apparently, only one other ARP4 has had an engine light issue -- that was traced to a faulty barometric pressure sensor
local dealer's service department is super busy and can't look at my car until Monday 21 Mar .. frustrating as I was hoping to get out this weekend
Engine light went out when reset via OBD computer. Has stayed out since. Now at 630 miles
After a 150 miles top down trip, I had a slight ringing in my ears. I may fit a larger Caterham silencer. One ARP4 with this mod sounded perfect, less boomy and more musical.
It was chucking it down on the motorway .. the rain was near horizontal, which meant water droplets coming in where the sunvisors' rods attach to windscreen frame .. but only the rod nearest the sides. No leaking on A pillar like last time. It may have been caused by my hasty erection of the roof under a motorway bridge with huge lorries flying past .. not an experience to be savoured.
The engine is loosening up nicely, it already feels more together. It idles more smoothly, and I took it up to 5000rpm, which was exciting. Didn't feel all that powerful though.
Although it doesn't annoy me that much, the front does bounce a bit on bumpy roads, it's as if there's no damping. It makes the car feel slightly unruly and disconnected. I'm told the front will 'settle down' after 1000 to 1500 miles.
I have been caught out trying to steer large angles at low speeds one handed (eg. roundabouts); you need 2 hands!
I took a non motorway route back to London .. some wonderful A roads, clear, well sighted and with corners. When the road is smooth, the car is a dream, it hangs on, it feels perfectly damped, it is a real pleasure pouring it round the corners. You can feel it working with you, and it is a delight. And the noise from the engine is loud, but not too obnoxious; but it is a touch too loud.
Stopped off for tea at a friends (dirt doesn't show too much!):
My 'cupholder':
My newest in car accessory
More Cosworth branding
check out the high tech brake cooling ducts
http://www.autoblog.com/2016/04/27/2016-morgan-ar-plus-4-first-drive/
"Flying close to the ground is a sensation not unappreciated by the typical Morgan owner along with flies in their teeth and windburn. You get all these whether the engine says Cosworth or not. The cost of that name on the cam cover is $77,708 (with the exchange rate at the time of this writing), which is a full $23,545 more than a standard Plus 4. I think it's worth it. What an astounding machine."
--
16 Cayman GT4, 73 Carrera RS 2.7 Carbon Fiber replica (1,890 lbs), 06 EVO9 with track mods. Former: 73 911S, Two 951S's, 996 C2, 993 C2, 98 Ferrari 550, 79 635CSi
Meanwhile, some bling added to engine compartment. Not a simple in and out job. The bracket at the back of the tank (parallel to bulkhead) had to be taken out and bent to fit into the shiny tank's bracket. Apologies for the rubbish description, I am no mechanic.
Before:
After:
May 8, 2016 10:46:00 AM
May 8, 2016 11:18:02 AM
DaveGordon:Mmm, shiny expansion tank
How do you check the coolant level? Guess it has a dipstick or something?
The "old-fashioned" way? Taking the cap off when coolant is cold and looking inside.
It's more in keeping with the spirit of a Morgan anyway.
fritz
Out in Ireland on the Ring of Kerry; 280 miles today.
very bumpy roads, but it's been a lot of fun, and very tiring.
now at 1350 miles, and the engine is really coming on beautifully. it feels unleashed and the power and noise from 3000 rpm to 6500rpm and beyond is just fantastic ... it is responsive, fun and plenty of thrust. The engine really is a peach ... with revs, it is plenty quick and grunty.
I love it, I love the car and I am getting to know its quirks and foibles. There is so much going on bumpy roads and cornering on bumpy roads (and rain too), it is a full on, pay 100% attention, keeps all your wits about you experience. Fantastic.
Today, no leaks in the usual places (rain was not horizontal for a change!), but my left ankle got a few drops!
It squeaks and moves around, the steering seems to have a mind of its own and it sometimes feels belligerent ... but, flow with it, don't fight, constantly adjust your steering wheel grip, play with the throttle, feel the lean, use the weight transfer for grip, and somehow, it becomes an athlete sprinting to glory.
I have never been so tired after driving a car .. it's a workout for your shoulders, arms and legs. And brain!