New looks for 'Smudge'...

[Rich]

Now I'm happy! My Rover 45 is now looking like it's 'my' car and a tad ZS esque...





The paintwork was superbly carried out by Illusion Race Paint, a club recommended company - Details are here - A perfect colour match and extremely shiny. I s'pose I'll have to wash the rest of the car now!

You'll be seeing 'Smudge' at meetings until March, as the 'F is off the road for 'out of season maintenance' from the end of August.

Rich

[Nick]

I like the grille, looks a little more agressive

[Matto 180]

Nice mod to the grille Where did you pick up the Mk2 grille?

[Rich]

Where did you pick up the Mk2 grille?

Fleabay, with a bonus that the stainless steel mesh kit was included. Also in the jiffy bag was a brand new unused MG grille badge. I'm open to offers!!!!

Rich

[daved]

Very nice Rich. Lovely big grin at the front

[Dark Knight]

looks very smart! Great paint job too!!

[Rich]

Now here's a question... What would a pair of silver stripes look like up the middle?

Rich

[Dark Knight]

something like this

https://sms-forum.forumotion.com/general-chat-f10/exterior-mods-slough-style-t349.htm

[Rich]

Not THAT car again... It's haunting the forum!

I was thinking more to match my 'F but without a logo on the bonnet and stopping at the grille... But then again, I'm very happy with it's looks as they are!

Rich

[Matto 180]

Also in the jiffy bag was a brand new unused MG grille badge. I'm open to offers!!!!

Rich

Can you bring it to the next meet?

[Rich]

No problem mate. It'll be in my pocket!

Rich

[Dark Knight]

Not THAT car again... It's haunting the forum!

I was thinking more to match my 'F but without a logo on the bonnet and stopping at the grille... But then again, I'm very happy with it's looks as they are!

Rich

personally i think you should leave it as it is, the car looks amazing as it is, why spoil that!

[Rich]

Here are the latest pics of 'Smudge', my modified Rover 45 1.8i. It's virtually MG ZS120 spec mechanically with the exception of the suspension set-up, which is my next job. It's staying a Rover though and I'm keeping the wood and chrome! The insurance company prefers it that way...







Rich

[daved]

Looks nice Rich

[Rich]

Forgot to post the exhaust shot... This is purebred ZS!



That and the K&N have made a subtle difference. Throttle body next, as I've got one of those 'orrible plastic 48mm ones!

Rich

[Rich]

Overstone Manor, 7th February 2010...









... Nearly done!

Rich

[darrenzs]

Looking good,

But, personally I'd leave the Rover suspension on.

Don't get me wrong the ZS set-up is great on smooth roads, but can be a pain on poorly maintained surfaces and given the current state of many roads.........

Hope the pot holes are filled before my ZED comes out for the summer

[Rich]

Thanks for the comments Darren.

Just realised after reading my first posts and pics on this thread (made 18 months ago!) that I said I'd keep the wood and chrome. Well the wood is still there, and staying, but the chrome is all but gone... just the door handles are still glittery and they are staying too. Amazing how different the car looks now...

As far as the suspension is concerned, I'm still considering the sportier standard ZS set-up. Basically, it needs stiffening up where cornering is concerned. Although the 45 set-up is massively improved over the 400, it's still more biased for comfort than handling. Also, the front geometry is slightly different (easily done by swapping over a couple of the components from nearside to offside) tightens up the steering. Admittedly, the 45 cruises up the motorway in a luxurious manner, but where's the fun in that?!?!?!


And the low profile Toyo Proxies I'm riding with now? Well, apart from the smashing looks, the grip is astounding. A massive improvement in the wet too. And the other bonus is that according to my satnav, the speedo is bang on now!!!!

Rich



P.S. The 52mm throttle body along with the direct cold air intake work well too...

[Rich]

Now with added reduced bounce!

That's it... Smudge is now riding on full ZS suspension and has had the front negative camber altered to match by swapping the top mounts (That's how MGR did it!). He now sits about 25mm lower and is handling so much better, especially on roundabouts where I've already upset a few people!

So that now means that Smudge is mechanicaly fully ZS spec. Actually, slightly beyond if you consider the 52mm TB and modded air intake/K&N etc. And what are the advantages over actually owning a ZS instead? Insurance for one thing, kerb appeal for grotty thieves and the fact that people just hate being thrashed by a Rover!

I went up to see Matt Parker who gave Smudge a nice new MoT certificate and a basic service, so I now have the right oil in... and coolant! Apparently, all MGs/Rovers with MEMS3 were supposed to have OAT but some dimwit previous owner had changed to naff cheap antifreeze. Now I've got the pink stuff!

Oh, and I've just realised there aren't any pics of the CF stripes here yet. I'll get that sorted shortly...

Rich

[Captain Slow]

Have you had a geo setup done Rich?

[Rich]

Have you had a geo setup done Rich?

Not yet but it's scheduled.

Rich

[Rich]

Oh, and I've just realised there aren't any pics of the CF stripes here yet. I'll get that sorted shortly...

Well here they are at last!







Rich

[Matt Parker]

Yep, they still look naff when stationary, need to viewed in a rear vie mirror to make them look good

[Rich]

@Matt

Cheeky sod! Well at least you're in the minority. I wouldn't want my Rover looking too much like a ZS... 'cos it isn't one!

Rich

[Rich]

Just realised that I never posted up the pics from Smudge's VVC conversion (featuring Mr Parker at his best ) so here's the slide show...

CLICK HERE

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