Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Just a thought.

You know how the unconscious mind suddenly comes up with an idea, seemingly from nowhere? Well my mind suddenly said to me that the current Three Wheeler might work with its' S&S engine replaced by something else, a bit like Three Wheelers of yore had Ford side valve engines.

I know the V twin is a huge part of the Morgans character, but would it lose too much if it had a straight 4, like the Polaris Slingshot? Maybe even a 4 cylinder motorbike engine going across the car at the front, with the 4 headers doubling up and going down each side.

Just idle thoughts, but an interesting topic nevertheless.

Maybe a complete engine and drive arrangement from a Ford Focus 1600cc turbo. Front wheel drive and 180 odd bhp would make an interesting driving experience with no problems with bevel boxes and belts to go wrong...hmmm

Paul you are a shocker. You just know how to rattle my cage.
Lose the V twin; sacrilege. Lose the S and S; not a bad idea. JAP make a lovely engine but I think it's over 20 k.
My only concern is, is the S and S really a tough engine or just a compliant one

I know what engine and drive train I would fit.

No S&S! Just imagine the view from the front of the car without it. The lack of noise from the V twin as it fires up and throttle is pressed. Not for me - it counts for 50% of the cars character.

Totally agree. Might as well get the Slingshot and save yourself time and money.

As a thought experiment, if one did replace the engine with a 4 banger, add a radiator and make the front end look like any other car then eventually someone would have the bright idea of adding another wheel in the rear then...

How about re-engineering the S&S as a 90º twin, á la Moto Guzzi, and reaping the many potential benefits of a smoother running engine?

I think the conception of the M3W is spot on and for me I would not like it changed. I know we have had issues with these cars, but I think in the 2014 model, many issues are now resolved and most of these upgrades are available for the early cars. Mine has been vastly improved by them. My main concerns now are cambelt and noisy rear drive sprocket.

The S&S engine has its problems and is not smooth running and super efficient - but it has plenty of power for me. The 0-60 time is not all - more of how you get to it is. I just love the smile on my face being behind that S&S!

Morgan make excellent 4 cylinder cars well proved, tried and tested. I would love to own one if I could afford, but I can just afford to keep up with my M3W. The only reason I would sell is if I could no longer keep up with the running costs/repairs out of warranty, If I did have the money I would just keep up with what ever is needed for the privalige of owning and enjoying such an individual car. Life is to short to be without one!
Sorry for the rant - but like Michael I like the way it is.

Paul, you don't ease my live by discussing alternative options...

I'm permanently dreaming of a MTW with a Honda 1800ccm 6 cylinder boxer engine, 162nmt torque and 120bhp upfront (from my Goldwing). The gearbox from Honda or Mazda (both perfect) and a swing arm with cardan drive for the rear end and modern fuel efficacy.

No bevel box whining, solid engeneering and durability and the great Morgan design.

And than I always wake up

See my thread about cam belt checks. My new belt is 6000 mls od now and no wear at all( watch out for the tensioner retaining bolt however. She is also a little bit ratllely at Rickover but if the S and S holds together I'm a happy man also.
Morgan did of course go to four cylinders and very rapidly add that extra wheel. I've been driving the old girl all through Xmas and will be taking her to work tommorow. Still can't get enough.