New on here, MG ZR160 build

[Eurorob]

Hi guys, I've just recently bought this MG ZR160 with the intentions of doing some track days. I've done a fair few days before but they have always been in just road going cars and decided it was about time I built something fit for purpose.
I tried to research a few cars before I bought this (although the car kinda found me), my plan is to build/evolve the car bit by bit upto a spec/standard where it would be eligible to take part in a race series, one of the reasons for the ZR is that the MG trophy is a fairly affordable series to enter, especially if I enter the 160 class.
I don't have a massive budget at this time but hope to build the car throughout this year along with doing a few track days to get to know it a little better.
Not sure if anyone on here has any experience with these but I would happy to gain a bit more knowledge about developing the car and I will share everything I experience with it, hopefully see you guys at some tracks this year

[gweaver]

I had a 200vi, which I left standard throughout the thirteen years I had it. I tracked it at Donington Park in 2005 with mgs-on-track.com and it was surprisingly good, despite being one of the least powerful (but not slowest) cars I've driven on track. It was faster down Starkeys Straight than a Caterham Classic or S1 Elise, and I think carried ~90mph through the Craner Curves and up towards McLeans. I also drove a ZR160 at Rockingham on one of the MG XPower events and that was similar. The instructor did a demo lap after me and commented that there was some brake fade..
I'd start by giving it a thorough service and trying it out on track. The 200/25/ZR all tend towards understeer, so possibly a rear anti roll bar would make the handling more interesting. You're probably better off on mgs-on-track.com or mg-rover.org if you want advice on prepping one of these for a trackday.

[Eurorob]

I'm on the mg-on-track site, doesn't seem to be much activity tho, although it has been good for some reading, I've also been reading up on the mg trophy site and a few of the motorsport teams that build the cars.
I'm lucky enough that my friend is ex mg rover master tec/guru and has a garage that specialise in mg rover, this was another reason for the choice as I know I've got support with general technical help

[James_G]

I've got one and it's my track/hobby car.



It was standard when I bought it in Oct and since then I've polybushed the front ARB, fitted some track focused tyres, upgraded the brake pads and changed the fluid. It's a lot of fun but I did find at Goodwood recently that I was seriously outgunned by most things, whereas at Brands I was far more able to keep up with other machinery.

Regarding further track optimisation it's the usual story of weight loss and suspension/brake upgrades. Look forward to seeing where you go with it.

[Eurorob]

Glad to see I'm not the only one lol, brakes and fluid will be done soon before my first outing, coilovers next then just take it from there for how my budget allows me, I've got seats and harnesses that were donated by a customer so they will get me going until I can buy new but he only gave me the as they were a year out of date

[Eurorob]

Picked up some track wheels for a bargain price, not bothered about the tyres on them but there's loads of tread so might aswell use them on a track day, next job is new rear brakes and brake fluid change for some 5.1 then think it's time to book its first outing

[gweaver]

Have you seen this ZR160 track car thread: http://mg-rover.org/mg-zr-rover-25-200-streetwise-...
Beware, you may get expensive ideas..

If I had a ZR160 for track use I'd probably leave the powertrain fairly standard, put some decent brake pads in, and then look at suspension and tyres. Tuning the engine probably isn't cost effective.

[Eurorob]

Yea I've seen that before, I'm not planning on spending that kind of money, keeping the standard caliper, just upgrading the discs and pads, fluid change for some dot 5:1, only engine mods will be a Bcm induction kit and a full exhaust system, looking at avo coilovers then looking at a safety devices cage next year

[ManicMunky]

These always semm like a good idea for a cheap track toy, good luck with the build!

[Ian974]

I got mine out at knockhill the tail end of last year and was surprisingly good fun! The brakes seemed decent enough to me with just with some good pads and fresh fluid. Keeping mine reasonably standard as a runabout but can be a good bargain of a car!