Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) 3.7 roadster - any known issues? and Battery life

A good read!

Thats a nice balanced real world post...

My thanks to all those who replied regarding my battery and the 3.7 Roadster.

When I drove a 3.7 a few years ago at the factory I seemed to gel with it immediately having first been told to pull away in second and take my time changing gear (never noticed the hang but did wonder why I needed to treat it like a Mos 'box). Anyway, I enjoyed it so much I was astonished to be told on our return that I'd been exceeding the speed limit by a considerable margin - what's strange about that? well I usually drive other folks cars like a sedated granny.

Will we buy a Plus 6? well only time and the damage Brexit might do to our investments and the future cost will decide (I know spend it now and weep later .

travelling hopefully

Roady

I bought my 3.7 Roadster in 2012 and it suffered terrible from 'rev hang' - it went back to the factory for the +£2k ecu and at the same time had new rear springs and suspension upgrade..... ever since then its been a good car - I do enjoy a spirited drive and the engine is a 'stonker' especially in 4th gear ….my car seems to get better the harder you push it and its especially quick 70 - 130mph much to the amusement of other people seeing a road Morgan go so fast [obviously on a circuit].

I cut an inch out of the fuel tank vent pipe and that solved the very erratic fuel gauge to just erratic.

Clutch fluid can boil a bit when having some fun but pedal always returns when it cools down.

I must admit it does make me smile ….if your eyes glance down expecting a speedo or rev counter ...you find a clock ! But no doubt they all do that.

Not been on Talk Morgan for a while but logged on this evening and saw this thread which I found very interesting.
I bought a new 3.7 Roadster in 2016. I knew the potential issue of the Rev hang in advance and had actually had the loan of Adrian’s old Roadster which was for sale through the dealer to tide me through whilst my car was being built. I had handed back the keys to my ARP4 after three weeks, being so disappointed with the lack of low down torque coupled with excessive noise. I had taken Adrian’s Roadster out for a test drive and was blown away by the power delivery and torque. Importantly it had the ECU upgrade fitted.
After taking delivery of my new car, and after carefully running it in, I gradually built up the revs over a couple of months and with some spirited driving found the Rev hang was there. So, I made enquiries about having the ECU upgrade and was told that parts (connectors) were the problem but the factory was trying to source some. After a very long wait they got some in and the factory fitted the new ECU and immediately the car was transformed. Not only was the Rev hang gone but the engine was much more responsive.
Other mods carried out included new Rutherford front suspension with adjustable shocks, panhard rod, brake stabiliser bars, sports exhaust and, uniquely, I had the power steering removed as it was too light and lacking feel. The car now drives beautifully and performs outstandingly well. I have had the car on Snetterton, Curborough and Goodwood this year and the only cars which were quicker were the Aero 8s. The handling was superb and great fun.
As for road use the car can be as docile and sedate as you want it to be, with little need to change down due to the enormous torque available at very low revs. Yet, when you want to have some fun the performance on tap is astonishing. Obviously you need to be very careful on the open road and tailor your driving to the roads and traffic conditions. If you want to be stupid this may not be the car for you.
I accept the comment above that probably it has too much power for the chassis. I find that part of the fun though as I relish the challenge and excitement of getting the most out of car, but on circuits only.
My advice would be to test drive the Plus 6 and also a well sorted Roadster if you can. They are very different cars clearly and whilst I have not driven the Plus 6 as yet I expect it to feel like a “modern” sports car such as a Porsche 911 which might well suit some and justify the extra £20k over a Roadster. For me, I like the analogue experience as well as the manual engagement which an automatic gear box would not provide.
Happy days!

Mr rid967, did you pay for the ECU upgrade ? or was it classed as warranty ?

It’s a long story, and one which I cannot go into online and publicly, but I did not pay for the upgrade.
Regards

If one is looking for a cruiser and considering a Roadster; why not try for the S1 with 3.0 l engine? Less expensive, no rev hang, and with 228 bhp as opposed to the 285 bhp of the 3.7 l it is less overpowered, if not overpowered at all. Lots of torque, more than enough power. Easy to cruise at leisure in 4th or 5th, quite aggressive and willing when you step on it. I have had mine for nearly three years, no serious issues and nothing I really miss.

One odd thing to check depending on the year of the car you buy. I have size 7 feet but very wide and in an early Roadster I had bad problems of operating the brake without also the accelerator and vice versa. I believe they widened the footwell at some point by narrowing the transmission tunnel and you may well have narrow pointy feet anyway. But do check since for me it made the car dangerous.

I am also size 7, normally shaped. I have never even been close to that problem. I take care to use a neat and well suited shoe, though. However, my left foot has to rest (loosely) on the clutch pedal or more often on the floor in the middle of the footwell. Slightly uncomfortable in the beginning, but perfectly acceptable when you get used to it. But of course, checking out for yourself is a good idea.

Hi Robbie, I have been reading this thread and did not think of your suggestion....and also have a 3.0 Roadster!

I agree with all the points you have made. Thanks

Mark