Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) ARP4 "Handbook", and other useful information

Cosworth use MBE ECUs.

Yes, but who developed the map, Cosworth or a sub contractor working for Morgan?

Cosworth

I'm surprised that with all their experience, they should map it with so little torque at the bottom end, although they may have gone for the biggest numbers possible to the exclusion of mid range power. As Mr. Costin said today, all it needs is a pair of softer cams.

I believe I'm right in saying that there is at least one owner, on here, who has already swapped his car in for a Roadster, partly due to the lack of torque and a little because of the noisy silencer, but if this is not the case, I would be most interested to hear why it didn't suit.

That was me! Your summary of my reasons for swapping are pretty accurate. The noise was too much, to the extent that I only tolerated driving the car when wearing my biking ear plugs! My first long drive left me with aggravated tinnitus which still endures after two weeks. The lack of torque worried me more, however, as I expect that whilst a different silencer may well address the excessive noise, will there be any improvement to the lack of low down torque which I loved so much from my Plus 8 and which I am now enjoying so much in the 3.7 Roadster?
Whilst the gearbox in the ARP4 is a delight, I was having to use it more than I anticipated just to get even modest levels of acceleration. Of course some may say that I have been hasty and should have waited longer for everything to bed down and for the engine to loosen up more. Maybe they are right, who knows.
What I can say, however, is that my needs are absolutely being met by the Roadster. It can be relatively quiet when I want it to be quiet, yet still keep me smiling with it's low +8 style burble, and when I want to turn on the gas it responds immediately, with or without a down change. And, most importantly, I do not have to wear ear plugs and my wife and I can have a reasonable conversation without shouting or slowing down. Some might say that may be a disadvantage!
I sincerely hope that either the dealerships or MMC can address the issues which have led me to change. I still love the look of the ARP4 and all that, on paper, it purports to be.
Anyway, the ARP4 launch last year was the catalyst for me getting back into Morgans again after a 9 year lapse and, for that alone, I am enormously grateful!
Happy days.

What made you choose the ARP4 I wonder, rid967? I'd be interested to know whether it was a mis-matched expectation, or a lack of test drive beforehand?

I'd agree with your impressions of the Roadster though. Good to hear you're happy now.

+1, glad you are happy with the Roadster

I must say that my experiences of driving the factory ARP4 have been very positive but perhaps the engine has loosened up somewhat with all its testing etc.
My only criticism was the handbrake not just the lack of power but the awkward...for me...position, but then I prefer the fly off type.

The Roadster is still the top car in the Trad range in my opinion. A super engine which can be quite docile in a nice lazy way but certainly wakes up when prodded! It would be nice, now that the ARP4s are finishing production, if the factory offered the ARP4 suspension and brake package as options. That would be the icing on the cake.

Interesting, but what about the Plus 8 John; isn't that the top car in the Trad range?

"It would be nice, now that the ARP4s are finishing production, if the factory offered the ARP4 suspension and brake package as options. That would be the icing on the cake."

No, I think the icing on the cake would be the properly sorted 3.7 cyclone, in the ARP4, just as it is, although maybe the gearbox would need uprating or changing.