A bit quicker ......

JasMin70

JasMin70

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Joined
Feb 20, 2026
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Any tips on how to wring out some more power from a 1.9 mine is totally stock and i want to keep it as near as damn it stock but what would the subtle mods be that could eek out a bit more performance - love to hear from others what you´ve done to just go a bit quicker ....... thx
 
My 1.9 (M44) is quite nippy. First thing you need to do is confirm that all he horses that were originally there when the car was new are still there.

What engine is it? You likely wont be able to test horse power on a rolling road but getting an average 0 to 60 time should tell you if the engine is performing as expected.

Then you can think of improving it. Dont bother doing anything that promises just a few % more power. You won't notice it. Also dont add stuff that just makes it sound faster. That usually just makes you drive faster without actually increasing HP.

Some on here have added turbo to their 1.9 that would be a worthwhile increase if you really feel the need.
 
AntStark said:
Buying a Zed with a bigger engine is the quickest, easiest and cheapest upgrade you can do.
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Agreed. There is very little can be done on a n/a 4 pot without spending mega bucks and changing most of the engine anyway.

I find that the 3 litre M54 is surprisingly quick and powerful TBH. I have had turbo-charged cars with more power for many years, so was not expecting much from the M54. I have been pleasantly surprised, especially by the low down torque.
 
AntStark said:
Buying a Zed with a bigger engine is the quickest, easiest and cheapest upgrade you can do.
Click to expand...
Maybe, but I have upgraded the suspension. I find the 150bhp power (or thereabouts) sufficient in almost all circumstances. The upgraded suspension allows the car to "go a bit quicker". :thumbsup:
 
How fast can you actually drive on today’s roads anyway, especially in the south. Driving a slower car fast I think is more fun. My 3.0l rarely gets over 2000 rpm in most traffic.
 
JasMin70 said:
Any tips on how to wring out some more power from a 1.9 mine is totally stock and i want to keep it as near as damn it stock but what would the subtle mods be that could eek out a bit more performance - love to hear from others what you´ve done to just go a bit quicker ....... thx
Click to expand...
Are you pressing hard enough?😀
 
AntStark said:
How fast can you actually drive on today’s roads anyway, especially in the south. Driving a slower car fast I think is more fun. My 3.0l rarely gets over 2000 rpm in most traffic.
Click to expand...
agree 100% at 55 yrs old and the original owner of my Z3 I can remember being a very enthusiastic driver - these days I like to smell the roses so to speak - HOWEVER you have a 3.0 and I have a 1.9 and I have owned a dakar yellow 3.0 which was gorgeous so lusty and easy - my four banger needs more gas, more gear changes to wring the 140bhp out of it - if there were some simple mods I can do to make her a little more go, go, go that would be great, but honestly - I dont care '- love the damn thing anyway
 
Ianmc said:
Maybe, but I have upgraded the suspension. I find the 150bhp power (or thereabouts) sufficient in almost all circumstances. The upgraded suspension allows the car to "go a bit quicker". :thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Yup, agree - it is time to replace the rear springs if nothing else - they do "bounce" when I press the rear wings stationary ..... top of my list to upgrade for sure
 
AntStark said:
Buying a Zed with a bigger engine is the quickest, easiest and cheapest upgrade you can do.
Click to expand...
I know but my issue is I am the original owner of this car ....... you know what that means I can´t possibly sell her ...... but I do agree maybe a Z3M or a 3.0 is the only real option here
 
Pond said:
Agreed. There is very little can be done on a n/a 4 pot without spending mega bucks and changing most of the engine anyway.

I find that the 3 litre M54 is surprisingly quick and powerful TBH. I have had turbo-charged cars with more power for many years, so was not expecting much from the M54. I have been pleasantly surprised, especially by the low down torque.
Click to expand...
I think I can at best fit a new air filter and a saucy exhaust and kid myself I´m going faster :p
 
Ianmc said:
@andyglym swears by "shiny dust caps" for increased performance. ;)
My M44 has a stainless power flow rear box and performance air filter; no idea if power is affected, just replaced original parts on opportunity basis over the years.
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with you for sure I think this is the most sensible OEM upgrades I can do ¡ thank you
 
Duncodin said:
My 1.9 (M44) is quite nippy. First thing you need to do is confirm that all he horses that were originally there when the car was new are still there.

What engine is it? You likely wont be able to test horse power on a rolling road but getting an average 0 to 60 time should tell you if the engine is performing as expected.

Then you can think of improving it. Dont bother doing anything that promises just a few % more power. You won't notice it. Also dont add stuff that just makes it sound faster. That usually just makes you drive faster without actually increasing HP.

Some on here have added turbo to their 1.9 that would be a worthwhile increase if you really feel the need.
Click to expand...
Hmmm turbo - interesting will look into that thank you
 
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