Sluggish V6 2.5L..!

[Steeleyscoot]

This is my first 75 which is a MK1 2003 SE Connie with 44K miles from new. Its just had a full service carried out by MG Rover Mobile Mechanics in Derby (great job) which included the fitment of 2 x reconditioned VIS motors from Dragon HIFI, new cambelts/water pump, a full auto gearbox drain/refill and the replacement of a faulty coil pack.

Drives ok but feels a bit sluggish and not greatly responsive pick-up wise on the throttle. Better admittedly when auto gearbox is in Sport Mode, but I'd sooner not have to select that all the time when driving it. I was hoping the service and VIS motors would improve things but it hasn't.

Is this typical of these cars? Would a remap make it any better? If a remap would help then any recommendations for where I could get that done (Midlands location ideally).

I've read of people doing that to the MG versions but more on diesel engined versions than the petrol ones.

[trikey]

It shouldn't be sluggish with working vis motors?

Was it like this before the service?

You could try removing the rocker covers and cleaning out the breather holes, this has been known to hamper performance, i wouldn't bother going down the remap route unless the car is performing as it should in standard form.

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[Steeleyscoot]

I would say there has been no improvement as a result of the work done. I can try the suggestion around the rocker covers, or it may be the case that how it drives is how Rover intended it to.

Having not driven one before its difficult for me to say otherwise, maybe if there is anyone local-ish to me here in Loughborough/Derby that could test drive the car to give me their view?

[stocktake]

take up the slack on the throttle cable

[RobH67]

I have the same VIS motors on my ZT-T V6 auto (and also bought some of Dave's for my son's ZS 180 ) but I also got a new balance flap as it was stiff to open and shut despite trimming with a craft knife.

The flap pulls out when the balance motor is removed. If it's stiff, trim it or get a new one. I really noticed the difference torque wise, mine feels good.

I also have fitted a ZT190 airbox and intake plus K&N air filter (no noticeable difference in performance) and have a remap from SAWS Tuning (just slightly discernable improvement) to get it close to being effectively an automatic ZT-T 190.

[Steeleyscoot]

Thanks for the above tips, all worth trying

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by trikey

You could try removing the rocker covers and cleaning out the breather holes, this has been known to hamper performance,

Originally Posted by RobH67

... I also got a new balance flap as it was stiff to open and shut ...

Hi David,

I've been here and done the above with my own V6. As Trikey correctly points out, there is a pinhole behind the gauze filter in each cam cover which becomes blocked with carbon deposits if oil changes are carried out according to MG Rover's infrequent schedule. Clearing them had a dramatic effect upon my car's performance.

As Rob says, even though you have refurbished VIS actuators, the balance flap will probably need attention. It becomes stiff in operation and sticks in the mid position. Careful dressing with abrasive paper will rectify this. The flap needs to move freely with the pressure of a little finger.

If you do both these things I would be very surprised if your engine's performance isn't completely transformed!

Simon