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MG ZR ZS ZT Technical - Just tried the ZR160 and ZS180...

Hello Folks,

My dad and I have just test driven the ZR160 and the ZS180 and I have this to say.

From what I have read and the perception I have I feel that the ZR is a better looking car then the ZS and being smaller I thought would be quicker.

I currently drive an MG Maestro 2.0I with 57I induction kit with direct air feed and Rover 216I ECU for better response. Lowered 2" with Motobuild Springs and Gas dampers, poly bushes. Recently fitted new lower ball joints and track rod ends. Tighthened up the power steering rack and fitted 16" 5 spokes with Toyo Proxy tyres.

We tried the ZS first. I found the K6 to have lots of torque quickly about 3000 revs it felt a bit like a turbo. The engine noise is fantastic I love that whine. The suspension was very good, a lot smoother then my current set up but then i would have been surprised if it didn't :-) I tried it on local roads and where I find it a bit harsh in my car the ZS rode them with supreme control and poise. It still had the firm ride i'm used too, but it had more control over the harder bumps, where i tend to bounce about a bit in my car.

Next the ZR.

Instantly on start the sound was more raw comapred the K6, but that was expected too. That wasn't the only difference this engine needs reving hard to get anything out of it e.g. 5000 revs which disappointed me, because i'm used to 8 valve low down revs. The car is quick but doesn't have that wow factor for me. Surprisingly the car's ride felt nearly the same to me as my Maestro! It was slightly smoother and i say slight. This was very dissapointing, I expected something fantastic after the ZS. The steering was a tad taughter then mine, but then i have put a metal yoke on my rack rather then the plastic one to tighten up my steering.
The ZR banged about at the same bumps my car did in fact in some places it was worse.


Both cars still seemed to have the AR build quality, plasticky feeling and wobbles and rattles. I did like the Monaco seats very nice. The brakes were very good on both cars but not outstanding.

So overall i was very impressed with the ZS and dissappointed with the ZR.

So I won't be buying a ZR. In fact i'm going to plonk a T series turbo in my car, Rover 800 Recaros from donor car, 4 pot callipers and spank every ZR i see!
Robert Purser

Have fun with your Maestro mods, coming from an MG Montego originally i can see why your smitten with the car.

The T series route has been tried and tested, pop into the modified MMM board and post any questions you may have there, there are lots of like minded enthusiasts who are only too happy to help. Good luck finding an engine though, good ones are getting rarer and rarer.

I'm not getting into the ZR vs ZS debate on here, it's been done to death and everyone has thier own viewpoint, recognition of this fact means that there is no need to get riled by any 'my car is better than yours' comments (so i don't expect to see anyone taking the bait, intentionally laid or otherwise). :-)

SF

P.S. OFF TOPIC! Look for a new Past Times store in the market square before the end of the year (in the old Halfords unit). I surveyed the premises a couple of months ago, scheme drawings have been approved and i'm working on the tender submissions today. Oh, don't buy any neons from the new Halfords in Queens Street, they only lasted a week or so on my F. :-(
Scarlet Fever

Hello Scarlet Fever,


I already have a donor sat on the driveway. Transplant comes over christmas time. For what its worth I prefer the look of the ZR, but prefer the drive of the ZS. The ZR needs a Turbo.
Robert Purser

Robert WROTE:

>I prefer the look of the ZR, but prefer the drive of the ZS.<

Me too!! But above all, I prefer driving my B reg Montego Turbo even moreso than my T16 Turbo Coupe ....

BTW, It IS possible to find T16 Turbo engines in good shape. To do so you'll probably have to buy the complete car as well. It looks like you've got one already. A systematic search of the various Web sites will turn up the odd car at a bargain price. There are also some T16 turbo engines on offer where the owner has not seen it running. Cheaper, but, these are real unknown quantities so you're taking a chance if you go for one of those.

I'd appreciate any advice as to what to look for to best assess the condition of a T16 Turbo engine out of the car that you can't see running......

JMcF
John McFeely

Hi John,


Yeah, i picked up a K plate Rover Vitesse with 78,000 miles on the clock and a new turbo 2,000 miles ago. for £300. The dealer had paid £1800 for 1 year ago. But we found out that it had starting problems. Which was solved a car sparky. Someone had messed about the coil and so it was getting the neccessary voltage. The cars in good nick i could probbably sell it for £1200 now, but i want that engine! The bonus is good recaros too. I couldn't tell how to tell a good engine without seeing it running.
Robert Purser

Hi Robert.
If your Maestro is at all lowered,think about fitting a 220 sump as the I found the 800 sump far to low for my Monty.Also the 220 engine loom and fuse box is by far simpler to wire up,the 800 having a nightmare of an immobiliser system.
Col T

Also, get a donor T16 donor car WITHOUT aircon ...... unless you want that power sapping accessory in your flying machine ...;)
John McFeely

>>>>>So I won't be buying a ZR. In fact i'm going to plonk a T series turbo in my car, Rover 800 Recaros from donor car, 4 pot callipers and spank every ZR i see! <<<<<

You'll still have me to contend with in my lighter, more torquey 8 valver :-))

Gareth
Gareth Kidman

This thread was discussed between 13/09/2003 and 24/09/2003

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