Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms 4/4 engine conversion

Hi everyone,

I'm rebuilding a 1996, 4/4 with a 1.8 zetec engine, the engine has done about 80k, so while I'm straightening out the bodywork ( ie removing as much filler as possible!, lol) I thought I'd rebuild the engine or would it be a good idea to upgrade it, to say an 2.0L ST170 spec engine?
Would this enhance or detract from it's value if I came to sell it later on or is originality the way to go?
Cheers
Martin

Probably won't make any difference to the value Martin. Certainly won't increase it, but it may put some potential future buyers off if not original spec...
Then again, it's a Morgan, what's original???

Oh, Welcome to the forum BTW.

I'd agree with Graham...and welcome.

Welcome to the forum. All Morgan (and plenty of other) questions answered here.

I am having the same thoughts regarding my 4/4, a CVH, (a) do I go for a bored-out CVH, (b) do I replace with a 2.0lt Zetec etc etc. and have been advised by others and I have come to the conclusion as Graham.

If you intend to keep the Morgan for some time I would suggest the upgrade to ST170, otherwise every time you drive the Morgan you will be thinking "I wonder what it would go like with that bigger engine "

Martin,

Welcome to TM and the world of Morgans

I went for the original 1600 CVH motor but with increased power, (thanks CerealSurfer) and it should be in by end of June.

With the older Morgans, when you lift the bonnets, no two seem to be the same so I agree with Graham "Who knows whats original"

The more up to date the engine the more modern electric stuff to go wrong I like it nice and easy . No mod gismo's to confuse the simple mind .
Welcome .

The Zetec is tuneable...I'd have it rebuilt and tuned up myself.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the warm welcome.
I spoke to Mogsport about this, they say it's a lot more work than swapping an the engine as you'd expect. It's the electrics that are the main issue, having to have a standalone ecu adds about a £1000+ onto the bill plus buying the engine.
With the original engine, it also seems rebuilding your own engine to standard isn't all that economical, I can't seem to rebuild one myself cheaper than an engine reconditioner can!
Unless you guys know something I don't?
Cheers
Martin

Hi Jay,

What can you do tune them at reasonable cost?

Martin

Much of the answer probably depends on the level of performance you want out of it, and how deep your pockets are. If you're after a useful increase in power and torque but don't want to go mad and spend loads of money, then a 2.0l Zetec engine will run very happily using a CVH carb, and will give around 130-135bhp.

There's no need to be wary of ECUs, millions of cars use them and do millions of miles with no issues. The great thing with them is that if you want to know exactly what's going on in your engine, just plug in your laptop and have a look!

My 4/4 is running a 1.8 Z18XER engine (used in Zafiras and Astras). It has an aftermarket MBE ECU programmed by John Ravenscroft (TVR) and gives around 170bhp.