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Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
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Jun 14th, 2026
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,945 Likes: 28
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wouldnt driving a modern Roadster give you an idea of what the power feels like in a Trad chassis. Personally I thought that it was more than the chassis could cope with on a bumpy road but likely Simon could do something about that.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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I have driven a 3.0 Roadster. Although the results are comparable, the manner that the Rover 3.9 and Ford 3.0 does the job is quite a bit different. I have never driven a 3.7 Roadster but I suspect a 3.7 might be in a class of its own. However a +8+ (Corvette) is way more power and I could use or want. But, mind you, I am a very old man. My reaction time and eyesight is not what it was.
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Joined: Sep 2014
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Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Sep 2014
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I have a modified 3.9 in my +8 , and I think that is about correct for the +8 rear suspension. It revs nicely , makes good power (about 250 at the flywheel) and is not very different in fuel consumption to the standard engine.
It is a delight to drive on the road and when/if in hooligan mode there is little that can live with it.
I do have bigger front brakes , larger alloy radiator, and suspension mods to cope with the extra power and torque. This was not a cheap project, so do be warned.
Personally I think the 4.6 engine is more suited to 4x4 applications where torque is all important , and they are not expected to reach the higher rev ranges. The Class A 4.6 race cars have a very different rear suspension to standard in order to cope with the additional torque, and they are a handful to drive competitively (I am told)
In my opinion a sports car engine should rev freely , not just idle along in the 2,000 to 3,000 rpm range (and that is what you will use most of the time in a 4.6) As ever you should try to drive both before making up your mind.
Andy G
1999 +8 , Indigo Blue.
Ex-John McKecknie/Mike Duncan 1955 +4 racer.
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
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OP
L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103 |
Thanks for your input chaps, bit tricky trying to drive Morgans with tuned up engines! Don't want to waste a salesman's time by testing a 3.7 either. L
Luckily, I own a car dealership, and don't have to worry about labour costs or VAT (until I sell the car at least!), but even still, I'm expecting a bill of around £6k.... not bad if you consider the price I paid for the car, and what a 3.7 Roaster would cost.
Have emailed Simon, and look forward to his advice.
Midnight blue 4.0 Plus Eight
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Has a lot to Say!
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Has a lot to Say!
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Have emailed Simon, and look forward to his advice. Ive emailed you back...  Simon @ SiFab.co.uk
Simon @ Sifab.co.uk
Sifabtemporary@gmail.com
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,310 Likes: 5
Talk Morgan Expert
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Talk Morgan Expert
Joined: Sep 2014
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That would be Selby North Yorks...
watch out for an all black 4/4 skulking around the area...
I live at Riccall and know Paul Taylor the "mad welder extraordinaire" !!!
Small world !!
" I LOVE THE SOUND OF THROTTLE BODIES IN THE MORNING " (ROBERT DUVAL IN "APOCOLYPSE NOW " )
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
L - Learner Plates On
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OP
L - Learner Plates On
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 103 |
That would be Selby North Yorks...
watch out for an all black 4/4 skulking around the area...
I live at Riccall and know Paul Taylor the "mad welder extraordinaire" !!!
Small world !!
Paul has been doing our welding work for years! Pop in to Reynolds of Selby next time your are passing and have a cuppa
Midnight blue 4.0 Plus Eight
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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 have a modified 3.9 in my +8 , and I think that is about correct for the +8 rear suspension. It revs nicely , makes good power (about 250 at the flywheel) and is not very different in fuel consumption to the standard engine.
It is a delight to drive on the road and when/if in hooligan mode there is little that can live with it.
I do have bigger front brakes , larger alloy radiator, and suspension mods to cope with the extra power and torque. This was not a cheap project, so do be warned.
Personally I think the 4.6 engine is more suited to 4x4 applications where torque is all important , and they are not expected to reach the higher rev ranges. The Class A 4.6 race cars have a very different rear suspension to standard in order to cope with the additional torque, and they are a handful to drive competitively (I am told)
In my opinion a sports car engine should rev freely , not just idle along in the 2,000 to 3,000 rpm range (and that is what you will use most of the time in a 4.6) As ever you should try to drive both before making up your mind. Now that the Exchange Rate for the U.S vs Lb. is getting better, I am beginning to think again about installing the 4.0 EFI I have and using one of the Brit. Computers to run it. I understand the 4.0 Rover computer is useless for My purpose. I do have a Mega Squirt, but wonder if I am just going cheap? I would like a rig that performs a bit better than a SUV engine.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 534 Likes: 1
Talk Morgan Regular
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Talk Morgan Regular
Joined: Aug 2010
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Hi Richard, I had one of the Musgrove modified Plus 8's and really liked the balance of power and upgrades. It was a 1988 car and had the very rare 4.5 litre cross bolted V8 that TVR used for the Tuscan race cars.
It had a twin plenum, which wasn't so clever but revved freely and put out about 250-260bhp. That was a nice combination and whilst it was brisk, it wasn't overly quick compared to say a decent spec Caterham. 250bhp is not that powerful, so I wouldn't worry about it feeling overpowered, just make sure you have decent suspension and brakes.
I still ponder about getting another Plus 8 and doing what you want as like you, I think you'd end up with a useable car that would be entertaining to drive and I still love the looks and ease of maintenance of a Plus 8.
However, don't forget that most Morgans are restricted on how fast they can be driven by ancient suspension design. A standard plus 8 will bounce like crazy down most typicall British lanes, so put asside some budget to get both ends of the car modified to improve things. My understanding is that big gains can be had with fewer leafs in the rear spings and the Suplex or similar set up at the front.
Feel free to drop me a line to discuss further as I'm still quite keen to do a similar project.
Cheers
Mike
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,943
Talk Morgan Enthusiast
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Talk Morgan Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,943 |
Hi Richard, I had one of the Musgrove modified Plus 8's and really liked the balance of power and upgrades. It was a 1988 car and had the very rare 4.5 litre cross bolted V8 that TVR used for the Tuscan race cars.
It had a twin plenum, which wasn't so clever but revved freely and put out about 250-260bhp. That was a nice combination and whilst it was brisk, it wasn't overly quick compared to say a decent spec Caterham. 250bhp is not that powerful, so I wouldn't worry about it feeling overpowered, just make sure you have decent suspension and brakes.
I still ponder about getting another Plus 8 and doing what you want as like you, I think you'd end up with a useable car that would be entertaining to drive and I still love the looks and ease of maintenance of a Plus 8.
However, don't forget that most Morgans are restricted on how fast they can be driven by ancient suspension design. A standard plus 8 will bounce like crazy down most typicall British lanes, so put asside some budget to get both ends of the car modified to improve things. My understanding is that big gains can be had with fewer leafs in the rear spings and the Suplex or similar set up at the front.
Feel free to drop me a line to discuss further as I'm still quite keen to do a similar project.
Cheers
Mike I tried removing leafs from My +8 Bitsa. It was a disaster. I now am using a 5 leaf with a 6 leaf in spares just in case. The +8+ had a Bill Fink designed coil over rear spring setup. It did the job but I have no idea what the performance would have been on a very rough road. I have a road in mind. Maybe I will get another chance to drive the +8+ and see how it does on a very rough road.
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