Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) The Sweet Spot?

Thanks for this input. We have a 1990 Morgan plus 4 at 181,000 miles. We have a noisy alternator due to bearings. We have fixed this problem by stripping down the unit and replacing the bearings after buying a replacement new unit. BUT!

When I suggested thinking more modern, I was thinking perhaps that while there is no doubt that the manufacturers, seem not to even provide their dealerships with all the digital info the dealerships would like to have, and that dealership systems receive factory updates as and when, also that the dealerships often seem not to be able to resolve issues without contacting the factory tec department, and even then...?

The independent garages tend to depend upon the likes of Snap-On systems capable of digital interrogation of systems fitted to a wide range of different manufacturers and models, though they have to pay a monthly fee to Snap-on in order to receive the latest updates on the various makes and models...

It would seem that as ever the aftermarket has catered for the enthusiast in terms of providing both the hardware and software to connect to one`s vehicle systems and to carry out basic checks. A quick look on the interweb and you will find numerous options... i.e. OBD II code reader programming to load into one`s own laptop... Or if you prefer a reader that can plug into the diagnostic socket in the car that can blue tooth connect to an Android phone... You might be surprised just how cheaply such kit can be bought for..

It does seem that some main dealerships seem to automatically start out by advising that first off you will be charged for a diagnostic bay session, which could be circa £200, after which they will advise of the probable fault, and whatever else may follow on...!

Seems a good idea indeed to prepare youngsters to be self reliant at least to some degree, though I think the issue of whole issue of private personal transport may just go EV and only for those and such as those in time..

Of course my thinking on any of this kit will be well out of date..

We have the narrow body +4 essentially a 4/4 with the 2 ltr engine.

Keith, very nice, but no Stanley!



Bud
4/4 - Stanley

I'd go with this, or the X-Flow if one wanted to go the whole points and carbs thing.

My 4/4 had a CVH engine originally but It was knackered and in early 2008 I got Kevin Vernon to bung in one of his Ecotec conversions (1800cc Z18XER engine as fitted to the Astra Sri but with a MBE ECU bringing power up to 165bhp).

Since then the engine servicing has been minimal, I've just changed the oil and filter every other year, put in a new set of spark plugs every 5 years, and replaced the timing belt at 10 years. Far less hassle than the CVH and loads more power. I can't see a Durance needing much different, and they're a lot easier to find than a Vernon conversion!

From memory I think the CVH was very dependant upon regular oil changes possibly every 3k miles and quite regular belt changes. The only other point I would make is either go with Morgans over 40 years old (and hope the current regulations don't change) or go with a more recent Euro spec especially if you are living in or travelling to environmentally controlled zones which are extending rapidly across the UK and Europe. In part due to the extra costs involved but also the likelihood that those non compliant vehicles may become less attractive over time and more difficult to move on..

True Si, it has door handles

Keith.
Good reply. Touché.



Bud
4/4 - Stanley

I'm another vote for the Crossflow .... depends on what you want ... won't be as fast (in normal tune) as later cars but has no difficulty in keeping up with modern traffic ... mine is an ex-hillclimb car so has no interior trim/soundproofing and can be a bit noisy (but a fine noise it is!🙂) .... for me, the engine is just aporopriate to the spirit of the car ... UK made and old-school, simple but not slow, easy to get to everything and work on. ... if you want the 'old-car' experience without the drawbacks of an 'old-car' that didn't cost stratospheric money, it's a hard combo to beat... if you want something more 'civilised' then maybe not 🙂

We were bowling along the the road in the last 50 miles to home of our recent 1500 mile round trip down to Goodwood and back and Mrs Image started planning what will be a 600 mile plus tour up to Orkney in the spring ... that's another endorsement in my book!! 😆

K

I really enjoyed my X flow 4 seater, it was mechanically simple, very reliable took us on a European tour to Kitzbuhel, without a hitch, was a little underpowered for the autobahns, especially the two lane sections, were trying to pass slower traffic in the first lane was a little fraught with others bearing down on you from a great speed.

Although garaged at night it was outside all day all year round no matter what the weather was, I remember doing one 250mile heavily snow bound motorway trip to the Midlands, heavily wrapped up in a full length sheepskin, the tyres really struggling for grip, kind of kept me focused on its short comings. I can't remember if it had a heater or not. Always caused a bit of a stir where ever it went, there weren't that many Morgans about back then, so quite rare to see on the road especially in inclement weather.

Down side body and tub corroded like there was no tomorrow. could never find a complete solution to the exhaust fumes being pulled back into the cabin with the hood up (they all do that!) and the lower part of the manifold/exhaust system welds would always crack every few thousand miles or so. More basic than my current Morgan, but in general a more compliant ride (original setup) with no ground clearance issues whatsoever. We had some fun in that car.