MR2 Roadster Owners Club

[strike:2ubwrymn][/strike:2ubwrymn]I've had a couple of MK1's and always missed my 'good' one:

(https://i.imgur.com/V9WABkK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kqoAolQ.jpg)

I bought my Roadster almost on a whim because it was advertised a few miles away. Well, that's not quite how it happened. What actually happened was someone bought a set of mint OZ Ultraleggeras on ebay for £250 and then said that really, I should buy a light weight sports car to put on them. So I'd been looking and this black car had popped up again having been offered for sale a while before. The seller was a farmer and drove a hard bargain, and despite the blown engine I paid £500 for the car. It started and ran, but only just.

This is what I got:
(https://i.imgur.com/HLtxUHP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/5AYESxW.jpg)

It honestly looks a little tidier in that picture than it really is.

Good points:

• Looked to have run recently and been looked after.
• Relatively rust free
• Hpi Clear and uncrashed
• Found the entire service history in the seat pocket despite Seller saying it had none.
• TTE Style Bar.

Bad Points:

• 100k miles
• Leaky roof and slighty mildew covered seats
• Yellowed headlights
• Blown Engine
• Brakes rusted

Anyway, I took it over to my aunts farm where I'd intended to do the swap. Drove it the sum total of 100 yards! On investigation, I wasn't impressed with the TTE Style bar, they're connected to the car by a U shaped bracket and it'll offer no protection at all if rolled. At that point I considered it dead weight, so I sold it for £150. The car now owes me £350.

I also found a hard top roof for it, partly because I have no real interest in convertibles (Blasphemy!), and partly to make it watertight. I found a guy selling his car with roof on ebay and offered him £200 for his roof and fitting kit and he took it. It's a little scratched, but hey, I'll take it.

However, transporting a car roof is harder than you'd think.
(https://i.imgur.com/CngTHmz.jpg)

In the meantime, I needed my engine and gearbox. I ended up finding one, in a wrapper:

2003 Toyota Corolla T-Sport
(https://i.imgur.com/Y6CIFu4.jpg)

Mine had 99k miles, a bit of history, but seemed to run sweetly enough. (Note as of Oct 2017: The only part of this car remaining in the MR2 is now the gearbox.

I bought this car for £850, and decided to test the engine by drag racing it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yL2JqTuciKA)

It ran a 16.1.... I serviced it with 2 oil changes in the same afternoon, cleaned out the lift valve filters and gave it new plugs. It also has a Typhoon intake I can sell, plus it came with a load of nice Pioneer and Focal audio equipment! I'm keeping the sat nav head unit because it's double din and will go well in the MR2, but I sold the sub and Amp for £150 already. Car therefore owes me £700 - not bad for an engine and gearbox.

So, that was the bulk of the parts bought, except all the swap stuff of course. This lot all came over from the states
(https://i.imgur.com/h9nJuCC.jpg).

Now I'd originally intended on doing the swap at the farm, with the help of the mate who bought the wheels. So I set about replacing rear brake callipers, discs all round, etc. However, my aunt built stables on the flat concrete I'd hoped to do the swap on, meaning the only space I had was a dirty rubble floor. Not ideal for wheeling engines around on, or doing mechanical work. Also, my wife was pretty ill at the time and I needed my weekends for helping her out. In short, I chickened out and phoned around mechanics who are good with this swap.

You can see how filthy the farm is by the state of my car after a couple of months there. Also, some pallets fell onto the right hand side of the car, denting front and rear wing and doors. Annoying, as that was the 'clean' side of the car.

(https://i.imgur.com/nx3ryUw.jpg)

So, off we went to the workshop
(https://i.imgur.com/QhIyOWQ.jpg)

So, after that obviously it all goes a bit dark... until my mechanic sent me these pictures:

Engine in the bay
(https://i.imgur.com/UUGdFKF.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kNEJTCG.jpg)

He also sent me this picture of some slightly worrying cam lobe wear:
(https://i.imgur.com/sAZcWdE.jpg)

So having done a bit of research, this is known as 'cam wipe' in the Elise community, and it signals the death of the camshaft. So I need to sourced a replacement intake camshaft, from MAG engines in Dubai. (more on them later...).

So, that's where we are right now. The car is currently in need of an ECU. The one I'd found and had cunningly coded to my MR2 key was slightly wrong, and wasn't running right. I now have the Correct ECU but the breakers 'lost' the transponder so it's been a week trying to sort that. I'm now having that ECU re-coded also. Stupid electronics, getting in the way of a good project! I now own An MR2 ECU, a Corolla ECU, and 2 Celica ECUs.

Project summary:

• Phase 1: Get it mechanically sorted and Reliable. Sort out a free flowing exhaust system.
  
• Phase 2: Get it handling right. I'm planning a suspension refurbishment in 2016.
  
• Phase 3: Some subtle cosmetic tweaks.

Build Specification:

• 2002 MR2 Roadster, UK.
• 2zz-ge 1.8 Petrol Engine making ~190 bhp at 7500 Rpm. 8,200 Rpm redline.
• 6 Speed Corolla transmission with MR2 LSD
• TRD Short Shifter
• Fidanza Lightened Flywheel, Exedy Clutch
• Baffeled sump

Budget

Currently Standing at £1,100 in car purchases, £1000 in parts Purchases, and £1000 in fees for the swap. Plus some money I've forgotten about or man mathed away (car transport fees, odds and sods, etc) Edit circa Sept 2017- Hahaha. Bwhahaha. Hahaha. I can't believe I ever had this pegged as a cheap project. We're WELL into 'tidy Boxster territory now!

Great build look forward to seeing this one as doing a similar build

Thanks!

I've ordered a new Steering Unversal Joint, (Was a bit stiff/rusty apparently) and my ECU has been recoded by Patrick and is winging it's way back to the car.

I've also ordered the Intake cam and rockers because I really don't like the idea of that cam lunching the rest of the engine, so now i just need to either summon the courage to do the job myself, or else find a decent mechanic who's happy with the 2ZZ to get it done.

Quote from: "joecool"find a decent mechanic who's happy with the 2ZZ to get it done.

<ahem>  m http://www.bonsai-wsm.com (http://www.bonsai-wsm.com) m

I'm not going to disturb his weekend. I'll speak to him Monday!

Nice one! A fellow 2zz in the making, although yours is nearly there  s:D :D s:D

Keep us updated   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:

Today was the big day!

I was up early to head over to Bonsai in Weston Super Mare. Little did I know I'd be picked up by a certain Mr Knight in a very slick Black car. Instantly got to chatting all things 2ZZ and I have to  say his car is lovely, and so is his majestic beard.

I ended up spending a couple of hours at Bonsai - Chatting to Andy who very thoroughly showed me around the car and the work he'd done. There were 3 black 2ZZ 2002 MR2's in the garage, so plenty to compare and contrast with. We talked about what was good (and bad!) about the car. I took it out for a spin, fuelled it up for the drive home, had a quick spin in Alex's Car too. All in all, it was actually a really fun experience, and left me confident of the work put into my car. I paid up and handed over a Bottle of Vodka as a thank-you for putting up with me as a customer! In turn, he handed me my keys and a bag full of Toyota ECU's.....

I only have one photo of the car as it stands today because by the time I'd done my 140 miles home, plus my little B-road blast, it was too dark and I'd forgotten my SD card for my DSLR (muppet!).


(http://i.imgur.com/8kFEl32.jpg)

This photo hides it's worst bits!

So, we're on to the lovely getting to know you phase of a new car!

The good:

• The engine is a peach, revs well, sounds good, pulls well.
• Very happy with the flywheel, perfectly judged IMO.
• It drives much, much better than I expected it to given it is a 100k mile car which had fallen from grace.
• Brakes have great pedal feel
• Literally everything works like stock. It's a turn key car with no surprises... until the throttle is pinned.
• I made it home!

The Not Sures:

• It is bloody loud - just vibrationy/boomy on the motorway. But then I wasn't going slow and I think it's a function of the Poly Engine Bushes
• The gear shift isn't quite there. Given I've got a TRD six speed shifter cage, Solid bushes, ultimate cable bushes, plus a 'proper' shifter conversion with reverse block out, it's very notchy although it did improve markedly when the gearbox was fully warmed. Reverse selection isn't great either.... More research/tweaking needed here!
• Slight slack at the top of the throttle pedal travel, makes heel n toe a bit hit and miss.
• The engine is definitely not as rabid at the top end as it was in the Corolla. It feels strangled as it goes into lift. Still powerful, but smoother and not as free to rev. That's the Exhaust.

The Bad:

• Front wheel rubs on arch liner under braking. I think it's just because my arch liner is hanging out.
• The steering weight/feel is really odd/uneven. Andy/Alex reckon it's the worn steering UJ that needs replacing, And I really hope it is that because to me it feels like the Power Steering is a bit sqew-whiff. I need to get to the bottom of this ASAP because Alexs car felt completely different, and much lighter in the hands as a result.
• The bodywork and roof are screwed, although Andy did get it cleaned for me and it looks better than it ever has (since the pallets fell on it anyway...)
• It sounds like a cement mixer on start up because of the poly engine bushes!!

So, I've got quite a few miles to cover in the coming weeks, to get to know the car, which will be great. Few little things to sort and then I can get on with refining it. Having had a look/drive at Alexes car, I'm smitten and know that mine can come close with a few tweaks/adjustment, so I'm really happy with my choices so far. Except, perhaps, the engine bushes!

Here is the worn intake cam/follower Andy replaced for me. It was just one lobe showing wear, as you can see it's pretty severe and I'm very glad I had it swapped now. This is very common on 2ZZ's in Elises apparently.

(http://i.imgur.com/k2K0PZZ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ZVUnpvu.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/QytqXFO.jpg)

More pics to follow when I have more time and light and SD cards!!

Did another 220 Miles in the Car today. Across to Worcestershire for a Martial Arts Grading, then back via a mate of mine who used to Test Drive Aston Martins. He also had a good deal of input into the spec of the car.

This is what he thought of it:

[youtube:26s1k303]_YlP80Ti7uo[/youtube:26s1k303]

I grabbed some more Pics too:

(https://i.imgur.com/JkziPSM.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/xEfaM0O.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/iLWlEzh.jpg)

The EML light popped on in the morning - I'm pretty certain it's the Cat O2 Sensor as that was what was triggering it when it was with Andy at Bonsai. I'll Read the code when I find my OBDII Dongle and reset it!

I also stopped off and picked up a couple of bits of much needed trim, which was great, but I'm increasingly dissatisfied with the state of the bodywork. I've either got to learn to really not care and use and abuse this thing like a race car, or else I need to formulate some plan to tidy it up. A cheap plan, because my car budget is gone until 2016!

Why have you got 2 o2 sensors on the manifold it should only have one before the cat and one after the cat otherwise the post cat readings are out.

Search me Guv!

If you've got any tips, more than happy to hear them. Would you blank off the 2 Manifold O2 Sensors, have one pre cat and one post cat then? I'd have to ask Andy how they're wired, but I guess the Celica ECU expects 3 O2 Sensors?

in all likelihood, this exhaust is a stop gap anyway. I'd be intrigued to know any other ways to wire up the O2 sensors for good running so that can be designed into the proper Exhaust.

The car is running fine anyway - Emissions certificates are all good, from a proper MOT test centre.

Celica ecu only looks for 2, as above pre & post cat, jdm ecu only looks for the precat.

Cool, I'll ask Andy what's what then and go over the wiring. Could be the cause of the EML. Won't have time to look at the car until Thursday now though!

Joe,

Lovely to meet you and have a good old chinwag. Thanks for the kind words about the car, and the beard! lol

Two primary O2s are plumbed, but only one is live. The other is not used on the 2ZZ ECU.

Search me why MWR designed a 2ZZ swap manifold with provision for two sensors, fully well knowing that only one primary is required?   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:

block both the sensors .  then put a lambda boss just before cat refit lambda in there .

OK, cool, something to work on/get sorted then.

By the way... I got my investigators hat on to work out why we had all that bother with the ECU's.....

Can anyone guess?

(http://i.imgur.com/mS8N5rR.jpg)
My Corolla 2ZZ ECU is at the bottom, my 1ZZ MR2 ECU is top right. The one I bought is top Left.

Yeah.... The '2ZZ' ECU I ebayed thinking I was getting a bargain turned out to be a 1ZZ ECU in a 2ZZ Casing. The Board numbers don't match the casing like they do (mostly) on the two genuine ones, and the pin outs are identical to my 1ZZ ECU with the 'Lift' pins just going to earth or whatever on the board. Thanks, Ebay seller. I can only apologise to Patrick for the wasted time!

I suppose the lesson there is to really double-triple check the integrity of what you're buying second hand.

I've just been driving it!!!

Gearshift has improved massively through use, it's fine.

Oddly, steerring is also fine now, but I still need to get that UJ replaced.

The battery died last month so I replaced it with a new Bosch one.

I've swapped the seats for some nice cloth facelift ones which I much prefer for warmth and grippiness.

Plenty still to do t get it up to scratch, but for now it's been doing me proud on fun drives out and the odd run to work and back.

Took advantage of some sun to clean it properly for the first time ever, fitted my side vents, removed the collapsed inner Arch Liner, then realised how absolutely FUBAR the Steering UJ is, so bought another one from TCB. I won't be driving the car until it's fitted!

[youtube:52yy9am7]oMRLynFf_Nw[/youtube:52yy9am7]

Replaced the Lower UJ today with the TCB Parts replacement. Actually way easier than I expected it to be. Some tips for anyone attempting it:

Only a 12mm Socket/spanner and a hammer is required, plus a 10mm spanner or screwdriver to release the rubber gaitor in the bulkhead.

A top tip is to use the steering column lock to lock the steering wheel so that the upper UJ has the flat on the steering shaft and open end of the clasp pointing DOWN. This leaves everything accessible and stops it going out of alignment when you pull the shaft out.

When hammering after undoing both pinch bolts and levering the clasps open a bit, hit the upper yoke on the steering shaft UJ upwards (with th steering locked as above, it presents itself perfectly), pushing the long splined section further in to the upper steering UJ. I actually got there just fine with a tiny hammer and many repeated little taps. There wasn't enough room to swing the lump hammer with confidence, but taps worked it up and out in no time. This is also the way to install the new one, tapping it gently into the upper UJ, then sliding it down onto the Steering rack input splines. The Flat surface on the Long splined shaft lines up with the clasp slot on the upper UJ, for proper fitment.

Another interesting point to note: The UJ Yokes have to line up. If they're not in line, the joint ceases to be a 'constant velocity' joint and you will get oddly varied steering ratio throughout the wheels turn. A mate who's a real proper engineer told me that. So long as you refit the New joint in the orientation the old one was in, it will be fine.

So, having done that, I drove it to work and back. SO much better. Like a new car! All the nervousness on the motorway has gone, steering reaciton are instant, and suddenly it felt like my old MK1 again in terms of steering feel and response, if not weight.

Super, super happy with the car right now. It finally feels worth the money I've put into it. Should have done the UJ as a priority job - I thought it was just sloppy suspension to be addressed in that overhaul, but in fact it feels pretty ace right now.

These arrived this morning:

(http://i.imgur.com/bsKC6WV.jpg)

They are booked in to be fitted onto my OZ Ultraleggeras on Thursday!

I lent the car for a couple of weeks to a mate - who happens to be a Ford Employee/ex aston martin pre-production test driver. He absolutely loved it, in his words 'phenomenal' and a very nice package even on it's tired suspension. Sadly, I can't afford to get that all done before my Nurburgring trip in may but I felt it at least needed proper tyres. He also noticed a slight coolant leak from one of the front rad hoses, so I've bought silicone replacements for all of those and need to get them fitted too.

Quote from: "JoeCool"These arrived this morning:

(http://i.imgur.com/bsKC6WV.jpg)

They are booked in to be fitted onto my OZ Ultraleggeras on Thursday!

I lent the car for a couple of weeks to a mate - who happens to be a Ford Employee/ex aston martin pre-production test driver. He absolutely loved it, in his words 'phenomenal' and a very nice package even on it's tired suspension. Sadly, I can't afford to get that all done before my Nurburgring trip in may but I felt it at least needed proper tyres. He also noticed a slight coolant leak from one of the front rad hoses, so I've bought silicone replacements for all of those and need to get them fitted too.

Nice work there lad! You might not want to push it much with the tired suspension. I'm currently in the process of doing mine up, replaced most of what's rusty with new shiny stuff, handles like a dream! Waiting for the 2zz to go in and have some more fun!   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  

How are you doing brakes-wise?

Excellent choice of tyres and sizes.
Did you ever get that stiffness with selecting reverse sorted?
It seems Patrick (headcase) implements a simple fix for this involving some 2mm washers.
Check near bottom of this first post:  l viewtopic.php?f=89&t=56933 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=89&t=56933) l

Interested to see how these look fitted, as I'm hoping to run something similar. Can I ask, why did you choose 205 50 over 205 45 for the fronts?

very nice i would like a set me self, just something i noticed maybe its the camera angle or something but to me that top 205 looks bigger than the 1 below it. it looks almost the same size as he 225

cheers tommy

Quote from: "J03"Interested to see how these look fitted, as I'm hoping to run something similar. Can I ask, why did you choose 205 50 over 205 45 for the fronts?

Rolling radius. It's spot on equal (well as close as you'll get for staggered tyres) in that fitment. I know it can upset ABS if you have too much differential front to rear. I debated long and hard about sizes, took expert advice from my tame test driver, and pmd various people on here to get a handle on what to go for. I'll have to hope I got it right!

Quote from: "tommyzoom99"very nice i would like a set me self, just something i noticed maybe its the camera angle or something but to me that top 205 looks bigger than the 1 below it. it looks almost the same size as he 225

Just the angle. It's actually photo'd from above and cropped oddly, so it looks weird.

Re brakes: Just New pads and braided lines (Hel) all round, new fluid, and new rear calipers and cables... So actually it's just front calipers that remain.   s:P :P s:P   and I have rebuild kits for those.

Reverse? Gearbox has improved massively for 2,000 miles use. Still a bit hard for reverse, not hard to find just a lot of resistance, and the 4th to 2nd block change catches me out sometimes and it's like there are no gears on the 1St 2nd plane. Only happened twice...

Carlimits on 8th April and Nurburgring early may, so we'll know where I stand after those. I really wish I could spring for coilovers before the 'ring, but I just can't afford them right now. I'll have to go back when I've got them fitted.

Looks really good, we're bring cars back from a similar situation, as mine has only 55k miles on it but was stood for 2 years... I am going to order a lower UJ from TCB tomorrow, hoping it fixes my handling woes as nicely as it did yours!

Quote from: "jonty"Looks really good, we're bring cars back from a similar situation, as mine has only 55k miles on it but was stood for 2 years... I am going to order a lower UJ from TCB tomorrow, hoping it fixes my handling woes as nicely as it did yours!

I'm sure it will do, it's night and day. Be sure to follow the tips above for fitment.. in fact hang on...

When you get down to the UJ, turn your wheel so it's pointing upwards like in this image:

(https://i.imgur.com/Y98dZF0.jpg)

Fully remove the bolt, then use a large flat bladed screWdriver to pry the notch open. This breaks the rust seal. Then ensure the inner UJ, inside the car, and bulkhead boot is un done, then tap the UJ upwards from below hitting the strike point shown, on the upper bit of the shaft. This pulls the lower bit of the UJ off the steering rack shaft. I tried hitting that bit upwards, but even with  a chisel, you can't get a good angle on the swing and I was worried about damaging the steering rack. With a relatively small hammer and light taps, it just works it's way off hitting the point shown above. Or did in my case anyway.

If you've used the steering lock to hold the steering wheel, and line the flat on the new UJ up with the open notch as shown, your steering wheel will be perfect when you re-fit it all as nothing will move.

Just realised I have another drive vid:
[youtube:36qpbys7]JgJgSxCFv1A[/youtube:36qpbys7]

(the scraping at 1:50 is the arch liner NOT the gearbox!!!)

Awesome, thanks for the guide Joe! Will call TCB as soon as I get a break from the 4 month old...

Quote from: "JoeCool"Rolling radius. It's spot on equal (well as close as you'll get for staggered tyres) in that fitment. I know it can upset ABS if you have too much differential front to rear. I debated long and hard about sizes, took expert advice from my tame test driver, and pmd various people on here to get a handle on what to go for. I'll have to hope I got it right!

Ahh good point, I didn't take that into consideration!   s:? :? s:?  

I was hoping to run 205 45 16 & 225 45 NS2R's on 16x7J / 16x8J. That's just over 3% difference, best go do some research   s:D :D s:D

There is 4.6% difference on FL sizes already; Jo3, your proposed sizes have less difference (3.0%) so will be fine

So, off to Blackboots/Wheels in motion for what I like to call 'Operation Farrier'. That is, A wheel swap onto my OZ Ultraleggeras, Stuffing 4 AD08R's in the car (who needs 1st and 2nd gear anyway...) and getting them all swapped out so that as far as my wife is concerned, there's still a stack of wheels in the shed and no-one is any the wiser.   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

I also went for a Geo Check and a slight tweak to the front and rear toe as that was all that was out since it's on stock suspension.

On arrival:

(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb169/WeirdNeville/MR2/2ZZ%20MR2%20Project/DSC_1015_zpsqnr60pwq.jpg)

(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb169/WeirdNeville/MR2/2ZZ%20MR2%20Project/DSC_1016_zpswikb8nsd.jpg)
Feeling distinctly under-dressed for the party.

However, I got chatting to the owners of both the Ferraris and they were exceptionally nice blokes. We ended up talking more about the MR2!

The end Result:

(http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/bb169/WeirdNeville/MR2/2ZZ%20MR2%20Project/DSC_1019_zpsfotdyu3m.jpg)

Currently very happy with the fitment. They sit nice and flush to the Wheel arches, and don't appear to rub at all (though I am missing my front arch liners at the moment). Obviously, it needs to drop a bit but until I can affford coilovers, that's not happening. It's too rainy and the tyres are too new to give any assessment of handling other than 'it feels much better'.

This is:
OZ Ultraleggera 16" 7J ET38 rims all round
Front Tyres: Yokohama ADO08R's 205/50 R16 84V
Rear Tyres: Yokohama AD08R's 225/45 R16 86V

Very nice, did you take any pics from a more acute angle?

Little P'shop teaser to motivate your coilover fund  s;) ;) s;)

(http://i487.photobucket.com/albums/rr231/jferriby/MR2/Untitled-1_zps7hlenrqe.jpg) (http://s487.photobucket.com/user/jferriby/media/MR2/Untitled-1_zps7hlenrqe.jpg.html)

UJ was delivered yesterday so time permitting I will fit out later today, fingers crossed that it is fairly easy and not corroded together into one lump!

Time for an update!

Took the car to carlimits on Friday 8th April and had an absolutely fantastic day:

(https://i.imgur.com/QFLt6L6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CpccSj1.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4vr3WEe.jpg)

So, with that done, it was time to move on to Nurburgring Prep!

I've got a jobs list as long as my arm, but today in 8 hours I managed to:

1) Replace all the front end coolant pipes with Silicone ones and Mikalor clamps (40-43mm does the trick)
2) Roll my arches out a spot, and, to my shame but sadly necessary, angle ground the 'tabs' off the inside of the arches to allow more clearance. An ugly solution but needs must. Not taht impressed with the arch roller, managed to crack my paint. I'm sure it was user error, but it's clearly an art/skill!
3) Repolished and laquered my headlights as I really don't fancy a road trip with sub-par headlights. They came out ok but still not 'perfect'.
4) Fitted EBC greenstuff front pads.

So a good day really!

Good read this, lovely car even with all the annoyances and drawbacks.

I would love to shove a 2ZZ in one at a later stage.
Hope 'Ring prep goes well, I cannot wait to get back out there!

Cracking job done there, and really like the wheels.  s:) :) s:)

Top stuff, I echo the points about the wheels, what are they?

Quote from: "Swan_Connery"Top stuff, I echo the points about the wheels, what are they?

Cheers chaps.

Wheels are OZ Ultraleggeras,  16x7 ET38. £250 the lot off of eBay and they're genuine!

Quote from: "suj"Good read this, lovely car even with all the annoyances and drawbacks.

Honestly, this car has never felt much like that. I knew it would elbe a project and I'd have to get my hands dirty, that was kind of the point. It's nice to have a car that you don't have to sweat over every little detail of. Mainly, I just enjoy it.

£250 seems like a bargain, where they advertised as MR2 wheels or just Toyota fitment wheels. I keep looking and don't find much.

Neither, just advertised by fitment. They came off some guys punto? Turbo show car but it only rolled 500 miles on them before its engine blew up. My mate with a keen eye spotted them with no bidders, realised they are Toyota fitment, and knew I was in the market for a project MR2. So he bought them for me.

A good buy with those Ultraleggeras, I think they're lighter than standard which makes them a good choice

They are awesome wheels no doubt.
Probably a step up from team dynamics pro race 1.2 and a step down from eneki rpf1.
For me anyways.

Quote from: "1979scotte"They are awesome wheels no doubt.
Probably a step up from team dynamics pro race 1.2 and a step down from eneki rpf1.
For me anyways.

I think I prefer the look of RPF1's, but hey, I can't argue with the price.

Quote from: "JoeCool"

Quote from: "1979scotte"They are awesome wheels no doubt.
Probably a step up from team dynamics pro race 1.2 and a step down from eneki rpf1.
For me anyways.

I think I prefer the look of RPF1's, but hey, I can't argue with the price.

Bargainous for sure.
Brand new the eneki are hugely expensive suppose the OZ are too.

Nice cars indeed

Hi, it's great to see your car shaping up and the involvement and enjoyment your getting from it. My car's a far bit behind yours and this week hopefully a friend will be putting the LSD in the gearbox and changing the rear subframe for a rust free one. While the gearbox is off I'd to change the clutch and put in a lightened  Flywheel. What model excedy clutch did you put in and where did you purchase the clutch and flywheel. When my car is up and running i'd love to meet up with you and your car again, maybe at a track daY or the dyno day that has been suggested? kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Another busy day of Nurburgring Prep today:

Got the wheels re-balanced at wheels in motion as there was a slight vibration at 70ish Mph. 30g's out so hopefully that's now sorted. Felt buttery on my drive home anyway.

Adjusted tyre pressures to 28 Front, 31 rear.

Changed Oil for the first time to Castrol 5W30 Fully synthetic Magnatec, with a Bosch oil filter. Nice to See Andy at Bonsai had written the date he'd fitted my old filter to the car on the filter itself! Can't argue for £25 the lot from ECP.

Coolant has been rock solid ever since swapping out the coolant hoses. Famous last words....

And finally completed my soft-top removal! I weighed everything that came off and it's 20Kg dead on pretty much, having lost the mechanism down to the pivot points, the wind deflector and the parcel shelf. I couldn't believe that it was necessary to actually cut the roof mechanism bars off, but sadly it is.

(http://i.imgur.com/CByJ5Uj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/6Xed3pv.jpg)

Very happy with the results. Got rid of a worthless soft top, saved some weight, made some space.

Quote from: "mr cool"While the gearbox is off I'd to change the clutch and put in a lightened  Flywheel. What model excedy clutch did you put in and where did you purchase the clutch and flywheel.

Hey mate, glad to hear yours is taking shape.

My clutch, I got this one:  m http://r.ebay.com/q0DE1E (http://r.ebay.com/q0DE1E) m   From ebay. It's the Celica T-Sport Clutch. I eyeballed specs and they're the same diameter but I've herad there may be some subtle difference in the release bearing.

If you're using a Corolla T-Sport engine, Those exedy clutches are £110-£140 on Ebay.   m http://r.ebay.com/iixSzg (http://r.ebay.com/iixSzg) m   That's the 'safe' bet as the exedy part number is different, but Iculd find no difference in Specification.

The Flywheel I got from Fensport - And  honestly don't remember paying £360 for it!! I think it was on discount and about £250 when I bought it. (http://www.fensport.co.uk/Parts/Model_7/Category_3/758)

Thanks for the info, I've looked about and at 250 you got a bargain, my mate suggests getting it lightened by a local man he knows, I may go that route as 360 seems a little heavy right now. looks like I'll be watching your every post and copying your every move. I'm lead to believe imitation is a high form of flattery!

Good work on the roof, I always wondered how much the whole thing weighed, a fair amount.

Have fun at the 'Ring, I miss the place like mad, go down the Comfy Corner in Adenau for some food, best place around there in my opinion.

May 2016 - The Run to the 'Ring!

I had a jobs list as long as my arm to prepare for this trip. Obviously you don't want to take on the Green Hell without adequate preparation. So my prep (on top of the stuff in the posts above) included:

• Had the front wheels rebalanced at wheels in motion to cure a slight high speed vibration. They did so free of charge as they'd only fitted the tyres last month. Apparently one wheel was 30g out.
• Soft top removed and a Hard top fitted (I needed the Packing space).
• Changed oil for Castrol Magnatec Fully Synthetic 5W30 and a Bosch filter.
• Wired the car for my Cheapo-rip off Go-Pro alike.
• Bought said camera - the hilariously titled 'Git-Up Git2'
• Reconfigured my Music on the SD card I use.
• Packed tools etc.
• Washed it.

Come the day of departure it was a 4am get up, Dover - Calais Ferry, a drive across 3 countries and then 3 laps in the evening on Day 1.

Day two was more relaxed. We went to watch the circuit, drove some local roads, had a good buffet lunch and then prepped the cars for the Evening.

I ended up doing 8 laps total. I had an absolute blast and the car performed flawlessly. Everyone there loved it and apparently I was going harder through the bends than anyone else in our party - well I had to, I wasn't keeping up with M3's in the straights! Not that there really are any straights at the 'Ring.

The car covered the 1,000 miles and 8 laps with absolutely no problem or complaint. I'm honestly in awe of the little thing. Didn't use a drop of oil or coolant, got 30+mpg everywhere, LOVED the 'ring...

Here are some pictures and videos. I have a load of footage still to go through and I intend on making a little Memento video of the trip.

(https://i.imgur.com/21EAhYq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/WxXwTlV.jpg)

Please watch in HD where possible!

(http://e3rcassot08)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3RCAssoT08

Respect.
And the only person to park correctly in pic 7 above.

Great stuff buddy, glad you enjoyed it, and car performed and behaved impeccably.

Toughest test of any car anywhere, speaks volumes for Bonsai Car Services.

My fastest run at 9:55 Bridge to Gantry.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlM3IuWHxpk

Are the tyres catching the arches?

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Are the tyres catching the arches?

Yes! That's the horrible graunching in the videos. I rolled the arches out a little and cut the tabs off the lip but obviously didn't go far enough. I can't get them to rub on the road, but loaded up at the 'Ring and with a passenger on board it was quite pronounced! no real damage to the tyres though. Something to address before my next track day/run to the 'ring. Coilovers and more aggressive geo would probably help too, along with 45 section fronts instead of 50's and perhaps even reducing the ET of the front wheels a few mm.

looks great sounds like you had a great trip, i hope one day to get there, maybe next year  s:) :) s:)

cheers tommy

A video I've put together of my car doing exactly what it was built to do:
(https://youtu.be/0uxGDw9Ud3c)
(https://youtu.be/0uxGDw9Ud3c)Run 2ZZ 'Ring. (https://youtu.be/0uxGDw9Ud3c)

Dave on this video is absolutely epic. He sounds like the most enthusiastic person on earth!
 m https://youtu.be/OlM3IuWHxpk (https://youtu.be/OlM3IuWHxpk) m
Absolutely hilarious. And great clip too

It was like having a puppy/6 year old in the car with you! Bless him he's from the Northern provinces of Canada and it was his first time in Europe. He didn't know what had hit him. Clearly it spurred me on though as that was my fastest lap, a 9:55 Bridge to Gantry.  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "JoeCool"It was like having a puppy/6 year old in the car with you! Bless him he's from the Northern provinces of Canada and it was his first time in Europe. He didn't know what had hit him. Clearly it spurred me on though as that was my fastest lap, a 9:55 Bridge to Gantry.  s:) :) s:)

Not a bad time. There were definitely some points where you held back there. Could have made it 9:45 easily haha.
Makes you think Jezza didn't do too bad doing it in the Jag in 9:59  s:) :) s:)

No, absolutely. I reckon that car in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing could go sub 9 minutes. But it's just a huge leap of faith and I wasn't about to risk my car or life getting overconfident or  scock cock scock y. I had an absolute blast and came home safe... And who knows, perhaps just time I'll be able to go a bit faster.

Absolutely! You made the right choice to take it as far as you were comfortable to do so.
Next time, Gadget...next time.

Quote from: "JoeCool"I had an absolute blast and came home safe

All that matters

Too many people get caught in "going faster" and forget the real reason of doing it, to have fun.
I nearly got caught up in that mix with my 200sx, every time I went 'Ring I would come back and want a list of stuff to get more seconds off my time, so I sold it and got a slower E36 328i and it was so much more fun (even though slower).

Bet you had a hoot in this there, I cannot wait to get one and take it out there, it's been a while since i've been there  s:D :D s:D

Crikey... no updates since May?

Passed MOT today with NO advisorys!!! And all it took was replacing everything between the handbrake and the rear hubs....

I've just been driving it really. Must get out more.

We are now definitely out of the realms of 'Cheap'!

This years trip to the 'ring booked.

The to do list:

1) Fit Facelift headlights and tail lights.
2) Re-panel car including front and rear bumpers.
3) Replace windscreen, it's developed a crack over winter. I hope my insurance covers that.
4) Fit Coilovers (MEister R's)
5) Fit whiteline ARB
6) Locate and Fit rear subframe and refurbished arms.
7) Locate and fit rear subframe
7a) Powdercoat and fit TRD Strut braces
8 ) Address the torn rear engine mount.
8a) Alignment
9) Code 2nd key!
10) OIl and filter service.
11) Shakedown trackday?

Possibles:

11) Find screws to located centre console
12) Fit greenstuff rear pads.
14) See if my mate who works at a bodyshop can respray my roof.

i see you have done much work to bring your back up to scratch well done, i think your wheels do look very nice indeed! keep up the hard work Joe. Jacob

Well done Joe, really good work!

I like your wheels, but I've decided to go for something similar, but smaller and lighter  s:) :) s:)

It'll be good to see you on a meet/trackday at some point and chat about our builds, or maybe put our little screamers to the test  s:D :D s:D

Cross job 3 off the list: Windscreen replacement.

(http://i.imgur.com/1gqL1PA.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/i0vTvzT.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/RhHkt3i.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/usm1eAR.jpg)

And add Job Number 3: The passenger windscreen wiper pivot bushing is toast, so I need to replace that whole linkage.

Right, cross #14 off the list: roof sorted.

This, ladies and gents, is why you don't fit arrowspeed front tyres and nankang rears:

(http://i.imgur.com/3JEyRbm.jpg)

Don't worry, not mine. Took a lovely trip to the breakers this morning to procure a new roof, thus dealing with the scratches all over mine as well as increasing the number of rooves in circulation.

I really hope whoever was in the car was OK, looks to have been driven at speed into a very solid pole, dead centre. Pole only stopped when it hit the front bulkhead. The roof, however, is fine, fortunately.

So, back on the rack it goes:

(http://i.imgur.com/cMvJC0C.jpg)

Yesterday my front lower arms finally arrived from the US after a right old faff with the couriers, and I also got a new wiper linkage assembly. Lastly, after getting my roof, I stopped off at the Toyota parts counter and picked up a very heavy, very expensive bag of bolts.

So now I'm just waiting to get my sub frame and strut braces powder coated, and for the arrival of my rear suspension arms from GT4-Play and I can begin the suspension overhaul.

Jeez, nearly shat myself there mate...shame to see a Roadster trashed like that though  s:( :( s:(

I've been steadily taking delivery of parts and my last big package arrived today: All my rear suspension arms from GT4play. I also dropped off my subframe and tower braces to the engineering shop for powdercoating. Once they're done (next week I hope) I'll be waiting for a few days off work and some good weather to dismantle and rebuild the car!

Can a Subframe be sexy?

(http://i.imgur.com/sN7hkYb.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/VyqJQy2.jpg)

I think this subframe looks sexy.

(http://i.imgur.com/SOehXSV.jpg)

Under half MR T's price, verifiably rust free (thanks Cabby dave!) and ready for a hard weekends spannering....

Also thanks to Sprayblast Engineering In High Wycombe, who can do stuff like this to whole bodyshells if you so desire. Really helpful and talented guys and gals.

Making good progress there, got to love freshly powder coated bits!

Cant you just use any old self tapper for the centre console?

PS That is one well organised breakers yard.

Once again, the front appears to have fallen off of my car...(http://i.imgur.com/TzCGzs5.jpg)

Didn't make quite as much progress as I'd hoped today. Sheared 2 of the ARB bracket bolts, damnation. Then I spent 2 hours backing out 3 of the lower arm bolts. Never have I wanted air tools more. TBH I just want a nice garage with a 2 post lift and some tool drawers, but anyway.

Tomorrow I get to build it back up, with shiny bits. Just got to work out what to do about the bolts left in the mount points. I had a go at drilling one of them and it wasn't entirely successful....

Quote from: "JoeCool"Tomorrow I get to build it back up, with shiny bits. Just got to work out what to do about the bolts left in the mount points. I had a go at drilling one of them and it wasn't entirely successful....

Do you mean the bolts left in the arb mount points? If so get a thin chisel on the rear of the bolt/nut (the nut is tac welded in place) and smack it hard with a hammer. It will remove the nut and the broken bolt, then you can use a new nut and bolt for the new arb, and there is enough space to get a spanner to hold the new nut whilst you tighten the bolt, so the new nut does not have to be tac welded in palce like the factory one.

I've had this happen on almost every mk3 and always had to do this.

Nice tip, I think I might have a narrow cold chisel which will do the trick. Thank you.  s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:

Quote from: "JoeCool"The to do list:

1) Fit Facelift headlights and tail lights.
2) Re-panel car including [strike:d8eh6tgm]front[/strike:d8eh6tgm] and rear bumpers.
[strike:d8eh6tgm]3) Replace windscreen[/strike:d8eh6tgm]
4) Fit Coilovers (MEister R's) - Done Fronts
[strike:d8eh6tgm]5) Fit whiteline ARB[/strike:d8eh6tgm]
6)[strike:d8eh6tgm]Locate[/strike:d8eh6tgm]and Fit rear refurbished arms.
7)[strike:d8eh6tgm]Locate[/strike:d8eh6tgm]and fit rear subframe
[strike:d8eh6tgm]7a) Powdercoat and fit TRD Strut braces[/strike:d8eh6tgm]
8 ) Address the torn rear engine mount.
8a) Alignment
9) Code 2nd key!
10) OIl and filter service.
11) Shakedown trackday?

Possibles:

11) Find screws to located centre console
12) Fit greenstuff rear pads.
[strike:d8eh6tgm]14) See if my mate who works at a bodyshop can respray my roof[/strike:d8eh6tgm] - Replaced instead

Hmm, I was hoping to be able to cross more of this list off. I suppose I'll just have to spanner harder.

Today:

Car started like this:
(http://i.imgur.com/jsUIl28.jpg)

I fitted this:
(http://i.imgur.com/cyhQGBF.jpg)

TO end up with this:

(http://i.imgur.com/dbWRlXt.jpg)

I also got the front light brackets fixed to fit my facelift headlights, and put the wings and bonnet back on but it was too dark for pictures by the time I'd done that.

With the best will in the world (and a six week old and a very forgiving wife!) I dont think I could have done more this weekend. Still got to fit the lights and bumper and then do the rear suspension.

Fair play getting that all done with a 6wk old, I've got a 16 month old and rarely get that much done!

Your job list and mine are surprisingly similar, or at least with the windscreen, engine mount, key and track day requirements!

Forgot to add I also replaced the wiper linkage! Quite a quick job and glad I did it, mine was totally goosed.

And this tip:

Quote from: "MilesH"Do you mean the bolts left in the arb mount points? If so get a thin chisel on the rear of the bolt/nut (the nut is tac welded in place) and smack it hard with a hammer. It will remove the nut and the broken bolt, then you can use a new nut and bolt for the new arb, and there is enough space to get a spanner to hold the new nut whilst you tighten the bolt, so the new nut does not have to be tac welded in palce like the factory one.

I've had this happen on almost every mk3 and always had to do this.

Worked a treat, and I even had bolts in stock so I could crack right on with the ARB fitment.

Quote from: "JoeCool"Forgot to add I also replaced the wiper linkage! Quite a quick job and glad I did it, mine was totally goosed.

And this tip:

Quote from: "MilesH"Do you mean the bolts left in the arb mount points? If so get a thin chisel on the rear of the bolt/nut (the nut is tac welded in place) and smack it hard with a hammer. It will remove the nut and the broken bolt, then you can use a new nut and bolt for the new arb, and there is enough space to get a spanner to hold the new nut whilst you tighten the bolt, so the new nut does not have to be tac welded in palce like the factory one.

I've had this happen on almost every mk3 and always had to do this.

Worked a treat, and I even had bolts in stock so I could crack right on with the ARB fitment.

Good to hear! Always nice when it all goes as planned!

Car currently looks like this:

(http://i.imgur.com/Oildu6P.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/gviCyXX.jpg)

Just the rear to do now. And all the other jobs. Sadly events in London mean I am working around the clock at real paid work, not driveway spannering. I really hope I get enough time to do the required work and alignment before my trip at the end of April.

Car looks great buddy, very impressed with all the hard work you've put into it.

Another days graft on the car today. Rear end time.

Dissassembru.
(https://i.imgur.com/DfaVU0A.jpg)

My main fear was shearing any and all bolts holding the cat section of the exhaust on. They came apart fine - then I remembered it's only 18 months since it was last put together. I guess that helps. However, I'm missing one of the exhaust manifold bolts.   s:roll: :roll: s:roll:   The list gets longer.

(https://i.imgur.com/8Y3bm5B.jpg)

I'm sure we've all been there.

Anyway, off with the old, in with the new:

(https://i.imgur.com/4a4EeA4.jpg)

Until: Disaster!

(https://i.imgur.com/EX88c40.jpg)

Of course, the ONE bolt I don't have a replacement for. Well done me. It's a tricky bolt, I can see why it snapped: 2 channels run along it to locate the toe adjustment cam. I've bodged a solution so I can get the car back together and replace it when I can get a new one.

The car as it stands now:
(https://i.imgur.com/EQlU73i.jpg)

Tomorrow (next week? depends on spousal co-operation) is Coilovers and rear strut brace, then on to rear wings if I get the time and motivation to start drilling out bolts!

Got the coilovers on and strut brace on today. Ordered the bolt I snapped.

I need another day to get the rear wings on, but the mechanicals are (Broadly) done. Once i have the toe arm bolt I can get it aligned. I'm running out of spare time for a trackday though, so the first time this gets driven in anger could be at the Nurburgring!

TRD bits and Meister R's!
(http://i.imgur.com/INqYzF8.jpg)

Haven't had time to do proper pictures. Haven't had time for anything really.

Feel your pain regarding knackered ARB/subframe bolts, can think of a few occasions where I'd have given my right arm for some air tools! All the hassle is worth it for the end result though...car's looking great keep up the good work.

Today was replacing rear wing day: only got one done, only got one photo half way through the process!

(https://i.imgur.com/sMoqUzI.jpg)

Relatively painless though, and the other is ready to come off. Tomorrow my missing bolt should come in stock, and with a bit of luck I'll be able to get it aligned too. Ok, A lot of luck. I'll be up at 8am spannering to get the rear end back on it though.

Just taking stock:

Quote[strike:2w4yfm2j]1) Fit Facelift headlights[/strike:2w4yfm2j]and tail lights.Nearly done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]2) Re-panel car including front and[/strike:2w4yfm2j]rear bumpers. - Nearly done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]3) Replace windscreen[/strike:2w4yfm2j] Done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]4) Fit Coilovers (MEister R's)[/strike:2w4yfm2j] Done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]5) Fit whiteline ARB[/strike:2w4yfm2j] Done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]6) Locate and Fit rear subframe and refurbished arms.[/strike:2w4yfm2j] Done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]7) Locate and fit rear subframe[/strike:2w4yfm2j] Done
[strike:2w4yfm2j]7a) Powdercoat and fit TRD Strut braces[/strike:2w4yfm2j] Done
 s8) 8) s8)  Alignment
9) Code 2nd key! I'I'm still to chicken to do this for fear of immobilising my car/erasing my only key  s:( :( s:(
10) OIl and filter service.
[strike:2w4yfm2j]11) Shakedown trackday?[/strike:2w4yfm2j]I've checked and I don't have time on any available dates  s:( :( s:(

Possibles:

11) Find screws to located centre console
12) Fit greenstuff rear pads.
[strike:2w4yfm2j]14) See if my mate who works at a bodyshop can respray my roof.[/strike:2w4yfm2j]No need, roof replaced with a better one

So the revised list looks like:

1) Finish fitting rear panels, lights and bumper.
2) Alignment
3) Possibly see if my exhaust is blowing/get it rectified (I think it might be at the manifold/downpipe union after ham-fisted re-fitting)
4) Polish her up
5) Oil service

Possibles:
5) Fit greenstuff rear pads - really want to get this done but time is now an issue.

Long term list:
6)Recode key
7)affix centre console properly
8 ) Overhaul front calipers (kits in stock)

And, as an exercise, I was taking stock of waht I've done to this car since I purchased it as a £350 spares or repairs project:

Engine and drivetrain
[li]Got the 2ZZ fitted at Bonsai[/li]
[li]Fitted 6 Speed corolla gearbox with LSD swapped in - also Bonsai[/li]
[li]TRD short shifter[/li]
[li]Ultimate shifter bushings[/li]
[li]MWR exhaust and intake pipe[/li]
[li]Fidanza light weight flywheel[/li]
[li]Exedy clutch[/li]
[li]New radiator and coolant hoses

Brakes[/li]
[li]New rear calipers[/li]
[li]New pagid brake cables[/li]
[li]Hel brake lines[/li]
[li]EBC Brake pads[/li]
[li]New discs[/li]
[li]Brake fluid flush

Chassis[/li]
[li]Meister R coilovers[/li]
[li]New everything[/li]
[li]New (refurbished) rear sub frame[/li]
[li]New front lower arms[/li]
[li]Whiteline front ARB[/li]
[li]New GT-4Play polybushed rear control arms inc hard race toe arms[/li]
[li]New lower steering UJ[/li]
[li]Rear camber bolts[/li]
[li]TRD Strut braces front and rear[/li]
[li]Cusco front under brace

Exterior[/li]
[li]New Hard top roof[/li]
[li]Panels all round inc Front and rear bumper from a 2006 car.[/li]
[li]Facelift front and rear headlights

Interior:[/li]
[li] Fitted Pioneer double Din sat Nav and head unit.[/li]
[li] Fitted cloth facelift seats[/li]
[li] TRD Shifter/Shifter knob[/li]
[li] Go pro mounts fitted[/li]
[li] Soft top deleted[/li]
[li] Pedals re-positioned for heel and toe.

Wheels and Tyres[/li]
[li] OZ Ultraleggera 16" 7J rims with posh black wheel nuts[/li]
[li] Yokohama AD-08R Tyres, 225/45 R16 rear, 205/50 ^16 Fronts.[/li][/list]

Frankly, that list is  sfuck fuck sfuck ing MENTAL.

i love all the work you do on this 2 especially as you do most of it your self  s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:    s:bowdown: :bowdown: s:bowdown:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  
keep up the good work and yes your subframe is sexy   s:oops: :oops: s:oops:

Quote from: "JoeCool"9) Code 2nd key! I'I'm still to chicken to do this for fear of immobilising my car/erasing my only key  s:( :( s:(

Since you're somewhere on the M40, we can meet and I can help re-code that key of yours, I've done it twice on mine already  s:) :) s:)

Dude - what's your deadline like for this? I can maybe put down one evening and do your rear pads for you if you want?

Right, what an epic day that has been today:

Start point was one wing replaced, the other to do. I also needed to refit rear lights and bumper, and get the bolt from Toyota to replace my sheared one. Toyota called at 8:30 to say they had the bolt, wife agreed to run and get it - so I could work on the car. Finally, Wheels in Motion (Black boots) actually had an alignement slot free at midday! WooooT! The race was on!

Stage one: Other wing replaced - slight issue with the fuel filler release, but sorted it in the end (It twists out from behind  the wheel arch liner, or you can pull it through with the filler neck surround, then deal with it in the light of day which is easier).

(http://i.imgur.com/UoSsDQ8.jpg)

At this point, I had 35 minutes to refit the rear bumper and lights, replace the bolt freshly delivered by my wife, (none too pleased at the thirty quid bill for a bolt and a front light bracket!), put the wheels on, drop the car and get on the road to Wheels in Motion!   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  

So I got my facelift parts on it.
(http://i.imgur.com/xDPxEby.jpg)

Got it dropped, torqued the wheel bolts, grabbed my wallet and turned the key.... Chug chug chug. Chug chug chug. Oh god, had 4 weeks sat on stands (and testing the lights) killed it?! It always fires on the third turn over. Brraaaammmmmm!!! No of course not!!! PHEW!

So off we went the back roads way to Wheels in motion. And the car felt BLOODY AWFUL. I do NOT recommend driving an MR2 with 4 degrees of negative camber on one back wheel, and near enough a degree of toe out on both axles. Turn the wheel, and the car just keeps rotating!!! Nearly had a tank slapper during an ill advised overtake. Spent the half hour drive worrying that I'd done something severely wrong, whilst second guessing every bump and waver.

This is what 4 degrees neg camber looks like: As if you've crashed the car basically.

(http://i.imgur.com/zBmAb1Y.jpg)

Absolutely terrible shot of the car on the ramp at everyones favourite wheel alignment shop.

(http://i.imgur.com/NrumcoQ.jpg)

And after an hour and a half of adjusting absolutely everything, here are the results:

(http://i.imgur.com/U8LRJ5y.jpg)

She's pointing straight again, scotty!!!

Had a lovely chat with various punters at wheels in motion, as usual, and there was a nice Porsche Turbo on the ramps, but nothing as exotic as last time.

The drive home was much less eventful: Woeful handling appeared cured, but I was stuck in traffic the whole way, and also in a serious rush to view a house my wife wants to buy (And me too - it has a garage). So No opportunity to really test it, but it didn't try and kill me on my private local hillclimb, so my hopes are high. Also the exhaust sounds fine...

As for final photos..... It needs a clean first. And I need time to take them.

The list now:

• Oil Change
• Polish her up
• Fit rear Greenstuff pads... if I can find the caliper tool and I get a moment.

Quote from: "manos3003"

Quote from: "JoeCool"9) Code 2nd key! I'I'm still to chicken to do this for fear of immobilising my car/erasing my only key  s:( :( s:(

Since you're somewhere on the M40, we can meet and I can help re-code that key of yours, I've done it twice on mine already  s:) :) s:)

That would be awesome!  I can't do ding day sadly (I'm in france) so we'll have to sort a date out!

Quote from: "jvanzyl"Dude - what's your deadline like for this? I can maybe put down one evening and do your rear pads for you if you want?

That's very kind - but my life from now to Nurburgring is 100% hectic.... I hope your shock fitment is going well. If I can do a full suspension rebuild in 4 days, I'm sure you can do a coilover fitment in a few evenings!

Quote from: "JoeCool"That would be awesome!  I can't do ding day sadly (I'm in france) so we'll have to sort a date out

Drop me a PM anytime you have some dates in mind mate. Happy to help in any way I can   s:) :) s:)

Looking good Jon!

I remember the first drive after fitting fully adjustable rear arms and no geo set up very well  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  For a  few seconds it made me think I'd left the hub nuts loose until I twigged what it was!

Can I ask what you asked for when they geo'd it (road or track? Agressive or moderate?). The setting looks decent but not overly agressive and wondered how they spec'd it?

Thanks

Good work.
Well done.

Quote from: "MilesH"Can I ask what you asked for when they geo'd it (road or track? Agressive or moderate?). The setting looks decent but not overly agressive and wondered how they spec'd it?

"Same again guv" which is basically fast road. A smidge of additional camber front and rear, and that's about it for now until I find my feet with this suspension set up. I honestly just trust them with it, they don't mess about.

Quote from: "JoeCool"

Quote from: "MilesH"Can I ask what you asked for when they geo'd it (road or track? Agressive or moderate?). The setting looks decent but not overly agressive and wondered how they spec'd it?

"Same again guv" which is basically fast road. A smidge of additional camber front and rear, and that's about it for now until I find my feet with this suspension set up. I honestly just trust them with it, they don't mess about.

Thanks  s:) :) s:)

Grabbed some quick pictures on my way past it this morning:

(http://i.imgur.com/LO92lVq.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/IQWZRgU.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Lwtehbx.jpg)

Nice work Joe, looking good and enjoy the Nurburgring!

Congrats on getting it done Joe!
I'm halfway removing my struts still.. basically trying to find 30 mins hear and there in the week to undo a bolt or two!

I've been rough as hell all weekend - typical when the weather is good. Didn't even manage to change the oil. I did get it out for a spin though. Checked tyre pressures (set to 30R/26Front) and wound the shocks to 8 from softest at the back and 5 from softest at the front. Had a great drive out. Then grabbed some pictures - car hasn't been cleaned and I didn't have time to get anywhere picturesque.

(http://i.imgur.com/3l2dVwa.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/44tKmre.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/RZ84HBY.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/rvD95wO.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/VBSf3yO.jpg)

Front needs dropping 1-2 cm IMO, as well as oil change, etc. Rapidy running out of time!

Hey Joe - what did Wheels in motion charge you for the full alignment?

£90+ VAT.

I think they quoted you their top rate which is for every possible adjustment (I thought that was what they charged me). They get it on the ramps, check it, then charge per adjustment up to a maximum. They're nice people and jot rip off merchants, but you do pay for their expertise!

I went through the bits I pulled off my car last night. Looks like I replaced my sub frame in the nick of time:

(http://i.imgur.com/tfPZ9Zo.jpg)

I should now be in the final throws of prep for next week's trip to the Nurburgring. However my wife has other ideas. I've got perhaps a morning I can dedicate to an oil change, rear pad change, and putting my nice steering wheel on. Then I'm ready. Ish. It needs a wash too.

Oil and Filter Change (Petronas 5W30 Fully Synth + Bosch filter)

Put rear mudguard/spat things back on.

Fitted Nardi Steering wheel and new red stitched gearstick gaitor

Packed for the Nurburgring!

(http://i.imgur.com/gStMdrg.jpg)

 s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  

Liking this! Have a safe trip Joe! Awaiting news!   s:D :D s:D

Didn't want to post before for fear of jinxing it. 3 evenings of lapping done: 10 Nurburgring nordschleif laps and 5 of the F1 circuit complete. I can't describe how happy I am with this car. Utterly neutral, utterly composed, seriously fast: I have footage of me keeping up with a 430bhp E92 M3 and a 480bhp E30 for 4 laps of the F1 circuit - until a wheel came off the E30!

Drove it to the bitter end, not a drop of oil used, no brake fade, embarassed some expensive metal and impressed everyone who had a ride in it.

Video/photos to follow.

Need to do more trackdays!

BTW, AD08R's are the tyre of choice at the 'ring now. The bulk of the ring rental cars and most of the regulars run them.

Great to hear that you got it all sorted in time and that it performed so well.

Next time you go you should only just need to wash it by the sound of things!

Sounds good Joe, looking forwards to video!

Sounds like you had a great time at the ring.
Was it wet or did you strike lucky with totally dry track conditions?

Right, now I've made it safely home, the initial Nurburgring April 2017 trip report:

We had an awesome trip this year. Really truly great fun and the MR2 performed flawlessly once again. In fact, I think it's for to say it overperformed as it turned plenty of heads, a few stomachs, and even prompted a couple of life long Toyota haters to change their tune (and start planning builds)....

The trip grew from last year's 8 people to more like 17. People came and went from the group over the 4 days I was there, bringing an eclectic mix of cars. We had E46 and E91 M3's, a 2005 WRX STi,  a brilliant £400 1997 BMW 323i with a rally driver piloting it, an air-cooled 911, a turbo mx-5, a Mk1 focus RS - we even had a star appearance from a 2014 Porsche GT3 RS. And then there was the frankly insane E30 BMW touring which looks outwardly stock but is packing a 480bhp supercharged methanol injected 4.4 V8..... More on that later.

(http://i.imgur.com/ESfEgz8.jpg)

The plan was that the 'ring was open for 3 straight evenings, so rather than do the horrifically busy open days, we'd do the quieter evening sessions. It also spreads the risk of bad weather across 3 days. As a bonus, the F1 circuit was open for public lapping too! Between the ring visits, we'd just do some drives, see some sights, lie in, eat cake, and afterwards of course have dinner and beers.... I also made it a lazy trip over on Sunday by stopping off in Bruges which turned out to be an excellent choice. Some truly top gear-esque issues in the old town finding parking, great dinner, then shared drinks in the square with some drunk cornish guys on a business trip!

Anyway, on to the serious stuff: My car and it's performance since the suspension upgrades.

F#@k me this thing is good. I mean really, really good. As an example, on day 2, my mate took me around the nordschleif in his 2010 430bhp M3 in 9m:42s. He's a police pursuit driver so no slouch. I took him around in my car in 9m:44S!

Then I chased him around the F1 circuit for 5 laps, and he was only pulling away on the straights, I reeled him back in under braking.

My best laps were 9m:28S and 9m:29S, both with passengers aboard oddly enough. That's 30 seconds faster than last year with no more power. All down to the suspension....

Now, given that I'd bolted it together myself less than a month ago, I was absolutely blown away. Firstly, it felt composed, comfortable even, on the way over. Only the biggest of potholes were jarring, and would have been in any car. But on track, and particularly the F1 circuit where you had the room to really push the limits.... I was so impressed. The limits are just SO high on this thing. It's almost any corner, any speed. Even on the 'ring itself. I didn't have a passenger who wasn't going to the jesus handle deep into the braking zones or round bends at warp speed. And it's neutral and balanced too: neither front nor rear is out to get you. Ask a little bit more, and it gives it to you. Ask a lot more and it surprised the life out of you. So, so happy with this, bearing in mind that this is an initial set up that I hope to incrementally improve on.

It isn't perfect: steering weight and feel during normal drive isn't there. It feels too dead. That needs fixing. But there's no doubting the cars limits.

Anyway, onto some pics:

(http://i.imgur.com/xJ1r01X.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/k0m2g7d.jpg)
I don't think there is any doubting the loading going through that back tyre! Incidentally, Yokohama AD08R's are very much the tyre of choice at the Nurburgring now. We got chatting to two very nice Scottish guys who run 'racers retreat' and their entire fleet of Bmw's runs them. So do the ring rental clio rs's, as well as about 50% of the regular crowd. Apparently being non-metal in the wet and cold is a big bonus, as well as decent life and their prodigious grip of course.


So, a little bit about my friend Michaels BMW, which I conveyed with the whole way:

(http://i.imgur.com/8HRE7RE.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/aSINyRi.jpg)

What a lovely E30 touring, right? Clean for its age,and rare to see them standard and unmolested....

(http://i.imgur.com/PrKmZIE.jpg)
Ahem.

(http://i.imgur.com/QS9qcdS.jpg)
ahhhhhh.....

So, sadly my little MR2 had to relinquish it's 'Most impressive engine swap' Crown to this 480bhp (at the wheels) methanol injected beast of a thing. In a car park full of exotica, this humble E30 drew the biggest crowds. And not once did it pass me without provoking hysterical laughter, either because of the speed (165Mph on the autobahn) or the noise.... In fact on day 2 it tripped the gantry noise meters on the 'ring at 132db and was summarily banned.

Which is how we came to be on the F1 circuit, and between the unstoppable force of that engine, and the immovable object of a high grip track surface, something had to give....

(http://i.imgur.com/XzHNIB6.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/niuvQUh.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/eKBixJc.jpg)

Yup. Of all the things between the explosions and the tarmac that can break, what chose to let go first was the 25 year old wheel bolts. It lost one, and sheared the other three in short order.

(http://i.imgur.com/uZ0NnDF.jpg)
Luckily we're a resourceful bunch, and between us all we had it fixed (and the requisite amount of mickey taking done) in under an hour. All things said and done, it could have been a lot worse. That failure on the nordschleif doesn't bear thinking about.

And as a final epilogue, this is what the thing does to rear tyres in 5 laps...
(http://i.imgur.com/GcpCJrZ.jpg)

Videos to follow... In a while, they're time consuming to process.

Eagerly anticipating the videos, sounds like you may have enjoyed it a little bit [emoji3]

Sent from my Lenovo P2a42 using Tapatalk

Youtube Link to my best lap - 9m30 (https://youtu.be/5mPXjx1eSAM)

;D

Love the grins from the passenger, theres always a couple of cheeky sods overtaking   s:mrgreen: :mrgreen: s:mrgreen:  

Very Nice   s:D :D s:D

Quote from: "PhilMC"Was it wet or did you strike lucky with totally dry track conditions?

Dry all 3 evenings. The weather forecast was atrocious, it was saying snow 2 days: and it did snow in the afternoons! But by evening it was dry and crisp and clear. Ideal really.

That was part of the rationale of going for 3 days with evening touristfahten - more chance of the trip not being ruined by rain.

Crikey... No updates since April??

I think the phrase goes: Build it, race it, break it, fix it...... We're at stage 3.

Long story short: Car ran fine for a while. Then I took it to an ill fated Trackday at Bedford Autodrome in July. Had an awesome evening, car running flawlesly, but clearly I got carried away and completely failed to notice it was overheating.  s:( :( s:(   A squeal, a knock, and into the pits we rolled with the car overheating badl, the bottom end knocking, and also a split CV boot. Initially I thought the block had suffered catastrophic damage as there was ''milkshake" all over the subframe and suspension arms. This was just grease thrown out of the split in the CV joint though. That doesn't change the fact that the big ends are hoop-a-jooped. THe car suffered the ignonimy of a long trailer ride back to a spot outside my house... at vast expense.

22ZZ-ge death - Video (https://youtu.be/pCAdabibeQE)

There followed a long dark month of the soul. Keep or sell? Decided to put it up as is, ust in case someone else fancied making a better job of it than I wanted to at the time. In the meantime I explored options....

Anyway, we're now at the 'good money after bad' fix it point!

THe car is booked back into Bonsai next week, and I have a complete, rebuilt engine being shipped over from MAG Engines. After exploring options, it jsut felt like the best middle road option for a quick, reasonable cost fix. If I could do a swap myself (Space and time prohibit, I'd be more than willing to do the spanner turning) I'd probably just take a punt on any old engine from a corolla. But Seeing as I did that last time and it broke, I'll try something slightly shinier.

I'm still not actually sure waht caused the failure, hopefully a bit of tear down diagnosis might shed some light and inform me as to what to change to prevent another failure.

Ongoing costs? Errr, shipping, plus new engine, duties and taxes, the weak pound, plus the kidney I sold, carry the one and.... errrr..... you'll notice I've removed 'cheap' from my readers ride title!!

Glad you're fixing it. It's a great car and once it's up and running again the pain/cost will be forgotten (eventually depending on cost!)

Glad you're fixing it  s:) :) s:)  Totally worth the pain you're going through now. Many more smiles to come after this  s:D :D s:D

+1, Glad to hear your keeping it  s:) :) s:)  Know what it feels like to plough cash ceaselessly into a car (in my case it was 8 years ago and a high milage daily drive estate) for it to fail terminally. But also know what it feels like to sell a 2 prematurely (my first black roadster).

Have spent big money on keeping cars alive. For better or for worse.
In this case I think it's the right decision.
Best of luck.

So pleased to hear this news. You've made the right long term decision.

After all, what could you possibly replace it with?!

Quote from: "Alex Knight"After all, what could you possibly replace it with?!

A bloody massive pile of cash.

Quote from: "JoeCool"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"After all, what could you possibly replace it with?!

A bloody massive pile of cash.

To blow on another car?

(https://i.imgur.com/yJZMYh8.jpg)
   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:

Cool

(https://i.imgur.com/Mv4pfHj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/VfRCYJJ.jpg)

So.....

What are you doing this weekend?

Me? Working. Interminably working. Car is at bonsai (next week) getting built (again!).

Ooooo its so shiny  s:D :D s:D

Where'd you get it from??

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

MAG engines. They're on eBay and have their own site. It's from dubai. If I'm honest, I'm still a bit sceptical. We'll see how it pans out.

They buy engines from Japan and re-condition them. They're reputable sellers from what I know, so you should be ok. If it's of any comfort, I'm running an oil pump and water pump from them, genuine Toyota bits  s:D :D s:D

Are you going to put in a water pump from an Elise this time rather than the Celtics/Corolla? I believe there is a difference...

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

Quote from: "jvanzyl"Are you going to put in a water pump from an Elise this time rather than the Celtics/Corolla? I believe there is a difference...

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

Even if there is, it won't make much difference. A good radiator (if you can get a Mishimoto even better), new thermostat and the pink Toyota coolant is all you need  s:D :D s:D

Agreed to let Andy at Bonsai rip out the Air Con today. It's never worked. So I guess it's a track car now?

Should be back on the road by the end of the month.

Quote from: "JoeCool"Agreed to let Andy at Bonsai rip out the Air Con today. It's never worked. So I guess it's a track car now?

Should be back on the road by the end of the month.

What weight saving is that do you think?
Always intended to do it on the silver.

It's another 20Kg all in I think, Rad, Condenser, and compressor + pipes. And of course marginally less accessory drag. I quite liked my 'Set idle to 1,500rpm' button! Wonder if it will still work?!

Quote from: "JoeCool"It's another 20Kg all in I think, Rad, Condenser, and compressor + pipes. And of course marginally less accessory drag. I quite liked my 'Set idle to 1,500rpm' button! Wonder if it will still work?!

On the V6 the light still comes on but no one's at home there ain't no AC there.

Message from bonsai: new engine in and running.

That is good to hear!

When will it be ready to pick up?

Quote from: "JoeCool"Message from bonsai: new engine in and running.

Result!

Nice

Good news  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "Topdownman"That is good to hear!

When will it be ready to pick up?

Not for a couple of weeks sadly, but there's a few other jobs being sorted in the meantime.

Car has another years MOT. I pick it up tomorrow (I hope!). I'm unreasonably nervous about the ling drive home!

Exciting!

So glad you repaired it and it should be better than ever now eh?

I guess you have to run it in?

Sweet. Enjoy the drive back  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "Topdownman"Exciting!

So glad you repaired it and it should be better than ever now eh?

I guess you have to run it in?

It has been shaken down and test driven, so I'm pretty confident, but yes, it will need running in so I will be taking it easy. I'll take Andy's advice on what's best.

Excellent

Fantastic news!

Out with the old:
(https://i.imgur.com/PF4q1UH.jpg)

In with the new:

(https://i.imgur.com/EYoadyS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Npololl.jpg)

Made it safely home 120 miles... didn't push it obviously, but it seems to run very well. And it goes into lift   s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  

Also sorted my facelift headlights so they work properly, got it another years MOT, fitted new rear pads and a new drive shafte to replace the one with the split CV. Also, pulling the engine and refitting it has moves the shifter location slightly, and it's now much easier to get into reverse, as well as shifting the 'pattern' over to the right a bit. Shifting is much improved.  All in all she appears back in good health.

Finally, a sneak preview of another Project in the Bonsai Skunk Works (nothing to do with me I hasten to add!)

(https://i.imgur.com/2wQcqHW.jpg)

I am very pleased indeed.

Right, so, took it out for a little spin today. 110520 miles on the Odo.

Oil checked: At the Top of the dip stick. No signs of any leaks/loss. Coolant ok.

Drove absolutely fine. I'm still not ragging it, but it basically drives exactly like it did before. Exhaust is a bit more muted in the cabin, at a guess it was blowing before. I've had all new gaskets put in this time. Did a nice little 20 mile loop and got some pics: (It's filthy, detailers/ocd types beware).

(https://i.imgur.com/c5VaiIL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KxRgTYN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/pM0IZQs.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/IWhySj9.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sMPrC4L.jpg)

I must say it looks, well,,, coool!

I've ordered a pair of stack gauges, oil pressure and oil temp. They look like they should match the stock gauges quite well, white faces with black numbers and red needles. I also got a mishimoto sandwich plate.

Hopefully that will let me monitor the oils behaviour on track in a couple of weeks.

Today I:

• Bled the brakes with pagid DOT 4 fluid.
• tried to drop the front coilovers 5mm but annoyingly one of the locking collars is on too tight and I bent the adjuster tool trying to loosen it, so the front end is staying where it is for now.
• Checked and adjusted tyre pressures to 26 front and 30 rear. They were a bit low! (19 front and 22 rear all round!). Noticed some perishing of the valve stems, I don't think they're leaking I just haven't checked the pressures for way too long. Will monitor.
• Weighed it at the dump weighbridge: 1020Kg with 1/4 Tank of fuel.
• Washed it.

What I didn't get done, annoyingly, is my gauges fitted.  s:( :( s:(  too little time and too many other commitments, plus the wire I ordered didn't show up on time.

So now I have to do a trackday tomorrow with no monitoring....

Same happened with my coilovers when I last tried to change them.

I got a new spanner off ebay but havent got round to adjusting them since so no idea if the new one will work.

Quote from: "JoeCool"What I didn't get done, annoyingly, is my gauges fitted.  s:( :( s:(  too little time and too many other commitments, plus the wire I ordered didn't show up on time.

So now I have to do a trackday tomorrow with no monitoring....

Ignorance is bliss!  s;) ;) s;)

Hope the trackday goes well  s:) :) s:)

Brilliant, brilliant thread. Car looks amazing

Rockingham Trackday Completed: Car deaths: 1 (Not mine! Phew!)

Rockingham was a truly excellent day. Well organised, well run, minimal down time even with 40+ cars and an open pit lane. Everyone was really polite and happy to chat, and well behaved on the track. The Circuit was in the 'International Supersports' layout, so there was one banked oval bend. However, there was also highly variable grip, from 'zero' in turn one to 'not much' most other places. This had the positive effect of keeping lateral G's down and hopefully keeping the oil pick up in oil. However it did mean it was SUPER difficult to lean on the car with confidence, especially when there's a huge wall to your right. Car nearly swapped ends under braking into turn one on a number of occasions, so it was a good lesson in car control anyway.

The MR2 performed flawlessly. With no gauges, I kept a close eye on coolant temp to gauge how hard the engine was working (I've previously seen it as high as 110 coming off a Nurburgring lap with no ill effects). It ran at 88 most of the day, only creeping up to 92 when working hard. The benefits of trackdays in December! I completed about 70 miles on track. Got ~18Mpg across the day on track. I wasn't fully extending the engine, focussing mainly on lines, traction and not crashing.

I also had some driver instruction from Chris (an ex touring car driver) who thoroughly deconstructed my driving and gave me plenty to think about.

There was some very tasty metal on display, and as ever I failed to get many shots of my own car. I did get some in car footage so I'll try and edit something together at some point.

(https://i.imgur.com/1AuZWdh.jpg)
Our Cars. The RX-8 really surprised me with how much grunt and grip it had, especially as it was on super-budget rears. Hard to imaging more car for a grand. The 490bhp E30 Touring was awesome as always, and brought a steady stream of people to our garage to find out exactly how a 30 year old 316i managed to pull away from their M3 in the straights..... (A 4.4 V8 with a supercharger will do that).

(https://i.imgur.com/Qb9sClV.jpg)
Our friends Spire Kit car - Hayabusa Powered.

(https://i.imgur.com/xWiO9xc.jpg)
Sadly the day didn't end well for him.

(https://i.imgur.com/5N1XdL6.jpg)
Because of that.  s:( :( s:(

(https://i.imgur.com/43yrIrC.jpg)
There was some Japanese Street Racing crew there.

(https://i.imgur.com/XxwK4nc.jpg)
Godzilla!

(https://i.imgur.com/oQQHy39.jpg)
I may have had a slight love affair with this car......

(https://i.imgur.com/oT2UTPR.jpg)
Best shot I got of my car. It looks wrong. Too much front tyre. I need to drop the nose and fit lower section front tyres, to try and get the nose down a bit (for front end grip/turn in, honest, not looks). Ideally I'd find a set of 15/16" staggered wheels, but I do like my Ultraleggeras.

Full album of images here (https://imgur.com/a/jZdfb)

Quick compilation video on youtube (https://youtu.be/AHx8cDpOja4)

Nice vid and pics, looked like good fun  s:) :) s:)

(https://i.imgur.com/XwQOBjt.jpg)

Car isn't going anywhere in this!

looks like the perfect track car. Im looking to purchase a similar Mr2 for as cheap as possible hopefully around feb or march to do track days, so this is great inspiration. the plan is to service the car and then do a track day or two completely stock and then slowly modifying the car eventually fitting the 2zz. I cant find a batter car bang for buck thats mid engine rear wheel drive. Looking forward to taking one for a spin

Quote from: "Stevebratt"looks like the perfect track car. I'm looking to purchase a similar Mr2 for as cheap as possible hopefully around feb or march to do track days, so this is great inspiration. the plan is to service the car and then do a track day or two completely stock and then slowly modifying the car eventually fitting the 2zz. I cant find a batter car bang for buck thats mid engine rear wheel drive. Looking forward to taking one for a spin

Steve, I have purchased one about four weeks ago and have done two tracks days and very happy so far. I have come from an E46 M3 so of course the standard MR2 is much slower, but at my local track Mondello I was able to match the M3s lap time on the first outing simply because the cornering ability of these cars is exceptional. You can just fling them about a track and know it will be manageable.

I will be doing the 2ZZ thing in January and really excited for this. I would highly recommend one and good luck with your project.

Joe. This thread has greatly guided me. Many thanks for taking the time for all the detailed posts and information

Quote from: "LeoD"Joe. This thread has greatly guided me. Many thanks for taking the time for all the detailed posts and information

No worries. If you have any questions feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer!

Quote from: "LeoD"

Quote from: "Stevebratt"looks like the perfect track car. I'm looking to purchase a similar Mr2 for as cheap as possible hopefully around feb or march to do track days, so this is great inspiration. the plan is to service the car and then do a track day or two completely stock and then slowly modifying the car eventually fitting the 2zz. I cant find a batter car bang for buck thats mid engine rear wheel drive. Looking forward to taking one for a spin

Steve, I have purchased one about four weeks ago and have done two tracks days and very happy so far. I have come from an E46 M3 so of course the standard MR2 is much slower, but at my local track Mondello I was able to match the M3s lap time on the first outing simply because the cornering ability of these cars is exceptional. You can just fling them about a track and know it will be manageable.

I will be doing the 2ZZ thing in January and really excited for this. I would highly recommend one and good luck with your project.

Joe. This thread has greatly guided me. Many thanks for taking the time for all the detailed posts and information

Awesome leo, thats pretty much the exact plan for me. Dont judge me but I actually have a 911 997 Carrera S as a weekend car (around 355 BHP) the car is a rocket, but there are a few problems. While everyone thinks im some kind of millionaire to be able to afford such a car, its actually a large chunk of my monthly budget to keep it running, I dont have any of the money required to track it, the tyres and brakes are so expensive and should I break the engine I wouldn't be able to afford to fix it, at least not in the next 4 years or so. the car is amazing and has been a dream car since i was a youngster having had loads of models and such. Its just not practical for me to track it, especially if i want it to hold some kind of value should i need to sell it. The other problem is, ive never had a rear wheel drive car let alone a rear engine rear wheel drive car, and the car is quite simply far better than I am, It still makes me nervous the way the back end steps out when i floor it.

so the solution for me is to find a car with a similar setup that i can push to the limits that doesn't break the bank. the MR2 is like the perfect trainer car. Its cheap enough that if i smash it to pieces it wont really matter (i mean i really dont weant to do that but its not the end of the world), and stock it should be slow enough to make it much harder to smash to peices whilst still being fun to drive. as my confidence builds i can do the essential things like brakes and suspension and then eventually do the engine. the 2zz turbo projects ive seen online can give up to 350bhp to these tiny little cars, having an MR2 that can out perform my S seems bonkers to me but i can only imagine would be a huge amount of fun. And if i break the entire engine or a steering arm, the costs are night and day different.

on top of all that, Ive always wanted to track day and never done it, and i think its about time i did.

I cant wait to get started, luckily for me im no stranger to the mechanical side as I used to be big into mk2 golfs so ive done engines brakes suspension etc itching to get started. Leo Id love to see a thread about what your up to with the car and this thread is great.  Where about are you based leo? which tracks have you done?

Hey Steve, yep the M3 would cost on average €800 per track day on wear and tear, mostly Tyres & Brakes but also managed to crack the subframe and other bits but worth every penny!!!  In this Car I did Mondello International x14 (IRL), Angelsey, Oulton, Brands Hatch, Spa (x2), Monza and a few trips to the Ring.

I don't want to hog to much of Joe' thread but in my humble opinion track days are not to be feared and the MR2 is much more than a starter car for track use. I can't get over the simple drive pleasure and it capability on track. Greatly under rated. I have also done multi venue auto tests in mine and it is perfect for this.

I would suggest you start with the 1ZZ, upgrade the discs and Pads (I went EBC discs and Yellow Pads) and a good set of tyres like the AD08s Joe uses. Do few track days to get the feel for her before you push on with major upgrades.

Personally I will be following Joe's Blueprint as it seems the best all round package for me with some variations.

And don't worry we wouldn't judge you on a 997, if you had said Bentley Bentayga that would be a different matter!!!

Just ordered new front discs and pistons for the front calipers. Need to do a brake rebuild, I have the caliper rebuild kits already. Winter has not been kind to my front discs, and there was a pretty bad imbalance on the MOT test although it still passed.

Booked this year's Nurburgring trip in late may, so have to get cracking on the jobs list once again!

Hey Joe, a few of us our heading to Oultan on the 7th March if you fancy it?  It is very well priced as it is mid week and not very congested.  There will be three roadsters there including mine, one runninng approx 210bhp.  I am just finishing the 2ZZ transplant so going to us this a shake down!

That's an awesome offer but sadly I have unavoidable commitments at work that day.  (:< >:)

I mean... I could quit....

Work is over rated !!

Getting my list together for Nurburgring Prep this year.

• Rebuild front brakes. Ordered new pistons and discs (winter salt killed them whilst the car sat over christmas), I have the rebuild kits in stock, not sure if I'm going to be able to get the calipers media blasted or not.
• Fix broken adjuster on the front shock - Meister R have kindly agreed to send a replacement tool and collar
• Pull the Air Con Rad out
• Thinking abut dropping the fronts to 205/45 R16 and taking a bit of ride height out, and having it re-aligned. For handling and not looks, honest.
• Need to sort front arch liners too. I've run without them for long enough, crud is getting everywhere.
• Fit the bloody gauges!!
• Oil change now she's run in.

I'm sure there's more.

Right, I managed to do none of that!

Trip report: Nurburgring 2018.

I was in a bit of an odd space in the run up to this years trip. I was extremely busy at work, we're trying to sell our house, and I'd also convinced myself that the 'new' engine was about to let go at any moment. Just standard paranoia. Ultimately, what I managed to do was change the oil (1,000 miles since the new engine went in), check tyre condition and pressures, and wash it. So I was dramatically under prepared for the Nurburgring. The car spec is basically identical to last year, except with a reconditioned engine.

My confidence in the car increased somewhat after chasing my mates M3 across the continent without a hitch. However, my head was NOT in the right spot heading out on the first evening, and this translated into a nervous, frustrating drive where it felt like every other car in the place was hunting me. I called it quits after 2 laps and went for a few beers to chill out.

Day 2, I decided to wipe the slate clean. I did my pre flight checks, put my helmet on (mainly to stop me spending all my time listening for different engine noises), put my big boy pants on and went out and had FUN. Just drove it, got the car up on tip toes, found the confidence to lean on the tyres and just rolled with the flow. Had a big slide into Caracciola due to a botched gear change which I caught, and served as a big reminder that I CAN catch the car when it goes. That lap was a 9:40, the next one I took a passenger out and did a 9:30 (timed after the fact I hasten to add, I don't run against a clock when I'm driving). The evening was threatening rain, so I decided to end on a high and not go out again. Just 4 laps tallied this year.

We were meant to be there for 3 days but the third day schedule changed and the 'ring wasn't open for Touristfahten as planned, So I came home on an earlier ferry to give my wife a bit more parenting support!

So, a lot learned about mindset and preparation this year. The car is still where it was last year, the driver certainly wasn't.

Time to attack that jobs list and refine my skills before the next outing, I think.

(https://i.imgur.com/9j9UTBK.jpg)

A video of my better lap (https://youtu.be/-TuPvL1N5MA)

So, the love-hate cycle continues! I really should drive this car more, because when I do, I love it.

Trip to the nurburgring scheduled once again. I couldn't bear the thought of missing out, or riding alone in someone else's car. They all drive bmws... Yuk!

Anyway, the 'ring necessitates prep and I'd let a few things slide, so my jobs list looked like:

• fit new brake discs all round - pitted and rusty.
  
• Step up to EBC yellow stuff pads
  
• rebuild the front calipers as the brake force was a bit uneven in the last mot.
  
• remove the redundant air con rad, with the hope of more airflow and thus cooling to the main rad behind.
  
• remove redundant air con piping.
  
• straighten up the steering wheel which to my shame has been five degrees off since I fitted it in a hurry the night before last year's trip!
  
• fit new undamaged coilover adjustment collar, pull 5mm out of the front ride height.... In preparation for
  
• fitting 205/45 r16 yoko ad08-r's on the front. I really think the car would benefit from a bit less front sidewall, a bit more rake, and I don't like the looks of the equal sidewall depth front and rear. So that's getting sorted.
  
• realignment at wheels in motion
  
• really need to try and address the rattly roof. I always have earphones in wehn not on track, but this will drive my passenger nuts!
  
• general fluid service, oil, filters and a full brake bleed.
  
• general condition check of suspension and torques.
  
• my back left light has 2 bulbs out but I suspect it might be a bad ground or something, need to check it out.
  
• fit front headlight replacement bracket.
  
  So, this morning I set out and did quite a bit of this list. Everything went really smoothly, even putting in the new caliper pistons single handed, as well as sorting the coilover collar which I thought would be a bitch of a job. Even had time for a dab of paint on the front calipers.
  
  Pics to follow!

You know you don't really want to sell.
You want get back what you've put into it and nothing else will make you smile more for similar money.

Good to hear you're getting back into it!

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

Quote from: 1979scotte on March 28, 2019, 17:33
You know you don't really want to sell.
You want get back what you've put into it and nothing else will make you smile more for similar money.

Yeah man, you're 100% right. The more I drive it the more I love it. I only don't love it when it's sat on my street looking neglected.

Rear brakes tomorrow/this weekend (anyone got a guide for winding in the rear callipers, the only bit I haven't done before!), new front tyres and an alignment scheduled for April, and I've signed up to the Evo Bedford trackday in May. That's the track that killed the engine last time! Survive that, I can survive anything!  ;)

Any meets happening soon?

Pics are promised, a bit rushed: EBC Yellowstuff pads, M-Tec C-groove anodised discs, painted and refurbished front calipers with new seals, greased sliders (didn't replace as they looked fine, I only did them last year anyway). (https://imgur.com/yEOJoiu.jpg)

Wheel on:

(https://imgur.com/emGV2xA.jpg)

Quote from: JoeCool on March 29, 2019, 23:36

Quote from: 1979scotte on March 28, 2019, 17:33
You know you don't really want to sell.
You want get back what you've put into it and nothing else will make you smile more for similar money.

Yeah man, you're 100% right. The more I drive it the more I love it. I only don't love it when it's sat on my street looking neglected.

Rear brakes tomorrow/this weekend (anyone got a guide for winding in the rear callipers, the only bit I haven't done before!), new front tyres and an alignment scheduled for April, and I've signed up to the Evo Bedford trackday in May. That's the track that killed the engine last time! Survive that, I can survive anything!  ;)

Any meets happening soon?

The only thing I know you have to make sure of is that you line up the little bumps to be 90 degrees (vertical) with the pads so that they fit in..

In terms of meets I think it's time I set some more up!!

Sent from my Moto G (5) using Tapatalk

• fit new brake discs all round, Step up to EBC yellow stuff pads, rebuild the front callipers
  
• remove the redundant air con rad and air con piping.
  
• straighten up the steering wheel
  
• fit new undamaged coilover adjustment collar, pull 5mm out of the front ride height....
  
• fit front headlight replacement bracket.
  
  So, all of the above is now done. DOn't know why I was worried about the rear brake pads, they were simplicity itself to do. Used a cheap halfords wind back cube on a ratchet. HAnd brake sorted itself out, or so it seems.
  
  Still to do, but in good time, in rough order of urgency.
  
  
• Fit new catalyst exhaust section - mine fell off yesterday - Doh!!
  
• my back left light has 2 bulbs out but I suspect it might be a bad ground or something, need to check it out.
  
• general fluid service, oil, filters and a full brake bleed.
  
• general condition check of suspension and torques.
  
• fitting 205/45 r16 yoko ad08-r's on the front.
  
• realignment at wheels in motion
  
• Fix rattly roof
  
• straighten up the steering wheel a bit more again - it's better but it's not 100%! I know the wheels are straight ahead cos the old wheel was fine and nothing has been adjusted since then!
  
  Hopefully tomorrow, mothers day permitting, I'll have enough time to have a poke around at the light and take it for a drive.

Well, I had an hour set aside to get this done today. Haha. It wasn't this painful last time!

Not particularly impressed with the BM Catalyst Ebay mid section:

1) There's an incomplete weld around the O2 sensor bung/flange/port. It's down stream of the Cat and on the down strem side of the O2 sensor, but as far as I can see it's unsealed.

2) The 3 holes in the flange at the manifold end aren't big enough to accept the standard bolts. I don't have drilling equipment  suitable to enlarge them. The fitting kit supplied doesn't replace those bolts.


3) Overall build quality/weld quality is as you'd expect of a £100 product... lots of spatter everywhere, and the incomplete weld.


Finally, I couldn't get the O2 sensor out of my old cat section. it's not really an issue as it's not used in my install, it just plugs the hole!!


So, I'm going to speak to the sellers and see what they can do, but to be honest I think i'll tkae it to a local engineering shop and get the holes enlarged, and the O2 sensor port fixed and welded shut.

(https://imgur.com/62uejS1.jpg)


(https://imgur.com/p1lViWx.jpg)


(https://imgur.com/DC3qPVA.jpg)

On the plus side, I got to the bottom of the issue with the rear light (water ingress has taken out the bottom 2 bulbs) so I'm sorting that.

I'll probably also do an oil change whilst I'm in this deep.

I have a wheel alignment and the tyres booked in, but now pushed back to next week - so the car had better be back on the road by then!!

Heath Robinson would disown that piece of sh!t.  :-[

Hope it's a cheap fix.

Sorted: Welded up and holes enlarged by my local tame engineering shop. Got the car back together tonight. A quick test drive has confirmed that it's much quieter with a functional exhaust!!

(https://imgur.com/WH81qeI.jpg)

The Engineering shop - Spray Blast Engineering in high Wycombe, did the modifications/fixes in under an hour. Epic service as always with these guys. He cleaned up the spatter as well, couldn't stand to see it!

Installed:
(https://imgur.com/i1AcJtF.jpg)

List now looking like:

• Fit new catalyst exhaust section
  
• Repair bulbs in rear left light - Was water ingress that had taken out the bottom two bulbs. Taken out, disassembled, cleaned and dried, bulbs replaced and resealed and refitted.
  
  
  
• general fluid service, oil, filters and a full brake bleed.
  
• general condition check of suspension and torques.
  
• fitting 205/45 r16 yoko ad08-r's on the front.
  
• realignment at wheels in motion
  
• Fix rattly roof
  
• straighten up the steering wheel a bit more again - it's better but it's not 100%! I know the wheels are straight ahead cos the old wheel was fine and nothing has been adjusted since then!
  
  Getting there. I considered draining my oil today but the filter is stuck WELL on! I might use this oil for a last hurrah at Bedford (circuit of DOOOM!) and then change it pre Nurburgring.
  
  Still, I'm ahead of the game and have some time. I've also spent well over 100 hours lapping the 'ring on my sim now... Every time you think you know it, it throws you into a wall. Not sure how much of the learning I will be able to translate to commitment in the real world. It's a scary place and confidence breeds casualties....

Quick test drive out after the shakedown trip with Skyla Fett on board!

Much happier with the car now. Almost refined when pootling about. Brakes feeling good but need a bleed. Tyre pressures checks and adjusted (31 rear, 26 front for now, fronts about to get swapped out anyway).

Got an oil cooler coming, looks to be a right PITA to fit away in that vent hole, but I think it will be wise for track work anyway. I might pay a man to do it.

Hi, where did you get gauge from and what day in may you at bedford?

• straighten up the steering wheel
  
• general condition check of suspension and torques.
  
• fitting 205/45 r16 yoko ad08-r's on the front.
  
• realignment at wheels in motion
  
  Did all that today. First impressions of the tyres are very good, there's less weight in the steering and response seems slightly sharpened. Might need to pull another 5mm out of the front coil overs for looks but I'll check re rubbing first!
  
  All in all from my driving about today I'm as happy with the car as I've ever been.
  
  
  (https://imgur.com/NY6MWnK.jpg)
  
  (https://imgur.com/lW2m70h.jpg)
  
  Still to do: (the list never gets shorter)
  
• general fluid service, oil, filters
  
• full brake bleed.
  
• Optional when servicing: fit oil cooler
  
• Fix rattly roof
  
• screw sun visor back in properly!
  
• polish headlights.

My sun visor kept unscrewing itself too.
Loctite is your friend.

Hi, where did you get gauge from and what day in may you at bedford?

Quote from: KRAMSNEHPETS on April 16, 2019, 22:44
Hi, where did you get gauge from and what day in may you at bedford?

Which gauges? THe Stack Oil and Temp ones? Demontweeks via ebay If I remember correctly.

May Trackday - Pm'd you.

I enjoyed reading what you've done with the car. It does sound like an ideal alternative to a Lotus Elise, you can drive harder knowing that it won't cost the earth to replace.

If you come to sell again let me know (don't know if you'd have to post another classified ad).

Completed Friday Evenings Trackday at Bedford with ease. Did 50 miles on track, not a huge amount as I didn't want to wring it's neck, and also it started raining in the last hour, so my co-driver needed to get away for his motorbike ride home!!

Car performed flawlessly.

• general fluid service, oil, filters
  
  Did this before the trackday, with 5W40 Castrol Edge Fully Synthetic.
  
  
• full brake bleed - really needs doing, couldn't get time with a mate to do it before the trackday. Brakes worked well but lack feel with a slightly soft pedal.
  
• Optional when servicing: fit oil cooler - Really in two minds about this now, before the 'ring trip. It would be ideal, but I'm fast running out of time, and I don't want to run an un-proven mod on the toughest track [Clarkson]... in the world!...[/Clarkson]
  
• Fix rattly roof - Considering options here, Looks like the simple shortening of barrel adjsuters may not cure it. So I'm considering some Nylon or similar tubing around the clamp bar to take up the slack and dull the rattle?
  
• screw sun visor back in properly! - I look at this every time I get into the car and think 'I really must get around to that'.
  
• polish headlights. - Now optional prior to the 'ring.

I was very happy with the difference that putting some thin metal over my soft top roof clips has made. I covered them with some gaffa tape to help keep them in place and make them look a bit neater.

I also fitted Devs door bushes at the same time though so hard to tell the individual effect but much less wind noise from the edge of the roof so the metal is definitely doing something. Only takes minutes as long as you can find some suitable bits of metal.

So, tomorrows the big day: Off the the 'ring for my 2019 trip! Got the car well prepped, shaken down on track, all fluids checked, brakes and tyres sorted... she's ready, I'm ready... just drive home from work tonight and we leave tomorrow first thin....

(https://imgur.com/ayXPVTK.jpg)

Bo***cks.

Stupid car.

I'm hitching a ride there and hiring something when I arrive.

(clutch slave cylinder gone I think, won't go into gear, but no hope of a fix before I need to get there.)

Gutted for you. All that prep.  :(  :(

Very sorry to hear this.

I suppose the only positive is it didnt happen while you were there, cant imagine what the recovery costs are on the Ring!

I could of sworn I replied to this...

Anyway - very sorry to hear this man!

Are you SURE it's clutch related.  Could be a loose retaining clip on a gearshift cable....  Worth checking?

Quote from: Carolyn on June 10, 2019, 10:17Are you SURE it's clutch related.  Could be a loose retaining clip on a gearshift cable....  Worth checking?

Hi Carolyn, I checked the linkages and they're all fine. It shifts normally with the engine off, but won't go into gear when running. Still has fluid in the clutch mater cylinder, and to be honest the clutch feels normal ish but just isn't doing anything.

My garage reckon master cylinder or slave cylinder. No way to get parts and I'm on the ferry in an hour!

Gutted I can't take my car but I'm not letting it spoil my lads week away.

Gutted for you mate.
Sometimes I wonder why we bother modified cars really are trouble.

Quote from: JoeCool on June 10, 2019, 12:20

Quote from: Carolyn on June 10, 2019, 10:17Are you SURE it's clutch related.  Could be a loose retaining clip on a gearshift cable....  Worth checking?

Hi Carolyn, I checked the linkages and they're all fine. It shifts normally with the engine off, but won't go into gear when running. Still has fluid in the clutch mater cylinder, and to be honest the clutch feels normal ish but just isn't doing anything.

My garage reckon master cylinder or slave cylinder. No way to get parts and I'm on the ferry in an hour!

Gutted I can't take my car but I'm not letting it spoil my lads week away.

Shame - shame never mind, you will no doubt enjoy your break.

Quote from: 1979scotte on June 10, 2019, 12:42Sometimes I wonder why we bother modified cars really are trouble.

To be fair, the clutch slave and master cylinder are not modified. They are OEM parts.
Could have happened to any of us.

Quote from: Alex Knight on June 11, 2019, 13:45

Quote from: 1979scotte on June 10, 2019, 12:42Sometimes I wonder why we bother modified cars really are trouble.

To be fair, the clutch slave and master cylinder are not modified. They are OEM parts.
Could have happened to any of us.

Very true.
Hope your having a good time.

Quote from: JoeCool on December  3, 2017, 23:14Quick compilation video on youtube (https://youtu.be/AHx8cDpOja4)

Hey Joe, just had a read of your thread, you have been a busy boy indeed! I subscribed to your channel (ModorFix), please do me a favour and sub back :)

Quote from: Alex Knight on June 11, 2019, 13:45

Quote from: 1979scotte on June 10, 2019, 12:42Sometimes I wonder why we bother modified cars really are trouble.

To be fair, the clutch slave and master cylinder are not modified. They are OEM parts.
Could have happened to any of us.

According to the garage the clutch itself had collapsed! Hopefully it got fixed yesterday, but I'll know more tomorrow when I get it back. Interested to know what's gone on, as I've never been hard on clutches and I don't launch this car.

Anyway, top time at the nurburgring, did six laps in a rental clio rs200 which was a hoot. I'll put up a trip report and hopefully some video footage when I get a chance - but the wife has told me the kids are mine for the weekend!

So, a brief trip report for this years Nurburgring visit.

Firstly, obviously, the MR2 didn't make it. This was a massive shame as I've put in pretty serious amounts of time on a sim rig learning the track, and I felt the car was well prepped and performing well. But there's no accounting for a sudden and catastrophic clutch failure, and according to the garage that's what happened. It isn't fixed yet as I told them to slot it in whenever; a new Exedy Corolla T-sport clutch is going in on Monday.

On to the trip:

We hurridly changed the booking to get me and my mate into a friends car - Michael who had the insane 500bhp E30 2 years ago now has a slightly less insane 400bhp Chevrolet Lumina 5.7 V8 saloon car. It's an exceptionally nice way to cross a continent as it happens with comfy seats and South African spec Air con. It even got about 28mpg with a TWR remap.

As normal there was an interesting selection of cars in our group - Cars hitting the ring this year included an E46 3.2 M3 SMG, a Porsche 997 C4S, the Lumina, a E46 328i, and a Audi Q7!

Without my car, I had some decision making to do: I hadn't gone all that way not to drive. Quickly checking availability across the various rental companies, the best balance of power, cost and not killing myself appeared to be Apex's Rental Renault Clio RS 200. It's a neat little thing and a car that hadn't been on my radar at all before this trip. With 197bhp from an N/A 2.0 engine, 1100Kg, a 6 speed 'box, Nankang NS2's, big brakes and lowering springs it was a decent analogue for the MR2 all told. I decided to hire it for two laps on night one to see how it went. It went very well! It was available for the latter half of the session for the next two evenings, so I booked it up.

(https://imgur.com/XI8E1rn.jpg)

It was a fantastic car to drive, balanced and forgiving in the bends and with 65,000 miles on it well used to abuse on the 'ring.

Sadly I didn't get an un-obstructed lap of the Nurburgring - both laps on day 1 were very much sighting laps and a mate drove one.

On day 2 the track was closed for the middle of the session and then Yellow flags at Kleine-Karrussel (very near the end) lead to slow finishes. My best estimate for pace was a 9:15 Bridge to Gantry time but that's ballpark. Sobering to think that that very car is capable of an 8:24!

Unfortunately, our groups 328i split it's radiator so we had to leave it in the car park overnight. In the morning we diagnosed the problem, and then located a replacement rad for €20 from 'Ringfreaks' a racing and hire outfit who run E36's. Very nice chaps, and between three of us we had the radiator changed out in under an hour in the 'ring car park. E36's are *really* nice to work on. The car didn't go back on the track, but made it home without incident.

Day 3 I had a tutoring session for one lap and the instructor slowed me WAY down, concentrating on lines. A good thing as rain started and we then moved to the wet line, which is very odd. My last lap was in torrential rain, and I cannot describe how gentle I was with the car. A Rubbered in track with no run-off on semi slicks in standing water: Breathing on the throttle send the car diagonal with understeer at anything less than the straight ahead. But I made it round without incident and only 2 'ring taxis went past me! An experience to be sure.

So, I salvaged what I could from the trip, had a great time, spent a sh*t-tonne of money renting a 8 year old clio, and learnt a lot. One of those things might be that I really, really want a 997 Carrera.....

Some 'boring' dash cam laps of my notable runs.

Day 2, Lap 1 - Not the smoothest and ran into some traffic at the end.


Day 2, Lap 2 - A fairly clean and committed run up until Yellow flags at Kleine Karrussel. This was about 9:15 BTG pace up until then, I reckon.


What made me laugh about that one was it was a friend of a friend in the car - a nervous passenger who asked as we slowed on the final straight: "So what driving experience do you have?"  :o  :))  Just a note for anyone who finds themselves at the 'ring: Ask that BEFORE you get in a car with someone!!

I have answers as to the clutch failure:

(https://imgur.com/Zr37cuj.jpg)

The edge fell off, jamming the clutch.

(https://imgur.com/9FgTU5f.jpg)

Note formation of little cracks outside the spring housing ready to fall off some more.

Not really sure what to make of this. It's an Exedy clutch on a standard 190bhp 2zz-ge. Whilst I 'enjoy' spirited driving, I don't launch this car and I like to think my gearchanges are ok, having never destroyed a clutch in the past and also what with having no torque... I can't find people in corrolas criticising these clutches, although it appears RX-8 owners had similar problems 4 years ago when Exedy admitted a poor tolerance caused the issue.

Anyway, it's got the same type of clutch back in it now (the only one available for the fix). It worked flawlessly for 10k miles!! Then didn't, obviously.

I had an exedy 2zz clutch spectacularly self destruct while overtaking someone.
Two days after buying the car so I don't know how it was treated before I owned it.
When I replaced it I was surprised to see how new it looked (apart from only having friction material on 1/3rd) of its surfaces.

Quote from: twiglett on July 13, 2019, 19:39I had an exedy 2zz clutch spectacularly self destruct while overtaking someone.
Two days after buying the car so I don't know how it was treated before I owned it.
When I replaced it I was surprised to see how new it looked (apart from only having friction material on 1/3rd) of its surfaces.

My exedy clutch exploded the day I bought my 2zz! Took the gearbox with it too