3.0 2003 mod list

J

John996

Member
Ok, so I've been looking around the forum and would like to know what mods are recommended by those who have done them.
I think they broadly fall into 3 categories.....essential, cosmetic and upgrade.
My list so far, but would like to hear from others...

Essential:
1. Hood motor re-site to boot (definitely getting this done)
2.

Cosmetic:
1. Spoiler
2. Paint brake calipers and spacers (either black for hidden or bright to be seen)
3. Aftermarket wheels
4. Body wrap (if anyone has done a wrap, I'd love to see photos)
5.

Upgrade:
1. Back box mod (getting this done)
2. New stereo and speakers (already booked into a local shop in the next few weeks)
3.

Please feel free to add.
Thanks
John996
 
John996 said:
Ok, so I've been looking around the forum and would like to know what mods are recommended by those who have done them.
I think they broadly fall into 3 categories.....essential, cosmetic and upgrade.
My list so far, but would like to hear from others...

Essential:
1. Hood motor re-site to boot (definitely getting this done)
2. Non run flat tyres

Cosmetic:
1. Spoiler
2. Paint brake calipers and spacers (either black for hidden or bright to be seen)
3. Aftermarket wheels
4. Body wrap (if anyone has done a wrap, I'd love to see photos)
5.

Upgrade:
1. Back box mod (getting this done)
2. New stereo and speakers (already booked into a local shop in the next few weeks)
3.

Please feel free to add.
Thanks
John996
Click to expand...
 
Decent tyres and 4 wheel alignment.

Disa upgrade and new air intake pipe if split (common problem).

Spacers if you're on standard wheels. Back wheels can take 25mm, even if lowered. Fronts up to 15mm.

Paint brake calipers. I done mine silver.

Cruise control - worthwhile mod if you do big mileage. On a 2003 3.0 the wiring is already there so just needs connecting up.

A simple wheel refurb does wonders for the looks.

You can even get new roof fabric but that's getting close to 4 figure territory. I got mine done and I'm very happy with it.

Check rocker cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket for leaks and replace if necessary. Not difficult jobs at all, so can easily be done at home if you have a decent tool kit.

If you don't have sport seats, then look at getting a set. They make a huge difference in terms of holding you in firmly. The standard seats are rubbish.
 
Change all inside bulbs for led white light , under £10 & makes a nice upgrade
Windbreaker also a must if you haven't already got one :thumbsup:
 
Grumpyowl
I had seen something about this and need to check my tyres....hoping they are run flat because the ride ain't great!!!

Ben g
Will have to look into the first two.
Calipers will be cleaned up and painted because the finish now is crap.
Cruise control sound good as I'm looking at putting some miles on her.
My fabric is pretty decent fortunately.
Will check the rocker cover gasket. I am a Marine Engineer by trade so shouldn't be too difficult.
I saw a few threads on seats and mine are ok but not great. What seats are both fairly inexpensive and good?

mr wilks
I like the bulb upgrade idea.
Got a fabric style insert. I think I saw something about a glass one? Does it make any difference?
 
John996 said:
Grumpyowl
I had seen something about this and need to check my tyres....hoping they are run flat because the ride ain't great!!!

Ben g
Will have to look into the first two.
Calipers will be cleaned up and painted because the finish now is crap.
Cruise control sound good as I'm looking at putting some miles on her.
My fabric is pretty decent fortunately.
Will check the rocker cover gasket. I am a Marine Engineer by trade so shouldn't be too difficult.
I saw a few threads on seats and mine are ok but not great. What seats are both fairly inexpensive and good?

mr wilks
I like the bulb upgrade idea.
Got a fabric style insert. I think I saw something about a glass one? Does it make any difference?
Click to expand...

Fabric windbreak is the way to go
Roof even if in good order will always look better after a clean / re dye / seal .
Even though it was already in fine fettle i did mine this week :thumbsup:
 

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I saw a few threads on seats and mine are ok but not great. What seats are both fairly inexpensive and good?

None. M Sports seats are great but not cheap - a decent set will knock you back £750 :cry:
If you find out you're on run flats then that should be the first spend IMO :wink:
 
John,
I would counsel to decide what you want to achieve with your Zed, What is the purpose of the mods? Is there a look or theme, or is it performance? What's the budget? I have a 2003 3.0 with a 100+ mods and only painted calipers is on your list. I created an OEM+ look.
No mod is right, wrong, or essential, but anyone can write a shopping list of dozens of things to do.

If you're not careful you could spend a lot of money and achieve little or a mixed up end result.
 
Other things to consider are new vanos seals which can be done at the same time as the rocker gasket if your doing it. Checking the Disa valve is easy and a quick overhaul with one of the kits on the market if it needs it can be done in less than an hour. Both of these with improve performance and mpg somewhat.

All depends on how far you want to take things, how much time your can throw at it and how deep your pockets are really.
 
I agree fit an LSD
Bigger brakes
Coilovers
Polybush the suspension
Upgraded the ARBs
Ditch the electric steering rack
Fit a supercharger

There is a very long long long list of things to do.
But most of all enjoy it when ever you can. And from personal experience don't start projects in the spring! I have wasted many months driving wile my car is undergoing work :cry:
 
GrumpyOwl told me to leave my 3.0L well alone and keep it original.

Apart from a few cosmetics, I think I will take his advice,

Good luck with all the mods though and keep us all in the loop, I maybe tempted myself when I see the progress - lol!

Tomo
 
mr wilks said:
John996 said:
Grumpyowl
I had seen something about this and need to check my tyres....hoping they are run flat because the ride ain't great!!!

Ben g
Will have to look into the first two.
Calipers will be cleaned up and painted because the finish now is crap.
Cruise control sound good as I'm looking at putting some miles on her.
My fabric is pretty decent fortunately.
Will check the rocker cover gasket. I am a Marine Engineer by trade so shouldn't be too difficult.
I saw a few threads on seats and mine are ok but not great. What seats are both fairly inexpensive and good?

mr wilks
I like the bulb upgrade idea.
Got a fabric style insert. I think I saw something about a glass one? Does it make any difference?
Click to expand...

Fabric windbreak is the way to go
Roof even if in good order will always look better after a clean / re dye / seal .
Even though it was already in fine fettle i did mine this week :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

Roof is looking good :thumbsup:

What did you use.??
 
Machine monkey said:
I agree fit an LSD
Bigger brakes
Coilovers
Polybush the suspension
Upgraded the ARBs
Ditch the electric steering rack
Fit a supercharger
Click to expand...

cams&headers.

You'll get a heart attack when you saw the exhaust manifold in half (just above the cat) and see how small the inner diameter is. (its about 1" for 3 cylinders :cry: )
 
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