Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Parts recommendations for (front end) rebuild

After finally having the time to follow up with a chassis fabricator in the UK (I'm in California), I'm going to be getting the ball rolling soon on ordering a new chassis, wood frame assembly, and suspension upgrades (SSL front / rear) for my '66 +4.

As such, I will likely want to be ordering other parts at that time. Seeing as much of the front end was damaged on the vehicle, either from the original accident or having sat around for a few decades, I'd like to take the opportunity to put better parts back on.

Of particular interest to me is front end components. As mentioned above, I'll be getting the SSL front end kit, but the spindle assembly and other related parts could do for an update. Additionally, as after three other classic car projects I am so done with dealing with drum brakes, a road (not race) worthy rear disc brake upgrade would be nice to have as well.

I'll likely be ordering most of my parts from Melvyn Rutter's store, unless other sources are suggested.

Thanks in advance for any input you can provide!

Once you have garnered the expertise you require on here, I would have no hesitation in supporting your choice of ordering from Uncle Melvyn. He not only holds most of your needs in stock but he will gather the rest on your behalf and sort out the freight.
Once you have your shopping list ask him about all the odds and sods, nuts, bolts and nic nacs you’ll need.

For rear discs you might be better talking to the current owners of Mulfab. IIRC Sierra Cosworth rear discs and callipers are used.
Talking to some experienced Morgan racers the five link rear is not the panacea that some may think it is.

For road use the drums are more than adequate , discs on a race car perhaps but only if you have more than 250 bhp. The rears do very little braking compared to the front , so spend the money on the latter.

The factory 5L on the early race cars ARV6 did have some issues , but as far as I am aware none of the the latest batch of 3.7 litre Roadsters (where 5L is a standard factory fitment) have complained about the same topic , so I assume it has been sorted.

For road use on an earlier car the SSL 5L system works really well , and I can personally recommend it. The ride quality does improve certainly , but the biggest plus is the much quicker and precise turn-in. That is what you wil notice first.

Will mention that this Mog is getting the GM Ecotec engine and transmission from a 2006 Pontiac Solstice, which from the factory was ~175 bhp, and I will be removing certain smog restrictions from it.

Update the steering box to a Gemma or replace with a steering rack.

Maybe think about the back end too, panhard rods are a must and also I think with 175hp anti tramp might be worth considering. Both are not too expensive. Tim Ayres, NEWELMS has the Rutherford parts.
Sounds like an interesting re-build.

David, 2001 4/4 4 seater.

Happy Birthday flaagan.

Thanks Graham!