ZC33S, 970kg Hot hatch
Discussion
Sorry been quite busy recently. Got the suspension and braces fitted.
It feels firm but not harsh and more controlled when changing direction quickly with better damping than before. Bad road surfaces at low speed can slightly more jiggly but over 20ish mph it feels smoother. The height at the front has now settled a little giving it a bit of positive rake. Bit more direct and less dead play than before.
Road obstacles so far have not been a problem other than one weirdly acute car park speed bump, the front cleared it but as it came down the other side the subframe brace which mounts directly behind the front wheels grounded. It will be getting it's biannual service on the drive soon and summer wheels put back on so I will give it a top up of Lanogaurd at the same time.
It feels firm but not harsh and more controlled when changing direction quickly with better damping than before. Bad road surfaces at low speed can slightly more jiggly but over 20ish mph it feels smoother. The height at the front has now settled a little giving it a bit of positive rake. Bit more direct and less dead play than before.
Road obstacles so far have not been a problem other than one weirdly acute car park speed bump, the front cleared it but as it came down the other side the subframe brace which mounts directly behind the front wheels grounded. It will be getting it's biannual service on the drive soon and summer wheels put back on so I will give it a top up of Lanogaurd at the same time.
Oldybaldy17 said:
Have you had a remap yet?
Not had a remap yet. It is next on my list of things to do. I am actually holding off a bit on getting a remap because I will have to remove the ECU from the car and send it to CTC so could be without the car for a week. Another reason I am dragging my heels slightly is that there are rumours that there may be a recall to do with the tolerances in the ecu for fuel quality being way too stringent. This has seemingly led to low boost issues after people may have filled up with low quality fuel (mostly seems to happen overseas).
Anyway I am worried that a recall would overwrite a remapped ecu thereby losing any sweet gains. Does any know if this would likely be the case? I guess I could just not get such a recall carried out if it came out.
I've not heard of that recall and I only received a letter, a week ago, about the current one.
I already have mine remapped so will be cautious if a recall does come round.
Did my driveway service last week, but still to fit my intercooler and rarb. Time is always tight in our house.
First trackday this coming week, lets hope the rain holds off.
I already have mine remapped so will be cautious if a recall does come round.
Did my driveway service last week, but still to fit my intercooler and rarb. Time is always tight in our house.
First trackday this coming week, lets hope the rain holds off.
I picked up one of these on Friday. Was the closest car to fit my 4 seat mx5 criteria. I had a choice of 3 non hybrid cars at my local dealer, all with around 20k on the clock. The red was my first choice, but just like the Mazda red, it was peppered with stone chips. The blue and white were much better. Went with white.
Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
Oldybaldy17 said:
I've not heard of that recall and I only received a letter, a week ago, about the current one.
I already have mine remapped so will be cautious if a recall does come round.
Did my driveway service last week, but still to fit my intercooler and rarb. Time is always tight in our house.
First trackday this coming week, lets hope the rain holds off.
There is no official recall on the cards yet for the fuel quality issue but potentially something to be wary of. As far as I can tell it relates to areas where higher octane fuels are harder to get hold of or contaminated fuel.I already have mine remapped so will be cautious if a recall does come round.
Did my driveway service last week, but still to fit my intercooler and rarb. Time is always tight in our house.
First trackday this coming week, lets hope the rain holds off.
What year is your car if you don't mind me asking? I asked my dealer about the brake vacuum recall and they said they were only upto 19 plates so far.
FamousPheasant said:
I picked up one of these on Friday. Was the closest car to fit my 4 seat mx5 criteria. I had a choice of 3 non hybrid cars at my local dealer, all with around 20k on the clock. The red was my first choice, but just like the Mazda red, it was peppered with stone chips. The blue and white were much better. Went with white.
Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
Cars look brilliant, but as a note, Suzuki can't enforce an "only at dealers" warranty clause - you just have to demonstrate equal quality and standards to OEM....Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
..and Brexit hasn't f
ked this, at least according to the CMA - block exemption remains in place until 31st May and recommendation is for HMG to keep an exact equivalent.JonChalk said:
FamousPheasant said:
I picked up one of these on Friday. Was the closest car to fit my 4 seat mx5 criteria. I had a choice of 3 non hybrid cars at my local dealer, all with around 20k on the clock. The red was my first choice, but just like the Mazda red, it was peppered with stone chips. The blue and white were much better. Went with white.
Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
Cars look brilliant, but as a note, Suzuki can't enforce an "only at dealers" warranty clause - you just have to demonstrate equal quality and standards to OEM....Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
..and Brexit hasn't f
ked this, at least according to the CMA - block exemption remains in place until 31st May and recommendation is for HMG to keep an exact equivalent.Looks like you have to use a QR code after the service to activate the warranty, can't imagine a normal garage being able to do that.
xu5 said:
There is no official recall on the cards yet for the fuel quality issue but potentially something to be wary of. As far as I can tell it relates to areas where higher octane fuels are harder to get hold of or contaminated fuel.
What year is your car if you don't mind me asking? I asked my dealer about the brake vacuum recall and they said they were only upto 19 plates so far.
It is a 19 plate. Not got round to calling the dealers to arrange it and I've just had hel lines fitted with new pads.What year is your car if you don't mind me asking? I asked my dealer about the brake vacuum recall and they said they were only upto 19 plates so far.
FamousPheasant said:
I picked up one of these on Friday. Was the closest car to fit my 4 seat mx5 criteria. I had a choice of 3 non hybrid cars at my local dealer, all with around 20k on the clock. The red was my first choice, but just like the Mazda red, it was peppered with stone chips. The blue and white were much better. Went with white.
Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
I collected my new car here in New Zealand last Friday too. We still get the non hybrid in a choice of manual and auto. The cars sold in NZ are built in Japan and not Hungary like the UK ones.Couple of things surprised me on the test drive a) just how quick they are, they certainly feel more than 140bhp b) how relatively supple the suspension is. For hooning along bumpy b roads it's pretty ideal I would say.
It's also worth noting that Suzuki have copied Toyota's warranty policy (somewhat) and you can now get up to 7 years warranty so long as you get it serviced at a dealer.
I wanted a modern day light weight manual hot hatch and this was the closest I could find. I did look at Abarths but they've stopped selling manual Abarths in NZ. Another option was the I30N but that was more money, weight and didn't have the fun factor I get driving the Suzuki. Yellow was my colour choice - it just puts a smile on my face. Great car for what it is.
Edited by skedaddle on Wednesday 3rd May 06:53
gweaver said:
skedaddle said:
The cars sold in NZ are built in Japan and not Hungary like the UK ones.
I think the UK market ZC33S are made in Japan, unlike the ZC32S.The K14D was primarily developed for the European market - looks like Japan, Australia and NZ still get the K14C.
gweaver said:
I think the UK market ZC33S are made in Japan, unlike the ZC32S.
The K14D was primarily developed for the European market - looks like Japan, Australia and NZ still get the K14C.
Thanks for correcting me. I had assumed the hybrid vs non hybrid was down to different factories but clearly not. Guess it's related to the EU emission regs that results in the hybrid being sold in Europe. No doubt the hybrid will arrive in NZ in due course perhaps when the next Swift Sport is released. Thanks again - I learn something new every day!The K14D was primarily developed for the European market - looks like Japan, Australia and NZ still get the K14C.
xu5 said:
Since 2016 the plant in Hungary have only been producing the Vitara and S Cross. The fact it is shipped from Japan to Europe is a major reason the ZC33S is seen as comparitavely expensive in the UK.
Yes the ZC33S is relatively cheap at ~£16k in NZ but then cars sourced from Asia generally are cheap in NZ. In comparison European produced cars in general are v expensive here.Oldybaldy17 said:
I've not heard of that recall and I only received a letter, a week ago, about the current one.
I already have mine remapped so will be cautious if a recall does come round.
Did my driveway service last week, but still to fit my intercooler and rarb. Time is always tight in our house.
First trackday this coming week, lets hope the rain holds off.
Have you had your track day, how did it go?I already have mine remapped so will be cautious if a recall does come round.
Did my driveway service last week, but still to fit my intercooler and rarb. Time is always tight in our house.
First trackday this coming week, lets hope the rain holds off.
Trackday went well. Lots of track time as only 21 cars for the day, open pitlane and 9 till 5 with a break for lunch. Glad I had the brakes done, braided lines and ds2500 pads, though I'd like a better initial bite when applied. Think when the time comes I'll try some different pads.
As it was only a small circuit I was mainly red lining 2nd and 3rd gears. Probably could have gone faster, but it was my first time and I had to drive home.
Tyres are michelin ps4 and gripped/wore well, looking for a spare set of wheels for track/event days. Considering it's stock suspension the handling was surprisingly good.
Will be booking more and I've got some grass events coming up over summer.
As it was only a small circuit I was mainly red lining 2nd and 3rd gears. Probably could have gone faster, but it was my first time and I had to drive home.
Tyres are michelin ps4 and gripped/wore well, looking for a spare set of wheels for track/event days. Considering it's stock suspension the handling was surprisingly good.
Will be booking more and I've got some grass events coming up over summer.
I have a Championship Yellow 2018 ZC33S just done 50k miles, no real issues apart from the brake booster valve failing about a year before the recall was announced. Lost braking assistance at motorway speed, but all fixed now. Make sure you get the recall done :-) One of the best and cheapest mods for these is the powerflex gearbox dogbone mount insert, really sharpens up the gearchange and cuts down on wheel hop. The stock engine mounts are far too soft. I run a Bluespark box, made a big difference to mine, not quite as good as a CTC map, but good enough for the money, makes 172hp.
Very underrated cars, lightweight, old school hot hatch feel, but with modern equipment.
Very underrated cars, lightweight, old school hot hatch feel, but with modern equipment.
Edited by KerwinR on Monday 8th May 13:09
Here it is with the Advan's back on. I am really quite happy with the ride height, it still has a nice bit of arch gap and doesn't look obviously lowered I would have said.
Peek-a-boo Willow!
When I had the braces fitted earlier in the year I left off the rear axle brace as I thought it may make the rear too unsettled in conjunction with the Cusco rear anti roll bar but I decided to fit it during it's spring service. Turns out it makes a nice difference combined with the rarb. It feels mostly as before, a little bit more alertness but when taking quite a tight corner the rear has a nice feeling of helping itself around, not sliding unless you want, just keener to get round the corner. Reminds me more of the old school Peugeot feel I hanker after.
The car is now over 40k miles with no major issues to report. I got the vacuum valve recall carried out and I am sure it is now slightly more consistent feeling under light throttle inputs. I changed the plugs and they all looked in fine health, I stuck with OEM NGK iridium. There was the option of HKS Ruthenium plugs specially developed for the zc33s and fk8 civic (made by NGK) but they are pretty expensive and seem to work best on the Swift once the boost has been upped slightly.
Fitted a CTC intake kit.
You can now hear the the turbo spool nicely with the recirculation valve quite audible under load.
I know some may be aghast at the sight of an open intake, what about all that hot air getting sucked in! Well my take on it is I was after an increase in throttle response so the shortest amount of pipework would give the turbo less work to do rather than trying to suck air through 1 meter of tube positioned to bring in "cold'' air. Using the ctc open intake on this engine people have measured temperature from the MAF sensor and found no difference between the open intake and standard intake. I am fortunate enough to spend most of my driving on free flowing roads and anyway seeing as it all passes through the upgraded intercooler I am not worried.
Peek-a-boo Willow!
When I had the braces fitted earlier in the year I left off the rear axle brace as I thought it may make the rear too unsettled in conjunction with the Cusco rear anti roll bar but I decided to fit it during it's spring service. Turns out it makes a nice difference combined with the rarb. It feels mostly as before, a little bit more alertness but when taking quite a tight corner the rear has a nice feeling of helping itself around, not sliding unless you want, just keener to get round the corner. Reminds me more of the old school Peugeot feel I hanker after.
The car is now over 40k miles with no major issues to report. I got the vacuum valve recall carried out and I am sure it is now slightly more consistent feeling under light throttle inputs. I changed the plugs and they all looked in fine health, I stuck with OEM NGK iridium. There was the option of HKS Ruthenium plugs specially developed for the zc33s and fk8 civic (made by NGK) but they are pretty expensive and seem to work best on the Swift once the boost has been upped slightly.
Fitted a CTC intake kit.
You can now hear the the turbo spool nicely with the recirculation valve quite audible under load.
I know some may be aghast at the sight of an open intake, what about all that hot air getting sucked in! Well my take on it is I was after an increase in throttle response so the shortest amount of pipework would give the turbo less work to do rather than trying to suck air through 1 meter of tube positioned to bring in "cold'' air. Using the ctc open intake on this engine people have measured temperature from the MAF sensor and found no difference between the open intake and standard intake. I am fortunate enough to spend most of my driving on free flowing roads and anyway seeing as it all passes through the upgraded intercooler I am not worried.
I am hoping to carry out its pre winter service / wheel swap / lanogaurd top up at some point over the next week or two. I had the standard wheels powder coated bronze as the corrosion was getting pretty bad thanks to the diamond cut finish, also had the tpms valves replacedwith normal rubber stems. Quite pleased with how they look now although they are going to be covered in salt and grime most of the time.
I ordered some bolts and collars from R's Racing Service in Japan that support the steering rack rubber bushes to suppress deflection of the rack during cornering.
While I find the steering quite precise I would be happy if these collars bring an even more immediate response from the steering wheel and more feed back, as they suggest they should.
I ordered some bolts and collars from R's Racing Service in Japan that support the steering rack rubber bushes to suppress deflection of the rack during cornering.
While I find the steering quite precise I would be happy if these collars bring an even more immediate response from the steering wheel and more feed back, as they suggest they should.
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