Chris' Mitsubishi Colt CZT
Discussion
With the Micra K11 sold it was time to look for the next project.
With a reasonably small budget and no clue to what I want, it made the task a tiny bit difficult.
On the way home from work one evening I followed a stock trim Mitsubishi Colt, I remembered they did a spicey version called the CZT, a 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo hatchback. I did some research and found a couple local. A work colleague has the convertible model and kindly travelled over to Norwich one evening so I could have a look about and a test drive.
I was impressed! I couldn't test out the handling too much as it was soaking wet and I didn't want to push the car beyond my limits. Even with stock suspension it seemed to have good handling along with some decent power delivery.
I got in contact with a seller in Felixstowe (approx 62 miles away) and had agreed to go view the car on Sunday. Unfortuantely this meant having to sacrifice not attending JAE show but I'm sure it would be worth it.
The car was per the advert although the paint work needs some attention (overall its not bad for 16 years old). Theres a few minor things that need sorting, for example the passenger side repeater and door mirror glass, radio display doesn't work (a spare was included) and the air con needs re-gassing.
Although not noticed on the initial test drive, it does need a wheel alignment. One of the front strut top mounts is knocking so I'll get that done at the same time (I'm sure some lowering springs will be thrown into the mix at this point too)
These engines are good for approx 250hp from what I've read, my aim is to achieve a nice safe 220hp which I think will be more than enough (a vast improvement over the Micra's 80hp)
Here are some photos when I arrived home
The headlights could do with a cut back and polish
Damage on the passenger door, hoping this will polish out
Rear bumper scuff
Key scratches above the driver side door handle
Aftermarket door mirror glass lifting from the factory baseplate
Side repeater lens missing
After a quick wash
Let the project begin!
With a reasonably small budget and no clue to what I want, it made the task a tiny bit difficult.
On the way home from work one evening I followed a stock trim Mitsubishi Colt, I remembered they did a spicey version called the CZT, a 1.5L 4 cylinder turbo hatchback. I did some research and found a couple local. A work colleague has the convertible model and kindly travelled over to Norwich one evening so I could have a look about and a test drive.
I was impressed! I couldn't test out the handling too much as it was soaking wet and I didn't want to push the car beyond my limits. Even with stock suspension it seemed to have good handling along with some decent power delivery.
I got in contact with a seller in Felixstowe (approx 62 miles away) and had agreed to go view the car on Sunday. Unfortuantely this meant having to sacrifice not attending JAE show but I'm sure it would be worth it.
The car was per the advert although the paint work needs some attention (overall its not bad for 16 years old). Theres a few minor things that need sorting, for example the passenger side repeater and door mirror glass, radio display doesn't work (a spare was included) and the air con needs re-gassing.
Although not noticed on the initial test drive, it does need a wheel alignment. One of the front strut top mounts is knocking so I'll get that done at the same time (I'm sure some lowering springs will be thrown into the mix at this point too)
These engines are good for approx 250hp from what I've read, my aim is to achieve a nice safe 220hp which I think will be more than enough (a vast improvement over the Micra's 80hp)
Here are some photos when I arrived home
The headlights could do with a cut back and polish
Damage on the passenger door, hoping this will polish out
Rear bumper scuff
Key scratches above the driver side door handle
Aftermarket door mirror glass lifting from the factory baseplate
Side repeater lens missing
After a quick wash
Let the project begin!
The Colts are great, i had a base 1.1 for several years, the engine was unburstable.
2 things do for them now - the electric power steering dies and effectively writes the cars off due to the cost of repairs, and underbody corosion.
I loved the space inside, but the hard ride was tiresone at times.
2 things do for them now - the electric power steering dies and effectively writes the cars off due to the cost of repairs, and underbody corosion.
I loved the space inside, but the hard ride was tiresone at times.
First update is a boring one I'm afraid
First thing to do with any car is to do a service IMO. I dont think the oil filter has been changed in a while though 😬🙄 (changed at 82,900)
I noticed the windscreen wasn't clearing too well and it didn't smell too great either. I drained the screenwash, flushed through with water and refilled with pre-mixed fluid. Also fitted new Bosch wipers
One of the things mentioned in the for sale advert was the dashboard display wasn't working. It seems this is a common fault, luckily the seller supplied a replacement which was untested. Swapped them over and at first it didn't work. Got the soldering iron out to have a look at the original, that didn't sort it so re-tried the spare and it works.
I gave the engine bay a quick clean as I had some spare time. I could do with removing a few things for better access but its a start 🙂
Here are some comparison photos
First thing to do with any car is to do a service IMO. I dont think the oil filter has been changed in a while though 😬🙄 (changed at 82,900)
I noticed the windscreen wasn't clearing too well and it didn't smell too great either. I drained the screenwash, flushed through with water and refilled with pre-mixed fluid. Also fitted new Bosch wipers
One of the things mentioned in the for sale advert was the dashboard display wasn't working. It seems this is a common fault, luckily the seller supplied a replacement which was untested. Swapped them over and at first it didn't work. Got the soldering iron out to have a look at the original, that didn't sort it so re-tried the spare and it works.
I gave the engine bay a quick clean as I had some spare time. I could do with removing a few things for better access but its a start 🙂
Here are some comparison photos
I have had a couple of lesser Colts previously - the base model 1.1 (fantastic 3 cyl rev forever engine) and the 1.5 DiD with huge midrange and chuckable handling like a mini hot hatch.
I always looked enviously at the CZT but never got round to one. Mine never showed signs of rust and the diesel went happily to over 125k with me and about 150k before it stopped being MOT’d. Only problems I had was a couple of central locking actuators failing (one on each car). Easy replacement via eBay though.
The standard stereo is rubbish though, but easily improved.
I always looked enviously at the CZT but never got round to one. Mine never showed signs of rust and the diesel went happily to over 125k with me and about 150k before it stopped being MOT’d. Only problems I had was a couple of central locking actuators failing (one on each car). Easy replacement via eBay though.
The standard stereo is rubbish though, but easily improved.
My sister had a 3 cylinder Colt for years, which in itself is impressive. My sister is known as 'the car killer' in our family, she literally blew up or crash every single car she has ever had. However, the Colt survived and to this day, it's the only car she has been able to PX at a garage.
If I ever wanted a reliable, cheap car, by 'eck, I'd by a Colt in a heart beat.
As for the aesthetics though, the Colt always looks like an MPV to me. The roof line is crazy high, strange design for sure.
If I ever wanted a reliable, cheap car, by 'eck, I'd by a Colt in a heart beat.
As for the aesthetics though, the Colt always looks like an MPV to me. The roof line is crazy high, strange design for sure.
My mum bought us a Colt 1.1 3 cyl when I was 17 and as others have said it was hoot (fond memories anyway). I was the first to have it then it lasted through 8 more years of abuse at the hands of my 3 sisters. It almost never got cleaned, was only serviced when the light came on, and nothing ever went wrong on it. Had 130k miles on it when my mum got rid of it. Great cars.
Having been using forums for quite a number of years (I think I started using them circa 2004) I've always enjoyed the whole process.
I'm abit late to the party, but I've decided to attempt a Vlog along side the forum posts. It's going to take some time building up my confidence because I hate talking infront of a camera but I'm sure they'll improve as time goes on.
https://www.youtube.com/c/hoodedreeper/featured
The first intro video can be found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fxnRyoI8Rg&t=...
The first proper video was a 'How To' for Colt owners on removing the front suspension, in preperation for changing the springs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hydrvTk7g&t=...
Coilovers were out of my budget as I wanted to purchase a couple of other modifications. I went with some 35mm H&R lowering springs.
When I first purchased the car, the LH strut mount was knocking badly. A pair of pattern parts along with new bearings were purchased from eBay along with new dust covers from my work.
Not owning a pair of spring compressors I asked a friend to help out
Although the shock bodies look absolutely terrible, they work and don't leak. So I wire brushed them and gave them a coat of black hammerite spray
Gave the wiper arms a coat of paint in Gloss tough black paint that I used on the Micra
While the shocks were removed I took the chance to wire brush, rust treat and underseal the inner arches. I won't bore you with photos of every arch so here's just one
Once the car was back on the ground, I took it for a test drive. Thats when I encountered a new noise. Here's a video explaining it and how I've fixed it for now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFxlqACQNwE&t=...
I'm abit late to the party, but I've decided to attempt a Vlog along side the forum posts. It's going to take some time building up my confidence because I hate talking infront of a camera but I'm sure they'll improve as time goes on.
https://www.youtube.com/c/hoodedreeper/featured
The first intro video can be found here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fxnRyoI8Rg&t=...
The first proper video was a 'How To' for Colt owners on removing the front suspension, in preperation for changing the springs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-hydrvTk7g&t=...
Coilovers were out of my budget as I wanted to purchase a couple of other modifications. I went with some 35mm H&R lowering springs.
When I first purchased the car, the LH strut mount was knocking badly. A pair of pattern parts along with new bearings were purchased from eBay along with new dust covers from my work.
Not owning a pair of spring compressors I asked a friend to help out
Although the shock bodies look absolutely terrible, they work and don't leak. So I wire brushed them and gave them a coat of black hammerite spray
Gave the wiper arms a coat of paint in Gloss tough black paint that I used on the Micra
While the shocks were removed I took the chance to wire brush, rust treat and underseal the inner arches. I won't bore you with photos of every arch so here's just one
Once the car was back on the ground, I took it for a test drive. Thats when I encountered a new noise. Here's a video explaining it and how I've fixed it for now
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFxlqACQNwE&t=...
Had this fitted a little while but struggled to find time to go get videos
Scorpion cat back exhaust is now fitted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuuzxw0sSmM
Scorpion cat back exhaust is now fitted
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuuzxw0sSmM
Although the factory side mount intercooler performed faultess, every likes a front mount right?
I got in contact with a local company called Stealthwerx who are an Airtec dealer who ordered it in for me.
Here's the latest video now up on my Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDAt2kb4pyU
Here are some photos
Before
Installation finished prior to bumper re-fitting
Finished
Fitted black mesh and tinted the fog lights yellow
Fancy photos for Instagram
I got in contact with a local company called Stealthwerx who are an Airtec dealer who ordered it in for me.
Here's the latest video now up on my Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDAt2kb4pyU
Here are some photos
Before
Installation finished prior to bumper re-fitting
Finished
Fitted black mesh and tinted the fog lights yellow
Fancy photos for Instagram
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