My ZS 180 British Racing Green
 

Hi everyone

I thought I would start a progress thread on my car.

I have a lot of plans for the car, most of them based around track performance, increasing and prolonging!

The car at the moment is standard.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...liegti/ex2.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...liegti/ex6.jpg

I did my first trackday in the car this year August 20th at Castle Combe in Wiltshire.

All I can say is the car was excellent.

Hi everyone.

I have done my trackday at Castle Combe. And what an excellent day!

I arrived just before 8am as was requested by CC.

After signing on I had the car sound tested - 80DB which was tested at 1/2 metre from the exhaust at 4500rpm static.
I then attended the drivers briefing at 8.30am. I learnt that 25% of all U.K circuit accidents happen at Quarry corner!

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The organisers had all of us split into 3 groups, I was in group 1 which included 3 scoobys, a Lotus Exige (10 plate) and a Cayman
which was very fast running R888s.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...nonpics042.jpg

When I arrived the track was damp/greasy and the sky was grey and dull but no rain! I was hoping and praying for some sun!

Group 1 were first out on track at 9am, the track was still damp in patches more so in some areas so I was cautious until the tyres came up to temperature and I got a feel for the car.
On my 3rd lap I had a bit of a twitch moment over a particularly wet patch entering Quarry, 100mph plus cold rear tyres! Nothing came of it thankfully!
I also found through the ESSES I just couldn't put any power down and found carrying speed fairly difficult through them, I must admit I did think to myself if it carries on like this the day may be a disappointment!

How wrong was I!

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After the other groups went out and the track and air temps began to rise a dry line emerged then the entire track did.
The MG came alive, I was able to brake later and later and lean on it more and more through the corners, the brakes I found to be very good as my confidence in the car rose.
After the second session I noticed I had lost some braking performance from the top of the pedal, but this remained the same throughout the rest of the day thankfully, however the front discs were starting to show signs of overheating, I had rings appearing on the discs whic increased throughout the day BUT this did not affect the braking power at all, no vibration or juddering just the same consistent good power!

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Whilst we were in our group sessions I did find there wasn't any cars I could play with, but this did allow me to learn the car better!
By about 10.30ish we went to open pit lane and I had chance to play with more cars then, some cars I caught up with and overtook were =

* Lotus Elise S1
* MG ZR160 - stripped out aswell
* BMW M3 E46
* Various other 3 series in differant states of tune and engine
* Lancer EVO VI Tommi Makinen - this was one I was surprised about! I caught him up over 4-5 laps and overtook (naughtily) under braking into Tower, I then stayed in front for 3 laps, he then passed me but didnt pull a gap of anymore than 2 transits up until the chequered flag! I later learnt I know the owner! Hello Phil if you ever read this!

There were various caterhams etc there, but they were in a different league to the rest of us!

I had noticed in the paddock there was another MG ZS 180, and it belongs to Gillian Goldsmith who is an instructor and race driver!
Gillian couldnt speak highly enough of the car, commenting on Thruxton using them as the race school cars because they are so good!
The ZS180 is definitely a car for those in the know.
Gillian also asked if I had ever had any tuition on track before to which I haven't, and said she would come out with me to give me a few pointers for free! Fellow MG owners!
We managed to be allowed out, we shouldnt have been really as the track was closing for lunch shortly! but she knew the Marshalls!

So a big thankyou to Gillian who was very nice and helpful.

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After lunch I was out for a few more sessions before the front brakes called time! I had reduced the front pads back to the backing plates!
I must say tho, right up until the end they were consistent and strong! the front pads and discs had only 300 miles on them! now I need new ones! more on that one soon.....

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...nonpics063.jpg

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I absolutely loved the day, I was out almost solidly from 9am till 2pm, and the car was truly great, I was one of the fastest along the back of the circuit through the ESSES + OLD PADDOCK BEND + HAMMERDOWN + TOWER where the MGs excellent high speed direction changeing and stability where impeccable, the car is ever so neutral and very grippy allowing you to do what you want with it!

I found that I was heel and toeing the car absolutly naturally the pedals are very well spaced for it (something I doubted on the road).
This also contributed to the demise of my brakes due to how late this allowed me to brake!

The video below is me entering Quarry and the following straight

Hi everybody.

Today I had the MG on the rolling road at Interpro in thornbury.

I arrived at 8.30am, and honestly had no idea of what kind of figures to expect given the car is on 126,000 miles!

I have had my reservations about just how well the VIS has been working so I asked them to check everything on the car engine wise
to know how 'healthy' the engine is.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...ZSInterpro.jpg

Well after the power runs, the rolling road operator Dave came over to talk to me about his findings! and I must admit to expecting a lower than standard output, how wrong was I!

185 BHP @ 6543rpm
with an at the wheels figure of 125 BHP
174 FT/LBS @ 4333rpm

When Dave approached me he had the graph out of sight and started to talk of a stored fault code and I thought oh no.....
Turns out the the fault code is only for the engine management light bulb not working!

Dave informed me that the VIS is working absolutely fine, which showed in the graph with a very linear and powerful torque curve, with approx 110 lb/ft available from just over 1000rpm, and after the torque peaking at 174 lb/ft at 4333rpm the car did not drop under 150 lb/ft even upto the rev limit at approx 6750rpm. Between 5000rpm and 6250rpm the car held 165 lb/ft (approx).

The power graph was lovely and linear, from approx 5750 to the 6250rpm the engine is holding a linear 180ish bhp peaking at max power 185 at 6543rpm holding until the limiter calls time.

I am very happy with the figures as you'd imagine, the car is standard with 126000 miles on the clock and ran on 95 ron/octane fuel!

This does just prove that a well looked after car can still make the numbers and then some

I have put the lack of power I thought I was feeling down to the crappy tyres on there at the mo, which are scrabbling for grip any time some torque is introduced to them!

I have now replaced the tyres with Kumho Ecsta sports, which so far have proved to be head and shoulders above the previous tyres!
The recent weather and road conditions tho have not allowed me to really get a feel for them and there suitability to the car.

Great posts mate - glad the car worked well for you. Plenty of fun to be had in the future too.

Beginning to think that there will be more ZSs on tracks throughout the UK than getting driven on the roads !!!

Great thread mate. You think Quarry is scary, the track itself is alot slower than it used to be back in the 80's, back then they had no chicanes ruining the laps! Back then I was running a stage 3 spec Magnum and a 185 bhp Chevette. The ZS made it seem smooth in comparison.

What mods has your zed got? Seems you have a very good one even with those miles.

Nice pictures with the post..
Car looks great on the track .

Thanks for the replies guys :)

Stamford, the car is standard apart from an ITG panel filter. :bow::happy2:

I have also recently just purchased the V.H.S damper kit for the car, they are Bilstein units manufactered to V.H.S specifications.

It was'nt cheap but it should be the best!

Unfortunatly I wont be having them fitted until January due to funds!

This is taken from the information that came with the kit

Vehicle Handling Solutions LTD

MG ZS suspension kit

The MG ZS suspension upgrade consists of four high quality Bilstein monotube dampers. For optimum performance, we recommend the use of the original ZS road springs.
The dampers are tuned to provide a more mature dynamic performance, with a better compromise between ride comfort and control. This is possible because the monotube dampers have a much greater valve area that the standard MG items and the improved valve response allows better overall control.
The car benefits from better control in pitch and roll, especially noticeable at higher speeds, which improves security and driver confidence.
The overtly sporting character of the MG ZS is improved but the ride quality is far more refined.
The dampers offer better wheel control over broken and pot holed road surfaces, leading to much less suspension operating noise and the resulting reduction in jarring gives an upmarket quality 'feel'.

Dynamic performance with finesse!

The kit has a two year guarentee and the dampers can be fully rebuilt and re-valved if required.

V.H.S is ran by 3 MG chassis engineers who set up there outfit when the company folded.

In my opinion the best people to help me realise the true potential of my car!

Great report! Cc is a great track. Cannot wait to take my new ZS out there asap, only 20mins from me. My advice mod wise is to focus on a lsd or torsen diff and lightweight flywheel. Those mods will transform the car!!
Will be very interested to see how you get on with those new shocks! Should be a nice compromise on a track/roadcar.

hmm.

A std non modified zs180 puts out 143bhp@wheels which equates to around 175bhp@flywheel.

A zr160 puts out 125bhp@wheels and 155bhp@flywheel.

I would say your wheel figure should be around 155bhp for 185bhp@fly.

G

I agree, I think the @ the wheels figure is wrong, just typing what was on the printout!

:yes::laugh:

Hi

The lightened flywheel is definitely something I am interested in, do you have one fitted?
I have been looking for a company that makes one but to know avail? I dont want to machine the standard flywheel.
Does anybody know the exact weight of the standard ZS 180 flywheel? I have been told its 18KG? :ohmy:

Thanks

Ollie

Probably half that at most tbh.

http://www.ttvracing.com/

Cracking thread matey, an lovely ZS:) there is a bloke over in xpower forums that does lightened flys, not sure when next order goes in, pop over an it may be a sticky but at most a quick search should throw up what you want. :)

ekspower is his user name on xpf, he may have some in stock.

I had one fitted to my old blue trackcar. Going to fit another to my mk2 along with a new type A diff. Waste of time machining std one and thats not to safe either!
The std fly is about 9-10kg iirc. Lightweight one is about 4.6kg. I think there are two types ttv do though because I have seen pics of one with more cut outs that weighs 4.3kg apparently...?

Ross bought my old car and took it to pod and ran a 13.7 with 210bhp and flywheel fitted. (it was stripped and had a diff but wasnt the lightest zs to go up pod) Its a great mod and will give you a min 2mpg more as well.

nice write up mate, ive done so many trackdays at combe ive lost count but they were all great, even the many wet ones. I reckon a quarter of my old zs mileage was done treking to combe and back ,lol.
Awesome track, but demands respect.

Thanks for all the replies guys.

The car is booked into V.H.S next saturday (15th) to fit the Bilsteins, so a full write up coming soon!

Hi everyone,

In December I bought the Vehicle Handling Solutions damper kit comprising of four high quality Bilstein dampers optimised to VHS's own specifications.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS115.jpg

I had to wait till christmas was over to have them fitted, and VHS offer a fitting service so I decided I would have themselves fit them, although they do give excellent fitting instructions with the kit, I wanted the experts to do it!

I arranged to be at VHS for 9am saturday morning which is an hour and a half drive from mine, but as there based in Tenbury wells I decided I would drive back through Wales and the forest of dean to evaluate my new dampers. :cool1:

When I arrived I was met by Andy Kitson and introduced to Alan Phillips. Both gentlemen were very nice and showed real enthusiasm and a genuine interest which to some extent I was a little surprised of for engineers of their esteem.

The guys set to work quickly and thoroughly!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS119.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS118.jpg

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The front dampers were off and changed in good time.

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS122.jpg
Out with the old and in with the new!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS123.jpg

When the guys got to the rears they proved to be more of a pain!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS117.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS126.jpg

Due to some issues with old bolts not being particularly forthcoming.
The guys persevered and used some ingenuity!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS124.jpg

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Finally the fitting was complete and I was eager to go for a drive!

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/mgVHS128.jpg
Andy (left) and Alan, somewhat relieved! lol

The moment of truth came and I noticed the difference as soon as I drove out the gates!

What I noticed first was the general ride quality was vastly improved, the car no longer crashed and bumped itself down the road, but the one thing I really noticed was the vast reduction in suspension 'noise'.

This is something I didnt fully appreciate when initially advised of the benefits of the VHS kit, but now I do!

Later on in the drive I was able to increase the speed more and the body control further impressed with such a feeling of solidity and composure but the best was to come!

So far the kit had bettered the original dampers in every respect but I was amazed at the high speed composure! It is amazing, I raved about my ZS at Combe last year in the high speed sections 80mph+, but with this new kit it is something else, I briefly hit 110kph and the composure was something I hadnt felt before, I really cannot wait to take the car back on track!

I highly recommend VHS as I have been so impressed by them, the kit is not the cheapest but you get what you pay for and the service from Andy and Alan more than makes up for it.

I look forwards to having more dealings with them in the future.



:cool1:

Another quality post from someone putting the effort into their ZS. Great to see. Glad you're happy.

Yes, great write up, hopefully helps other contemplating the change to go and do it.

A little update

I have recently bought an ITG maxogen and just fitted it last weekend, and what a difference!

low down torque is increased, but tbh the power band is better everywhere actually! And the noise is lovely!

Then on saturday I was ran off the road.

I was minding my own buisness when coming around a long left hand bend, coming towards me on the opposite side were two artics, and as the road began to straighten there is some knob in a celica trying to overtake!
My heart stopped!

I hit the brakes, but the distance was to short, I braced myself for a head on and really thought this might be it, as the road is national speed limit, I was not far off 60, and god only knows how fast the celica was going!

Last minute I swerved over the kerb onto the grass/pavement, the oncoming traffic passed, as the back end came round on me and I came back onto the road sideways then hit the opposite kerb heavily then the car went into undergrowth, just before the car stopped it pitched almost over and I thought it was going to roll, but luckily it came back down on 4 wheels!

NO ONE STOPPED!

I got out the car ran back onto the road to just see the other traffic disappear!

I just cant get over who the hell would TRY to overtake 2 artics on a bloody corner!!!!!

luckily the car and I got away from it rather lightly, Im okay and had no passengers, the car needs to new alloys, 2 tyres and some scratches and marks removed, but luckily everything else is okay.

I was surprised how well everything stood up! a testament to the ZS!

I was searching all weekend for either a set or 2 wheels, but nothing really fitted the bill, until yesterday! I have managed to get hold of a set of BRAND NEW straights!! with centre caps! they are absolutly gorgeus! I almost dont want to put them on the car! lol

Pics soon!

My ZS will rule again!! lmao!

Epic journey your having with your car pal.

So glad that you walked away from what could've been a fatal. As for the car - also glad that it's come out OK.

Just shows, could have left you upside down, what a lot of a*******s.

Glad you walked away from it, but more cost and time to sort out.

I just hope the **** gets caught, won't be the last time he'll do it. Glad you are okay, could have been much worse by the sounds of it.

Great thread Ollie and glad to hear you are OK after the F*****g idiot in the Sillycar incident. I have a BRG 2004 180 and can thoroghly recommend the lightened fly wheel. I want to fit the Bilsteins but I have lowered Xpower springs would they be OK?

I'll keep a look out on the roads of South Glos for you. Mine has a K180 MG reg plate.

Hi Baz

I highly recomend the Bilsteins, with regards the Xpower springs I dont want to comment as I am not 100% sure, it would be best to speak to the guys at Vehicle Handling Solutions on 07791329055 or 07871156137 or there website
vehiclehandlingsolutions.com

They are very helpfull and take a real interest.

With regards your lightened flywheel what make is yours?

I will keep an eye out for you!

With regard to Xpower springs and VHS dampers they will work together fine, as I asked Andy about using lowered springs when I bought my dampers.

I'll have to ask my Son (DaveMGT) as he bought it for himself but I needed a clutch before he did.

Thanks for the info Pete16 will look into this soon.

Just a quick update since the accident,

*The car has had 4 brand new straights
*2 new Kumho ECSTAS
*New genuine rear hub
*4 wheel alignment
*Thorough going over and inspection by Andy and Alan of V.H.S

The car now drives and is 99% back to what it was, I stil have a problem with the rear camber of the passenger side being 0.00, Ive been advised to replace the trailing arm and will probs replace the lower arm at the same time with genuine items just so I have piece of mind.

A few more pics from when I first got the car

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...gti/MGSide.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...portishead.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...portishead.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...-10_140301.jpg

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...-10_140302.jpg

Looks a nice car, always like the colour.

Yes very clean for an 02 nice pics.

Nice car and a good thread, I take it the idiot in the Celica didn't stop? I never cease to be amazed that people don't stop when they see things like that (and much worse) as they seem to think getting home is far more important. We were shown this video on a course the other day, watch the people driving through the wreckage after what could have been a fatal accident.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ekar5vYyIQY

Thanks for the comments guys, and no the celica driver didnt stop. I was surprised at the time, but I have thought in hindsight why would I expect someone driving like that to stop! silly me! lol

I also just changed the oil using Millers fully synthetic and genuine oil filter, the engine does feel smoother.

My car is also cup holder equipped! lol

I have also just ordered a Janspeed decat from PTP so once thats fitted I will be booking into Matt reidy to have the car remapped! then lightened flywheel!

Almost there!

lol

Update:

A very nice guy called Grant of GBE came and delivered these to me .....

http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p...i/IMG_0030.jpg

Its his big brake kit, 310mm discs with Wilwood calipers which are very light (and the discs) braided lines front and rear and Performance friction pads 01.

I cant wait to fit these! there going on the ZS thursday, Also I have my first trackday of the year soon at Castle combe on the 5th of May!

I must say that Grant of GBE has been excellent to deal with, very helpful and happy to answer any questions, I highly recommend him!

Recently I have also had all the dents removed from the car at Cromhall refinishing in Thornbury, and again an excellent job, and the owner richard is always very helpful and has time for you.

This wednesday the car is booked into MG for new rear trailing arms + compliance bushes, so the rear will be sorted!

A down side is the new windscreen that was fitted has cracked! and the guy that fitted it did a very shoddy job! window seals not properly sealed, chipped the paint!!! I was most annoyed, I won't name the company at the mo as they are to rectify these issues, hmm we'll see.....

That is all at the mo!

looking good............love the brakes!!

good brakes, i had the very first kit from grant and hes a top bloke, he even machined me new carriers foc when the originals were less than 1mm out.
They are not fit and forget brakes though, you will need to take the wheels off and give the callipers a good cleaning occasionally, i used to take the callipers off the mounting and scrub inside, bit of wd40 around the pots and work them a bit...but be care full as they will pop out and you then lose your brake fluid.
You will find your abs kicking in when you initially drive the car but you get used to it and adjust to suit.
These are the brakes i used with ferodo ds 3000 pads on track for a couple of years and with a nasp car they were outstanding, no car other than bonafied racing cars could outbrake the zs, i could take 50 metres out of most cars in every braking zone, though that depends on what rubber your running and the cars weight,but good brakes are worth ten times the gain around a lap than more power, ive got videos on youtube tbh showing what they can do.
I hope they serve you well.

We'll Ive had the brakes fitted today and all I can say is WOW!!!!!

Ive never driven or been in another car that can stop as quickly! the pedal feel is excellent and there is excellent progression in the brakes and very good initial bite at the top of the pedal and when cold.

I have found the A.B.S sometimes feels like its working overtime, but as Dave zs-x has said I'll adjust my driving to suit.

I have also had the rear compliance bushes replaced at MG with genuine items and the rear end is very planted and has also made a world of differance!

The windscreen issue has been resolved and I am very pleased with the outcome and the new screen has been fitted to a very high standard! Its a shame I had to go through all the rigmarole the first time, so big thumbs up for Mobile windscrrens!

My first trackday of the year in 2 weeks and cant wait now!