Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Some advice please…ter

I am planning to buy either a 3.0 or 3.7 V6 Roadster which I would use for UK trips and European tours.

Firstly, I know the BHP difference between the two engines but is the torque similar as one of the Morgan specialists has told me that the 3.0 is a better engine and smoother with a flatter torque curve so any views on this would be helpful?

My second question relates to suspension upgrades…….
In view of the generally appalling state of our roads and my aim not to loose too many of the fillings in my teeth I understand that both front and rear suspension upgrades will be a must and there are 2 types - Rutherford and SSL - would appreciate any views on either of these and how they compare

Any advice welcome

Thanks!

Hi Woodywoo, welcome to TM and hopefully to Morgan ownership.

Across Roadster production it’s not two engines but four. Series1, 2 and 3, are 3 litre. Series 4 is the 3.7.
Series 1: Built 2004 – 07, 223 bhp @ 6150 rpm, 206 lb/ft @ 4900 rpm.
Series 2: Built 2007 – 10, 201 bhp @ 6100rpm, 194 lb/ft @ 4500 rpm
Series 3: Built 2010 – 12, 240 bhp @ 6550rpm, 223 lb/ft @ 4300 rpm
Series 4: Built 2012 > 280 bhp @ 6000rpm, 280 lb/ft @ 4500 rpm.

In the overlap years it is important to know just what you are looking at.

Series 3 and 4 have a 75mm wider front track and Series 1 cars up to 2006 have 19mm shorter wheelbase.

Regarding suspension, you will find advocates of both upgrade types. Whatever you choose is what you will have to live with. So I think it is best to study and understand both engineering concepts and designs, compare the costs, perhaps try examples, make a decision and enjoy your car.

Personally, my choice is for a Series 1 car. The later versions have an ergonomically poor dash instruments layout that I find bizarre but many live with it without problem.

Bear in mind that 3.7 Roadsters (they were never known as S4) adopted the factory 5 link coil sprung rear from April 2018. They still benefit from the front SSL RS kit but dual rate coilovers to match are offered for the rear as well. SSL offer their own retrofit coil spring 5 link version but it's quite expensive although provides similar very positive axle location lacking in all other Roadsters and so important in these powerful Morgan's.

Suggest you try both, the Roadster S1 seems to be the jewel of the 3 litre ones in terms of power and transmission. The 3.7 has a real Jekyll and Hyde character though with quiet very flexible smooth engine until you reveal the monster when the Ti-VCT kicks in

Although a +8 owner, I have driven all 4 series of Roadsters, admittedly only for relatively shorter trips.

I agree with Richard that the Series 1 is the best "driver's" car, the power train with the Getrag gearbox ratios suiting the engine better. The handling seemed somewhat crisper than the Series 2 or 3.

The Series 2 was introduced to try to lower the emissions from the ST220 unit.

I truly cannot remember too much that is different about the Series 3 compared to the Series 2.

The Series 4 is possibly the best car for touring , with a docile motor giving relatively good mpg, (unless provoked, and then you really do need a 5 link rear suspension unless you relish visit hedges frequently , or have super quick reactions and skills) . As commented above the instruments are not to everyone's taste, but you can live with the.

In summary if you only want to go touring then a Series 4, if you want to exploit the handling and enjoy driving the Series 1.

Recommend that you drive as many as you can they all have their own characters.
I note no one's mentioned the rev-hang which stopped me buying one of the very last Series 4.

I also note no one mentioned the low sump problem which effects the earlier cars!

Sir P

Easily fixed by a mulfab sump. Richard the S1 also changed character at over 3k rpm but the 3.7 has more umph once you realise you should leave it in 3rd.

I have toured in both. The gerbox in the 3.7 gives less room especialy for the passenger. The S1 was fine and SWMBO says quieter whilst I think tghe 3.7 is quieter.
I have cruise control on my 3.7 which kaes it a wonderful tourer especially with the 6th gear.

Malcom I hope whatever you choose suits you.

The problem with mentioning 'rev hang' is that some do, some don't regardless of model / spec / age / of Roadsters, I've even witnessed it on some 4/4's and +4's. Then add to that the willingness of some drivers to adjust their driving style and it can mostly be 'dialled out'

Belle has the rev hangfix so no issue & the BRooklands spec standard suspension is fine

This is a beauty with lots of sensible performance enhancing work already completed including a good sound track.