Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 42
Just Getting Started
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OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 42 |
I've had my plus 4 since November 2015 and in addition to the workings of this wonderful little machine, am still trying to learn how to drive the thing safely and fully engage with its potential for enjoyment. I recently had a conversation with a very capable and exprienced Morgan driver who mentioned using very high revs (to me, very very high) without causing any harm to his vehicle. Fortunately or unfortunately, anything approaching a low pitched whine is too much for me but I am left thinking, perhaps I'm being over cautious. I would be very grateful for any comments on this matter. I have avoided mentioning specific rpm counts to avoid personal embarrassment!
Also worth mentioning relating to safety, I didn't fully appreciate how little you can see or how invisible you are on hill tops. Driving the Morgan has made me realise how ridiculously fast, cars (and Lorries) seem to go these days.... On open country roads, 55 - 65 seems to be fairly normal which I think is pushing on a bit, particularly in the plus 4. We need to think of the poor sheep as well. I imagine poor Larry would do serious damage to the front end in the process?
Before anyone comments, I've already got a bus pass.
Keith
Plus 4 from The wilds of County Durham
Keith
2010 +4 Royal Ivory
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,466 Likes: 171
Charter Member
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Charter Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,466 Likes: 171 |
Welcome Hoggy,
2 thoughts:
1) Best thing I ever did was to go on a track day with an instructor session. The car's limits were way beyond mine on a smooth track.
2) It's your Morgan - as long as you are not labouring it in too high a gear (which can cause engine and clutch damage), I suggest you drive it how it feels most comfortable to you. The more miles you enjoy, the better you will understand how best to enjoy your car in your way.
Paul
Costock, UK
Plus Four 75th - Furka Rouge - Pip
Disco 5
Teddy - 17h1 Irish Draught cross
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
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Well I would follow Paul's advice if I were You. But I like to keep the Ford engines turning in the high range. I recently showed the Owner of a 2005 Roadster how I thought it should be driven. He was lugging the engine. The poor guy was horrified at the high RPM's I was turning. Actually they were not that high. I was just trying to find the "sweet spot" where the power was. My DHC has a '94 ZETEC engine. I am in the 7,000 RPM range constantly. This engine is fitted with Weber DCOE carbs and the "sweet spot" is over 5,000. Poor hearing is very helpful. I think I would like to destroy this engine so I could buy a later Cosworth/Duratec.
Button
Seattle
Button
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,036
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,036 |
Keith, you don't say which model of Plus 4 you have bought. There's a massive difference between the engine characteristics of a Triumph TR engined Morgan, a Fiat 2 litre, Rover M16 and T16 and the latest Ford engines.
If you are uncertain of the ideal 'relaxed' rev range, look up the power curves for your particular engine; both torque (ft/lbs or Nms) and power (BHP or BMEP).
Concentrate on the torque curve and use the rev range that gives you 25% of the usable torque to 100%. Torque is what gives an engine and car 'driveability', that is the ability to pull away and overtake easily without resort to changing down unnecessarily.
As others have said, don't labour the engine and remember that modern engines are designed to run at higher high revs and will not get hot enough if constantly run at low RPM ranges. Don't be afraid to run a modern engine up to its red line occasionally.
Last edited by Cheshire_David; 18/07/16 03:56 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 42
Just Getting Started
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OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 42 |
Thanks David, that's very helpful. I have a 2010 plus 4 with Ford Duratec 1999, no mods.
Keith
Keith
2010 +4 Royal Ivory
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,036
Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,036 |
Most of the power and torque curves available on the interweb are for tuned engines so perhaps you can do your own research or another TMer might advise.
Looking at what's available, keeping the engine spinning between 2,500 and 5,500 ( apart from pulling away) should keep you and the car happy.
Find a nice piece of clear and empty road and give yourself the opportunity of accelerating hard up to 6,000 rpm. Explore a little!
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 469
Learner Plates Off!
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Learner Plates Off!
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 469 |
Hi Keith, nice car and the duratec engine is brilliant, it likes to rev, that said follow the advice given by others, drive to enjoy yourself and don't be worried about revving it near the red line as long as you are comfortable with it, you won't damage it!! Enjoy
(the engine doesn't really come alive until 3000rpm and beyond)
Last edited by exbiker; 18/07/16 04:25 PM.
2017 Mercedes Benz SLC 200 AMG.
2019 Mercedes Benz GLA 200 AMG
Now Ex-Mogger!
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
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I almost always obtain a "Rolling Road Dyno Report" when I start out with a new engine that I am not familiar with. I try to convince the Dyno Technician that I am interested in the lower RPM's as well. After years of a TR powered +4 a +8 was easy. I learned to not rev those engines as there was no power up there. But with the Ford V6 and Duratec engines it seems the power/driveability is in the upper RPM's. I often do not use 5th gear but instead use 4th and 3rd with My ZETEC powered DHC. I may not be going as fast as I think, but the noise sure is exciting.
Button
Button
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Joined: Oct 2013
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Talk Morgan Sage
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Talk Morgan Sage
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,723 Likes: 2 |
I've had my plus 4 since November 2015 and in addition to the workings of this wonderful little machine, am still trying to learn how to drive the thing safely and fully engage with its potential for enjoyment. I recently had a conversation with a very capable and exprienced Morgan driver who mentioned using very high revs (to me, very very high) without causing any harm to his vehicle. Fortunately or unfortunately, anything approaching a low pitched whine is too much for me but I am left thinking, perhaps I'm being over cautious. I would be very grateful for any comments on this matter. I have avoided mentioning specific rpm counts to avoid personal embarrassment!
Also worth mentioning relating to safety, I didn't fully appreciate how little you can see or how invisible you are on hill tops. Driving the Morgan has made me realise how ridiculously fast, cars (and Lorries) seem to go these days.... On open country roads, 55 - 65 seems to be fairly normal which I think is pushing on a bit, particularly in the plus 4. We need to think of the poor sheep as well. I imagine poor Larry would do serious damage to the front end in the process?
Before anyone comments, I've already got a bus pass.
Keith
Plus 4 from The wilds of County Durham Umm, this is a joke, right..? If you're seriously suggesting 55mph is pushing on a bit on open roads, you've bought the wrong car surely..??
Steve
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,825 Likes: 69
Talk Morgan Addict
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Talk Morgan Addict
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3,825 Likes: 69 |
The honda jazz is a good car.........
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