I have a 01 ZX3 that stinks! After start up and for about 5 minutes after I drive off I get this 'vinegary pee like smell' coming thru the vents which goes after about 10minutes. Any ideas about what it is coz it stinks? Now all I have to bitch about is the rear brakes that SQUEEK! I need to get the squeek fixed its annoying. Gas mileage is WAY better now I get about 60miles on a 1/4tank of 87 octane. Gas mileage is dismal during the cold winter months tho! It says in the owners manual not to use anything other that 87 octane gas. Has anyone tried a higher octane fuel, any benefits? Sorry for all the questions. Happy ZX3ing :)

DO NOT USE HIGHER OCTANE. The engine is not made for that hot and violent of detonation. You will get some nasty pinging and knocking and possibly fry internals. As for the smell it sounds like your A/C condenser is leaking???? try having the cooling system flushed and pressure checked. DO NOT USE ANY HIGHER OCTANE THAN 87 or at the most 89, I wouldnt even use 89 if I were you. You can go higher only after beefing up your internals. K?....

Thanks for the advice, Im booking her in for an oil change next week anyway so Ill get them to check it out!

REPLY HOW OLD IS THE CAR?? WHEN YOU SMELL THIS ORDER IS IT AFTER YOU HAVE USED THE AC SAY YOU COME HOME AT 8PM USED THE AC.. START IT UP THE NEXT MORNING IT SMELLS? OR DOES IT NOT MATTER IF YOU USED THE AC.???

The car was built April 2001 and I took delivery July 2001. Come to thik of it its first thing in the morning after I get home late afternoon with a/c on in the car. No a/c, no smell! Its getting seen to on 5Sep, any ideas would be good!