Yawn.......

Sure I just read elsewhere on here about someone getting a good deal changing the belts on his v6 for £500. Could've updated head gasket and remapped 1.8t for that!

Can I ask where you and marinabrian are located? Do you use files from standard mgzt's? Can I ask what software/cables you use? Could it be something i can do. I've read the cides etc before when I had misfire faults, i realise ill need a new cable!

This is the type of improvement I'm lookig for, not so much,top,end or tons of power, just little improvements like this....
Glad to see satisfied people.

This the type of info I'm after. I understand you can push any car too far. Making it into a grenade....surely its a common sense approach?

The 1.8 Turbo was deliberately 'held back' to keep within tax bands at the time for the fleet market. There's power within to be unleashed!

Held back in power dictated by marketing, to slot in below V6's at 180 & 190.

If you don't want all of whats available just ask Will to cap power & torque at the figures you are comfortable with.

When these 1.8 T's were in developement they were running upto 200 bhp I've heard it said.

I wouldn't exactly say held back..

The quoted power output figures that MG Rover published was to keep the car in a tax band to compete in the sector of the market.

The output and MGR's output figures are two different things.Specialists in this unit and owners have witnessed a higher output than what was originally quoted in standard form

The unit itself is a robust unit and I would say is pretty much at it's limits.The installation of remaps and other various tuning modification in higher mileage older engines could cause damage,and perhaps put the unit under unnecessary stress.

Not related to remapping as such, but worth reading about the 1.8 Turbo.

From MG Rover Product Communications Manager. Interesting reading.

Release immediate
October 3, 2002

MG’S SPORTING TAX-BEATER

MG is today (October 3) launching a new 160Ps high-efficiency turbocharged K Series engine to power the MG ZT saloon and ZT-T estate 160 derivatives. The turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-litre K Series engine answers the UK’s demand for a CO2 tax-beating car with a sports appearance and excellent chassis characteristics.

The 1.8T engine replaces the former 160Ps 2.5-litre V6 engine of the ZT 160 and ZT-T 160 models, yet despite offering the same power, provides even greater all-round performance with significantly reduced fuel consumption and a crucially better CO2 rating.

The new 1.8-litre turbocharged versions of the ZT range expands the appeal in both company car and retail sectors, with a CO2 rating of 194 g/km and a Euro III standard combined fuel economy figure of 34.9mpg. These figures compare with 225 g/km and 30.0mpg for the previous 160Ps V6 model. The high efficiency turbo unit delivers worthwhile gains in performance, reducing the 0-60mph time from 8.8secs to 8.5secs, and the fifth gear 50-70mph time from 10.7secs to 9.8secs (similar improvements also apply to the comparable ZT-T estate car versions).

Because the turbo unit has been specifically developed for high torque in the key driving range, with 215Nm available all the way from a mere 2100rpm to over 4500rpm, it has a strong and tireless character, to be enjoyed either on the longest journey or the shortest sprint.

The gearing of the new ZT turbo models has been carefully optimised to combine performance and economy. A final drive ratio of 4.167:1 provides overall gearing of 22.2 mph/1000 rpm in fifth gear, which places it between the gearing of the former ZT160 (23.4mph/1000rpm) and that of the continuing ZT190 (21.0mph/1000rpm).

Many drivers will also enjoy the enhanced responsiveness and agility that the 50 kg lighter power unit adds to the already sporting ZT chassis.

New Generation Turbocharger

The new turbocharged MG ZT models use the latest Garrett GT20 turbocharger with T100 turbine wheel design. This new-generation unit moves away from traditional turbocharger configurations, which until now have been predominantly designed for diesel applications. The T100 is a dedicated petrol engine concept, shaped to work more effectively over the greater speed range of modern petrol engines such as the K Series. In order to retain good off-boost efficiency, a balanced combination of moderate boost pressures and a relatively high compression ratio is used.

The unit incorporates a special cast stainless steel exhaust manifold able to withstand temperatures of around 1000°C, with specially developed pistons and connecting rods, and an uprated oil pump.

Available in showrooms from early October, the new 1.8T models will carry on-the-road pricing from £18,970 for the ZT 160 saloon and £19,580 for the ZT+ 160. The ZT-T 160 estate starts at £19,935 and rises to £20,545 for the ZT-T+ 160.

For further information please contact:

Greg Allport, General Manager PR and Events

I'm in West Yorkshire and Brian is in Newcastle, the tunes we use are the ones for the standard ZT 1.8T so there's no issues to worry about.

These are applied with T4 the MG/Rover diagnostic machine not something you could do at home.

Although it's possible to get hold of tuning files and a lead off the internet unless you are careful you can turn your ECU into a useless brick, you are never sure if the files are good or bad or if they will work at all ;)

Russ