MG ZR Track Car Project

[leighroy]

Thought I'd share a few pics and details of my track car project. Bought in 2008 as my daily driver, I made a few modifications and rebuilt the engine twice (1 failure, 1 upgrade) before my first trackday in it selaed its fate. It's now solely used as a toy and been undergoing track preparation since early 2011 - it's stored at my parents as I'm based in London so working on it isn't always convenient! The plan has changed along the way but below is an overview of the journey.

The day I bought it


Early 2009 after an engine rebuild and some light modification




It stayed this way for a while as I went back for my final year at uni, eventual (I tried lots of things) spec was as follows;

-1600VVC
-Janspeed manifold/sportscat/mid section and x-power backbox
-620ti front brake setup & braided hoses
-BMC CDA
-Black Avo lowering springs
-White straights & yokohama parada spec 2's

Then I did my first trackday at Aintree...


After this I graduated, didn't need the car as a daily anymore so the following happened (in order) because I didn't want to sell it.











And it was still occasionally used for transport whilst this was happening - got some very odd looks turning up to visit customers suited and booted :lol:







And it's final outing of 2010 at Cadwell before I decided to do it properly...





Now as mentioned, I don't live where the car is kept so I have limited time to work on it and I only have a garage, regular equipment and most importantly a very helpful (and patient) Dad. Oh and I'm not exactly rolling in cash either. Because of this it was evident that in order to do what I wanted with the car it wouldn't get used in 2011 but I was having a ball with it and learning all the time.





New engine awaiting rebuild


..and the bay waiting to receive it


Soundproofing removed






The most difficult job so far?







I eventually got together all the bits I needed and enough time to rebuild the engine, spec is 1.8 VVC with revised exhaust cam and timing advanced with offset dowels. New pistons, liners, bearings and seals throughout with a sump baffle and some mild porting - hopefully lively enough and reliabe.





Fettling with the VVC mechs wasn't in the plan




And ready to go in the bay




All in place, and with an oil cooler for good measure







Whilst this was happening I acquired a roll cage, I realise it would've been best to start with this but it's kind of progressed beyond my original aim of a trackday car and it seemed like a sensible idea. It's a safety devices bolt in cage as used by the ZR race cars.



Fitting this was beyond the capabilities of my garage setup so I needed someone local to fit it, I bought a fitting kit from safety devices to make it easier and contacted TR Lane - knowon for producing and fitting cages for MX5s. This is the result and current state of the car;









Hoping to have it finished very soon now and get a few trackdays in this year. The aim is to race it eventually in something like the trackday trophy series but I'm a little way off being ready for that.

Leigh

Edited by leighroy on Monday 11th June 20:21

[Wicker Man]

Thanks for sharing all that Leigh. Looks like you're taking it seriously!

Have you considered Marham for an outing? (if it doesn't get cancelled again!) - cheap and cheerful!

Edited by Wicker Man on Tuesday 12th June 08:47

[leighroy]

Wicker Man said:

Thanks for sharing all that Leigh. Looks like your taking it seriously!

Have you considered Marham for an outing? (if it doesn't get cancelled again!) - cheep and cheerful!

Thanks, yeah what started out as a casual rebuild for the purpose of track reliability has turnd in to a dedicated complete rebuild.

I hadn't thought of Marham no, looks to be good value and I'm interested in anything to get some time out in it!