Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 1800 4/4.

Thinking about downsizing from the +8. What are the experts opinions on the 1800 4/4, how close to a 2 litre duratec are they. Thanks in advance for any info.

The 1.8 Zetec is (IMHO) a cracking little engine.
Of course it is hard to compare with a +8 and does not have the same soundtrack.The 1.8 is surprisingly torquey and willing.
It surprises a few larger engined Mogs that try to stay with it!
I have not owned a Duratec, though I have driven them. Again, a great engine, with a bit more power and more linear power delivery.

My 1.8 returns around 35mpg average, with 40mpg on a run.

I had a sports exhaust fitted to Merlin (1.8 Zetec) before Christmas and noticed some improvement. Fitted a K&N filter after Christmas and have only been able to take it out for a run a couple of weeks ago. The engine seemed to be very lumpy above 3000rpm on the motorway. Haven’t had chance to check it out again. If it continues I’ll try it out without the K&N again to see if that is causing the issue.

Thoughts anyone?

Tim

I loved the1.8 silver top Zetec in my last Mog
Much improved with a flowing Librands manifold replacing the heavy cast iron tight cornered one
Can’t compare to a trad chassis plus 8 as I’ve never driven one Ray

Hi Ray,

Sorry, I haven't driven - +8 so unable to compare to my 70th Anniversary 4/4 1.8 Duratec with sports exhaust.

But, I like this engine and power and torque are more than acceptable. Short shifting is not a problem and pulls OK in higher gears at lowish revs. I'm happy.

My only criticism of the drive train is a notchy gear box until the oil warms up.

Regards

Ray,
I have tried to follow you around the hills in Wales in my Roadster. You +8 is very fast , or maybe the driver is better than me.

You obviously won't have that power in a 4/4.
I owned a zetec 4/4 from 1994 & then moved up to a +4, the extra torque made a big difference. The Roadster is simply on another level.

I have had a new 4/4 as a courtesy car also.
What I found was compared to the Roadster it was less heavy on the steering & a nice drive but to get rapid performance you had to really work the gearbox.

It is I guess like the difference of a 2 stroke big say an RD350 vs a four stroke like a Honda CB750. Both can go fast but the two stroke needs lots of throttle & gears to get there.

Why don't you hire one for a weekend to see what you think?
John

I’m no expert or a particularly fast driver but my 1.8 is more than adequate. It is however a different car now to when I purchased it. The performance was fine but it always felt like the engine could give more and was holding back. A while back I discovered that the throttle bodies on the 1.8 engines had their butterfly movement restricted. I can only assume as an economy measure compared to the 2.0L so I removed the restriction. Now with a remap and sports manifold it is a different car with a lot more get up and go.

You may see it in the for sale section before too long

Hi Roger, did it make a difference removing the butterfly restriction if so is it an easy job.
Ian

Roger has one of the relatively rare 1.8 Duratecs. Most 1.8s are either “Silver top” Zetecs or the slightly newer “Black top” Zetecs.
There are some excellent companies offering power upgrades, if required.

The 1.8 Zetec was often preferred to the 2l by kit builders. They recconed it was a better engine especially for even mild tuning.
My last Focus was a 1.8 Duratec and it pulled the car quite well. It would be good in a much lighter car like a Morgan. I tried the smaller and bigger duratec versions and settled on the 1.8.
Ray, you know my thoughts on your potential change. All you have to do is overcome the V8 lure! NOT easy as your car goes so well. Think of the long haul re a newer car with less hands on. Once you change over to and settle in on the different driving feel you will be in enjoyment mode.
Note...I am just down the road if you need a V8 fix!