Rover 45 'KRS 120'

[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]

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...