MG ZS 180 as a TD car?
Discussion
Undirection said:
Can't stop looking at these. Stupidly cheap and apart from the expensive cambelt change they seem perfect for a low cost bit of modding and then general budget TD fun.
"Stupidly cheap" is exactly what they are!! I own four of them, two which I use on track for coaching, one sat around as a spare, and another one that I race!! They are quick, handle superbly, reliable, look good, consumables are cheap, fuel consumption on track as good as anything, and body panels are readily available should you need them!! If you are thinking of one, one of mine is for sale, and it has had the belts done, it is totally standard other than tyres, brake pads, fluid and braided hoses. It has just been MoT'd for twelve months!!Undirection said:
Thanks, prob not looking to buy until early next year now. Couple of quickies, the tax changes after 2002 I believe so it better to buy an early one? And how reliable is the V6? I don't know much about them but one on my friend's Freelander had HGF. Was that just unlucky?
I'm not sure how much difference there is on road tax, but I do know there is a difference! The build quality of the MK1's is far better than that of the MK2's, but the MK2 does look nicer! The V6 is incredibly reliable, and will stand a lot of punishment, my race one has just done three and three quarter hours of racing on Silverstone's GP circuit, ....... on a second hand engine that I gave £400 for because it had Piper Cams and vernier timing gears!!! Prior to that race, it has done two full seasons, and at Silverstone it posted the 48th quickest time out of 313 drivers, the majority of which were in M3's, Ferraris, Caterhams, Radicals, Morgans and many more expensive cars!!! HGF is not a common problem, and out of everyone I know that track them, or race them, no-one has suffered that problem!! HTHmaccboy said:
ginettajoe said:
If you are thinking of one, one of mine is for sale, and it has had the belts done, it is totally standard other than tyres, brake pads, fluid and braided hoses. It has just been MoT'd for twelve months!!
How much is your 'stupidly cheap' one? Is it on PH?We bought a ZS180 for trackday use, but after a couple of outings I felt it was a little too heavy. They weigh about 1250kg whereas the ZR160 is 200kg less and only 20hp down.
I'm very happy with my current ZR track car which seems to circulate at a similar rate to the V6s. Both cheap as chips though!
I'm very happy with my current ZR track car which seems to circulate at a similar rate to the V6s. Both cheap as chips though!
ginettajoe said:
Undirection said:
Thanks, prob not looking to buy until early next year now. Couple of quickies, the tax changes after 2002 I believe so it better to buy an early one? And how reliable is the V6? I don't know much about them but one on my friend's Freelander had HGF. Was that just unlucky?
I'm not sure how much difference there is on road tax, but I do know there is a difference! The build quality of the MK1's is far better than that of the MK2's, but the MK2 does look nicer! The V6 is incredibly reliable, and will stand a lot of punishment, my race one has just done three and three quarter hours of racing on Silverstone's GP circuit, ....... on a second hand engine that I gave £400 for because it had Piper Cams and vernier timing gears!!! Prior to that race, it has done two full seasons, and at Silverstone it posted the 48th quickest time out of 313 drivers, the majority of which were in M3's, Ferraris, Caterhams, Radicals, Morgans and many more expensive cars!!! HGF is not a common problem, and out of everyone I know that track them, or race them, no-one has suffered that problem!! HTHJQ said:
You've peaked my interest in these cars as I'm looking for a new track car next year. (I have dropped you a pm about your car btw). Out of interest, is there a reason why you picked the ZS rather than the ZR160? Both seem to get good reviews, but the ZR appears a fair bit lighter, which is more appealing for me as a track car. I'd be interested to know if there's a reason you discounted the ZR.
Having the 'pleasure' of driving a Rover 25 and a Rover 45 in the past, I did notice that in the 25/ZR you sit high, on top of the car whereas in the 45/ZS you sit much lower. So the 45/Zs offered a nicer driving position.I guess you can easily take weight out of the ZS and its longer wheelbase might help it be more stable in fast corners?
We have been using a 5 door ZR160 on track for a while, cost very little, I would be surprised if you can beat it for value. It has previously had the head gasket done properly and between two of us it will always do 150-200 flat out track miles in a day with no complaints or oil use. I fitted AVO 30mm lowering springs (£170) and new Mintex pads/discs all round (£130) - all in only a DIY afternoon in the garage. Plus brake fluid, oil & oil/air filter.
Consumables - The Yoko Parada tyres seem barely to wear out and I use the £15-20 Mintex or Pagid standard pads which will do 1-3 track days on the front and are a doddle to change yourself. Discs barely wear at all, only other thing in 3000 miles was a track rod end which got a bit worn (£10, 20 mins).
Usually spend 5 mins to take the other seats and spare wheel out and save 60kg, then we are in the fastest 50% on track and in the top 5% for fun/£.
And if you like it you can progress to the MG Trophy race series for ZRs which must be one of the best value series in the country.
Consumables - The Yoko Parada tyres seem barely to wear out and I use the £15-20 Mintex or Pagid standard pads which will do 1-3 track days on the front and are a doddle to change yourself. Discs barely wear at all, only other thing in 3000 miles was a track rod end which got a bit worn (£10, 20 mins).
Usually spend 5 mins to take the other seats and spare wheel out and save 60kg, then we are in the fastest 50% on track and in the top 5% for fun/£.
And if you like it you can progress to the MG Trophy race series for ZRs which must be one of the best value series in the country.
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