Project "The Black Beast"

[Chaz]

As some of you may know I recently sold my ZR to michaelb on the forum as I needed a bigger more practical car...

The ZR went last saturday and on the sunday I went and fetched the new motor from Hull..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsa0980350.jpg


Its a 2005 (55) MK2 ZS TD 115 saloon with 180 kit and 11 spokes!

Got it for a right bargain off BenZS on here, full service history, 92k, just been serviced, tyres all new pretty much... Overall the car is in good nick, few scratches and stuff but nothing major..

And as a bonus the car came with a load of goodies, some of the stuff I would of ended up buying anyway!

Wind deflectors
Extreme spoiler
Rear electric window kit
Rear tinted windows
Full size spare (straight with excellent tyre)
Pierburgh maf and digimafam1
Cup holder in armrest
Decent headunit

Il be selling the straight, electric window kit, rear tinted windows, maf and mafam etc as I wont be needing them..

I plan to get all the windows tinted like I did my ZR, not fussed about rear electric windows, dont need the straight as iv got 5x 11 spokes, maf and mafam not needed as it will be having a mafless remap shortly!

Another bonus is its just had a full service and new minted discs and pads all round!

Only bad things about the car are its due a cambelt change shortly, passenger headlight is slightly misty and there is a touched up scratch on the rear bumper, which isnt really noticable, so doesnt bother me.

Heres some pics of the beast!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps56e05978.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps0e96d681.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsa8d0a112.jpg

Engine bay (needs a good clean)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps52d8cd43.jpg

Interior (very good condition inside)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsa7fe257a.jpg

Misty headlight..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsc9b30f22.jpg

Touched up scratch on rear bumper..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps6549466b.jpg


Overall, really happy with the car, only car iv eve bought that iv been 100% happy with the purchase!

Iv already done a fair bit to the car and took pics so il add random bits as and when I can, got a lot planned for this beast! :)

[petet16]

Looks pretty tasty.

[MG ZS STE]

Misty headlamp or fog lamp? The fog looks mister to me. Are the tints your selling the ones on the car? The tint is very light if it is.

[andys1981]

Misty headlamp or fog lamp? The fog looks mister to me. Are the tints your selling the ones on the car? The tint is very light if it is.

i thought that aswell about the fog light,other than that car looks a great find

[peterzs]

think the belts are a easier job on the Derv.

Car looks good.

:beer2::beer2::beer2:

[talkingcars]

Nice one - personally I'd fit the electric rears, doesn't take long and if you have kids it is far easier to control their use.

Looking forward to the updates.

[daytona365]

Looks good....................

[Din]

Nice looking motor Chaz !

[Dr Doggystyle]

nice car Chaz

[Mart_in_MCR]

Looks tidy Chaz, beading on the paintwork looks good but like you said the engine bay would benefit from a good clean. Enjoy!

[Chaz]

Thanks everyone, I love it.. Much prefer this over my old Firefrost Hatch, handles 10x better also!


The fogs were misty, they arent now, just needed a good run with them on for a bit to sort them..

The headlight is still misty though, the previous owner tried to polish it with this kit he bought, it has brought it up better than it used to be going by the pics iv seen, but its not as perfect as id like... Anyone got any tips on how to sort it? Been told to use toothpaste ?? lol

[petet16]

Toothpaste might work, as daft as it sounds.

The mk2 lights are coated with a type of lacquer to protect the plastic, I'm refurbing a pair at the moment and when you do the 800 wet and dry you can see the lacquer coming off before you actually get to the clear plastic, I think a lot of the clouding is moisture getting between the plastic and the coating.

[Chaz]

Awesome, is there a guide on how to do it? Take it theres a few steps to doing it, not just wet and dry it?

Id like to have ago myself, my driverside light is scratched badly, you cant see it in daylight but once the lights are on at night you can see the scratches..

Would some sort of compound be any good?

Iv got some farcela G10 finishing compound, not as fearce as G3

[petet16]

I don't think there is a guide to doing it, I just went at it with 800 used wet to get rid of the clear coat, then went progressively finer, and finished with 12000 used wet with car shampoo as a lubricant, I'll just need to reapply the clearcoat to protect the plastic.

[POMPSKI]

Love it mate!

[stamford]

Looks good :thumbsup:

[ian zs180]

nice zed you got ya self there mate

[Dave]

When i saw it today, it looked filthy!!!

Great looking motor mate, hope you don't decide to break this one in 6 months :p

Cheers
Dave

[Chaz]

When i saw it today, it looked filthy!!!

Great looking motor mate, hope you don't decide to break this one in 6 months :p

Cheers
Dave

Lol I was on my way to get it washed when I went past, thought it was you :p


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[Chaz]

Right, done loads to the car so far, got loads of pictures, so here goes..


First mod I did, most important mod and HAD to be done, SDi injectors!


Found a couple of nice little bodges, guessing the threads are gone :lol:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsf56d8210.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps0f4283e9.jpg

Inlet off and everything out the way..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps0e154ab4.jpg

Old injectors were well stuck in so needed a wack with the slide hammer

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps240870cc.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps4aea01e6.jpg

New washers and plenty of copper grease ;)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsc101bd41.jpg

New injectors in..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps2c785637.jpg

Thought while I was doing the injectors and had the inlet and stuff out of the way, id blank the EGR off too..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsbcb3ef9e.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsf73afc2c.jpg

The threads were a bit iffy in the EGR and inlet, but I found slightly longer bolts to go in both and they grabbed the good threads at the end and tightened up nicely!

Obviously blanking the EGR brought on the engine management light being a MK2, which is a bit annoying but nothing a remap will sort :)

Next mod was to get my new Bosch MAF on with my massive "green" cone and a Roverron mafam/tuning box

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps17febecb.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsa95480b4.jpg

The car did come with low gain pierbugh maf and digimafam2 but it seemed to make it blue smoke in high revs for some reason, hence why I changed to my other set up from my ZR!


The power increase was massive with all of this, loads quick, bit of smoke but nothing serious, it will only get worse when I get a remap on it ;)


Theeeeeen I had to change the battery as it went flat over night, it was the original battery though to be fair (I think), lasted 8 years, not bad!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps5c051357.jpg

I brimmed the car on the way home from picking it up and managed to get around 180 miles to 1/4 of a tank, beast!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps0b0cdeab.jpg

That will definitely change now the SDi's are in, should gain the MPG I lost by fitting them, back with a remap, will have to see.

[Chaz]

Next I did a few random little bits, just to smarten it up a bit..

BRM heater knobs..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps58f7f60f.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsa05567dc.jpg

LED interior light, which is well bright :lol:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps94a8fe24.jpg

Bought and aquired a few random bits..

Another MAF, 180 badges :p, new headlight bulbs and a boost gauge..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps08005529.jpg

Boost gauge piping, silencer for boost gauge piping (stops the rasp noise), LED side and number plate bulbs, T-piece, stubby aerial (original is mahoosive), new jubilee clips for boost hoses..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps8c3f063e.jpg

It had some cheap style aero wipers so decided to get rid and get some proper bosch aero flats..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsb625402c.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps864faf27.jpg

Old cheapos

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps8a9512c5.jpg

Changed my aerial also..

Standard one is huge..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsb91dd621.jpg

Loads better, havnt lost much reception with the radio either, its just as good.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpse42ce968.jpg

Changed the old crappy jubilees with my new beafier ones..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps2fe00e7c.jpg

Will be needing these bad boys once I get the boost wound up ;)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsd8ccb6a3.jpg

Changed my number plate and sidelight bulbs over..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsb5ef145f.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps7d67572b.jpg

Loads better

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps8d584a0a.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps8c57f2b8.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps5707ea72.jpg

Got the new headlight bulbs in also, they are 80w rallye bulbs, got a bluey/green tint to them...

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps854f36d7.jpg

Colour difference compared to main beam..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps6a0228e4.jpg

Just need to get some better main beam bulbs in now!


Grabbed an old vent from my old MK2 to fit my boost gauge into and also found some heated seat switches to fill the blanks, I hate blanks!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps1c16c7fb.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps2edcde9d.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps1de9c3cc.jpg


Kept my old chrome oil filler cap from my ZR, stuck that on..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps9d9bfd74.jpg

Stuck the 180 badges on, had to be done, its a proper 180 rep now ;)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps0477c928.jpg

Bought a couple more bits..

Dark ice short shifter, more boost gauge piping as the other stuff was crap and kept kinking, 100w white rallye bulbs and a plastic MG battery cover..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps834df1c6.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsfdf381de.jpg

Also kept my old fuse box cover from my ZR and the TF mirror with the map reading lights in..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps85f9544f.jpg

Got them all fitted..

Battery and fuse box covers..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps2b1f2550.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps19f4a945.jpg

TF mirror, just needs wiring in..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps9a3880d3.jpg

And finally the new main beam bulbs, which are proper bright, never really use main beam but they are there mainly for the knobs with the 12000k HIDs that come towards me ;)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsb87e2f1e.jpg

[Chaz]

The ZS had aparently been serviced not long ago but had no proof and im anal so thought id give it another one just incase, so got all the bits bought..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps98337b2a.png

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsc70b53ac.png

Also bought some new rear quarter panel badges as the old ones are fading..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsd12c2a76.jpg

Next up was exhaust time, dont like the standard one at all, looks so boring, found some twin janspeed 3" off a ZS180 but they sold before I got to them, shame... So instead I went for a 3" outward rolled tip, only a universal jobby but I dont really care, its a diesel at the end of the day, doesnt matter whats on it :lol:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps126ab11f.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps9a02282d.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps04c53050.jpg

May take a bit of fabricating to get on, but shouldnt be too hard..


Next up was the headlights, driverside one is scratched and the passenger one misty, the previous owner did have ago at the passenger one and its better than it was but not perfect so thought id have ago..

Bought some fareca G10 to do the body work but thought id try it on my headlights first..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps484a3cc3.jpg

Before..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps417fbbf1.jpg

After..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps88958ad6.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsb557e072.jpg

Not bad!

It has helped IMO..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps8c72ddba.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsb1c433a7.jpg


Also I decided I wanted to remove the ZS badge off the boot and just leave the main MG badge, so I picked it off and used a bit of thinners on a rag to get rid of the clue and like a knob, I got carried away and was left with this!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zps7ab289cb.jpg

Dull paintwork and can still see the outline! :(

So thought id put the G10 to work and..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/null_zpsd349e794.jpg

Boom, sorted. Thank **** :lol:

I thought I had proper messed it up, I cant wait to do the whole car with this G10, its amazing stuff!

[Chaz]

All the service kit arrived and a few other bits!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture100.jpg

Cambelt set, inlet gaskets, polybush rear arb bushes etc..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture101.jpg

And two stickers from Dazzer for my fuse box lid!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture102.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture103.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture104.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture105.jpg

Looks better!


Got my dark ice turbo outlet pipe on, along with boost controller set to 21 psi..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture106.jpg


Next I got the servicing done..

Castrols finest going in ;)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture107.jpg

While I was changing the inlet gasket, I thought id change my injector leak offs for some prettier ones also..

Didnt have a new inlet gasket when I did the injectors so just used gasket sealer, didnt fair too well..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture108.jpg

New leak offs..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture120.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture109.jpg


Next I gave the maf a blast with brake cleaner and cleaned up my cone filter..

Look at all that **** that came out the MAF!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture110.jpg

Cone filter wasnt much better..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture111.jpg

mmmmm...

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture112.jpg

This is what I used..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture113.jpg

This is what im left with, niceeee.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture114.jpg


Got my new boost gauge piping in with silencer..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture115.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture116.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture117.jpg

Was going to fit it into the drivers side vent but then the window mists up, never use the centre vents anyway so perfect really..


Next up was to gut the cat, was going to go for a decat but decided a gutted cat would look more "OEM" come MOT time ;) I know it doesnt apply for diesels but some testers are funny about decat pipes..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture098.jpg

Its got a nice whistle to it now, seems to rev a lot more freely too.


Then I decided the engine bay needed a seriously good clean, been meaning to do it but wanted to get all the engine stuff sorted first..

Before..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture118.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture119.jpg


After..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture121.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture122.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture123.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture124.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture125.jpg

Much better :D, Autosmart G101, a brush, patience and a pressure washer is all you need!

[Chaz]

Recently had the ZS on the rollers, so in preparation thought id have a look at my brakes as im sure the drivers front was binding slightly, and it was!

Sliders were seized in, so cleaned them up all round, slapped loads of grease on them, put it all back together and that sorted it.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture126.jpg

Also painted all the brakes while I was at it, as they were a tad rusty..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture130.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture131.jpg


Finally got my backbox on, ended up finishing it in the dark, so its not as perfect as id like, but not a bad attempt, just sticks out a bit too much :p

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture127.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture128.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture129.jpg

Il have it off when I get change and cut an inch or two off the pipe leading to the backbox and re-weld it..


Also treated myself to a dark ice front brace..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture148.jpg

Got it fitted..

Before..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture150.jpg

After..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture154.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture155.jpg

Was a bit tight going on, its fairly close to a few things but doesnt touch so its all good!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture151.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture152.jpg

Had to bend this aircon pipe out the way to get it on..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture153.jpg


Also ordered a new drivebelt to do with the cambelts when I get round to it, all Gates Powergrip :)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture156.jpg

Found out the hard way that, crap weather, extra torque and cheap tyres isnt a good mix!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture097.jpg

:facepalm:


And thats how it stands so far!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture099.jpg

Quite happy with it at the moment :)



I did have it on the rollers, heres a quick pic..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/Picture174.png

Will upload a video a bit later, with the results ;)

[petet16]

You've been busy, nice result.

[POMPSKI]

Awesome Chaz...... Not sure why its badged as a 180 though, when it sounds like a Tractor. Other than that, pure awesomeness.

[Chaz]

Heres the video from the rolling road day..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNyyvMOiEvM

Quite smokey considering it was on standard 115 map, mafam was turned up full though but it is running 21 psi instead of 19 so imagine what it would of been like at 19 psi :lol:

Made 138 bhp, not bad before remap, my old ZR was 142 bhp before remap and 155 bhp after, so hoping for some good figures now that I have remapped it as of the other day... It smokes a lot more also, should be fairly decent torque now, the dyno played up and didnt work out the torque correctly, it said I had 180 lb ft when these have 190 odd from standard, it should be around 230 lb ft at the min..

Just waiting for another rolling road day to be planned and il be putting the beast back on, id be happy with 150 bhp and 250 lb ft to be fair..

My old ZR was running 274 lb ft and it pulled like mad but munched the clutch up, cant be doing with that on the ZS!

The remap has now deleted the EGR etc from the ECU so no more engine management lights and no more annoying 115 flat spot either, its got a nice and smooth power delivery from 1800rpm right to 4200rpm now.. :)

Thats all for now!

[Enright]

Very nice. Did Dakta do your MAFless remap?

[talkingcars]

Puts my car to shame - but agree with Pompski on the 180 badges, if it's hitting 180 then fair enough, if it isn't then it should wear appropriate badges.

[Skillen]

Very nice. Did Dakta do your MAFless remap?

Chaz is a reidy agent so maps his own :)

Nice looking car, needs an ATC conversion though!
Good job in the headlights. Mine lasted all of two days while the compound filling the scratches wore away!

[luigiZS]

Good job mate, good zs ;)

[Dan1971]

Lot of effort gone in.... SDis next ?

[peterzs]

Looking good, SDi's are good for +25 bhp on their own!!!

:wave::wave::wave:

[p_b82]

tidy looking car - lot of effort gone in in a short time there :)

Dont believe in putting badges on a car that aren't deserved - it is why iu didn't but 180 ones on the derv myself as i only made 170 on it....

Maybe one day i'll fit 200 badges on it though lol

[petet16]

I had 414 sli badges on the back of my 420 turbo :pirate2:

[ian zs180]

Loads of effort gone into that but well worth it its one sweet zed that .

[Supercharged_Z]

like reading threads like this.

[talkingcars]

I had 414 sli badges on the back of my 420 turbo :pirate2:

I have a 1.3L boot lid on my T16 maestro.

[Maxfly]

Loving this thread, nice and oily and smelly:D

[Chaz]

You've been busy, nice result.

Aye definitely, only had it about 3 weeks lol..

Awesome Chaz...... Not sure why its badged as a 180 though, when it sounds like a Tractor. Other than that, pure awesomeness.

Its badged as a 180 because I wanted it to be a proper repica but now iv fitted them not sure, think I might swap them for 160 badges off a TF160, as it is now upto TD160 spec :)

Very nice. Did Dakta do your MAFless remap?

No mate, I wanted more than 140 bhp, So I mapped it myself as im a Reidy agent :)

Puts my car to shame - but agree with Pompski on the 180 badges, if it's hitting 180 then fair enough, if it isn't then it should wear appropriate badges.

As above, wanted it to be a full on replica but might swap them over..

Chaz is a reidy agent so maps his own :)

Nice looking car, needs an ATC conversion though!
Good job in the headlights. Mine lasted all of two days while the compound filling the scratches wore away!

How much of a ballache would an ATC conversion be?

The headlights are still ok at the min but im expecting to go back to how they were, I will proper sort them one weekend and lacquer over the top, too cold now days though ;)

Good job mate, good zs ;)

Thanks mate :)

Lot of effort gone in.... SDis next ?

SDi's are already in mate ;), One of the first things I did lol, think I did it the next day after I got it home actually..

Looking good, SDi's are good for +25 bhp on their own!!!

:wave::wave::wave:

Coupled with a remap and supporting mods, 50-60 bhp ;)

tidy looking car - lot of effort gone in in a short time there :)

Dont believe in putting badges on a car that aren't deserved - it is why iu didn't but 180 ones on the derv myself as i only made 170 on it....

Maybe one day i'll fit 200 badges on it though lol

Haha, 200 bhp would be nice, just need to find a good turbo choice! What turbo you running on yours at the min? Hybrid isnt it? Or is it VNT? I cant be arsed with VNT I just want a decent wastegated turbo, dont want loads of lag though, iv heard from people running hybrids that they are coming in at 2200 rpm, that would do my nut in! Would be a very smokey car to try and make it spool earlier too!

Loads of effort gone into that but well worth it its one sweet zed that .

Thanks bud :)

like reading threads like this.

There will be more to come mate, on the look out for some decent seats now, alcantara or full leathers.. Also a decent suspension set up, not sure whether to go coilovers or lowering springs yet though...


Loving this thread, nice and oily and smelly:D

You forgot smokey :tease:

[petet16]

I've got a a pair of headlights ready to clear coat, but as you say way too cold to be doing them at the moment

[Dan1971]

Thought you'd have more then if you've got the SDis in already and remapped it ....

My 115 was RRd at 151 - with SDis, Decat, EGR blanked and panel filter .... If i'd remapped it, I'd have been looking for about 165/170 to be honest ....

[Chaz]

Thought you'd have more then if you've got the SDis in already and remapped it ....

My 115 was RRd at 151 - with SDis, Decat, EGR blanked and panel filter .... If i'd remapped it, I'd have been looking for about 165/170 to be honest ....

The rolling road was before remap lol..

130-140 is about right, you did well for 151 on standard map, I'd say dyno was out slightly..

But you do have a bit more bhp with the 115 map with standard mods because it's basically half remapped already, 100 and 115 both remap to the same so remapped yours would of been 155-160.. It's just being the 115 it was halfway there.. Not sure why mine was only 138 on 115 map, my old ZR was on a 100 map and made 142 with same mods before remap..

Think the dyno was incorrect to be fair as it didn't work out the torque correctly.. And it wasn't exactly the best dyno set up around, it was in a tin shed on a farm, two rollers in the floor. Lol

[p_b82]

Yeah turbo choice is the challenge - the stage 2 is about 2200 to 2400 before full bosot is achieved - and yes it smokes like a trooper if you use WOT before the turbo has spooled.

bigger than the GT 17 family is needed I think for 200, as recently proved on .org by a number of different builds all hitting around 170-180 more reliably.

so that means it is a jump up to GT20 family i feel, with more fuel as SDI's seem to have reached their limits there as well...

Not made my mind up yet which way to jump, but it wont be wastgated, as Lag will pretty horrific for a daily driver or one that is not track focused all the time etc.

Should probably stop at 180 reliably, as that was my original marker with the Hybrid - but the next boundary is so very tempting :D

[Chaz]

Yeah turbo upgrade is a tough one to chose, was looking at TD04's but they are a bit old school now..

Iv been offered a GT17 hybrid, which can be sent away to Wilky and come back pretty much a GT2025 but I will be able to use the old style SDi downpipe, should be good for 180+ bhp..

Bit worried about the lag though!

[Chaz]

Been buying more stuff for the ZS, dragged a couple of random bits out the shed also..

Dark ice rear brace and clutch adjustment kit

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/56646685-4C4B-470C-A074-10173FFB27E7.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/7BF46D85-35FF-4444-A859-FF96BBFEF227.jpg

Just need to get them fitted, hate having to cut the rear boot carpets when fitting the rear brace, nearly always mess it up lol..

Think I might get a spare set from scrapyard to cut up so I dont mess up the original ones in the MG..


Dragged out a few random bits I had kicking about I plan to fit..

Air horns! Just for a laugh, was going to wire it into the standard horn wiring so it was operated via the steering wheel horn button but CBA with that, will just wire it into a separate switch I think..

Standard downpipe with good flexi, mines now blowing, ever since iv tuned it its happened, I think now with the extra pull the engine is moving a bit more on full boot and its broke the downpipe flexi, rear engine mount probably has a bit of play in it..

And my new LCR splitter, bought for my ZR but never fitted it, seen a couple of pics of these fitted to MK2's and it looks awesome!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/39C0A4B9-1DA2-4B8B-9E77-B8AE0EC9E463.jpg


Also its killed the good second hand battery I fitted when I first got it, so iv had to fit another one, this one was slightly smaller but still off another derv but its not very old, 2-3 months max, its loads better now, still think iv got a slight drain maybe, or a bad earth..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i392/ZR_CH4Z/ZS/Recent/9E562C26-C58B-47A1-A95B-E9927EE4F47D.jpg


Also thinking about buying a motobuild lower rear brace to go with my front and rear upper dark ice braces... Anyone ever had one? Any good?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/290592829522?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Where does it even bolt? Cant remember what the suspension set up is like on a ZS, long time since iv looked..

[p_b82]

I have recently had to change the starter on mine, as it had been eating batteries almost yearly... after ruling everything else out it can only be that... might be worth a look if it eats this next one.

(I know the battery was not bad as i gave it to a friend who ran it in his VW ever since and never had any issues)

[ZS Phil]

Yeah turbo upgrade is a tough one to chose, was looking at TD04's but they are a bit old school now..

Iv been offered a GT17 hybrid, which can be sent away to Wilky and come back pretty much a GT2025 but I will be able to use the old style SDi downpipe, should be good for 180+ bhp..

Bit worried about the lag though!

Sounds interesting, who is offering the 17 hybrid using the original down pipe? Would love to know where the exhaust housing off it is from.

[talkingcars]

Earlier cars have mounting points for the lower strut brace, not sure about the later cars.

[Chaz]

I have recently had to change the starter on mine, as it had been eating batteries almost yearly... after ruling everything else out it can only be that... might be worth a look if it eats this next one.

(I know the battery was not bad as i gave it to a friend who ran it in his VW ever since and never had any issues)

Thats a good shout actually, I think the starter could be getting tired to be fair, draws a lot of power when cranking, I was thinking bad earth but they didnt look too bad, iv got loads of starters but CBA to fit one, such a ballache!

Sounds interesting, who is offering the 17 hybrid using the original down pipe? Would love to know where the exhaust housing off it is from.

It was countrydude off .org mate, it was the one he had built up, by wilky I think?

Hes selling up all his Rover kit because hes got a VW now, he wants £400 for the kit.

Earlier cars have mounting points for the lower strut brace, not sure about the later cars.

Ahhh really?

Where abouts do they actually bolt to?

Il have a look tomorrow see if I can see anything on mine..

Better yet, anyone got a pic of one fitted?

[petet16]

The lower brace uses the same bolts that the lower arms pivot on.

[petet16]

This is a picture of a coupe, but the zs rear suspension is the same, the lower brace goes between the 2 bolts you can see in the pic.

http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s350/meadows3990/DSC02724.jpg

[Chaz]

The lower brace uses the same bolts that the lower arms pivot on.

This is a picture of a coupe, but the zs rear suspension is the same, the lower brace goes between the 2 bolts you can see in the pic.

http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s350/meadows3990/DSC02724.jpg

Do you think its worth doing?

Im guessing it will fit my MK2 then as all the difference between MK1 and 2 is body panels aint it..

[petet16]

It will fit your mk2 fine, as to if it's worth doing, I'm not convinced, if you look at the coupe pic there's a brace welded between the lower arm mountings, this method will be way more effective than a brace between the bolts.

It would be worth checking the price for Honda braces because MB use Honda parts and add themselves some extra £££ on top.

[ZS Phil]

The turbo youve been offered by Countrydude, do you know if its the same as the one Dark Ice have been using?

They have just updated their thread on .org and pulled 182bhp and 250ftlbs. Might be a worthwhile investment if so ;)

You any closer to deciding on a suspension set up?

[Chaz]

It will fit your mk2 fine, as to if it's worth doing, I'm not convinced, if you look at the coupe pic there's a brace welded between the lower arm mountings, this method will be way more effective than a brace between the bolts.

It would be worth checking the price for Honda braces because MB use Honda parts and add themselves some extra £££ on top.

Cheers for the tip, will check out the honda stuff first, thought motobuild would charge a bit over the top, as long as it fits though I dont mind.

The turbo youve been offered by Countrydude, do you know if its the same as the one Dark Ice have been using?

They have just updated their thread on .org and pulled 182bhp and 250ftlbs. Might be a worthwhile investment if so ;)

You any closer to deciding on a suspension set up?

I think it could be same spec mate, pretty sure its the same type turbo that Dastardly Dan got built and fitted to Ojenkins car which also made 181 bhp supposedly.. Dyno printout was a bit iffy..

Yeah I saw the results on dark ice's facebook, 250 lb ft is a bit low tbh.. Sounds like it needs more fuelling..

My first ZR made 155 bhp/262 lb ft and my most recent ZR was 274 lb ft both on standard turbo, but that was very very smokey and was slipping a brand spanking genuine rover clutch lol..

This turbo iv been offered apparently can be sent away to wilky and be made into a hybrid GT2025, but I cant see how it can still use a standard SDi downpipe, surely the housings will have to be changed?

Might be worth a punt though, will see if he has it still after christmas!


Suspension wise, im not sure what to do, been trying to find lowering springs but can only find cheapo "Lo" springs on ebay, bet they are good ;), Would love to find a set of xpowers but seem impossible to find, would even settle for a set of motobuild springs I reckon but they dont seem to sell them anymore..

I did find these civic coilovers, looked similar to your old ones....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/PROSPORT-COILOVER-KIT-NEW-FOR-HONDA-CIVIC-1991-2001-COUPE-HATCH-SALOON-/390707199111?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Model:Civic&hash=item5af7f6bc87

What you reckon? Could I get them to fit?

[petet16]

Xpower springs for the 180 and diesel do pop up occasionally on ebay, but much patience is needed.

[ZS Phil]

Yeh, those ones in the link look pretty much the same and should fit, you just need to use a slightly narrower bolt through the fork in the rears, the fors is also wider than the MG forks but my ones came with spacers (a couple of thick washers) which worked a treat.

The only real hassle with fitting them is that you have to wind the collars up against the springs quite tight so sometimes the spring backs off the turn you have just put on with the C spanner. There isnt enough room to get spring compressors on at the same time to eliminate the problem. You can get around it but it requires a bit of patience and they will fit.

Id either wait for some second hand GAZ or AVO coilovers specifically weighted to the 180 or diesel or get some motobuild springs.
I sold mine to talkingcars so might be worth seeing if he wants to sell if motobuild arent doing them anymore.

Going back to the turbo, are you sure 2025 has been quoted, the first number relates to the exhaust housing so obvioulsy 20 is bigger than 17 but the second number relates to the size of the compressor wheel so it may have been 2052 or 2056, obviously 2056 would be bigger on both sides than the 1752 or whatever the one thats been offered to you is.

As far as I know the ones Dan did were a bit different in that they used a "top secret" exhaust housing with the rest of it coming from a petrol saab turbo.

Yeh, 250ft/lbs is a bit low really, mine is currently at 166 and 300, the CG stage 3 clutch copes fine but im sure the standard one wouldnt like it very much!

[p_b82]

To be honest they probably limited that torque spike by choice...

so it being 250 is not really anything to be 'worried' about - that in theory would be a safe limit for an OE car for some-one that does not want to change the clutch or run a smoke screen out back.

we all know just how peaky that value is on our cars normally so the spike is onyl over a few hundred RPM anyways certainly no more than 1000... but a nice healthy 180 diesel.