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Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Forums39
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 782
Talk Morgan Regular
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OP
Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 782 |
Hoping to get a nice definitive list of what's best to get done to early-ish cars.
I recommend:
1. Suspension wishbone upgrade - Had this done - about £75
2. Replace off centre early rear-end and sprocket with later one - Had this done - belt quiet once more. Don't have enough miles to know if this is going to be a better long term solution but it's very nice to have a centred rear wheel!
3. Comfort suspension change. Steering less 'alive' and feels like more understeer, but much lighter and much less kickback / bumpsteer over all but huge bumps
4. Ecu software update. Had this done automatically and car now starts much better from cold. Pinking slightly reduced but still very much there. Plus see below (cooling fan).
I expect worthwhile but haven't done yet...
1. Spacers on front engine cover to help keep engine drive belt cooler. I want this done asap, as it seems to help but not aware of any real data to support this. Can't cost much!
2. Cooling fan addition + associated ecu change. My driving is mostly in country or light town and have never had skipfire mode kick in. Hate the look of the cooling kit and prefer the fitment of a fan behind the engine (as many have done and Krazy Horse etc.) Looks really worthwhile in hot climates and for town driving. But ecu change also allegedly retards ignition and reduces power.
3. Stage 1 exhaust / air filter. There are several kits - the Morgan one, the Garage 56 one, the Krazy Horse one. All seem to add power, and reduce back-pressure and seem to reduce pinking without retarding the ignition. I am waiting to decide which one to have added to my car and want to avoid the cooling fan ecu change until then (at least). If a Stage 1 upgrade also allows the ignition to be advanced back this might be a great combination. In the meantime my car suffers pinking but engine feels strong, so I throttle back where necessary. Not doing track work in this car for lots of reasons...
4. Chassis upgrades. Awaiting information about what needs to be done, but at present there seems to be evidence that many earlier chassis crack. Don't think mine is cracked at present, and Morgan has always been good at dealing with this as far as I know, even out of warranty (as you would expect).
5. Compensator. I am on early compensator and after 4500 miles it has not been a problem. I don't think it has the grease nipple added but it isn't especially noisy. I am 'considerate' to it below 2500 rpm... Centa compensator sounds like a great upgrade and I would have it done if I had to have engine out.
6. bevel box. My bevel box is not too noisy and quietened down quite quickly during running in. After last factory information last October the lube has been changed and it appears to be a bit noisier but not dramatically so. Don't think the NVH bevel box mounting work appears necessary or even desirable.
7. Empire kit. Sounds great but I am happy with the Comfort kit at present.
8. Harley replacement rectifier. Seems a good option to reduce cost of change if yours fails. Mine is original after 4500 miles and seems fine.
9. For what it's worth I prefer the early rear gear lever positioning, but it seems this is horses for courses. The later position allows more elbow room.
10. Blockley front tyres. Seems a worthwhile change over the Avons but no personal experience. However, I will change to the Blockleys when I need to change my front tyres which will be at about 6 - 7000 miles based on existing wear (although with Comfort kit the tyre wear is allegedly much slower).
11. Cosmetic changes - as desired but I'm happy with my standard steering wheel etc. but did add internal leather side pockets from Allon White which I'm very pleased with, look good and more capacious than the Morgan items.
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,370 Likes: 11
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,370 Likes: 11 |
Hoping to get a nice definitive list of what's best to get done to early-ish cars.
I recommend:
1. Suspension wishbone upgrade - Had this done - about £75
2. Replace off centre early rear-end and sprocket with later one - Had this done - belt quiet once more. Don't have enough miles to know if this is going to be a better long term solution but it's very nice to have a centred rear wheel!
3. Comfort suspension change. Steering less 'alive' and feels like more understeer, but much lighter and much less kickback / bumpsteer over all but huge bumps
4. Ecu software update. Had this done automatically and car now starts much better from cold. Pinking slightly reduced but still very much there. Plus see below (cooling fan).
I expect worthwhile but haven't done yet...
1. Spacers on front engine cover to help keep engine drive belt cooler. I want this done asap, as it seems to help but not aware of any real data to support this. Can't cost much!
2. Cooling fan addition + associated ecu change. My driving is mostly in country or light town and have never had skipfire mode kick in. Hate the look of the cooling kit and prefer the fitment of a fan behind the engine (as many have done and Krazy Horse etc.) Looks really worthwhile in hot climates and for town driving. But ecu change also allegedly retards ignition and reduces power.
3. Stage 1 exhaust / air filter. There are several kits - the Morgan one, the Garage 56 one, the Krazy Horse one. All seem to add power, and reduce back-pressure and seem to reduce pinking without retarding the ignition. I am waiting to decide which one to have added to my car and want to avoid the cooling fan ecu change until then (at least). If a Stage 1 upgrade also allows the ignition to be advanced back this might be a great combination. In the meantime my car suffers pinking but engine feels strong, so I throttle back where necessary. Not doing track work in this car for lots of reasons...
4. Chassis upgrades. Awaiting information about what needs to be done, but at present there seems to be evidence that many earlier chassis crack. Don't think mine is cracked at present, and Morgan has always been good at dealing with this as far as I know, even out of warranty (as you would expect).
5. Compensator. I am on early compensator and after 4500 miles it has not been a problem. I don't think it has the grease nipple added but it isn't especially noisy. I am 'considerate' to it below 2500 rpm... Centa compensator sounds like a great upgrade and I would have it done if I had to have engine out.
6. bevel box. My bevel box is not too noisy and quietened down quite quickly during running in. After last factory information last October the lube has been changed and it appears to be a bit noisier but not dramatically so. Don't think the NVH bevel box mounting work appears necessary or even desirable.
7. Empire kit. Sounds great but I am happy with the Comfort kit at present.
8. Harley replacement rectifier. Seems a good option to reduce cost of change if yours fails. Mine is original after 4500 miles and seems fine.
9. For what it's worth I prefer the early rear gear lever positioning, but it seems this is horses for courses. The later position allows more elbow room.
10. Blockley front tyres. Seems a worthwhile change over the Avons but no personal experience. However, I will change to the Blockleys when I need to change my front tyres which will be at about 6 - 7000 miles based on existing wear (although with Comfort kit the tyre wear is allegedly much slower).
11. Cosmetic changes - as desired but I'm happy with my standard steering wheel etc. but did add internal leather side pockets from Allon White which I'm very pleased with, look good and more capacious than the Morgan items. TBD: 1. Spacers - Do by all means. All you really need are four stainless washers that are at least 1-1.5mm thick. Stock bolts may do just fine. 2. Cooling fan - If your driving is mostly country and light town then don't bother. My skip fire mode only kicked in during a traffic jam. Once. For a few minutes. 3. Stage 1 - Entirely optional. Check your fuel for the pinking. That could be the demon. Get the highest octane rating you can. 4. Chassis - Check for cracks. If none, don't worry. Seems to be spotty. May be traced to different welders on the job. 5. Compensator - Add grease nipple and keep the revs up. Upgrade to the Centa only if you have to have the engine out. shudder 6. Bevel box - Keep putting a high grade oil in at intervals 7. Empire kit - If you're happy then don't mess with it. 8. H-D rectifier - Expensive to keep one on hand just in case. But do use one to replace the Cycle Electric unit if, or when, it dies. 9. Optional 10. Blockley tires. Yes! Bump the pressure up to 27 lbs and, with the comfort kit, you will be amazed. 11. All optional. I added the S&S Muscle air cleaner and the car not only looks better but breathes better. Responds quicker. Swapped steering wheel. Wrapped header pipes due to blueing. JW Speaker LED headlights.
What's your mileage? Who cares. Is it practical? See #1. What happens when it rains? You get wet.
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,732 Likes: 79
Talk Morgan Addict
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Talk Morgan Addict
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,732 Likes: 79 |
Hi Wiscos, A few thoughts based on my 2013: Cooling kit - well worth it to keep everything at a more reasonable temp. It may not have gone into skip fire but without the fan will still get very very hot which isn't good for the engine or the electrics. Stage 1 - my dealer is waiting for the Morgan kit so I hope to have this fitted in the next week or two. I'm going for this to cure the pinking which is due to the congested inlet/exhaust rather than timing. Chassis upgrades - there is a Morgan chassis upgrade kit just out (last week). It's a recall/warranty item so foc and I believe it fits between the front suspension uprights and triangulates to a front chassis member. Compensator - I've just had the Centra fitted at 4,700 miles. It makes he driveline feel much more solid and smooth, however there is a small resonance at 2,600 - 2,700 rpm. This does serve to remind one to keep the revs up!! Rectifier - I think the issues were due to earthing and if you have the 2 earth strap mod it should (fingers crossed) be OK. You are likely to get cracking of the mounting bobbins in which case the Caterham exhaust ones are much better. Blockleys - I'm with you and also plan to change when the Avons run out. 6mm left after nearly 5k miles so I should see 7-8k before changing. Steering wheel - I've changed to a 13" 3 spoke Moto Lita which looks good to me. It does give a bit more thigh room under the wheel. If you are on the larger side then a wheel spacer is also a good idea. If you are keeping the standard wheel then a Morgan lapel badge flattened off with a file and stuck in the middle helps the looks 
Red Leader 
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,625 Likes: 25
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,625 Likes: 25 |
Rectifier - I think the issues were due to earthing and if you have the 2 earth strap mod it should (fingers crossed) be OK. You are likely to get cracking of the mounting bobbins in which case the Caterham exhaust ones are much better.
My rectifier died a couple of weeks back and had the 2 earth strap mod, I had checked there was a good clean earth a month earlier. I have replaced it with a HD rectifier. Chris what year is the chassis upgrade for, just 2012 or are 2013 included
2021 M3W
2013 M3W - Sold
1971 4/4 2 Seater
1934 Sports
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 782
Talk Morgan Regular
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OP
Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 782 |
Thanks, guys. Still tempted to add a separate fan but not the Morgan one - at least not until someone does a more attractive version of the poor quality hood that sits over the engine and looks dreadful.
It's not the fuel causing the pinking... Only use the highest octane and have tried special 102 octane as well as octane boosters. Both help a bit but it still pinks. It does seem to be the breathing. How anyone could pass that at the design sign-off stage and still have it an issue nearly 3 years later is beyond me, but there you go!
And pinking slightly better with the ecu map I now have (whatever that is!) plus cold starting now much much better. The car now starts first or second time in all weathers whereas when new it needed churning and 5 - 7 turns of the key plus lots of coughing (from the car).
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,562
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,562 |
The Morgan kit to extend the timing cover out includes longer replacements bolts - I dont think the stock bolts are long enough to pad it out enough to be worthwhile , but worth a try I guess. The kit ( which is just bolts and washers ) is not expensive anyway , compared to other upgrades which prolong the life of the car etc. I paid £15 from memory. S&S strongly advocate this mod , which is good enough for me.
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Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,562
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,562 |
Your first item - "1. Suspension wishbone upgrade - Had this done - about £75" - I am not aware of this one , do you have any details ? thanks
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 782
Talk Morgan Regular
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OP
Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 782 |
Lower wishbones. An early Autocar (I think) test car had a mishap on track and the lower wishbone bent. Shortly afterwards Morgan was releasing stronger (and heavier) wishbones and I had them fitted. There was no cost for the parts, but I had to pay about an hour's labour; hence £75 ish.
I assume all cars had these fitted from some time in 2013 but don't have any details. But some early cars may still have the original wishbones...
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,822 Likes: 155
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 2,822 Likes: 155 |
Add on a trailer mudguard under the boot liner - reduces the amount of crud that gets fired everywhere.
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,732 Likes: 79
Talk Morgan Addict
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Talk Morgan Addict
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,732 Likes: 79 |
Chris what year is the chassis upgrade for, just 2012 or are 2013 included Mine's an Oct 2013
Red Leader
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