Back in an MG.

[Craig-ZS180]

Well I haven't been on here for a while now posting but do occasionally look in and see what's been going on with the cars and so on.
My venture into the Skoda didn't last long, it wasn't a bad car but it just wasn't as I had hoped so I parted ways with it roughly a month ago.
Bought a Zafira GSI which was amazingly quick and really really fun to drive but as it had been heavily modded it really wasn't a truly practical daily car for the family as 18mpg round town if you started to use any power and only just over 20 if not :(

Then we came to my current car which I bought last week. We all said it wouldn't be long before I was back in another however although I am in an Mg now it's not a ZS this time.

This is what I ended up getting. I know it will get mixed reviews and the haters will always knock it but it is a brilliant all-rounder and drives remarkably like the ZS. Almost feels like it's bigger brother, spec levels are great and for the money nothing came close in comparison.
Anyway, here it is

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/449FA07D-C680-414D-8A0F-02CF5DCFB539_zpsms06qqhs.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/449FA07D-C680-414D-8A0F-02CF5DCFB539_zpsms06qqhs.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/09BB340F-B12D-4145-B905-42183EECF7F5_zpsvcyiuhqj.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/09BB340F-B12D-4145-B905-42183EECF7F5_zpsvcyiuhqj.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/7C381E15-297B-435F-9BC3-0EA2A2C5234F_zpsac9khjtm.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/7C381E15-297B-435F-9BC3-0EA2A2C5234F_zpsac9khjtm.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/C7B0075A-20CA-4BD5-AA21-C003993B3F3D_zpsvbzde74u.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/C7B0075A-20CA-4BD5-AA21-C003993B3F3D_zpsvbzde74u.jpg.html)

So only a few pictures but I'm doubting many will be that interested in the 6 but just thought would say I'm back in the crowd in one way or another now and just checking in.
Hope alls going well with all on here :D

[ian zs180]

Welcome back to mg ownership . It looks nice them wheels make a whole world of difference compared to the other ones they come with I think they just look far to small and look crap. But them wheels you got look good . You do get a lot of car for the money with the 6 just a pitty they didn't give them more power or a least give you the choice of a model with more power . That is the only thing I think that would put me off getting one to be honest . Enjoy your new motor mate I,m sure you will if it drives like a zs :smile1:

[carmadbaker]

Welcome back buddy, let the haters hate, really like them :) lovely looking car

[Craig-ZS180]

Cheers for the welcome back guys and the comments. I can see what you mean regarding the power side of things although it's not actually that slow in reality but it does deliver the power in a strange way. Not like usual turbo feel, seems more like a super charger as just progressive rather than a kick.
It would certainly be a very interesting drive if it day have a 200+ motor in it as it just feels so planted especially when going round the twistys :)

My mates letting me try his Rota Grids which are 19x8.5 concave so can see how it would look with a summer set of wheels as an option too.
Yeah the TSE wheels are a huge improvement over the smaller 17's, not a great design at all.
I love it too, it does everything well and just feels so nice and together.
Already spoken to magnaflow about a custom exhaust which may or may not happen but that is really the only thing it lacks is some nice exhaust tone. Although when you get down behind it on tickover it does actually burble nicely but the sound deadening doesn't allow it on the cabin and it is a very subtle burble but at least shows it would sound tasty with a nice system on it :)

[petet16]

RG tuning in South Africa are getting 209 bhp reliably.

[Craig-ZS180]

RG tuning in South Africa are getting 209 bhp reliably.

That's interesting to know Pete. I've heard through a friend that Longbridge had one running over the 200hp apparently but don't know how true that is.

[petet16]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Longbridge aren't dabbling to see what is reliably available, after all it wouldn't be MG if someone wasn't trying to get more power.

[Dan1971]

More cars than me !!!

Good on you and welcome back.

Where'd you get that from then ? I've been watching a few and at an 11 plate the warranty will be nearly out. Really quite fancied one that was towards the end of it's warranty and have always said that if you take it for what it is - nearly new and cheap - you shouldn't be disappointed.

There was one like yours at Bristol Street - 5K miles for about £7K and another with 60K that was around the £6K mark.... ?

Personally, I'll be very interested in what you do, so maybe have your own thread in the other car section and post up what you get up to.

There are a few on .org who have mentioned an MG6 register where there are plenty of owners who've started personalising their own cars. Exhausts seem to be the way forward for most just now, but they'll be mapping them soon enough.

[Craig-ZS180]

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Longbridge aren't dabbling to see what is reliably available, after all it wouldn't be MG if someone wasn't trying to get more power.


Very true, always room for a bit more power.! :)
Heard some dodgy ways on these though how some go about mapping them but I am waiting to hear back from them as to if they have and how they did it as I would be interested to be another guinie pig if they needed one.

[petet16]

I'm told the Bosch ecu is quite tricky to work with, be careful whose advice you follow as well, there some cowboys about, if you take my meaning.

[Craig-ZS180]

More cars than me !!!

Good on you and welcome back.

Where'd you get that from then ? I've been watching a few and at an 11 plate the warranty will be nearly out. Really quite fancied one that was towards the end of it's warranty and have always said that if you take it for what it is - nearly new and cheap - you shouldn't be disappointed.

There was one like yours at Bristol Street - 5K miles for about £7K and another with 60K that was around the £6K mark.... ?

Personally, I'll be very interested in what you do, so maybe have your own thread in the other car section and post up what you get up to.

There are a few on .org who have mentioned an MG6 register where there are plenty of owners who've started personalising their own cars. Exhausts seem to be the way forward for most just now, but they'll be mapping them soon enough.

Cheers Dan, I found it lurking on A/T for a decent amount and then managed to knock bits off here and there and get the wheels refurbed and tax and so on so all in all I got nearly £800 knocked off the price.
Was up near you Dan, was in Harlow at motorsales so was really only round the corner from you mate :)

Yeah I may start up a thread on the other cars section as and when I do start playing so that there's a bit more about it all.
Won't be going too ott with it as although cheap, for me it was an expensive car to buy so have to spread the mods out over a bit of a period but I'm not too fussed at present as like I say I does feel great on the road.

Been on the 635 (mg6 forum) and yes there are some good mods being done so we shall see how it goes with mine :)

[Craig-ZS180]

I'm told the Bosch ecu is quite tricky to work with, be careful whose advice you follow as well, there some cowboys about, if you take my meaning.

I know what you mean, prime example was someone saying they open the ecu up and the solder a wire in place between a couple of resistors or something and then it gives you the option to remap it somehow but obviously not a particularily reliable or safe way to do it.

[petet16]

Yeah, that doesn't sound dodgy at all lol

[Craig-ZS180]

Yeah, that doesn't sound dodgy at all lol

But they do see over 215 with it like that lol :D :D

As if you honestly would have that done though. I'd rather wait another few years for someone to eventually do it properly.

[adam]

I've seen a few 6's around now, do like the look of them!

[Craig-ZS180]

I've seen a few 6's around now, do like the look of them!

Mines 1 of 3 in the localish area however all the others are the Magnette which I don't think looks as nice myself as the back end looks really jacked up.

[andys1981]

welcome back craig,car looks nice buddy,look forward to seeing whatever mods you do to it

[Dave MGT]

Nice! I do like them.... Great colour as well.

It will look the nuts with your mates rotas on!
Especially if it was lowered as well!

[Craig-ZS180]

Cheers chaps, yeah I think it's a nice looking car and when the mods do commence it has the potential to look very smart.

That's the only issue I have with trying the rotas, I know I'll want them when they go on as they are my favourite wheel out there. Think they will suit the 6 especially with the concave spokes :)

[Craig-ZS180]

Well hello all once again, not been on here properly for a while with everything that's going on haven't been online much at all recently.
Hope alls still good in the world of the ZS.

The 6 has had a few minor alterations since I was last on here so I will post a couple of pics just to see what people's thoughts are and to show it will get some love like my old 180 used to.

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/094947CC-7B0B-4236-ABFC-54573C973BB3_zpski5omyk6.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/094947CC-7B0B-4236-ABFC-54573C973BB3_zpski5omyk6.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/84ADD0F1-AE28-4D85-B1E8-F3D7C089C392_zpsi7f2ucnw.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/84ADD0F1-AE28-4D85-B1E8-F3D7C089C392_zpsi7f2ucnw.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/99A3D147-6222-4FFD-9C82-F647BF74642B_zpslk8l8pml.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/99A3D147-6222-4FFD-9C82-F647BF74642B_zpslk8l8pml.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/52A4E43D-8C5A-4BE1-A9AC-567B9B5B17D2_zpsvtvfyt3l.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/52A4E43D-8C5A-4BE1-A9AC-567B9B5B17D2_zpsvtvfyt3l.jpg.html)

There's an Mg in there somewhere

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/B192E050-810B-4BA4-9F35-B8469532486F_zps0eygjktg.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/B192E050-810B-4BA4-9F35-B8469532486F_zps0eygjktg.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/493FE323-58E5-430B-BA34-6376773423D1_zpso2ys7rvg.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/493FE323-58E5-430B-BA34-6376773423D1_zpso2ys7rvg.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/33B35124-E33F-42A5-9AD8-9DE0996A0CEC_zpsblqv3xc7.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/33B35124-E33F-42A5-9AD8-9DE0996A0CEC_zpsblqv3xc7.jpg.html)

http://i1123.photobucket.com/albums/l546/Craig_Dempsey/A0D572D1-0D50-4F27-A854-423A11A2C15D_zpswl02vgxo.jpg (http://s1123.photobucket.com/user/Craig_Dempsey/media/A0D572D1-0D50-4F27-A854-423A11A2C15D_zpswl02vgxo.jpg.html)

Personally think it should've left the factory with a dual and that it evens and finishes off the rear a bit more thoroughly.

[Dan1971]

Nice changes there Craig. Have you noticed a difference with the performance with the ITG ? Looked a decent bit of kit.

[Craig-ZS180]

Cheers Dan. Yes it revs a lot easier and there aren't any flat spots anymore. I don't know if it's actually given any perfomance gains in truth but it drives nicer and the turbo sounds awesome through it :)

[stamford]

Yes that suits it, what else you have planned?

[Dan1971]

Get it on the rollers !

[grimmy]

I actually prefer the magnette but then I have always preferred a saloon shaped car.That's a nice looking car you have there right enough.like the colour as for the cost of them they certainly look worth every penny for a used one.lot of car for next to nothing a lot tlike the zs I suppose.

[Craig-ZS180]

Yes that suits it, what else you have planned?

Well the company that did my exhaust want to do me a full tubular mani back system with sports cat so they are looking into that but that will have to wait until more funds clear.
Then it's just fmic and bigger and wider wheels as the rotas looked awesome but just couldn't stretch to those at the time so I know what I want for it.
Also toying with a Chinese rear diffuser, boot spoiler and the Tein front bumper which is similar to the touring car one with ducts and different front fogs.

All in due time though.

Get it on the rollers !

As it happens I hopefully am going to a local mgf session that a few friends are organising locally so will see what it's putting out of it all comes through ;)

[Dan1971]

Let me know if you do an RR locally then. Might come along...;)

[Maxfly]

Nice improvments, we need a sound clip btw ;)

[Craig-ZS180]

Thanks again for all the comments guys, all appreciated.

Yeah no worries Dan, if your still ok the same no. I'll give you a text as and when the RR day approaches.

I will do my best to get a couple of sound clips and upload them as the couple I have at present don't do it any justice :(

[peterzs]

Welcome back, we dont care what you drive, long as you like it.

Looks a great car, have to keep us updated.

:yay::yay::yay:

[tallgeese]

I used to dislike the look of the 6 but it does grow on ya now I must admit I do fancy one lol

[Craig-ZS180]

Welcome back, we dont care what you drive, long as you like it.

Looks a great car, have to keep us updated.

:yay::yay::yay:



Cheers Pete, certainly will keep updated as and when things happen :D

[Craig-ZS180]

I used to dislike the look of the 6 but it does grow on ya now I must admit I do fancy one lol

They are a good car, people just knock them from the off as they're not a "sporty" Mg. However they may not look overly sporty but they can definitely hold their own when it comes to the way they drive.

I think it's a cracking car and now with things done it's starting to sound how I feel mg should've made it if costs weren't such an issue :)

[Lukeus101]

Love what you have done Craig and glad you're enjoying the 6 :)

[ZS Phil]

Looks great, bet it sounds good too! There were a few at saloon day with that kit on and they sound like they have a dump valve!

[Craig-ZS180]

Thanks again chaps, I'm just trying to do subtle ish things to make it a little more my own as we all do.

Glad it seems to appeal to others too.

Yes the filter setup gives a lovely woosh from the recirc valve which is very similar to a dump valve noise, just not quite so sharp.
Also get some great turbo spool which sounds lovely :D

[Dan1971]

And get that avatar changed ... ;)

[Craig-ZS180]

And get that avatar changed ... ;)


Can't do that Dan, still love my old 180 so it's just that little part of it I can keep ;)

[andys1981]

nice mods there craig,really think the exhaust finishes the back end off nicely,glad your enjoying the car aswell,look forward to see what else you do.

[ZSZRANDRF900]

Nice looking car Craig.
I took both the longbridge 6's round Curborough on Friday 4th back to back with my ZS. considering they were standard chassis set up, I liked the petrol's overall characteristics. the diesel was a pig on corners compared to my Zed. the turbo petrol is being used at sprint meetings and the powers that be, who decide what class it sits in have matched it up with the old class that the 180's used to sit in back in the day. I think I will end up with one before long. try shedding some wieght out of it, the way it cornered suggests that the thing is as heavy as a ZT.

[Craig-ZS180]

Cheers guys. The mods will slow again for a while whilst the fund pot accumulates again. As and when things happen though I will give updates ;)

Yes I agree, it does inspire you to push it that little bit further when your going some. It does handle very well indeed especially when you consider how large it is when up next to the ZS.
I think it probably would make a reall difference with weight stripped out, would certainly make it feel very nimble and possibly even more responsive.

I am waiting to take it on track to really give it the beans and put it through it's paces, once I've got the brakes done with some ebc's I will be going to see exactly what it can do :D

[ian zs180]

Nice touches there craig and it does suit the twin outlets .

[Craig-ZS180]

Cheers Ian, as soon as I got the car I knew I wanted a dual exit, makes the rear look more complete imo.

[Lukeus101]

Got any clips of what it sounds like? :)

[Craig-ZS180]

Not sure if this link will work as bloody phone and links aren't cooperating fully with me at present.

http://youtu.be/ww8GEJOookA

[Craig-ZS180]

Just checked and seems the link worked however the sound clip doesn't show the exhaust in it's best light. Sounds nicer in the flesh in all honesty.

It isn't a really loud system at present but once it goes back for the mani and turbo back sections to be done it should then get a bit deeper again and sound that little more sporting I suppose.

Took my mate out in it the other night and he said it sounded like a VXR which I suppose there is a similarity when on boost, it has a little bark / shout on gear change which is very much like them. It personally reminds me of a quiter version of my old Montego turbo, if I can get it sounding like that when the full system is fitted I will be very very happy :)

Anyway, there you are for a brief vid.

[Lukeus101]

Sounds good mate, would love to see it on full chat ;)

[Craig-ZS180]

It's actually loudest around 3-5k at 6 it starts to lose some deepness and goes off pitch slightly but does still sound good.
Turbo sounds immense from 2.5k upwards now though, sounds like it's trying to suck things in from the path :D

I will see if I can get a video of it whilst giving it some then ;)

[peterzs]

sounds good.

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

[Craig-ZS180]

sounds good.

:happy2::happy2::happy2:

Cheers Pete. ;)

[Dan1971]

Nice .... :thumbsup:

[Craig-ZS180]

Well the 6 has gone now, didn't get as much as I truly wanted or really what it was worth but it was enough to now set me up for buying my next toy.

Getting a Blobeye STI if the deal comes through this week so will be having some flat 4 fun soon :)

On another note the old white 1.4 400 I have has recently had some minor open heart surgery and is now sporting some 120 cams with pulleys, injection setup and some mild port and polishing done.
Just waiting on the bigger throttle body coming through now and then it's going low.
Just trying to make my daily commute a little more interesting whilst still a little economical. It is funny now when people see what looks like an otherwise completely standard with wheels trims old rover and it's hanging on the tail of things that would usually leave it well behind :D

[Dan1971]

I did wonder how it was going Craig.

Little 45 sounds like a decent sleeper mate.

[Craig-ZS180]

Ah well nothing much has changed really Dan, now work for Mercedes so the car situation is changing to suit my needs and as we now have the 400 for the main / general daily chores it means the other car can be much more of a toy for me :)

The 400 is turning into a little sleeper yes, keeping the outside pretty bland so it is more of a shock although I'm the new year it is getting lowered and some wider wheels going on.
Also thinking of some exhaust work to help it make the most of it's other extras.


How's things with you mate, all well I hope?

[Dan1971]

....


How's things with you mate, all well I hope?

Yep all good pal - more changes car wise for me but hey - nothing new there !

[Craig-ZS180]

Yep all good pal - more changes car wise for me but hey - nothing new there !

Hahaha, what you in now then buddy? Or rather how many changes has there been?

[Dan1971]

Hahaha, what you in now then buddy? Or rather how many changes has there been?

Too many pal...:hang:

I've got the fezza for a few more days then picking up a 330 coupe BMW. Mrs is in a Kuga Titanium X Sport now. Lucky thing - it's a very nice car.

[Craig-ZS180]

Oh suits you sir. Well I didn't think you were going to go back to the bm's again but fair play mate. Either way as long as it keeps you entertained (for a couple of months) :D

Never really looked at the kugas to be honest, seen them about obviously but never looked into them but with the model I bet it's a good spec version!

Well seems like usual then, cars never stay that long do they lol.