Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Looking for a bit more "pep"

I've had my 1974 4/4 for 4 years now and have decided that it needs another keeper. I shall acquire another Morgan but would like one with a fifth gear and a bit more "pep". With the budget I have I reckon something up to early to mid 2000s. This probably puts me into the Ford Zetec era. Were these all the same output power until the Duratec came along? I'd also like a galvanised chassis, treated woodwork and aluminium body. It's just my perception that aluminium is better! I'm trying to build a list of the different variants as the years progressed. Probably a 4/4 but a wider body would be handy. The 4/4 I have does fit nicely in my garage, leaving me room to work round it.

Also where would be a good place to advertise my current 4/4? It would be aimed at the first time Morgan owner (as I was) so maybe not on a currrent owners site (like here). A sub £20k car.

If you are going Zetec, check the chassis very carefully. The exhaust is routed through a hole cut in the chassis rail and they have been known to crack in the area of this hole.

If you can run to it, a post 2012 4/4 with the Sigma engine and an MX5 gearbox is a delight - and can be chipped. Depending on budget, a Ford engined +4 from post 2005 would be good too - around the 150bhp mark.

Thanks. Budget will be £10k over what I can get for my current 4/4.

My last day car was an MX5 Mk.3.5 Sport. A really nice 6 speed box.

Allon White have a nice 2013 4/4 in at £28.5k. Could be worth a phone call to see if a deal might get you close enough.

Is the Sigma engine any better than the Zenec? Output specs are similar, with the Zetec being a bit ahead.

A 5 speed Sierra box in a seventies 4/4 really transforms the car.

Not too difficult or expensive to do either!

Arwyn

The later cars will long doors are helpful as you age, and I would with an eye to future proofing especially with the growing green agenda and increasing road use restrictions either stay with a 40+ year old car which is exempt or look for a more modern Euro 4 + Morgan. There is a growing number of modern classics being sold that are now falling foul of clean air zone restrictions and incur charges. Arwyn's suggest of fitting a 5 speed gearbox is sound advice especially if the rest of the car is solid and will probably be cheaper than the cost to change car. Most Morgans in my experience need some sorting out when you first get them and if your current car is sorted, save yourself the cost and agro of changing car.

Yup, a 40 year old car is a 'keeper' in today's LEZ environment. I have neighbours dumping 2015 diesels to comply, while my 60's cars just roll on through.

You can improve a xflow 4/4 a lot, and get change out of your £10k.

Cheers, Colin

Slip a modern engine & 'box upgrade in yours and don't declare it

Yep, five speed box on mine, and had a lighter flywheel fitted. Large bore manifold and exhaust, decent airfilter on the DGV, electric fan, electric fuel pump, electronic ignition with decent plugs and leads and I am more than happy with the performance.

If mpg wasn't an issue, I'd stick a pair of webers on, or one of those bike carb conversions, or even go the whole hog with bike throttle bodies.

https://danstengineering.co.uk/Ford...e-Bodies-Kit-GSXR600-38mm-FAST-ROAD-PACK