MG ZT 260 4.6 V8

[bob1179]

I've wanted one of these since they were launched. I remember reading all about the 'XP500' that MGR were talking about, to take on and slaughter the M3/M5. Shame it never happened.

Still, I always like to have a peak in the classifieds, I still want one.

Lovely car OP.

[mattyc69]

About 8 or 9 years ago my work won the contract to service and repair the tractors that looked after the grounds of Snetterton. Well one day after fixing one of said machines the guy in charge nice cockney fella forget his name said would I like to have a ride in the new pace car just delivered by MG X Power. It turned out to be one of these that had been played with and OMFG! It was mental that is all I can say looked like a complete sleeper but according to the boys there was pushing a good 500hp! It had a full sports exhaust as well and the noise sex wee time! Did not corner very well but the acceleration was bonkers!

[Chimune]

Got: ZT CDTI
Want: ZT V8
Need: £££

[S10GTA]

Did I see this at Bruntingthorpe Cold War Jets day in May?

[vit4]

I've wanted one of these from the first time I saw it on Top Gear I will definitely have one, one day. Gorgeous car

[moribund]

S10GTA said:

Did I see this at Bruntingthorpe Cold War Jets day in May?

You certainly did! Wasn't it a great day?

[S10GTA]

moribund said:

S10GTA said:

Did I see this at Bruntingthorpe Cold War Jets day in May?

You certainly did! Wasn't it a great day?

Indeed it was. It always is. We were parked just behind you, in a pink BX 16v.

[moribund]

Surprised I didn't notice you, not seen a BX for ages. Were you there till the end?

[S10GTA]

Not quite the end, but saw you getting into your car.

Pistonheads. Stalking matters.

[bungle]

Great engine no doubt, but it's a big 'ol lump, does it do corners? What's the handling like?

Seems ambitiously priced http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3861126.htm but is that the going rate?

Love the idea of them though!

[moribund]

A quick update on the updates... since getting the car it's had a few more odd jobs done.

A replacement for the missing undertray was found on eBay. A bit battle-scarred but it was a bargain price for such a rare item. When I went to pick it up the seller showed me around his immaculate Escort Cosworth which was a nice bonus



The next job was a new air-con compressor to replace the noisy one fitted to the car. The old one worked, but I was nervous about it failing on me at Le Mans as they're a notorious weak spot. No pics, but the new one arrived from the US only 3 days after I placed my order which I thought was impressive.

The final update has been iPod integration using an Alpine KCA-420 from eBay and an Intravee II. Expensive upgrade but now I have full iPod control via the head unit. It replaces the CD changer, which I left in the boot and used to mount the new boxes to using numberplate tape.



Finally ready to go to Le Mans!



Had a great trip. The car does the whole autoroute thing extremely well. Slightly regretting going for a car with a quiet exhaust, but made up for it by my mate capturing my starring moment on Mad Friday.

http://youtu.be/7qDEfXjSLZ4

[moribund]

S10GTA said:

Pistonheads. Stalking matters.

[Chimune]

cmon - this is pistonheads ! What mpg did you get out of the trip ...?

[moribund]

bungle said:

Great engine no doubt, but it's a big 'ol lump, does it do corners? What's the handling like?

Seems ambitiously priced http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3861126.htm but is that the going rate?

Love the idea of them though!

It's a nice drive for it's weight. You can feel its a big old bus under braking but it corners very well and has excellent steering. It's a very satisfying 8/10ths car if that makes sense? Makes good fast progress on quick A-roads. It has flow.

That estate has sold now as far as I know. I think it's priced OK for a good condition car from a dealer and the estates are harder to find. Decent private cars seem to be £5.5k -> £7k, with quite a bit of variation which seems to relate more to the confidence of the seller that the condition of the car!

[moribund]

Chimune said:

cmon - this is pistonheads ! What mpg did you get out of the trip ...?

Somewhere around 21 overall. Peaked at 23

[Max M4X WW]

moribund said:

Slightly regretting going for a car with a quiet exhaust

Sort it!

[moribund]

Max M4X WW said:

Sort it!

Stop it, there was a group buy on two-sixties.com recently and I nearly caved.

Want my car to sound like it does now inside, not annoy my OH and neighbours, then sound like this the rest of the time:

http://youtu.be/TqZZfXdm7D0

Can't square the circle though

(the car in the vid is for sale apparently and looks in top condition, not SE spec though)

[Max M4X WW]

Surely some X-Power boxes would sort things out? I've made my V8 too loud, but its auto so drones a lot in drive, a manual would be fine.

[marcosgt]

Nice car(s) - I almost bought a V6 ZT a couple of cars back and the V8 sounds an interesting idea (if a crazy one for a company in the straits MG/Rover were at that time).

Love the colour and I was always impressed with the build quality of 75/ZTs.

I'd still take the PZ personally, but I fully endorse your decision to switch to something totally different

M

[snotrag]

moribund said:

Can't square the circle though

Sure can, exhaust dumper/switchable exhaust valves. There not even that expensive these days, piece of piss to wire up and any exhaust will do the welding for you.