Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) V8 engine upgrades

Hi Guys, apologies if this subject has been covered before but;I have been speaking to RPI in Norwich regarding some unique driving traits - they have recommended a remap, new plug leads, an ignition amplifier and a fuel boost valve. Has anyone tried these mods???? The traits are a hesitation (almost to a point of stalling) when pulling away, then when i accelerate there is a burst of speed to 2500 RPM where it then starts to lag and she then accelerates again at 3000 RPM. I have also noticed that the accelerator pedal is very sensitive to very small inputs - although this could be my fault while i am getting used to the organ pedal. She is totally standard except from a full Librand exhaust (sorry if the spelling is incorrect)and only has 30,000 miles.

Thanks for any help or advice, Duffs

Hi Duffs,

What engine is this? 3.5, 3.9, carbs, injection?

If on carbs, it may just be timing and in either case, a re,ap will probably sort it.

If its a 3.5 injection, there's quite a lot of scope for upgrades. How deep are your pockets?

Hi Culminator, my engine is a 3.9 injection (92 model). I am not too interested in increasing the performance, more refining the engine characteristics to reduce the problems explained above, especially the almost stalling scenario every time i pull away. RPI has explained that the V8 engines were delivered to Morgan with Range Rover/Land Rover fuel and ignition mapping which is unsuitable for a car that is half the weight of the intended recipient. Rod from BHM told me that his +8 did the same thing - is this character or an annoyance that can be tuned out????

As not many +8 owners have responded i am not sure if my car is an isolated case, speaking to RPI would suggest not, but i would like to speak to someone independently whom has had the upgrades to verify that the work is worth nearly £1,000.

Regards Duffs

Duffs,

I have had all the above on my 2001 4.0L gems, plus the RPI exhaust and even the carbon fibre trumpets. The performance on mine is brilliant and seamless right up to 6,000 RPM. I have also fitted aero screens, which make a huge difference to the driving sensation. Mine is also Connaught green and when I saw yours I thought it looked fantastic (but also like mine). Mine is also one of the loudest around, but in rather nice V8 way after fitment off the RPI exhaust, they specially made smaller "bullet" silencers for me. There is a picture of my car on this web site somewhere but I cannot find it. Maybe someone will find it for you (me) ?

Best wishes Tim

Duffs,

I have found the picture of my car it is in the welcome section if you want to have a look.

best Tim

Hi Tim,

As you probably know Duffs car will be a Hotwire. The upgraded chip on a GEMS engine makes a lot of difference, as standard they are fueled to drag a 1.5 ton Range Rover up the side of a house....

Duffs I have never driven a Hotwire in a Mog, but do not recall reading about people complaining of the characteristics that you describe. I would suggest that there may be an issue that should be resolved before considering upgrades? I seem to recall that you got the car from a respected Mog dealer? have you discussed it with him?

Brian

Wonder if the air sensors want a clean?

Cheers,

Lovely car Tim, I must have missed it the first time round, I like the way you have tidied up the fog and reverse lights. Have you used the standard rear lights with appropriate bulbs / lenses?

Brian

Duffs,
Mine is a standard 3.5 flapper type injection plus 8 but I am happy enough with the performance and I haven't heard complaints of the symptoms you describe amongst other owners with hotwire.
When I ran a V8 Range Rover I did have ecu problems which required a refurb/recon. My recollection was that I sent the ecu away and it was checked to confirm that it was faulty before the work was done. The expert seems to be Mark Adams although I have never used him myself.
If you lived closer to the Midlands then I would recommend Kevin Vernon (Tudor Motors) without hesitation. Many people treat the electronics as a black art but Kevin seems to understand it!
If it were me I would get the car running properly as standard before spending too much on upgrades.
Maybe the dealer should be the first call!

Enjoy your car...

Malcolm

Brian,

yes I took the hanging reverse and fog lights off and put on the rear lights with correct bulbs. I think I remember getting the lights from SVC. On the front I have changed the side lights to the Lucas lights with the red markers on top. Much better at night.

best wishes Tim