Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms HotMog's transformation

OK so here goes. I'm going to start a new thread which i'll try and regularly update to show the gradual transformation of a 1981 Plus 8 Class A racer into a manageable but quick road car.

The car is the ex Rick Lloyd and latterly Paul Conway/Ed Mercer car and has always been referred to as "HotMog".

It's successfully raced at most UK and European Circuits picking up many outright wins in its time but will gradually be transformed into a "ultimate" spec road car. The idea is to end up with a well mannered car, that can be used on track for sprints and track days but equally used on the road for pleasure.

Whilst the engine is in full race spec, I reckon with the Jenvey throttle bodies and a decent re map it'll be fine for road work. Having driven it just down the road though, it's an outright animal with a very brutal "in or out" clutch and very light flywheel. It's difficult to get off the line other than just going for it, so forget about any form of slipping the clutch for a controlled get away.

So today's job was really to see what's what, particularly with the gearbox. Race seat removed and gearbox and prop tunnel reveals the torque reaction bar from the axle housing (along with sawn off brace!) and a very easy to remove but rather lovely Getrag gearbox. The gearbox will be retained but will be slipped out to reveal clutch and flywheel. More to follow......

Excellent...will follow this with great interest !!!

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Thanks for the progress report - that is an animal and will be really interesting to see what you do to tame the John Eales power down to manageable road power levels.

Do you know what bhp it is at present out of interest.

Hmmmm,

Class A cars can be absolute brutes to control , with enough power to break traction at almost any speed in any gear. Just look at Keith Ahlers when he is jostling with Olly Bryant if you want to see some fast reactions.

I think the engine will be the least of your issues! I suspect a camshaft change will be beneficial to your aims.

However I applaud your goal and will read your updates with eager anticipation.

Yes Andy, a cam change may well be required but let's see how it goes with a more manageable clutch and flywheel arrangement.

Current power is 369bhp and 310f/lbs torque Richard.

Wow that's a lot going on under that bonnet blimey about twice standard output, I totally understand now the need for moderation.

p.s. You couldn't have started a more interesting thread if you'd tried we all love this kind of engineering stuff.

Looks to be a great thread