Considering the dark side again.
 

I am once again considering moving on from my zs once the clutch, hydraulics and throttle cable has been sorted next week.
After the past month of driving round in the van which has cost naff all I am now very very tempted to go back to the derv.
I've found a car that I'm very tempted by but just don't know if I want it as a permanent fixture for sure?
Swap would be easy enough and wouldn't take much getting used to but I know ill miss the v6 growl.
What are thoughts guys from te ones that have made a similar move, have any of you regretted it that much?

The option car at present though surprise surprise is a mk1 zs hatch 99bhp with some nice creature comforts so could technically swap some bits over to keep it semi similar to what I'm used to.

Not driven a derv ZS but if the wallet is suffering do what is right for you. No doubt you will miss the V6 but you can always get another one day if you so desire. I also run a derv for the commute and general family wagon. My V6 is an occasional work run and weekend plaything.

Fair do's if you need to hav the economy of the derv but might it be worth Looking to see if one of the higher powered ZS dervs are available for the same kind of price.....ish

I was considering moving to a ZS180, from my tuned ZS derv.

James Raby very kindly let me drive his lovely motor, but i wasn't convinced enough, to make the change.

Yes, the derv doesn't have the growl of the V6, but the V6 doesn't have that kick in the back of the head that my derv has. Ok, my ZS derv isn't standard, running around the 155bhp figure, and 240ftlb torque.

Either of the standard power levels can be tuned to the same figure, around the 155bhp mark. The 115bhp version, does have a flat spot at around 3K rpm, so i would get the 100bhp version personally.

Test drive a tuned derv, then make a decision.

If you're ever around Peterborough, pop up to one of our area meets, and have a trip out in mine :)

Cheers
Dave

All things I'm considering in fairness. I have owned a tuned L series in the form of a 200 but not as high power as Daves 155hp ZS. It was about 20hp off that but still went ok.
Only owned it for 10 months as missed the ZS too much and bought it to save money but ended up using it more because was saying to myself its cheaper :(
I'm wondering though if ill be happier with a zs derv as I love my one now and probably wouldn't sell if I wasn't starting to think of the finances a bit more but I just don't want to go and do something 8 months down the line I'm regretting.

If I did get one though, you can be assured that it won't be stayin standard very long as already have a list of things and few upgrades tucked away in the garage from the previous smoker.
Thanks for the offer of that Dave, I can't see us being your way at present but if we ever are and still considering the chane ill certainly be in touch mate :)

You don't have the rev range in the derv, as you do in the V6, but once tuned, there is plenty of fun to be had.

If i'm honest, if i got rid of the derv before driving a V6, i think i would have been disappointed.

Don't get me wrong, the V6 is quick, but i never got the feeling of speed. Cruising in 5th, then drop it down to 3rd in my derv, you certainly feel the kick from the turbo.

I suppose if i never had my derv, and just had a 1.4, then a V6 upgrade, i'd be more than happy.

Horses for course really, but i am sure you won't be too disappointed with a derv once tuned.
Bare me in mind, if you do get the derv, and need it re-mapping.

Cheers
Dave

Think the lower bhp derv can be mapped to 115/135 with a few mods and 158 ish with the SDi's. 234 ft/lbs torque, for the top end.

Just a matter of what power and what economy you are after.

I can certainly see what your saying but I still don't think the derv will ever give the same power feel as the 180. It would be very close but I still think the overall power from the v6 would be more noticeable. Maybe I am wrong but I've only ever compared it to my old 200 which was in no way slow and certainly when you got it in the power band on gear change certainly hurtled you forwards but it didnt feel as quick.
Anyway, the main point for me is being a proper petrol head would being in a derv bother me after a while and get boring, that's what I'm concerned about. I'm in no way knocking the diesels as I know how good they are but I'm just thinking how much is it going to cost to get it to a standard where I will be properly happy with it.

Any economy improvement will be a bonus but I would probably end up wanting as much power from it as poss but still be able to achieve a decent mpg when not wanting a loon. Not quite do easy in the v6 as everything I think ill have a calm drive I only need a clear but if road and it becons me to open it up again :)
Think I need to go out I'm one as you say to see what's what with the zs as the better drive of that may be enough to keep me happier with it being diesel? :)

I really like your zs too craig it looks the part now,i like the exhaust too what make backbox is that one?,i agree the v6 can be costly compared to a diesel but its the sound of the v6 im glad to have again,i had a combo 1.3cdti van for almost 5months and the difference when i got back in the zs for a test drive before i bought it put a smile back on my face

Having owned a 150+ Derv I can see what Dave is saying, but it was nowhere near as quick as my 180, even when dropping down to third. I'd be interested in swapping cars Dave :p