Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Aero 8 investigating to buy.

Peter. Couldn’t agree more.

Press starter button.

Listen to the V8 start up.

Smile.

I need to do some more reading or test drives as I had t realised but it seems clear that unlike most cars that evolve the Morgan Aero from S1 to S5 have different driving experiences not just changes to interior or exterior. Think its a max of S4 keeping budget capped, famous last words.

Yep Michaels colour I can cope with running car shows and attending them it’s great for people to appreciate cars that they don’t see all the time 😀

I do love the rumble of my GTS when start, brings a smile and think the Aero will defintely do the same.

Hi

All I can add is that I bought my S1 and can honestly say, three years into ownership, it is the only car I have ever bought that I'll never sell until I'm either too old to drive or until petrol is no longer available - these Aeros really get into you like no other car, it's the looks, noise, performance, rarity, sense of occasion and the smile on you face

Take the plunge

Regards

Ian

I think the engine is indeed rock solid in BMW applications. However although I am no expert on this range I do have some cautionary tales about the engine in the Aero 8.

I think at least 2 UK competition cars ran all their bearings whilst racing, and I have seen others with engines out in dealers to repair a leaking oil seal at the rear of the engine.

I am indebted to my Aussie friends who provided some hard evidence about the reasons for the oil problems:

Quote : Seems that the standard BMW engine sump was too low to give adequate road clearance so Morgan chopped off the lower part and moved the oil pickup up to suit. From what I can gather there is insufficient clearance between the oil pickup and the floor of the sump, thus causing suction problems when the sump gets bumped (and possibly when one floors the throttle!).Unquote

At least one car in Oz suffered a catastrophic failure :

Quote: Kerry and Marian Jones were on a club run a few years ago now. Turning onto a major highway a small rock was thrown up from the road which dented the sump. The engine seized shortly thereafter with major damage. It was due to the oil pump pick-up which was very close to the bottom of the sump - the what was slight dent blocked it. Kerry could not source spares or a complete engine (it was a superseded design) anywhere in the world for the particular engine involved and the car was off the road for at least two years if not more. He wanted to retain the original type engine in the car rather than replace it with a different one.The engine eventually was completely rebuilt - the damage was significant, ie pistons, valve gear, damaged bores etc etc and some of the parts such as pistons had to be specially made, I believe. The oil pump was modified so that the problem could not recur. : Unquote

Valid points....

I have a Wolf Performance Sump Guard fitted.
It has been there a couple of years and has a few deep gouges in it.

Another reason to fit the guard is to protect the oil filter housing. It is the lowest point and is made of plastic. Wearing away the end of the filter results in a catastrophic loss of oil!

Andy G. Is there any chance you can find out if they are talking about a specific version of the car/engine. I ask because I did hear a similar comment but it was with respect to the 4.8 more than the others.

The 4.4 286 (Series1) had camshafts, non variable.
The 4.4 330bhp (Series 2&3) had variable inlet which was oil driven and had a collector in the sump to drive it. Not known for having oil supply problems.
The Series 4/Max/Coupe/SS/5 had the 360bhp engine which had the bigger sump and double vario-cam which did need a good pressured oil feed.
I have heard of a few 4.8 sump poundings resulting in starvation. I am on my third sump on the Coupe now. You DO know when you hit something!
As Peter mentions the oil filter house also gets a good grinding in some cases. They then have to grind it off as the but gets the wear.

I would not say this is impractical compared to any other high performance car and far better than many, it just needs to be treated with a bit of respect and care on sharp kerbs, gate mounts etc.

Next time I spank it a sump guard will be going on at the same time. Both items are not cheap but far cheaper than a new 4.8 short engine.

I live on a farm so its pot hole love on the lanes, sump guard definitely sounds like something required. I tend to drive with respect for humps, bumps and low kerbs etc but a guard gives that extra protection for that micros second you forget :-)

James ... I agree ... but just have to say, that photo of your car is stunning.

- thank Ian ; but you know I think yours looks very special too !!

James