Tom's MG ZT 1.8T 160 *SOLD*
 

Well, after the demise of my ZS last week, I found a nice ZT locally that I couldn't say no to. :)

97k miles, 12 months MOT, seemingly cherished and in stunning condition!

I've already removed the CD player and parrot kit and replaced them with a high-end Pioneer unit with built in Parrot.

I've also checked the plenum (nice and dry thankfully), checked the cooling fans, modified the rubber mats (genuine MG but for LHD car) to fit nicely with the foot rest, reversed the bonnet release cable splitter box and de-bobbled the seats.

I really am especially fond of this car already, and this forum is fantastic. I look forward to meeting some of you at local meets etc :)

I will update this thread as I make changes and improvements.

A few pictures...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t%20Pics/1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t%20Pics/2.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t%20Pics/3.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t%20Pics/4.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t%20Pics/5.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t%20Pics/6.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/Interior.jpg

Thanks for looking. :)

That's a very nice ZT! I'm particularly keen on the dark Alcantara seats, which look an awful lot better than the pale grey ones, in my opinion. Looks like a very well kept car, and I'm sure you'll enjoy the forum!

Hi

firstly let me say that your new MG looks lovely and obviously has been loved and cherished by previous owner....

can I ask what you are doing with the parrot kit you removed and which model was it?

again all the best with the MG

Many thanks indeed.

It was a CK3100 (I think), and it's going in my family car, a '56 plate Galaxy Ghia. :)

This is very nice OP, a lovely colour. I agree with Frazzle above too, the alacantara is far better suited to the darker gray than the lighter shade.

Nice find.

Very nice ZT. Looks lovely, I so want your seats!!

I've got these in mine, which are nice but that black set looks great against grey.

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...ps406b430c.jpg

If i was closer i would have these :smilie_re:http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1811479018...84.m1423.l2649:mad::D

Damn you linking them!!! Now they're in my watch list! :D

:d:d:d:}:}:d:d:d

Did you bid and win :shrug::shrug::D:D

Nope, bought a Rover 25 instead for £500! 43,000 miles, new uprated HG, waterpump and cambelt less than 7,000 miles ago, tax and tested. :)

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6da5dc66.jpg

Lovely car tom :-)

Nice one mate can't go wrong for 500 :D

Exactly, it drives lovely and for a 1.4 it feels rather pokey and lively!

A bit of an update :)

I've now done well over a thousand miles, and I have to say that I'm very pleased. I'm averaging 31mpg over mixed driving (calculated the proper way, no IPK in mine :( ) I can't fault that, it has so much low down grunt it doesn't need to be revved hard, but it also has a 'useful' amount of power for overtaking and entertaining ;)

I've almost finished a mega-service. I found a service sheet HERE and thought I may as well do a combined A/B/C and D service to basically give me a head start and know everything is just so. I've just got a gearbox oil change and brake/clutch fluid change to do and I'm done. I have receipts for the cambelt and headgasket at 92k in 2011 - a quick inspection shows the cambelt looking brand new so it can wait a few years :) It has however been fitted with new PAS and AC belts.

I've replaced the spark plugs and swapped the coil packs to the ones from my ZS 120, this has cured my misfire and rough running, although I think brand new coil packs would be better still, when funds allow. :)

I have changed my boost solenoid as per my separate how to HERE (link to be inserted). I took the opportunity to upgrade to silicone hoses too, they look much nicer to boot! This has cured my intermittent acceleration between 3 and 4k rpm :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...d/DSCF8252.jpg

Unfortunately I've been losing a very small but still concerning amount of coolant. I have an intermittant splutter soon after a cold start so I will change my inlet manifold gasket to the latest Viton type. Also my top hose has a small nick in it where it has been rubbing on the radiator (something for other 1.8 owners to check!!), and strangely the pipes seem to get sweaty. This pipe is only available as an assembly at just over £100 delivered, so I have bought some rubber lined silicone hoses from ASH, the quality is superb and came in at under £40 delivered for the 2 top hoses and the turbo coolant feed hose. I'll be fitting these at the weekend, and will post photos. Some Harris hose repair tape is holding up for the time being (I recommend keeping some in the car, its good stuff), and I am checking the coolant daily :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...g/DSCF8253.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...g/DSCF8254.jpg

I also noticed that one of the air con pipes has been rubbing on the bonnet sound proofing. A quick wrap around with some self-amalgamating tape will hopefully stop it rubbing through.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8255.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8256.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8259.jpg

I've also fitted my club sticker and tax disk holder, thanks J1MBO :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8264.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8263.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8262.jpg

I got fed up with the aftermarket stereo and separate Parrot kit, so I have fitted a high-end Pioneer unit with built in Parrot. I am planning a good quality amplifier and speaker set up (nothing boy racer here I promise), and this head unit is very good quality and perfect for the job. The Parrot works perfectly, and the display can be matched very closely to the OEM illumination indeed. The microphone has been wired to underneath the grille in the roof light so is complete hidden from view, and works perfectly there. :cool:

My iPod is wired up into the top cubby hole and there is also a normal USB for plugging in a memory stick or similar. I can also charge my iPhone etc. Its a great unit and I don't think it looks out of place. I'd be interested to hear what people think :)

Wires through into the top cubby, I have since fitted a grommet here too.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...E/DSCF8212.jpg

Illumination matches well I think, although you can have any colour you want, you can even have the buttons different to the display!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...E/DSCF8215.jpg

I'm pleased to find out I have the MG comfort suspension, it really does ride well, sporty but compliant, just how an MG saloon should be :) Picture of the build sticker for my reference really.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9.../IDSticker.jpg

The previous owner had fitted some genuine MG carpet mats, but also had a genuine set of brand new MG rubber mats, albeit in LHD fitment. They do fit perfectly in every way, except there is no cut out for the foot rest. Some careful tracing around the foot rest and a tickle with a craft knife and it fits a treat, nobody would ever know :D:D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...MatFitting.jpg

Oh, and it had an outing at MGs in the Park, I did link to my photo album in the meet thread, but it would be rude not to post one HERE too. ;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...MG%20ZT/16.jpg

I really do like the chrome swage line, not too common on the ZT but really lifts the disappointing grey paint :cool: Chrome skull caps would be perfect I think :shrug:

That's it for now.

Plans for the future are a full bodywork detail, polish or replace my poorly projector headlights, fit a replacement exhaust (probably stainless), refurbish the wheels, fit chrome skull caps, condition and tidy up the seats a little bit, paint the interior grey trim in piano black, fit parking sensors, remove the tow bar, fit 190 brakes and maybe a cheeky remap :)

Any comments positive or negative welcome. :cool:

some very good work you have done there keep it up :}

Tom's MG ZT 1.8T 160
 

Thanks Dan.

Hope to be doing more interesting stuff soon, just want to get 100% on top of maintenance first :)

Great work tom, looking very nice :-)

New plates fitted - made so much difference and I'm delighted with them.

Separate thread HERE

And a quick pic! :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/DSCF8527.jpg

A few cooling system bits sorted today :)

My top hoses were in bad condition, so took the opportunity to replace them with silicone hoses from ASH. Top service from autosiliconehoses.com, they are excellent quality, arrived quickly and at a great price. Certainly cheaper than the £100 Rimmers wanted for the top hose assembly. The hoses are rubber lined so absolutely no concerns with OAT coolant ;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/IMG_1004.jpg

All fitted beautifully after a little trim of the 90 degree bend to bring it away from the radiator. :) I went for black, but many different colours are available. I also took the opportunity to fit stainless worm-drive clips too, much nicer than the spring clips fitted as standard.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/DSCF8510.jpg

Inlet manifold gasket replaced:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/IMG_1024.jpg

Header tank cleaned with a dishwasher tablet followed by some vinegar. Came up very nice indeed :cool:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/IMG_1021.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/IMG_1022.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/DSCF8497.jpg

Throttle body cleaned out.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/DSCF8481.jpg

Old and new thermostats tested, just to be sure ;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/IMG_1010.jpg

System pressure tested to 650mmHg for 10 minutes, all perfect! Really impressed with my Sealey TP69 fluid extractor, its a doddle to use, and T-Cut's 'How To' was very handy indeed! :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...c/DSCF8514.jpg

And of course refilled with a 55:45 OAT:H20 mixture, so that should be the cooling system sorted for a while :)

I also ran a Comma Air Con cleaner canister through the system to clean the aircon out, it was a bit whiffy, lovely and fresh now. I really rate these canisters!

Oh, and I fixed the n/s indicator, not the bulb gone as expected but the bulb holder was bit loose. Levered up the bottom spring and moved the connector towards the middle a bit, job jobbed.

On the down side, I have found I need a new Shannon tube, and I really must buy some new badges!!

Over and out for today. :) Comments welcome, good or bad! Comments help with the motivation I think, even if the updates are a bit boring :o

Some good progress you have made. Seeing this makes me realise I'm going to miss my ZT when it goes for its replacement on the 27th. I'm going to have to treat it this week to a final proper clean before she gets parked up on the drive until I'm ready to sell her.

Tom's MG ZT 1.8T 160
 

Thanks mate!

It is nice to know the car is getting better, but every time I do a job I find another thing that needs doing. I do enjoy it but my wallet can't keep up!

Enjoy your MG6, it looks very nice indeed :)

Nice work dude , car looks good Iam starting to get to know my way around my car now after amonth , removed drivers seat for a repair in milton keynes should get it back this afternoon the alcantara had come away from the leather showing the foam inner , have had dent done also and have been having a fight with the dreaded airbag light at the moment ,it will not win!! lol. will be good to meet you at Milton Keynes if you are going on the 7th....

That's one of the reasons I'm getting rid of my ZT to be honest, I keep putting money into it then something happens and it costs more to replace, it needs a new tyre now as it's letting air out and looks as though it's been driven low at some point as it's got a dark ring. :(

I can't wait to get the 6 mate!

Quick update -

NEW BADGES! :D

This is what £30 gets you :(

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1172.jpg

I also managed to take the flag badge off my old ZS, not quite mint but close enough ;)

BEFORE: (also other pics of tatty badges in my previous posts in this thread)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1180.jpg

AFTER:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1181.jpg

Overall effect with the new rear plate :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1175.jpg

And the new grille badge

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1173.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1174.jpg

Flag badges for the sail panels - not quite sure about these, might dig deep in the coffers to get the chequered flag ones like on the boot lid - what do you think?

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_1179.jpg

Looks fantastic Tom:bowdown:
Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh ( so to speak):}

looking good keep up the good work :D

Had a great afternoon at the Caldecotte Arms meet today :)

And this evening it hit a milestone! Excuse the dodgy pic taken by my 9 year old...

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...%20ZT/100k.jpg

heres to the next 100,000 tom :)

Tom,
Loving the car mate, just like mine - SNAP!
Your interior is nicer in the Black, mines the grey, but top work for a guy with 4 little ones ;) Feel a bit ashamed to post too many pics of mine but maybe when I'm happier with the work that I've done.

Keep up the good work buddy,
Regards,
Simon

Tom's MG ZT 1.8T 160
 

Don't be ashamed at all mate! Get some pics up so we can see your progress. Mine isn't anywhere near as nice in the flesh, I'm desperate for a free weekend to machine polish it.

I've also picked up a set of refurbished hairpins, but they are a flat silver powder coat so I'm going to key them up and spray them factory silver. Another weekend needed there :(

The grey alcantaras are lovely, but the black is just that but classier. I need to give mine some tlc as the leather needs a little dye in places, another job for the list :(

The new MG badges have transformed the car! The lack of visible MG badges on my car irritates me, and I hope to fit some soon.
Keep up the good work, Tom!

Thanks mate.

They are a lot of money for what they are, but as you say they transform the car :)

New exhaust went on today. Not the cat-back stainless I'd hoped, but it was getting so noisy I could put it off no longer. :(

A few bits:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1878.jpg

Line up the new exhaust to see where to cut:


Exhaust cutters are really good for the job!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1880.jpg

Nice clean cut

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1881.jpg

Old one off, doesn't look THAT bad ;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1882.jpg

A bit porous here:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1883.jpg

Ah, this will be why its noisy then!!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1884.jpg

Comparison old vs new, its a Klarius part, and much better quality than I expected for the price!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1885.jpg

A smidge of exhaust paste and a 60mm clamp:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1887.jpg

And job done!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1888.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1889.jpg

Looks and sounds as good as standard to me! :)

Had to do the back brakes and exhaust on my Galaxy too. A little bit of scrap for the tinklers ;)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...t/IMG_1891.jpg

And now its up for sale: http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=154593

:(

shame your selling it :(

If nobody buys it I won't be disappointed! ;) I've lost my car parking at work and need to commute part of my journey on bike, if it comes to it I'll get a towbar mounted jobby, but an estate would be much easier.

I'll be honest though, 32mpg average is hurting more than I thought it might, so a diesel is on the cards I think. :(

Still, I'd quite like a ZT-T diesel... ;)

Lovely car, Tom, and I really like the way that you've worked with it. The new exhaust looks great. May I enquire how much that was?
I know you'd like a diesel, but have you thought about LPGing your existing one?

Exhaust was £63, but I have a trade account at the local independant motor factors. Klarius have an offer on at the moment, a free can of Coke with every exhaust (I kid you not!) :D

I have thought about LPG, but its a big outlay and a bit of an unknown on these engines. If mine was a tourer it would have been more of a possibility. I've not ruled it out. :}

On my commute in today I couldn't believe how much quieter it is, its so much more refined! I think it was blowing slightly when I bought it as I don't remember it ever being this quiet :shrug:

Just to update a few things...

Elsewhere - my frankly rediculous car history! http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=160733

This thread however is a commitment to my current ZT, I really do love it and have a lot of time invested in it, I'm getting really very fond of it indeed :}

Some of you saw my thread a couple of weeks ago - http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...d.php?t=160121 well now I've had a chance to tackle most of the list...

N/S headlight replaced, and both polished up a treat! Very pleased with these now.

Old broken light, snapped bracket and bodged up with black silicone:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2324.jpg

DIY bracket! To be honest it was a proper job! :D

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2463.jpg

Gouge out of the lens:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2461.jpg

New light sourced and polished up.

Before:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2473.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2465.jpg

After 400grit, 800 grit, 1200 grit, 2500 grit, Megs fast cut followed by Megs Speed Glaze to finish... :cool:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2478.jpg

And O/S done too. :)

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2472.jpg

:)

More updates later.

Next up was the intercooler.

Spot the difference.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2491.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2489.jpg

****** hole! Hopefully it will run a bit better now, not that I'd really noticed a problem!

Very bent too, which explains the leak

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2488.jpg

New one sourced from MG Breakers at Peterborough, great service and arrived quickly :}

Pipes were weeping:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2492.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2493.jpg

It had a new turbo approx 10k ago, so I reckon a good clean, a bit of self-amalgamating tape where the pipes are ever so slightly rubbed, cleaning mating surfaces with brake cleaner, and new jubilee clips throughout and it should be good to go. :}

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2494.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...r/IMG_2497.jpg

:}

And of course I had a bit of help... :}

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...00#post1449400

those headlamps came up awesome.

I do notice a machine polisher there though, how hard to do with only a drill or by hand ?
Still can't get my head around in essence sanding plastic to make it more clear but the results speak for themselves.
As i've ordered HIDs, led sidelights and some DRL's, the headlamps need to come out so I may have to bite the bullet and actually polish them up.

Where did you get the materials from Tom ? ebay/halfords etc ?

ta
g

Hi mate.

Halfords for the wet and dry, the machine polisher came from cleanyourcar.co.uk, as did the polishes.

Polishing them removes all but the deepest pits/chips. Its a combination of pitting from grit being blasted at them at speed, and degradation of the surface of the lens due to UV. Polishing just removes the pitting and the surface of the plastic down to fresh material, just like polishing paint.

If you can wet sand up to 2500 grit I reckon almost any polish will bring them up well by hand, something like AutoGlym Super Resin Polish, although I am guessing here as I didn't try. ;) I did do all the sanding by hand though, spent most time with the 400grit to remove as much as I dare, then just work your way up through the grades, and finish off with a polish. It is easy and didn't take that long. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed.

Next update - sorting the lower coolant pipes.

The turbo pipe had gone porous:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2358.jpg

and two of the other pipes were close to rubbing through:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2360.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2359.jpg

The position of the pipes rubbing against brackets is frankly terrible.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2342.jpg

Unfortunately, these pipes are only available as a complete assembly, at well over £100, and I couldn't find any UK stock... so this lot went in the bin.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2361.jpg

to be replaced with this little lot!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...s/IMG_2504.jpg

instead of just copying the OEM pipes, I took the time to place them all as best as possible in the space available. It was a joy to get all the pipes cut and fitting MUCH better than standard. No pipe is strained, or anywhere near anything else it can rub against. Also the silicone hoses are very durable and rubber lined, so no issues with OAT coolant. I took the opportunity to bin the plastic tee and replace with stainless. On the whole its been very worthwhile, and I fully expect the new pipes to last the life of the car.

Last update for tonight.

I think my old air intake pipe is a little past its best!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...e/IMG_2326.jpg

Wire reinforced neoprene ducting sourced from AutoSiliconeHoses.co.uk, it screws on perfectly and should last forever. I'm very pleased with this product!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...e/IMG_2496.jpg

And in place.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...e/IMG_2498.jpg

:}

Any comments welcome folks, kind of helps make it feel worthwhile when you get some feedback! :}

Today was lots of work in the rain. Thermostat housing / water pump o-rings changed, cooling system pressure tested an refilled, perfect so far.

All back together and running the smoothest it has in my ownership. I think the hole in the intercooler will have been making it run a bit odd.

Also bled the clutch fluid. It was black and generally horrible. There is some evidence that the master has been weeping too, so although the clutch feels better I've ordered a replacement master cylinder.

Still got all the brakes to replace, and I've spotted it needs a lower engine mount too... Starting to be a bit of a Trigger's broom this one!

Cheers, Tom.

i am glad its not just me who have been haveing hose issues looks like yours have done the same as mine

What anti freeze are you useing OAT?

Yes mate, no reason imho not to stick with it. Don't overdo the concentration though, I aim for 45% OAT to 55% H2O :)

I have now switched to blue

Just a little update.

Front brakes needed doing, so I thought I'd paint them black, including the backing plates. I'm really pleased with how they turned out. I really rate the Pagid disks and pads too, the disks are silver coated so the un-swept areas shouldn't turn rusty any time soon. :)
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...6&d=1392760123
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...7&d=1392760132
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...8&d=1392760141

Looking good Tom! Some real worthwhile mods there.

Well, as its done 8500 miles since the last oil change, I thought I'd treat it. Bought on by my Ford Galaxy family hack cracking a piston last week and a £2500 bill to go with it, hence even more reason to pamper my ZT!

This time I used 5w40 fully synthetic and a Fram filter. Service indicator reset using the good ol' paper clip method :}

I gave the filler cap and dipstick a good scrub to freshen them up:

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...611024x768.jpg

Next up was the aux belts. I didn't fit these when I did the mega service last year as they still looked new. To be fair there was no appreciable wear on them, but I changed them anyway.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...481024x768.jpg

Next was the lower engine mount/stay bar. I noticed it was starting to split, so I thought I'd give a Roewe mount a go. The quality doesn't look as good, but it seems fine so far. Its certainly no noisier than the old one. If it fails I'll try a yellow powerflex bush.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...501024x768.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...521024x768.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...531024x768.jpg

Stamped BJS for some reason? Any idea what this means?

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...541024x768.jpg

A nice cheap upgrade this - swap the expansion tank cap seals for Viton jobbies :}

Old ones quite flat -

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...571024x768.jpg

New ones nice and round -

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...591024x768.jpg

Then a job I've been putting off - the rear lights. Someone had already tried to seal them using silicone, and it was hard as nails. What a mess!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...621024x768.jpg

Acetone hardens the silicone which makes it easier to scrape off, it still took a good hour or so to get rid of the stuff. :(

Half way there -

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...651024x768.jpg

And done

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...701024x768.jpg

The old light was cracked, and it was a good opportunity to fit new neoprene gaskets courtesy of Jezzer, and to upgrade to the 75 rear lights, as these have a tinted reverse light section, compared the ZT white version. It seems to work well with the LEF paint :}

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...711024x768.jpg

ZT cluster on the left, 75 on the right.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...681024x768.jpg

And a picture so you can compare :}

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...731024x768.jpg

I need to get some silver indicator bulbs, and gather the energy to fit the o/s rear light to match. Rain called of play for the day unfortunately.

In the process I found the waist trim clips are leaking, so I need to work out how best to sort these...

Tom, do a search for Osram Diadem indicator bulbs, nice & bright ;)

Good shout, thanks. I'll get some ordered. :}

You've been productive, thanks for the update. :}

I prefer the clear MG lights. :( Always have even on Rovers. :(

I think its colour specific as to which ones look best - on my old silver ZS I preferred the MG lights, but on my X-Power Grey ZT I definitely prefer the Rover ones :}

Quick update for today - new platinum plugs fitted and gapped to 0.65mm, new HT leads and new genuine coil packs fitted.

Anyone with a 1.8T NEEDS to gap their plugs to 0.65mm, I did that first and fitted the old HT leads and coil packs, and my high rpm stutter has gone, and it feels smoother overall. DO IT! :}

A few more bits fitted though to ensure she stays reliable :}

funny you should post this, as i changed my plugs not to long ago and have a stutter and last week end gaped them down 30thou and all is fine agin :} dose any one know if you can get uprated coilpacks for the K series?

I had a look about and apparently not, even the Lotus boys don't tend to change them, a few have changed to Zetec coil packs but they obviously aren't a straight swap.

It really does seem to be a problem for us turbo owners only. I'm astonished that the ignition system is not uprated in anyway whatsoever :mad:

Just a small update.

Gearbox oil changed - New filler and drain plugs fitted. I found the easiest way to fill the box back up was to use a length of garden hose from the passenger side wheel arch :} Anyone doing this - remember its very important to overfill it slightly and when it stops dribbling from the filler its done. Also, make sure the car is level, and only use the proper MTF94 spec fluid.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...gs1024x766.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...il1024x735.jpg

And that completes the C service :}

I also sourced and fitted the correct short undertray for the 1.8T, it should help keep the engine bay a bit cleaner, although I may still source a long one.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...ay1024x768.jpg

And finally, a visit to see Phil-T4 to give it a once over, all adaptions etc reset, idle stepper in spec and generally given a clean bill of health :}

Next job it to treat it to new back brakes, wheel bearings and change the clutch master cylinder for the Tazu one, and maybe give the old girl a bit of a polish up so she shines as well as she runs.

Oh, and maybe a remap! :}

MOT day today...

http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...02#post1679802

Good luck lets hope it passes:}

Well, it's the end of an era for me.

A few photos so I can remember it fondly :(

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8973.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8974.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8976.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8969.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8966.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8967.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8977.jpg

The only real thing that lets the car down - the new owner has assured me he will be fitting a replacement bonnet, as well as fitting my refurbed wheels etc. A nice little project to finish off!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8989.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8985.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8984.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8980.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...T/DSCF8942.jpg

You will be missed.

The new owner collects on Tuesday morning, and I have a long list of interested parties should it fall through for any reason :)

I'll hang around the forum every so often, its a great club and I'm sure I'll end up with another ZT or maybe even a 75 in the future. :)

real shame your getting rid as you have put alot of work in to it

I agree, I'm absolutely gutted. But if I want a motorbike then it has to go :(

Well, its been a frantic 72 hours. I wanted it to be as close to perfect for its new owner Jason, so the following has been carried out:

Fuel filter changed and orange clip fitted.

I was disgusted with the condition of the old one - no way should these be lifetime fit - change every 100k is my advice. A good tip is I used my oil filter wrench with the nut nipped up to hold the housing up out of the tank. Also make sure both seals are fitted to the top of the tank (one sits inside the other) BEFORE lowering the fllter housing. :)


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4210.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4208.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4213.jpg

Black washer bottle lid fitted.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4202.jpg

Auto-dimming rear view mirror fitted (Just needs new owner to connect up behind the glovebox...)

Waist trim clips sealed with hot glue (allowing easy removal in the future if required).

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4203.jpg

Both 75 rear lights fitted, these are a subtle mod but look fabulous.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4237.jpg

Air bag and seatbelt pretensioner connectors cleaned and filled with dielectric grease.

Handbrake adjusted.

Whole coolant system checked, and one pipe replaced as there was some pink staining on the reinforcement mesh - its important to cut these silicone pipes cleanly. All vacuum tested and filled and spot on.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4227.jpg

And finally the crank sensor. What a PAIN!! It sheared off flush with the bell housing meaning lots of drilling, picking out and general nuisance, removal of coolant pipes for access, wrong part supplied so a barny with EuroCarParts resulting in me having my pants pulled down, burnt my hand on my hot knife scrambling around under the car at midnight and up again at 6am... It was a nightmare, but all sorted and a genuine Siemens sensor fitted.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4226.jpg

The offending bit!

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4220.jpg

As a result the car is looking and running amazing, with just a few jobs for Jason to do to get it finished.

Full detail, engine bay, interior, exterior, boot, spare wheel well, the works. Quick once over with some carnauba wax too.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4231.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4234.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4236.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4206.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4215.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e9...l/IMG_4239.jpg

And isn't she lovely. God I'm gutted to have sold it, thought I was actually going to cry when I picked the new owner up from the station. Jason was a thoroughly decent bloke and promises to finish the car and look after it. He went away delighted and with the car fully loaded with spare parts, wheels etc. He wants to keep a project thread running so the car should still be familiar to forum owners. I may just buy it back one day. :)

Anyone else think he got a bargain? ;)

This has got to be one of the most thoroughly maintained ZTs around, and a true credit to you, Tom! Do stick around the forum, and hope to see you in another 75, or ZT, in the future!