This could be a very obvious question but which series of zed is the best mechanically electrically and best for the user? Excluding the 1999 spec.

Series 4s probably, updated PTU, injectors, climate control, interior materials and generally less old. off the top of my head.

but the series 1s have nicer carpets and I prefer the non airbag wheels of the s1

Thanks thought that would probably be the case but just wanted to be sure. Definitely agree about the steering wheel though!

Evolution is too subtle to really matter I think - series 6 probably had the biggest changes, but still mainly small improvements as time went on. I think losing VVT is the only significant disadvantage of 5/6.

This could be a very obvious question but which series of zed is the best mechanically electrically and best for the user? Excluding the 1999 spec.

 

One that has been looked after and cherished irrespective of age.

One that has been looked after and cherished irrespective of age.

 

Spot on Andrew :yes: Don't go by the year don't go by the miles just find the best.

Later cars had

1 Less insulation

2 Thinner carpets

3 Missing rear blind

4 Less underseal

5 No vvt

6 engine components not enamel coated

7 Lower spec ac / heating controls

8 Thinner cloth on trim and seats

9 Nasty 16 bit ecu

10 No turbo gauge

 

New spec choice from S R and 99 spec spoilers, bumpers, side skirts etc. Recaro seats, xenon headlamps...... mid range series 4 are about the best of the lot for specification, but seen way to many 98 + zeds not in good order underneath, almost they used different metal?

 

Jeff

Evolution is too subtle to really matter I think - series 6 probably had the biggest changes, but still mainly small improvements as time went on. I think losing VVT is the only significant disadvantage of 5/6.

I don't find Zeb has a "significant" disadvantage without the VVT either to be honest. acceleration is very similar to my white zed (s2)

Later cars had

1 Less insulation

2 Thinner carpets

3 Missing rear blind

4 Less underseal

5 No vvt

6 engine components not enamel coated

7 Lower spec ac / heating controls

8 Thinner cloth on trim and seats

9 Nasty 16 bit ecu

10 No turbo gauge

 

Some of those depend on trim level though. You could get a final edition Z with all of the luxury items, like leather seats and automatic climate control. It just happens that the "sportier" trim levels appear to have sold better.

Turbo gauge came back also, weird that they dropped in for a short period.

One that has been looked after and cherished irrespective of age.

 

Absolutely!

 

Spec-wise though, I'd say 91-94 irrespective of series. Better specification and materials. Series 2-4 ideally as you dispense with the tweed. Avoid 89/90 cars unless they've had the heads replaced or re-engineered (soft valves on early engine numbers).

Edited February 13, 20178 yr by Funkysi

Later cars had

1 Less insulation

2 Thinner carpets

3 Missing rear blind

4 Less underseal

5 No vvt

6 engine components not enamel coated

7 Lower spec ac / heating controls

8 Thinner cloth on trim and seats

9 Nasty 16 bit ecu

10 No turbo gauge

 

New spec choice from S R and 99 spec spoilers, bumpers, side skirts etc. Recaro seats, xenon headlamps...... mid range series 4 are about the best of the lot for specification, but seen way to many 98 + zeds not in good order underneath, almost they used different metal?

 

Jeff

 

You answered your own question there. ;)

 

The thickness of underseal and coverage looks substantially less on late94/95+ cars from what I've seen.

Edited February 13, 20178 yr by Funkysi

Absolutely!

 

Spec-wise though, I'd say 91-94 irrespective of series. Better specification and materials. Series 2-4 ideally as you dispense with the tweed. Avoid 89/90 cars unless they've had the heads replaced or re-engineered (soft valves on early engine numbers).

I queried this and Stephen told me this was only on certain engines? and that most of the soft valve cars would not have made it this far.

 

Just for my own clarification :thumbup1:

I queried this and Stephen told me this was only on certain engines? and that most of the soft valve cars would not have made it this far.

 

Just for my own clarification :thumbup1:

 

89 and 90 being 'certain engines'. They made it all the way up to a certain engine number which I can't remember the figure, these were found in all 89 cars and 90 cars for most of that model year. There are still engines out there that are running early heads with original valves. If you don't know the history and engine number is low enough, I'd avoid.

Engines which *may* be affected with "soft" valves are:

 

TT engine serial numbers up to VG30-619550 and manufactured prior to 11th December '89

NA engine serial numbers up to VG30-777599 and manufactured prior 22nd June '90.

I knew Andrew would have the engine numbers! :)

Thanks for all the help now just to find the a little more money and the right car.

Later cars had

1 Less insulation

2 Thinner carpets

3 Missing rear blind

4 Less underseal

5 No vvt

6 engine components not enamel coated

7 Lower spec ac / heating controls

8 Thinner cloth on trim and seats

9 Nasty 16 bit ecu

10 No turbo gauge

 

New spec choice from S R and 99 spec spoilers, bumpers, side skirts etc. Recaro seats, xenon headlamps...... mid range series 4 are about the best of the lot for specification, but seen way to many 98 + zeds not in good order underneath, almost they used different metal?

 

Jeff

 

Think of the weight saving though :biggrin:

Owned two series 4 Zeds and I think they are great.

 

Few enhancements here and there the average Joe wouldn't notice but some of the changes

Like loss of the boost gauge can just be fitted as oem because the cable looms are there.

 

For somebody like myself doing a full rebuild there a great base to work from.

Like loss of the boost gauge can just be fitted as oem because the cable looms are there.

 

If you can bloody find one!!

Didn't think it was that hard, I own two spares and many carcuses

For spare parts.

 

Just need to know where to look and grab a bargain.

 

If you can bloody find one!!

Didn't think it was that hard, I own two spares and many carcuses

For spare parts.

 

Just need to know where to look and grab a bargain.

I haven't been able to find a series 3 boost gauge, not that I've been looking for months and months mind