Now i have two.
 

Only had my rover 75 1.8 about 3 months, so still new to me, and now i have a Mg zt 1.8T also! This forums fault lol, if i had more room i'd...

Yes I know the feeling, did manage to get up to three at one point but back to 2 now. Again I blame the forum.

The 1.8t is a super engine but needs looking after - if me i would swop out the plastic coolant t-piece (LHS behind RAD) and replace with a steel t-piece - swop out the plastic manifold for a metal one and possibly swop out the old MGR RUBBER hose for sports performance silicone hose. Keep an eagle eye on your expansion tank coolant level. :xmas-smiley-008:

I have a KMAPS 1.8T 200BHP upgrade from 160 bhp - performance is superb -something to think about - MGR limited the 1.8t in the factory to 160 bhp so it would not compete with the V6/190.

It is a cracking engine. Had the metal inlet manifold fitted. So lively and lightweight up front. Contrast that with a diesel or V6 that feels heavy.

What are the benefits of the alloy manifold?

Does not warp and leak like the plastic one. Why the original was plastic was beyond me. Held against an alloy head by a thin gasket is asking for trouble. It’s another way to prevent coolant leaks as the gasket does fail.

The inlet manifold gasket can does fail - an alloy manifold reduces the chances of that happening - you can get one for £40-£50 - if you do - try and get the manifold with its supporting bracket - this gives it even greater stability.