allowed the suspension to hit the bump stops over road imperfections. The stiffer front springs were actually standard +8 springs.
The rear was softened as the action of the anti-tramp bars on the springs is to slightly stiffen them.
Car was more comfortable to drive, and better handling as well.
I'd certainly now be investigating the Suplex option if I still had the 4/4.
The gears 'sort of' work for me. I don't use 1st for anything other than hill starts - 2nd is my starting gear for pretty much every occasion. Because I have the sports exhaust, 6th is very good at motorway speeds - the exhaust becomes almost silent. A sort of 'double overdrive'.
How interesting that you have no rattles from your engine. According to Morgan they all make the most hideous engine rattle as mine does at anything over about 3750rpm. It's the only thing that is detracting from my ownership experience and I'd love to have it sorted.
I shall have the suspension upgrade later this year....
Neil
I remember reading somewhere that there might be an issue in some 3.7's with engine noises produced by a fault in the engine management chip and that's why Morgan have now started fitting the full 300 bhp chip instead of the 280 one, which my dealer says has been unsuccessful in limiting the bhp in any event - it seems that the Mustangs can not be held back for love or money.
I think there is a thread here somewhere. It might be the one I started on Roadster changes a few months back.
Might be worth investigating this as the cause of your rattle. If it is you can get the new chip retro fitted.
Mike - thanks for your report. The suspension upgrade looks good. I agree abou Morgan cheapening out on some things. They have always done this and it's quite frustrating. The standard mirrors for instance are very shoddy.
Mike - try and hear before you buy the Librands exhaust. It's quite loud! It's a 'yowl' rather than the thunderous motor launch burble from a V8. If that makes sense - a harsh tone over 4,000rpm. I prefer it, but some might not. If the car is driven at under 4,000rpm it's a deeper and less harsh tone.
The engine rattle has been there since day one and has been raised very early on with the dealer and Morgan themselves. The factory said it was the normal sound for a variable valve engine.... My Ford GT was looked after by Revolve Engineering who, coincidentally, calibrated these engines for Morgan. So I took my Roadster to them and they agreed that the noise is not normal. They rigged the car up to their equipment and 'locked' the variable valves - I drove it, it still made the noise. So we know it's not that. Ginetta racing (who use a similar engine in the Noble) thinks its the duplex timing chain and suggested I should demand a new engine - they also agreed the noise is unacceptable and not normal.
Meanwhile Morgan have shown no interest other than saying 'it's quite normal'. Which is at odds with two quite competent engineering companies and my own ears. It's very frustrating on a brand new £60k car.
David - I've heard rumours of a new chip. Also that it might be the gateway to having an MK dash fitted as the canbus (?) system could be bypassed.
Thanks Jay, I appreciate that. Hope to be in the Works myself on Wednesday afternoon, once we get back from sunnier climes!
Cheers Brian
Brian, I asked about the axles on the TM tour today. They use the same axle casing on all the Traditional models and it is only the differential that varies, ratios etc and presumably an LSD on the Roadster. The axles appear to be made in Thailand these days!
Jays Former Morgan owner. Gone but hopefully not forgotten!
