By Morris Garagian

January 4, 2025

Santa Claus came early in the person of Bro Steve in 2024. Steve found out that Green Goblin’s later model MG engine had a 1500 cc cylinder head. To make a long story short, Steve made Morris an offer that was way too unrefusable: obtaining an 1800 cc head.

The new head was acquired in late June, shortly before NAMGAR-49, the national MGA gathering. Morris decided that Goblin had shown great reliability with the old head, so the trip to Oregon was made with existing equipment. Also, since there was lots of motoring opportunities throughout the summer and fall, the new head didn’t go on until winter.

Goblin got the new present installed on Dec. 27th and then it was time to see if it would run. Morris sent out the word to see if any comrades-in-arms from the VBAC wanted to brave the infamous Tule fog on Jan. 4th and, maybe, help Morris & Beloved Navigator push Goblin up the hill. There was also the luncheon invitation at Tollhouse Grill that always seems to get folks interested.

Making the rendezvous, it was found that Russ & Tammy decided to run their 912 (the TR-4 still having some starter issues). We were soon joined by Peter (MGB) and Jay & Susan (MGA). Striking out on Watts Valley Road, we made the climb about halfway to our destination when the fog disappeared and bright blue skies opened.

Arriving at the Tollhouse, we were soon joined by Rich, Carolyn, & Katie (Sunbeam Alpine) and, a little later, Bernie in his MG Midget. New member Bernie had driven the Midget from Mariposa (1 hour & 40 minutes!)

A good lunch and better conversation occupied our time for the next few hours and we enjoyed some good-natured bantering with the local Porsche club. Russ & Tam especially enjoyed this.

Soon it was time to return to the valley floor. Goblin seemed to enjoy the extra lung capacity, but the ‘R’s need to be up a little higher to check improvement. Until then, retorque the head, and as always:

Safety fast!