Moving up to a V8

[Stitch626]

Hi everyone,

I currently own 2x ZT's, a diesel and a 190. I am looking to add a 260 to the fleet.

So what are the main areas to watch out for? I've read about rear subframes and potential rust problems, but how do I know a good one from a bad one especially when grovelling about on someones driveway? Also are they really a big problem?

I notice some cars (is it just SE's) have traction control, is this a must have or is it a nice to have or maybe not even necessary?

Any other option it is best to have?

Thanks,

Mark

[AndyG]

WELCOME :D

MG ZT260 FAQ (http://www.spunagain.co.uk/ZT260page.html)

Two-sixties Blog (http://two-sixties-blog.com/)

Public Section (https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc260/html/f0rum/forumdisplay.php?150-Public-Section)

Items For Sale in Public Section (https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc260/html/f0rum/forumdisplay.php?90-Items-for-sale)
List of MG ZT/ZTT/75 V8s For Sale (https://www.two-sixties.co.uk/mgoc260/html/f0rum/showthread.php?13272-List-of-MG-ZT-ZTT-75-V8s-FOR-SALE)

(We have many threads in the Members Section that will help you when you own a 260/75V8)
If you have other any question please ask.

How did you hear about our forum?

[Stitch626]

Thanks for the info Andy. I will take a look through all the links.

I found the forum quite easily as it has been mentioned multiple times on the 75 and ZT owners club forums. I registered a while back on the two-sixties forum when I was just a dreamer, but now I am in a position to actually go through it. Always wanted a V8 of some description and the ZT 260 seems to be the perfect way to get involved

Mark

[AndyG]

Good luck and happy searching, for the car and the Forum :D

Any questions, Just Ask.

[Cribbit]

Hi Mark, and welcome along.


The subframe is not a major issue for most, but it is worth having a good look under the car at the general condition of the frame. As they rust from the inside it's not always possible to see the signs. It's a more common problem on the earlier cars (vin 250 ish and lower) but some higher vins have suffered too. There are a few options for fixing. Mine is a fairly early vin, but despite a bit of surface rush showing I'm not too bothered and don't so much more than keep a casual eye out.


Traction is an SE thing, but it's not a very advanced system. At all but low speeds all it does is cut fuel, so it's quite brutal in operation. Also kicks in quite early. When I bought mine the advice given was to turn it off when you start driving. The car is very informative to drive, so you'll have plenty of warning if the rear is about to try and overtake you anyway. With the S/C I'm lucky enough to have I need to turn it off when I start up as cutting fuel is not healthy on a charged engine. The only time I've been glad I had it was pre charger when the wife (then gf) HAD to drive the car, hadn't driven rear wheel drive before, and the traction gave me a bit of confidence she wouldn't hurt my main love in life!


All the best finding a 260, it's a great road your headed down. If you buy from a member chances are the car will have been looked after and the common niggles that Andy's link will direct you too will have been taken care of.


Fuel costs are not much more the the V6, and in some cases and driving styles actually lower. It's illegal not to upgrade the exhausts, or immoral at least, and it's not possible to regret buying one!

[Stitch626]

Had to smile at this comment "It's illegal not to upgrade the exhausts" as pretty much every video on YouTube of a 260 is to show off the sound from their new exhaust! Of course who can blame them :D

Thanks for the info.

Mark

[Willieo]

I reluctantly put mine on Pistonheads again. It has just been MOTd and taxed for 12 months. It has stock quiet exhausts, well not that quiet!

[John Newey]

Good fun reading this thread! I too upgraded my exhausts and X-Powers with tubed mods and meaning pint spilling 109dB (true!!) give a BIG grin to the face! As for buying...use common sense, look at the car, the history and most problems aren't major. Enjoy!!