Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Grinding noise when hard accelerating

Duffs, sounds like you like to drive the car like a sportscar should be driven. In which case, I would strongly recommend that you invest in a panhard rod, and anti tramp bar kit from Mulfab. Speak to Peter or Chas and get them to advise you.

In standard form, the plus 8 is pretty hopeless as a sports car but when sensibly modified, they can be very rewarding. Before I get flamed for saying such a thing, i'm comparing them to other cars I've had, such as top spec Caterhams, highly modded E Types, TVR Griffiths and Lotus's.

My first plus 8 was a trully dreadful car, totally standard and as such quite slow and a terrible ride. I was lured back into a Plus 8 after a 13 year gap because I love the simplicity of them and they are actually beautiful cars that demand cherishing. Luckily, the previous owner of my newly aquired Plus 8 spend a small fortune doing all of the desireable upgrades and I can honestly say it's a terrific car. The modified suspension has transformed the car.

Not only does it go pretty well (Colin Musgrove special with 310bhp Tuscan engine) but the ride quality is actually very good (for a Morgan).

The trick is to keep the whole car supple but controlled. Having done loads of research, i really would point you to Mogsport/Mulfab and go and have a chat.

Feel free to drop me a line and I can take you through some of the upgrades on my car.

Thanks Guys, i will check the U-bolts tomorrow when i arrive back in the UK,

Duffs

Thanks Culminator, i would love to hear about your +8, PM sent

Duffs

Hi Culminator,

I guess that everyone has a different definition of a sports car. I come from a similar backfround Lotus, Caterhan, TVR etc. (I sold the Caterham and the Cerbie to fund the Mog)

But I would not call a standard +8 a hopeless sports car and if your first +8 was truly dreadful then I suspect that may have been that particular car rather than the breed as a whole. I found that when standard the +8 handled as well as the Griff and was not far behind in the ride stakes. Flooring it from standstill would get the car snaking, but feeding in the power overcomes that and still leaves black lines on the tarmac. I would say that brutal use of the throttle out of a corner unsettles the car more than the Griff so I soon learnt to be a little more gentle. Conversely I was much more confident in the +8 in the rain than either the Griff or Cerbie.

I did elect to make some minor mods but I would consider none of them essential.

Brian

I get a grinding noise under hard acceleration and cornering from the passenger seat, I think it's the wifes teeth.

Hi Brian, Yes I suppose that was a little harsh and unfair but i really felt my first plus 8 was a bit of a let down. It was an early 80's one and felt very very agricultural, bouncing on every bump and almost impossible to feel cofident when driving quickly down a typical English country lane.

I think it may have been that particular car but what i have noticed is that Plus 8's with steering racks feel a lot better than gemma box ones.

I agree that the Griff was a real worry in the wet!

Anyway, love my current Plus 8 and good to hear that someone else has come from a similar car background.