Firstly thanks to Michael for the welcome to the community.
I've taken part in a couple of PCT's driving my Morgan 4/4, however my intention this year is to start competing in the MCC Classics (probably beginning with the Edinburgh at the back end of the year) using my 1951 Morgan F4 threewheeler.
I've marshalled at the VSCC Derbyshire before & intend marshalling at this years Exeter to get a feel for the events.
I would appreciate any advice on the following topics:-
a. running threewheelers in this type of event.
b. getting power/torque out of the Ford E93a 1172cc sidevalve. What carbs are needed, I understand some specials run similar engines superchaged-is this a viable/worthwhile option? How available are the components/ are there any specialists still trading?
c. any other general sugggestions.
Yours. Richard
Richard - You are a BRAVE man! Although I'm not an expert, I was party to various discussions during the Exeter on the subject of 'classic' three-wheelers. The general view is that they are totally unsuitable for a modern MCC trial - many regret this whilst, at the same time, quoting it as absolute fact! The main problem as I understand it is that, unlike a motorcycle and sidecar, the driven wheel is not in one of the inevitable (two) ruts and it's rare that there is more grip between the ruts than in them. Although the Edinburgh is generally reckoned to be the easiest of the three MCC events, it's also the roughest. If you really want to see what you're up against, I suggest you spectate on the Lands End and try and see both Beggars Roost and Blue Hills Mine - some of the ones in between are equally interesting but you won't have time to see a decent selection of competitors and then move on. Plus, if you see those two you'll find out what it's like to be up all night. Good luck.Andrew
ReplyDeleteI can only echo what Andrew says. Todays sections are too rough to use a genuine old car regularly. I think you will find most of the class two's that are used a lot have a lot of special modern bits inside. Even if the drivers say they don't!As Andrew says the ruts are a big problem. Us four wheel boys find the best way is to stay in them! Difficult with a 3 wheeler. My advice is to try and get a ride as a passenger first. That way you will see and hear, what the sections are like. If you want to do this use the community - there is always someboddy who needs one.I think it's possible to find suitable events for your Morgan. Unfortunately you have just missed the Anniversary run that went in tandem with the Exeter and included a couple of non-damaging hills.It is pretty difficult for the organisers. If you read the messages on this years Exeter proper you will see that a lot of people thought some of the sections un-reasonably severe. The problem is there are a dozen "super-competitive" cars and drivers. The organisers try to stop them but make life impossible for mere mortal cars and drivers.It may be worth talking to Kevin Barnes a community member who has a site of his own. He is looking for suitable outings for his Singer.Michael
ReplyDeleteAs far as the motor goes, I'm no expert on E93As but the one I used to passenger in some years ago used twin 1 1/4" SU carbs on an Aquaplane manifold. The cylinder head was replaced one from the 8hp engine which was nine hundred and something CCs in order to raise the compression ratio. Some of the Pops used the bottom end from the 100E Pop which had shell type big end bearings as opposed to the E93A which had the white metalled rods. I believe some had a special overhead inlet valve cylinder head (Elva?) and some had blowers fitted. Don't know what box you use but I gather that the first gear from the Y type was the one to use as it was lower than that of the Pop.I didn't realise that Morgan fitted the E93A in the 3 wheeler, I always think of the 3 wheeler with the JAP v twin.
ReplyDeleteHello,I know Tony Rothin (Class 8 Competitor) has a Mog 3 wheeler but I dont think he has ever used it on the MCC trials. As Michael says a lot of the class 2's dont even come close to being original and some of the hills are quite rough.Saying that though I myself am tempted to enter our 1934 Singer in trials in future. I have recently sent a questionnaire back to the MCC who may be considering making the recent anniversary run a regular event maybe as a stand alone event or what I would prefer tagged along to all the trials.This sort of event gives you the chance to try a few of the less damaging hills e.g Fingle, Pepperdon and yet still give the car a good test. Personally I think that this is also an ideal way into trialing for those with more delicate machinery than some of the modern stuff.Fingers crossed that the MCC will organise more.CheersKevin (kevin@barnes74.freeserve.co.uk)
ReplyDeleteI think Kevin is right and we must try to lobby for suitable events for these cars. Pehaps it could even include genuine old trials specials, like Mike Furse's Mercury. It would need a real expert to police it and perhaps a "specification certificate" for each car.Lets try and collect a list of interested parties and put something to the MCC.Ken Green and Simon Woodall read CG so this debate is a good start. I know Mike Furse very well so wse can put the proposals to him.Perhaps the way is to run in parallel with the "main" MCC events, including the "safe" hills. The first one on the Exeter (can't remember the name), Greenslinch, Fingle and Windout and perhaps find one or two eg the escape road on Wooston.Michael
ReplyDeleteSpeak to Tony Rothin. a.rothin@bham.ac.uk
ReplyDeleteHe drives a Cannon regularly in MCC events and owns a Matchless powered Trike which he runs in PCT's on occasion.