How doess ECC of Z1 work? Is it stiff or is there some suspension left when you lock it?
What do you guys think about it?
if its stiff (what I think) wouldnt you guys want a system where you still have suspension but just less way (for better geometry going uphill but still absorbing small bumps)???
thanks for any suggestions.

Ecc works by shuting off the rebound circuit so the fork cant extend. And it does, didnt work very well.
For 2003 Marzocchi has what they call ETA. Its supose to work better and still give some bump absorption.

I have that fork. There is a switch on the fork that you turn to lock out the suspension. When you turn on the lockout, you get no front suspension. I've used it a few times on climbs. It's kind of a pain in the arse to hit the switch when the front end is pushed down. While the lockout may not be all that special, the fork itself is pretty darn good otherwise.

I just put a 2003 Z1 Freeride on my bike and it a great fork. The best version Zoch has made yet. The ETA makes climbing so much better.
Here is an explanation right from the Marzocchi site,

ETA EXTENSION TRAVEL ADJUST

When Marzocchi intoduced the ECC system, we were the first to offer an easy travel adjust function.
This function reduces the fork’s axle to crown length making steep climbs and switch backs a whole lot easier.
Since it’s introduction, other manufacturers have jumped on the shuttle and introduced their own versions of travel adjustability attempting to provide the ideal travel adjustment system.
Our designs are built with one thought in mind, pure functional performance that benefits each and every rider. Our ECC and ETA systems are topped mounted and can easily be adjusted by a flick of your finger.
If your favorite trail takes you on an undulating fire road or single track you’ll know that stopping at the top of every downhill to adjust your fork is out of the question. Not to mention if your riding partners are going to wait for you.
The new ETA system provides the same ECC performance advantage along with 30mm’s of active travel no matter where the fork lock’s down. To explain it another way, when the ETA is turned on, the fork’s rebound is locked-out as in the ECC design and the suspension will compress and settle into it’s travel based on riders weight and terrain. However, instead of the fork being completely locked-down and rigid, there is a 30mm long spring at the bottom of the ECC cartridge delivering 30mm of active travel to take the edge off small bumps and rocks.
This design is only available in coil spring systems and is used in conjunction with air systems (one side air and one side ETA coil).

That should answer your question.

Slainte

With ecc it is like having 2 inches of HARD suspension.

On climbs I can take or leave suspension. But that 5 inches sure helps everywhere else.

The biggest different between the 2002 and 2003 models is 32mm stanchions and beefed up arch. I bought the 2002 just to see if I even find it worthwhile but someday (after 1 year of ett production and use) I will upgrade again

Thankx for the help guys. ETA sounds like what I want.