Cheap Performance Tips

Braz86

Braz86

Zorg Legend
British Zeds
Joined
Feb 26, 2019
Points
75
Location
Aylesbury, Bucks
Model of Z
Z3
Hi all

Been looking through here for low cost ways to improve performance of my 2.0l Z3. Saw that @Lee mentioned an engine flush through a company, and @Dickymint mentioned a fuel additive that cleans injectors and carbon in the system. The post was from 4 years ago, so wondering how these have both been and if they worked?

Also wondering if there is any point in buying a chip such as https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/254130425834 or similar to help claw back some lost performance?

Also any other low cost tips people have will be appreciated
 
Once you’ve done the above engine cleaning. I would consider a manifold swap, I’ve heard it can be done with the 2.0.
 
Induction kit
Exhaust
Heavy metal knob

Not because it may actually make it faster but because it makes it sound and feel faster - and as you have a 6 pot it is a glorious sound.

I’ve even taken out the sound deadening pad from under the bonnet so I can hear the induction better. Worth at least 5bhp for the sound alone!

It also means you get the feeling of speed without the speeding ticket :thumbsup:

The gearknob removes that saloon car feel and give you a a proper feeling shift - again not actually faster but it feels it :)
 
I don't how much it cost but @Eddie Zedder and (I think) @Murray Wall said new Vanos seals improved the performance from their 2 litre cars.

Tony
 
Best way I was told how to improve the speed / performance of the 1.9lt ........is to swap it for a 2.8lt. =))
 
The problem with your question is you can't put "cheap" and "performace" in the same sentence :D
 
Dino D said:
Induction kit
Exhaust
Heavy metal knob

Not because it may actually make it faster but because it makes it sound and feel faster - and as you have a 6 pot it is a glorious sound.

I’ve even taken out the sound deadening pad from under the bonnet so I can hear the induction better. Worth at least 5bhp for the sound alone!

It also means you get the feeling of speed without the speeding ticket :thumbsup:

The gearknob removes that saloon car feel and give you a a proper feeling shift - again not actually faster but it feels it :)
Click to expand...
Good advice, I fitted a Ramair induction filter on my 2.0l and it sounded awesome especially at 6500rpm, cheap as chips as well, you will need the 80mm diameter to fit the MAF
https://www.ramair-filters.co.uk/sh...filter-universal-80mm-offset-neck-164mm-tall/
 
Lee said:
Once you’ve done the above engine cleaning. I would consider a manifold swap, I’ve heard it can be done with the 2.0.
Click to expand...

Ignore the manifold swap. Apparently didn’t make much of a change.
 
Sean d said:
do you fog it through a vacuum pipe whilst the engine is running
Click to expand...

Yeah just where the rubber meets the maf engine side you insert the hose, hold the Revs around 2-3k and spray the can till it’s empty takes a good few minutes to empty. You’ll hear the engine note change as it starts taking out carbon.

Sams smoked like mad when we did it and Niall’s weren’t so bad. Good indication of carbon build up.
 
Lee said:
Yeah just where the rubber meets the maf engine side you insert the hose, hold the Revs around 2-3k and spray the can till it’s empty takes a good few minutes to empty. You’ll hear the engine note change as it starts taking out carbon.

Sams smoked like mad when we did it and Niall’s weren’t so bad. Good indication of carbon build up.
Click to expand...

There's a double pack on eBay 1 engine top, the other a fuel additive. Would you recommend using both for an optimum system flush?
 
Sean d said:
Is this snake oil, I fancy giving it a go, is it ok with the MAF
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Put it in after the MAF and quite possibly snake oil but the zedshed lads had some impressive results as in tonnes of smoke, I got nothing so assuming my engines were spot on and had no carbon build-up or the bottles I bought were duff?? :whistle:
 
Sean d said:
Good advice, I fitted a Ramair induction filter on my 2.0l and it sounded awesome especially at 6500rpm, cheap as chips as well, you will need the 80mm diameter to fit the MAF
https://www.ramair-filters.co.uk/sh...filter-universal-80mm-offset-neck-164mm-tall/
Click to expand...

I fitted a knock off mushroom type to my MR2 turbo years ago, that made it nice and sweet.

Guessing rubber hose replacement is recommended too. If I go aftermarket, I've noticed there are a few pipes and connectors along the duct so will need to factor these in? Not to hot on air intake side of things, if anyone can explain the circled bits of the pic it would be good to know @Sean d?
20190318_181458.webp
 
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t-tony said:
I don't how much it cost but @Eddie Zedder and (I think) @Murray Wall said new Vanos seals improved the performance from their 2 litre cars.

Tony
Click to expand...
Bloody hell Tony, you have the memory of an elephant.

Yes new vanos seals give a definite improvement on a tired engine but won't increase bhp above stock. @Braz86 Don't waste your time on chips that promise 40bhp improvement, the most you will get on a non turbo 2.0 with a remap is 10-12 bhp unless you stick a supercharger on!
 
Braz86 said:
I fitted a knock off mushroom type to my MR2 turbo years ago, that made it nice and sweet.

Guessing rubber hose replacement is recommended too. If I go aftermarket, I've noticed there are a few pipes and connectors along the duct so will need to factor these in? Not to hot on air intake side of things, if anyone can explain the circled bits of the pic it would be good to know @Sean d?
View attachment 97901
Click to expand...

Green bit =MAF
Yellow bit=vacuum port, place to squirt sea-foam should you wish to
Red bit=vacuum pipe to servo
 
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