what to do

[phil.a]

hi had my z3 for about 6mts brought the car because of it looks, its a 1.9 8v, to me it is down on power, and no feel to the handling, when i researched the car my mistake was i did not realize there was a 8v and a 16v, so that was my first mistake, giving my last car was a mgf 1.8 i thought a 1.9 would be better if not the same, but the best way to explain it is the mg is a sports car and the z is a cruiser , the z is the better car to drive and have no problems with normal driving but if you want to play, well your pulse will never move, so it seems i brought the wrong engine, having read on this site there is nothing i can do to the engine looked at having it re programed but the feeling i get from reading different sights is a waste of money, also been told that changing the rear shocks will help, as the car feels soft all round, not sure that would work, my thought know is it worth putting money into it can it be sorted or sell it and get a better engine, iam not after top end but i do like a car to round corners this will go round but does not have the feel, so no confidence, and have a bit of punch in it, guess i was spoiled with the mg,

 

[metalmickey]

Hi Phil
Tyre size and profile could make a difference to the handling.
I have 225/45/16s on my 1.9 8v and it sticks, pressure: 22 psi all round.
Power is good enough for me but understand you might want something with more acceleration.
That means going to a greater cc which is buy a straight 6 in the higher end.
MM

 

[hard top]

I wonder if this would fit an M43?
Not cheap though.

Up for sale is my M44 Downing Atlanta Supercharger (DASC) kit. This is a complete system that was fitted to my 1997 318ti including all parts necessary for a smooth install. Replacing inline four M44 with inline six S52, so ... everything must go!

Kit includes:
- DASC Supercharger (Eaton M62)
- DASC Intake Manifold
- Full M44 Intake w/ DASC adapters and K&N Air Filter
- Auxiliary Fuel Pressure Regulator (AFPR)
- Throttle cable
- Drive Belt Idler Pulleys
- Drive Belt
- Fuel, Vacuum and Radiator Hoses
- Any additional M44 parts you might need, just ask

Bought the car with supercharger last spring. Kit was installed by original owner before moving to second owner that used it as a commuter. Has at least 125,000 miles and I would recommend a rebuild to anybody looking to use this kit as it's intended ...

$3,000 seems to be the going rate for these on the forum. With mileage / rebuild in mind and in the interest of getting this out the door to help with my build, I'm asking $2,750 OBO for the complete kit.

Message or email at richards996@gmail.com if interested. Parts are in SE Michigan.

 

[Lee]

Might be worth looking for air leaks or split hose in the engine bay causing a slight loss of power, from what i hear these are quite nippy engines.

As for the handling, it sounds like your zed is suffering what my last zed had and thats tired shocks. You should be able to enter a corner and feel confident the car will hold. When i replaced them i got Sachs shocks from euro car parts which came in at £270 ish and fitted them with basic DIY tools.

Another thing to look at is the rear beam bushes, now these cars are reaching a good age not many of them have had those bushes changed. I have done my my M bushes and my old 2.8.

Lee

 

[phil.a]

i take it you replaced all 4, looking at a cross brace +shocks replaced the small pipes cant hear or feel any air leaks might fit a sports panel filter to standard box,

 

[Lee]

Yeah that was all 4 replaced but using existing springs. The front strut brace makes a big difference too, you may feel from time to time the zed tramline and the strut really reduces that.

 

[zedonist]

H&R anti roll bars will transform the drive, it is the best modification you can do and will make you smile if you like the twisting rather than direct line speed.

 

[robertjones]

Just noticed this thread, I have had both of these engines in my cars and ,in all honesty, havent found much difference in power, the 16 valve is a little more torquey, so you dont need to use the gearbox as much for overtaking but I find that the 8 valve engine fine and dont really feel the need for any more power.What mileage has your engine done? mine is the 1.9 i and has covered 90k and runs fine

 

[phil.a]

hi as i said it is not top end but as you say 1.9 8v does not have the torque which is what i like but i would not sell the car because of that, not yet anyway,

 

[zedonist]

Phil, another plus is you have a wide body model, I think if you do the ARB change and fit rear spacers the handling will be sublime, another option is to fit a single mass fly wheel and have it lightened and balanced which will help on your acceleration.

 

[phil.a]

iam about to change the rear shocks top mounts and springs not going down the route of lowering were do you get the rear spacers from

 

[David Cullen]

lowering makes a big difference Phill, also some choice placement of bushes will make a huge difference, other than that, braces help a whole lot and as mentioned, tire wall size and of course, make sure all your bushes etc are in good condition ;-)

 

[zedonist]

I would look at H&R spacers, got mine off eBay, it's normally 12 or 15 mm on the rear, ttony has just done this

 

[t-tony]

Yes I recently did mine. I got mine in the US earlier this autumn. 20mm on the rear and 12mm on the front. from venomwheelaccessories on ebay. Quite expensive shipping from California. These are "hubcentric" type spacers and are what you need.

Tony.

 

[phil.a]

have looked on ebay they seem to go for about £40 rear what pcd do i need

 

[David Cullen]

5 X 120 Phill ;-)

 

[zedonist]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/H-R-40757...heels_tyre_Trims_Trims_ET&hash=item1c3f955abe