wozzer
Well-Known Forum User
Another Great Zrun completed..!
Some of the team where repeat offenders from Previous years, some were 1st time runners like myself. But all were Zed enthusiasts up for a great weekend of driving, partying and just having fun.
Wozzer done another great job of pulling it all together and planning this years route, A route that gave us a mix of high speed motorway driving, plenty of tunnels
and a fair few scenic and twisty bits.
The trip got off to a good start with all the runners making it to the meeting point in Dover with no problems. Luckily most of us had met on previous meets and events so after a few introductions with the new faces we set off for the Boat.
That went well with Marco and Wozz in the lead car getting flagged into customs for a boot search. What customs didn’t realise was there were 5 cars and in the interest of keeping together we all followed in to the check area. Luckily they were fairly relaxed and just wanted a quick look in the boot and under the bonnet. The customs officer, after telling me I must be mad being up at that hour said, “well your not gonna be able to hide anything under that bonnet”
Once on the boat we settled around the table for a good breakfast and Wozzer sorted out the t-shirts and route maps and gave a chat about the run. The crossing was calm and we were off the boat and on our way by about 9.30am local time.
Although 4 out of the 5 cars were all the same colour blue, they were all different variants off the Z32.
Wozzer and Marco took the lead in Marco’s Jap SWB manual N/A Slicktop.
Croeso and ZX Muncher in the U.K. 2+2 TT auto Strosek wide arch
IanL in his Jap N/A Vert manual
Murt and Kell in the U.K 2+2 TT manual
Zogg and Aceman in the Jap SWB TT manual Abflug wide arch.
A right mixed bag of cars and people, so we new we were in for some fun
Now Wozzer, ever aware of the spiralling cost of Zed ownership decided to incorporate some product tests into the run to answer some of the frequently asked questions often posted on the forums with respect to, can these cars really be run on a budget??
Questions like:
1. Are cheap Chinese performance tyres really any good? And can they be a viable alternative to more expensive brands?
2. Are Space saver wheels just a get you home quick fix or can they offer the same performance as standard tyres?
3. Can a low cost tap water injection system really give the N/A engine more performance and improve the economy?
So during the run test pilots were selected from the group to conduct these tests and report back on there findings for the benefit of the zed community.
So the Friday saw us drive through France, Belgium and into Holland via a selection of really good tunnels where all the lads let rip, windows down, smiles on faces….Excellent..!
It wasn’t a competition but I think I would have taken first prize as the loudest
I had also been selected to road test the cheap Chinese performance tyres which I viewed as a challenge, so a Pair of the lowest priced tyres currently available in the U.K. had been sourced for this test.
The magnificent “Enduro” 245/45/18Y (£24.99+VAT each fitted and balanced) Manufactured by the Lucky Dragon remould and plastic toy manufacturing company based in Bago Shite Province, China.
The tyres under test were selected for their ultra low price and well known pedigree.
They were fitted to the front wheels so we could really determine the road holding, steering and braking qualities.
So the roads were clear and the rain held off, we pressed on and made it to the Tulip hotel in Alkmaar by mid afternoon and so far the tyres had performed brilliantly, things were looking good. The Tulip is a very nice hotel with comfy rooms which was good as I had to grab a couple of hour’s kip; I was tired after my road testing. (And basically, I’m just too old for this Shit)
We all met in the Bar at 5.30 for a beer and Wozzer arranged a couple of cabs to drop us all in to town for 6.00. We had a table booked at the “La Cubanita” Tapas restaurant and the food and waitresses were first rate. (see what you missed out on Wendy) After a lot of food and beer we took a stroll round to Wozzers old local for more beer and to Celebrate his birthday (Ahh, 21 again ehh Wozz?).
His old local was a really “down to earth” Dutch boozer (down too earth but a lot like the Star wars bar if you know what I mean) full of Characters and good beer.
Much later we caught cabs back to the Hotel and back in the Bar to continue the party.
Don’t ask me what time we all went to bed as I don’t remember.
The Saturday Morning Saw us all up Bright and Fresh (Not) with Zogg surveying the land from the hotel window looking like a Russian dictator.
We were soon on our way and first stop was round the corner to fill with Petrol and brekky and then down to the local industrial park for a bit of a photo shoot.
IanL had been selected to test out the low cost tap water injection system on his N/A Vert. (currently available as a no cost option when included with a service at a well known zed specialists) the system claimed an increase in performance and fuel economy. Early reports from Ian stated that the system so far hadn’t appeared to offer any benefits in performance or economy and constant stops to replenish the storage tank were a bit of a chore. However he said he would soldier on with the test and give his final verdict at the end of the day.
The morning saw us drive right across Holland to Maastricht and then the Sun came out
From there on towards Luxembourg, through the Ardennes and up through Bruxelles then on to Bruges.
I can’t remember all the places we went through as I was on Auto pilot for some of the time, but a great days driving. All the cars were performing brilliantly with more tunnels
and a couple of sections of high speed motorway
During the afternoons driving at a road side piss break, the group were discussing the merits of the Chinese tyres and there performance to date? I was happy to report they were performing brilliantly. But Wozzer and the group felt that we needed to test them further and the decision was taken to test their run flat capabilities. I agreed and with the use of a pot hole a small incision was made to the inner wall of the tyre thus creating a slow puncture.
The tyre was then operated at high speed with a selection of tyres pressures ranging from 30psi right down to 0psi. Again the tyre’s performance was exceptional and many, many kilometres were covered with the tyre completely flat.
We made it to the Leonardo Hotel in Bruges and we were running a bit late so it was a quick turnaround and in the cabs down to the town.
A nice restaurant was selected by Wozzer and we all sat down to Eat. The Meal was great and big pitchers of beer even better. Bruges is a great place to visit and eat any time of the year.
After the meal more drinks were ordered and stories were shared between the lads about their zed experiences.
This led on to the findings of the product tests. After a brief discussion on the tyres including much sniggering, laughter and hand gestures from the group aimed at me
, we concluded that they really can be a viable alternative to the more established brands and offer excellent value for money however we agreed that you should never fit them.
Ian then gave feedback on the Tap water injection system and again after much shaking of heads and more hand gestures we all concluded that this modification really doesn’t offer any noticeable gains and the constant storage tank filling makes the system impractical.
So there you have it. A couple of Zrun10 top tips.
The cabs arrived and ferried us back to the hotel were upon our arrival the bar promptly shut? I think the barman took one look at us lot and knew he was going to be in for a late night so instantly closed up??? After much arm waving and shouting everyone simmered back down to just a blind panic, then the barman pointed out a vending machine that dispensed beer, spirits and snacks so all was calm again.
The drinking and chatting carried on till the early hours and I gave up at about 4.00am and went to bed (because I’m too old for this shit). I think Wozzer, Marco and Aceman carried on till about 5.00am.
After a bit of a lay in and breakfast all the lads regrouped in the car park for the final leg of the run. At this point Wozzer selected Murt for the final test of the space saver tyre.
Murt was delighted to have been selected and stepped up to the Challenge.
The wheel was again fitted to the front of the car to assess the steering and braking qualities.
As soon as it was fitted the whole group were amazed at how it instantly altered the whole presence of the car. Its lithe slim line profile and aesthetically pleasing soft mustard colour really set Murts car off.
Soon we were under way and headed towards Oostende via an old submarine for a photo shoot.
We stopped in Oostende for lunch and another very good meal. We parked in a long underground car park on the seafront which gave us all the opportunity to be anti social and loud again….Ace..!
Then after a quick drive through Oostende to fill with petrol it was out onto the fast roads for the last dash to the Ferry.
Murt was determined to prove to the group that he was no lightweight and really put the space saver through it paces. Negotiating bends and trams lines in Oostende was a breeze he said and once out on the motorway the inevitable speed test got under way.
60mph……….O.K, 70mph…………. no issues, lets try 80mph………..still fine.
Murt then decided we were just playing and really went for it.
90…….100………..110………....120……………….130..!! No problems.
It didn’t take long to cover the last run to the port and we were soon in the Queuing lanes waiting for the boat.
Murt then gave his verdict on the space saver stating that in his opinion it was as good as his regular tyre and better than the Cheap Chinese tyre that we had tested earlier in the run. After a bit of conferring the group agreed that if your budget forces you to fit cheap tyres to a zed, just get 4 space savers instead.
Well there you have it, Another Zrun10 top tip.
Once on the boat Wozzer settled down to his 3rd meal in as many hours and the rest of the group had a snooze and a chat. The weather was spanking sunshine as we left Dunkirk but soon turned to grey mist and rain as we approached Blighty,
Aghhh, we were definitely back home.
In summing up it was a great trip with a great bunch of people all sharing a common interest. The weather had been kind the whole weekend with only the occasional shower which made for good safe fast driving and I hope I can be part of it again next year.
And you should too.
Some of the team where repeat offenders from Previous years, some were 1st time runners like myself. But all were Zed enthusiasts up for a great weekend of driving, partying and just having fun.
Wozzer done another great job of pulling it all together and planning this years route, A route that gave us a mix of high speed motorway driving, plenty of tunnels
The trip got off to a good start with all the runners making it to the meeting point in Dover with no problems. Luckily most of us had met on previous meets and events so after a few introductions with the new faces we set off for the Boat.
That went well with Marco and Wozz in the lead car getting flagged into customs for a boot search. What customs didn’t realise was there were 5 cars and in the interest of keeping together we all followed in to the check area. Luckily they were fairly relaxed and just wanted a quick look in the boot and under the bonnet. The customs officer, after telling me I must be mad being up at that hour said, “well your not gonna be able to hide anything under that bonnet”
Once on the boat we settled around the table for a good breakfast and Wozzer sorted out the t-shirts and route maps and gave a chat about the run. The crossing was calm and we were off the boat and on our way by about 9.30am local time.
Although 4 out of the 5 cars were all the same colour blue, they were all different variants off the Z32.
Wozzer and Marco took the lead in Marco’s Jap SWB manual N/A Slicktop.
Croeso and ZX Muncher in the U.K. 2+2 TT auto Strosek wide arch
IanL in his Jap N/A Vert manual
Murt and Kell in the U.K 2+2 TT manual
Zogg and Aceman in the Jap SWB TT manual Abflug wide arch.
A right mixed bag of cars and people, so we new we were in for some fun
Now Wozzer, ever aware of the spiralling cost of Zed ownership decided to incorporate some product tests into the run to answer some of the frequently asked questions often posted on the forums with respect to, can these cars really be run on a budget??
Questions like:
1. Are cheap Chinese performance tyres really any good? And can they be a viable alternative to more expensive brands?
2. Are Space saver wheels just a get you home quick fix or can they offer the same performance as standard tyres?
3. Can a low cost tap water injection system really give the N/A engine more performance and improve the economy?
So during the run test pilots were selected from the group to conduct these tests and report back on there findings for the benefit of the zed community.
So the Friday saw us drive through France, Belgium and into Holland via a selection of really good tunnels where all the lads let rip, windows down, smiles on faces….Excellent..!
I had also been selected to road test the cheap Chinese performance tyres which I viewed as a challenge, so a Pair of the lowest priced tyres currently available in the U.K. had been sourced for this test.
The magnificent “Enduro” 245/45/18Y (£24.99+VAT each fitted and balanced) Manufactured by the Lucky Dragon remould and plastic toy manufacturing company based in Bago Shite Province, China.
The tyres under test were selected for their ultra low price and well known pedigree.
They were fitted to the front wheels so we could really determine the road holding, steering and braking qualities.
So the roads were clear and the rain held off, we pressed on and made it to the Tulip hotel in Alkmaar by mid afternoon and so far the tyres had performed brilliantly, things were looking good. The Tulip is a very nice hotel with comfy rooms which was good as I had to grab a couple of hour’s kip; I was tired after my road testing. (And basically, I’m just too old for this Shit)
We all met in the Bar at 5.30 for a beer and Wozzer arranged a couple of cabs to drop us all in to town for 6.00. We had a table booked at the “La Cubanita” Tapas restaurant and the food and waitresses were first rate. (see what you missed out on Wendy) After a lot of food and beer we took a stroll round to Wozzers old local for more beer and to Celebrate his birthday (Ahh, 21 again ehh Wozz?).
His old local was a really “down to earth” Dutch boozer (down too earth but a lot like the Star wars bar if you know what I mean) full of Characters and good beer.
Much later we caught cabs back to the Hotel and back in the Bar to continue the party.
Don’t ask me what time we all went to bed as I don’t remember.
The Saturday Morning Saw us all up Bright and Fresh (Not) with Zogg surveying the land from the hotel window looking like a Russian dictator.
We were soon on our way and first stop was round the corner to fill with Petrol and brekky and then down to the local industrial park for a bit of a photo shoot.
IanL had been selected to test out the low cost tap water injection system on his N/A Vert. (currently available as a no cost option when included with a service at a well known zed specialists) the system claimed an increase in performance and fuel economy. Early reports from Ian stated that the system so far hadn’t appeared to offer any benefits in performance or economy and constant stops to replenish the storage tank were a bit of a chore. However he said he would soldier on with the test and give his final verdict at the end of the day.
The morning saw us drive right across Holland to Maastricht and then the Sun came out
From there on towards Luxembourg, through the Ardennes and up through Bruxelles then on to Bruges.
I can’t remember all the places we went through as I was on Auto pilot for some of the time, but a great days driving. All the cars were performing brilliantly with more tunnels
During the afternoons driving at a road side piss break, the group were discussing the merits of the Chinese tyres and there performance to date? I was happy to report they were performing brilliantly. But Wozzer and the group felt that we needed to test them further and the decision was taken to test their run flat capabilities. I agreed and with the use of a pot hole a small incision was made to the inner wall of the tyre thus creating a slow puncture.
The tyre was then operated at high speed with a selection of tyres pressures ranging from 30psi right down to 0psi. Again the tyre’s performance was exceptional and many, many kilometres were covered with the tyre completely flat.
We made it to the Leonardo Hotel in Bruges and we were running a bit late so it was a quick turnaround and in the cabs down to the town.
A nice restaurant was selected by Wozzer and we all sat down to Eat. The Meal was great and big pitchers of beer even better. Bruges is a great place to visit and eat any time of the year.
After the meal more drinks were ordered and stories were shared between the lads about their zed experiences.
This led on to the findings of the product tests. After a brief discussion on the tyres including much sniggering, laughter and hand gestures from the group aimed at me
Ian then gave feedback on the Tap water injection system and again after much shaking of heads and more hand gestures we all concluded that this modification really doesn’t offer any noticeable gains and the constant storage tank filling makes the system impractical.
So there you have it. A couple of Zrun10 top tips.
The cabs arrived and ferried us back to the hotel were upon our arrival the bar promptly shut? I think the barman took one look at us lot and knew he was going to be in for a late night so instantly closed up??? After much arm waving and shouting everyone simmered back down to just a blind panic, then the barman pointed out a vending machine that dispensed beer, spirits and snacks so all was calm again.
The drinking and chatting carried on till the early hours and I gave up at about 4.00am and went to bed (because I’m too old for this shit). I think Wozzer, Marco and Aceman carried on till about 5.00am.
After a bit of a lay in and breakfast all the lads regrouped in the car park for the final leg of the run. At this point Wozzer selected Murt for the final test of the space saver tyre.
Murt was delighted to have been selected and stepped up to the Challenge.
The wheel was again fitted to the front of the car to assess the steering and braking qualities.
As soon as it was fitted the whole group were amazed at how it instantly altered the whole presence of the car. Its lithe slim line profile and aesthetically pleasing soft mustard colour really set Murts car off.
Soon we were under way and headed towards Oostende via an old submarine for a photo shoot.
We stopped in Oostende for lunch and another very good meal. We parked in a long underground car park on the seafront which gave us all the opportunity to be anti social and loud again….Ace..!
Then after a quick drive through Oostende to fill with petrol it was out onto the fast roads for the last dash to the Ferry.
Murt was determined to prove to the group that he was no lightweight and really put the space saver through it paces. Negotiating bends and trams lines in Oostende was a breeze he said and once out on the motorway the inevitable speed test got under way.
60mph……….O.K, 70mph…………. no issues, lets try 80mph………..still fine.
Murt then decided we were just playing and really went for it.
90…….100………..110………....120……………….130..!! No problems.
It didn’t take long to cover the last run to the port and we were soon in the Queuing lanes waiting for the boat.
Murt then gave his verdict on the space saver stating that in his opinion it was as good as his regular tyre and better than the Cheap Chinese tyre that we had tested earlier in the run. After a bit of conferring the group agreed that if your budget forces you to fit cheap tyres to a zed, just get 4 space savers instead.
Well there you have it, Another Zrun10 top tip.
Once on the boat Wozzer settled down to his 3rd meal in as many hours and the rest of the group had a snooze and a chat. The weather was spanking sunshine as we left Dunkirk but soon turned to grey mist and rain as we approached Blighty,
Aghhh, we were definitely back home.
In summing up it was a great trip with a great bunch of people all sharing a common interest. The weather had been kind the whole weekend with only the occasional shower which made for good safe fast driving and I hope I can be part of it again next year.
And you should too.
zedders
