So I thought it was time to start putting a build thread/journey together for my current MR2 project, so what the idea then?
Well I've owned a couple of K20/24 S1 Elise's for the last 4 years, and whilst building them up into capable fast road/track toys I've also seen the price of them continue to rise and rise along with the amount they have cost to build!
And whilst I love them cant help but think £20-30k is an awful lot of money for a track toy that's only used once a month or so, especially when I have quite a few bits on my house Id like to do.
I then came across a sensibly priced and spec'd K20 converted MR2 Roadster, which made me think, could I make it 80% as good as the Elise for 50% of the money?
Needless to say I went to look at it and bought it, The chap had done a great job of the conversion making it a nice quick car but maintaining the interior and comfort of a more normal car.
So initial thoughts of the car?
-Its fun, great fun infact! Has the same lovely balancing act or understeer to oversteer mid corner that the Elise's have which you can play with.
-It doesn't look like an Elise
-Its such a nicer place to be inside, seats are fairly comfy, has carpets in the front, power steering electric Mirrors and the engine mounts arent too harsh.
-Its still fast, yes not as fast but still capable.
So overall I was really happy, for the difference in money it really offers a great overall and more usable package.
I'll get some photo's uploaded of when I purchased it and then start going through some of the things I have done so far and the future plans as I'm pleased to say its going to be staying for a while!
Many thanks
Pictures when I purchased the car.
(https://i.ibb.co/P63dtG5/3-A882196-A770-427-B-A467-150007842140.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P63dtG5)
(https://i.ibb.co/XjfT8CG/A5-A7-E401-4528-4-CBC-9-FDA-53915-CA27932.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XjfT8CG)
(https://i.ibb.co/F37R2hJ/BFE76-BF7-53-F9-4-E4-E-8-AB0-6615-FAF57-DAE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F37R2hJ)
And spec when I purchased it;
Stock K20 engine
RBC inlet manifold
Innovative engine mounts
Custom exhaust manifold into 3" system
234bhp mapped by EFI
Stock gearbox with M Factory LSD
Clockwise baffled sump
Hondata k100 ecu
Modal oil cooler
Meister R coilovers
Yellow stuff EBC pads
White line f&r anti roll bars
McGillian under body brace
Fully pollybushed
Corbeau club sport seats
3" TRS harness'
Dan
Nice...wish I have the time and the ££££!
There was a few visual changes I wanted to make with the car straight away and in a funny turn of events I already had a few parts lined up!
I had purchased a Silver Mk3 MR2 shell that was ready to drop a 2ZZ engine in which had some nice parts on it, I literally sold it weeks before getting this car so spoke to the guy who purchased it and got some of the parts back!
On the list was a matching Silver Hardtop and Black side air intakes. So I removed the Soft top and got these fitted along with removing the rear spoiler. (The style wasn't to my taste and my understanding for a decent aero benefit the wing has to fairly large and mounted quite high up so wouldn't be doing a lot anyway).
I then wanted to change the number plate, again not really to my taste I found a still K20 orientated plate for it and got some Japanese sized rectangle plates made up and fitted.
Naturally with a new car I was looking on Ebay/FB Marketplace for things to buy and came across some Traklite Gear wheels in bronze, a deal was done and I got them wrapped in some Zestino Gredge 195/205 tyres which I thought would be a good all round starting tyre to learn the car with.
The final first phase of improvements was to cut the bottom section of the rear bumper, remove some of the plastics and add a aftermarket crash bar. Again this was all mostly for visual benefit but I'm sure will allow heat to escape more easily too.
I was pleased with these small updates how different the car looked and it already felt like 'my car' instead of one I had just bought. Sounds silly I know but I think its important to put your own touch onto your car.
Thanks
(https://i.ibb.co/k82xFbV/F6-BB3525-4-D90-4-F16-8-EF4-3-EE0733-DF6-DB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k82xFbV)
(https://i.ibb.co/TkF0Dy7/B543-DDFF-EB57-4895-AFE0-B34-A9129273-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TkF0Dy7)
(https://i.ibb.co/0yZs5wH/BA2-B79-D2-EDED-4-F25-816-D-84007-CC17424.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0yZs5wH)
Next on the list before booking a trackday was to sort the seating position and roll cage, the previous owner had made his own brackets which although were very good was far too high for me and my bro who also uses the car.
So we cut them out and got some of the Rogue Motorsport mounts and readjusted the seats to a position we were happy with.
Then it was onto sorting the roll cage, the cage currently in the car was made for use with a softop and didn't give enough head room for me lot alone Matt. So this was removed and I took the car to JP Cages who made me a custom rear cage to order.
Was really pleased with the quality and fit of the cage, gives lots of head room and have no doubt will be nice and strong if the worst happens, I will probably go back there to convert to a full cage later down the line.
With this sorted it was time to book its first outing at Cadwell.
Pic of the original cage and how low it sat;
(https://i.ibb.co/SPDStSp/546-ED48-F-352-A-49-EE-BE14-870-EBC2-BC7-DD.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SPDStSp)
And the new cage now;
(https://i.ibb.co/ZV68zjV/D239-DDB6-934-C-47-AF-944-E-05-AB39817900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZV68zjV)
(https://i.ibb.co/xXCMN9B/AE98-AAFA-D38-B-4861-9-ED8-CCA3-AE3-CD9-F7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xXCMN9B)
(https://i.ibb.co/g65cjsk/8031-F3-F4-7-EC1-4822-8-A1-E-0407-E9-D130-C0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g65cjsk)
(https://i.ibb.co/HzP4VL1/5-D55-CD6-E-88-FC-4487-9-C64-6-C5-BCB8-B55-D8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HzP4VL1)
So the first outing at Cadwell was a success, car performed brilliant abd the only casualty was the battery jumped out of its holder on one lap so need to have a look at relocating that.
Car felt really good, had great traction out of the corners and felt nice and playful, quite oftens here people saying they are quite snappy but it feels comfortable around the limits*
*Hope I don't regret saying this later in the build 😂
Few pictures albeit with the silly img things!
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/TcX3fvY/6-D1-ECE22-A746-467-E-A641-E9419-C4-E5-A8-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TcX3fvY)
(https://i.ibb.co/ZfsdXTF/4-AC5965-F-C235-4572-ABF8-61302-B183522.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZfsdXTF)
(https://i.ibb.co/MDfc9MJ/023-F0-ADE-FB23-44-D9-BB18-D180639-F11-CA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MDfc9MJ)
Nice Danny, glad you started a thread.
Next on the agenda was to neaten up the dashboard a little bit, the dash had 3 additional gauges along with a Rev limit light in pods stuck on. All useful info but again not to my taste, so I purchased a triple gauge pod to go in where the CD player was to simplify the dash then moved the Rev limit light for now.
Before;
(https://i.ibb.co/hmHJ33z/3-EC9387-C-9168-45-A5-AEB0-26-B7-CCB61-A0-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hmHJ33z)
After;
(https://i.ibb.co/MSMgNgK/CD1-B1-CFF-7505-4-E85-8936-14-A2-CDCEE8-B0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MSMgNgK)
I also changed the 280mm Wheel for a Sparco suede 330mm as I don't like the wheel too small. I fitted a removable steering wheel boss at the same time too.
Dan
Next few visual enhancements for the exterior was something I don't think I've ever fitted on a car but I can't help but like them on the MR2...side skirts!
Along with a front lip I think it drastically changes the look of the car and am super happy with it.
Only temp painted them in wheel silver but to be honest can't believe how good the colour match is!
All set for another Cadwell now 😬
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/HNMLrLn/2-E0438-D8-7281-4-DD6-88-C5-B6-C434-C9-D171.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HNMLrLn)
(https://i.ibb.co/d2tnYws/88-CEFCA7-D079-4-BA5-926-B-B7-D150276942.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d2tnYws)
(https://i.ibb.co/cg82XbJ/C70-AA2-C6-3-B90-4216-AEB6-D08-DB31-C2038.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cg82XbJ)
(https://i.ibb.co/R7MqcTQ/FD36-A9-E4-22-AF-48-BD-B63-A-A44-C1-B325-A4-F.png) (https://ibb.co/R7MqcTQ)
Another great day at Cadwell was had, however we found that on left hands bends especially on the way up coppice and the slight kink before the mountain it was loose at the back.
It got progressively worse so we jacked it up and found the issue was the adj camber bolts we fitted were moving and we had active camber on the rear...not ideal 😂 tightened them up for one last session and then called it a day.
Looking back at some of the footage we were getting some half decent laps in too considering it was only the second time out and with the active camber clocked a few 1;42/43 laps.
So was pleased with the pace, with some more seat time and some wider more focused rubber should see a 1;39 which would be really happy with!
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/5v2kB0n/22-F152-C4-736-C-42-E1-9647-F696-EC5-F5-D95.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5v2kB0n)
(https://i.ibb.co/P6FDpx4/FB755-A2-B-A7-BA-4679-963-D-BE54-F6-A89-D5-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P6FDpx4)
(https://i.ibb.co/9Ws22vN/05-F2813-E-14-D2-44-B4-AB70-C3-BD6-C739-E4-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9Ws22vN)
(https://i.ibb.co/W5cNyvC/788080-AE-EFC2-4-B3-D-A40-D-83-F46057-ADF4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/W5cNyvC)
(https://i.ibb.co/BGZx9c8/02-C49352-5-A83-49-F2-A99-A-99-F6-E4-D0603-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BGZx9c8)
Next outing was booked to Oulton Park, this one didn't go so well.
Naively didn't take the car out for a test since Cadwell as it all seemed ok. Set off the night before for Oulton and ten mins into the journey the driveshaft was knocking quite badly.
I limped it to Matts and we had a couple of hours on it but we were fighting a loosing battle, after having for it removed it was clear it was 'shafted' 🙄
So we had to jump in the mx5 for the day at Oulton so all was not lost.
Had a cracking day as always and I got some uprated shafts ordered ready for fitting over the next few weeks.
Strangely we did the trackday on the exact same day with the same people exactly 6 years apart so replicated the old picture for abit of fun!
(https://i.ibb.co/Z2tZBP4/41-DBB043-F410-423-F-9-B65-2760-D341-FC01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2tZBP4)
Little video Matt put together appreciate it's not the MR2 but still good fun!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1sPPOvwzCnas24OTS4GV27D9gzYpJwoygg6UQNnZ_356_TYDWbTgkXTW0&v=8a-PfbC_FTE&feature=youtu.be
Dan
Over the next few weeks we got the driveshafts swapped over and I also received a new gear shifter set up I had ordered.
It's a work of art and feels really nice albeit I do need to spend some time fiddling with the set up to get it right.
(https://i.ibb.co/sbVP2DP/263-D80-F9-5-F05-416-E-A8-FD-05-EC46-A3-FCA7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sbVP2DP)
(https://i.ibb.co/Z2SmVzs/BF74-A363-F619-4085-AC68-EBF5-D5-ADE4-FC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2SmVzs)
(https://i.ibb.co/wpgGd7S/7-F13-BA76-7291-4-B7-F-9007-8-EF96406-A73-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wpgGd7S)
(https://i.ibb.co/drLMtbz/4-F77-EA6-F-BF14-4-F2-B-A326-5783-E1-CD8537.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drLMtbz)
We were then booked onto Blyton for a trackday between Christmas and new year, we always book on these as it's pretty much guaranteed to be cold wet slippy and lots of fun with Blyton been perfect to get some car control practice in!
Needless to say the weather didn't disappoint and neither did the car, was great fun all day and the Marshall's were really good and allowed for some sideways action.
(https://i.ibb.co/mcbM1MV/99-FB6492-A30-D-4247-9798-08-CBD1-D14875.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcbM1MV)
(https://i.ibb.co/kGndtNj/EF46-D23-A-29-C4-46-E5-B0-C9-48-B2-BAE6209-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kGndtNj)
(https://i.ibb.co/GkjHPSp/767-AE580-ACF9-41-C6-B3-A3-CFB447-B46-AFC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GkjHPSp)
(https://i.ibb.co/BcxwRtM/B6-D7-ADC3-A6-DF-49-B1-8-C6-A-9-A9-B1-D04-C2-B3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BcxwRtM)
And a good mid corner moment captured from behind;
(https://i.ibb.co/r6bKdxs/C4869-ADF-468-B-477-E-BE71-12551-F7-FDBC2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r6bKdxs)
And of course the obligatory moment when ambition out weighed capabilities....
(https://i.ibb.co/whTf7PC/45626305-8210-4-E4-B-B4-C2-140328146303.jpg) (https://ibb.co/whTf7PC)
What did I say earlier about them not been too bad on the limit 😂
Dan
So after having some fun in the car over winter I wanted to get a few bits done ready for the better weather when it arrives.
There is plenty of contrasting views about whether to run with staggered wheels/tyres on the MR2 so I thought there's no harm in trying it.
The car always felt pretty good with 15"s all round so it may be I go back to that we shall see.
I picked up a couple of sets of Rota GT3's one set in 15 and one 16. Got them all powder coated and sold one set leaving myself a pair of each.
I had some 225/45/16 AO48 tyres already in the garage and managed to find a matching pair of 205/50/15 so got them bought and all on the car.
Will be interesting to see how the car feels a) with abit more serious tyre and b) with a staggered set up.
I prefer the look of the bronze wheels so when I work out what sizes I want long term will be going back down that route.
Whilst I was getting the tyres fitted Adam kindly put the car on the corner weights for me so we can have a base of where the car is currently.
I would like to try and lose abit more weight here and there which shouldn't be too difficult.
(https://i.ibb.co/FXdwMjZ/44-AA1-DAC-4-E10-4493-9-E50-30647509173-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FXdwMjZ)
(https://i.ibb.co/TMxXNJB/AA9239-F3-8238-46-E0-8-F95-7-D1-ADBEF097-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMxXNJB)
(https://i.ibb.co/tZ1x1X3/B786-E21-F-14-FF-4-C06-9-A85-DD05-F611-AAA8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tZ1x1X3)
(https://i.ibb.co/7J5Q5t1/C29-D7647-076-E-41-B6-8508-EF1-E735-C196-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7J5Q5t1)
Weight is without the hardtop and with just over half a tank of fuel. 975kg is the initial aim with the hardtop on. Any hints and tips of some weight loss without ruining the car would be appreciated!
Dan
That's the thread upto speed now, having owned the car for 6 months now I've really grown fond of it.
It's been brilliant fun on track, feels like it could be really capable. And is generally a really nice place to be and to drive to and from the track.
So far it's definitely achieving the goal and giving as much fun/enjoyment as the Elise for a fraction of the price.
So what's next?
I already have the next batch of modifications lined up which Id like to get sorted before the summer. But it will just depend on getting the Elise finished and sold to release some funds/parts!
I have a set of Titan 48mm ITBs I've secured and need to collect for the engine, I'm going to fit these along with either some Skunk2 Drop in Cams or go a little further and do a slightly more aggressive cam and springs/retainers to unlock a few more Revs.
This should see the power at circa 250-270hp depending on the dyno!
I also have a box I made for the Elise that I'll be fitting a long with a lightened flywheel. It's a DC5 box with a shorter 4/5/6 gears and with a M Factory 5.417 final drive (current stock one is 4.764) so that will really wake the engine up and utilise the high revving power band.
Both these bits should really add to the theatre and make for a really impressive sound/engine character along with abit more pace too!
After that I'd like to get a rear wing made up to see if can make the rear feel abit more planted on the faster sections.
Apart from that I really want to just get lots is seat time and enjoy the car!
Hopefully won't be too long before the next batch of updates.
Thanks Dan
Cracking read.
Well played.
Took me a while to get through but well worth the read. Thanks for sharing. Fantastic car
Remember watching the build thread for this, pre your purchase on another forum,
Great stuff!
You can find some component weights here;
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=12479.0
I am interested in how you found the zestinas as a street tyre as they seem like they would be similar to the old yoko AD08r (albeit in limited sizes)?
I hope you will be bringing the car to the National event, I want to see that shifter!
PS Are you considering some rear spats to finish off the bodykit?
Quote from: Topdownman on February 23, 2022, 08:11Great stuff!
You can find some component weights here;
https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=12479.0
I am interested in how you found the zestinas as a street tyre as they seem like they would be similar to the old yoko AD08r (albeit in limited sizes)?
I hope you will be bringing the car to the National event, I want to see that shifter!
PS Are you considering some rear spats to finish off the bodykit?
Thanks! I will try and make the national as would be good to meet a few enthusiast and learn abit more about the cars.
At the rear Im toying with putting a small diffuser on along with a flat floor so I may just wait to get that sorted to be honest.
Thanks for sending the link to the weight components, will have a read through.
We found the Zestino tyres good overall tbh, Grip levels in the dry were good considering the relatively small size, Its a shame they dont do a 225 width 15/16" as I think that would be a nice easy turn up and drive track tyre.
I will mention though they are ok on a drying track but on a wet/damp track they are terrible! Next to no grip even with the soft compound.
Dan
Hope you can make it.
Good feedback on the tyres. The wet grip sounds like AD08r were so does sound like they are an option. As you say, the size choice is very limited though.
Did you find a supplier in the UK or did you have to buy from them direct?
Good work im sure you and Matt will get plenty of enjoyment out of this :)
Hi Danny, good read and I was wondering where this car ended up. I sort of knew Dan who you bought this from and it was a hell of a build (apart from the roll cage). Looks even better now. Your Will has recently been asking me questions about my 2ZZ build, re weight and corner weighting, now I know why, lol.
Mine is a similar spec, just with a 2zz. Will defo look at the K20 route one day though. Also just fitted A048's and they are mega on track.
Hope to see at a trackday sometime, I always see your Will and Matt so more than likely. We can do a proper 2zz v k20 head to head for the ZZW30 fan boys.
Quote from: Topdownman on February 24, 2022, 11:37Hope you can make it.
Good feedback on the tyres. The wet grip sounds like AD08r were so does sound like they are an option. As you say, the size choice is very limited though.
Did you find a supplier in the UK or did you have to buy from them direct?
I just got mine from Demon Tweeks mate, On memory were in stock when I ordered them so pretty much next day.
Quote from: JB21 on February 24, 2022, 13:19Hi Danny, good read and I was wondering where this car ended up. I sort of knew Dan who you bought this from and it was a hell of a build (apart from the roll cage). Looks even better now. Your Will has recently been asking me questions about my 2ZZ build, re weight and corner weighting, now I know why, lol.
Mine is a similar spec, just with a 2zz. Will defo look at the K20 route one day though. Also just fitted A048's and they are mega on track.
Hope to see at a trackday sometime, I always see your Will and Matt so more than likely. We can do a proper 2zz v k20 head to head for the ZZW30 fan boys.
Yeah He was saying you have got yours down to an impressive weight and time at Oulton! Let me know if your thinking of coming over to Cadwell/Blyton and Ill try and book on the same and vice versa with Oulton.
I best get some seat time in so I'm not letting the comparison down :))
Any hints/tips of things you have found are worth doing for track? Do you run with ABS on track? And what pad do you use if you dont mind me asking? What size AO48 are you on, staggered?
Thanks
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on February 26, 2022, 11:23Yeah He was saying you have got yours down to an impressive weight and time at Oulton! Let me know if your thinking of coming over to Cadwell/Blyton and Ill try and book on the same and vice versa with Oulton.
I best get some seat time in so I'm not letting the comparison down :))
Any hints/tips of things you have found are worth doing for track? Do you run with ABS on track? And what pad do you use if you dont mind me asking? What size AO48 are you on, staggered?
Thanks
Yeah I'll give you a shout if doing these tracks. Got all 3 on my list this year so we can catch up.
Current spec of mine below. Very well balanced, and puts out a decent lap on any track.
MR2 2ZZ Spec:
200hp p/ton
938kg without driver
189hp & 132 ft/lbs (standard spec)
Engine, ECU & exhaust:
Standard 2006 Celica 2zz-ge engine 89k miles
Corolla 2zz-ge JDM ECU (6000 lift - 8200 limit)
BMC CDA intake, with cold air feed to NS scoop
Elise Parts baffled sump
Custom header, 200 cel sports cat & custom silencer
Suspension & chassis:
MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers - 5kg front/7kg rear
Front and rear whiteline ARB's - front full stiff, rear middle setting
Fully braced front, mid and rear
Custom 6 point T45 roll cage
Fully poly bushed
Hardrace spherical rear arms
Wheels & tyres:
OZ Ultraleggera 15x7 wheels (4.9kg each)
Yokohama A048 tyres front 190/580/15 soft - rear 220/610/15 medium
Brakes:
OE ABS in place
OE calipers
OE spec MTEC J-Hook discs
Carbotech RP2 front pads
Stoptech Sport rear pads
Motul RBF 600 fluid
Geo:
Fully corner weighted, cross weights 49% front - 51% rear
front (each side) camber -3.00/toe out -1mm
rear (each side) camber -3.00/toe in +2mm
Great build!
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on February 22, 2022, 22:03After that I'd like to get a rear wing made up to see if can make the rear feel abit more planted on the faster sections.
Check out T89 Racecar Wings - Cal makes proper wings, and his aluminium aerofoils are lighter than the carbon 'tuner' blades by some margin. My whole set up (1600mm wide, 220mm chord and 250mm legs) weighs barely 5kg. Can't recommend them highly enough.
As for losing weight... there's loads of little bits to get rid of! I binned the centre console, and relocated the cigarette lighter to under the steering wheel, and behind there is all the airbag gubbins - in the bin :) If you haven't removed the passenger airbag too that's a good few kilos. Rogue doorcards are a couple of kilos lighter than the stock ones, even without taking in to account the speakers... and so on and so forth. You'll get there :)
Quote from: JB21 on February 26, 2022, 19:46Yeah I'll give you a shout if doing these tracks. Got all 3 on my list this year so we can catch up.
Current spec of mine below. Very well balanced, and puts out a decent lap on any track.
Thanks for the detailed info, do you find the 220 profile rear tyres ok on the 7" rim. (I have just fitted the same as finding 16x8 rears of a nice style/offset is a pain!
Any days planned yet?
Dan
Quote from: moca2cv on February 28, 2022, 21:02Great build!
Check out T89 Racecar Wings - Cal makes proper wings, and his aluminium aerofoils are lighter than the carbon 'tuner' blades by some margin. My whole set up (1600mm wide, 220mm chord and 250mm legs) weighs barely 5kg. Can't recommend them highly enough.
As for losing weight... there's loads of little bits to get rid of! I binned the centre console, and relocated the cigarette lighter to under the steering wheel, and behind there is all the airbag gubbins - in the bin :) If you haven't removed the passenger airbag too that's a good few kilos. Rogue doorcards are a couple of kilos lighter than the stock ones, even without taking in to account the speakers... and so on and so forth. You'll get there :)
That's good to know regarding the wing, Will check them out! Ill try and document the weight loss bits I do, want to try and take some weight out the doors but maintain the stock doorcards. I hadnt thought about the airbag! Need to check that! Thanks
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on March 10, 2022, 10:15Thanks for the detailed info, do you find the 220 profile rear tyres ok on the 7" rim. (I have just fitted the same as finding 16x8 rears of a nice style/offset is a pain!
Any days planned yet?
Dan
Fine mate yeah. Also ran 225 AR1's with no issue.
Next little update on the MR2 is done, So we managed to get the Gearbox removed from the Elise and then switched it with the box from the MR2.
Will be interesting to see if there is much difference between the stock Honda LSD and the M-Factory one, hopefully not too much but if there is maybe it will push towards a plated one in the future.
Box was fairly easy to take out of the MR2 and replace albeit with the help of the guys at GIZ motorsport, with the Elise the whole engine had to come out, so another plus on the MR2 side of things!
(https://i.ibb.co/HCwmk0G/0-DA3-F266-7281-44-C6-AEDE-ECFC04-B68-E5-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HCwmk0G)
(https://i.ibb.co/ct208h2/BA6-AB2-B5-D8-B3-46-BB-BC34-352-EF609-AC15.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ct208h2)
At the same time I also fitted a Fidanza lightweight flywheel and genuine Honda Clutch kit (I cant stand the aftermarket kits and never really see the point on a NA build).
(https://i.ibb.co/qryJ4Dc/76053863-AFD2-4186-8050-2-E85-B0-CF10-B2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qryJ4Dc)
In terms of what this means to the ratios I used the following Calculator to show the difference, as you can see its now alot shorter. I'll never see anywhere like 140mph on the tracks I go to anyway so it was all wasted before!
Before;
(https://i.ibb.co/HK302W8/MR2-Ratio-1.png) (https://ibb.co/HK302W8)
After;
(https://i.ibb.co/9VvRGGK/Mr2-Ratio-2.png) (https://ibb.co/9VvRGGK)
So what does it feel like? It so much more eager and really feels alot more torquey lower down the revs. Thankfully driving normally it isn't much worse as its still sub 4k at 60mph so I'm relieved about that. When your on a spirited drive it really has woken it up and it drops right back into the power band when changing gear, makes it feel like a really special engine/box set up....Cant wait to get the ITBs on now!
Cars due an MOT at the end of the month then will be booking a Cadwell in April to give it another shakedown before getting on with the ITBs/cams etc.
Really loving this little car. So pleased I bought it!
And a little pic behind the new daily.
(https://i.ibb.co/Jn8ycK0/1-AAEF95-A-9324-4-D46-A9-B2-BB698957-C912.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jn8ycK0)
Dan
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on March 10, 2022, 11:19Box was fairly easy to take out of the MR2 and replace albeit with the help of the guys at GIZ motorsport, with the Elise the whole engine had to come out, so another plus on the MR2 side of things!
Ah! You're the K swap at Giz!!! Ash and Tom said they had a special MR2 in :) Love those guys 🥰
Short ratios ftw, sounds like you've found the sweet spot!
Great project and great work too - really impressive spec and work, well done.
Having come from the Elise and Caterham world in the past - was interesting to see the A048's going on as I've run these on Caterham's and I bet they were good on the track or road in the dry in your MR-2. Honda K20 must be amazing in one too, but the 2ZZ is an impressive upgrade too, and your car even looked quite well sorted when you acquired it, but its really quite awe-inspiring now.
Although the Caterham is obviously a different animal (and perhaps more comparable to the Elan copy that is the now very well received MX-5), I find it interesting comparing the MR-2 to the Elise - as they do have quite a lot in common. Having had an early Elise S1 with MMC brakes and a later S1 111S more recently - there are great when they were nearly new and low mileage, but they are simply not that durable and get tatty quickly and then when you look at the price of a good one today an MR-2 is a no brainer now.
I suppose what I'm getting at is you have proved we can create a well sorted, track focussed machine that isn't dogged with the 'delicacy issues' of a Rover K-series block in an expensive Lotus chassis. Rock on, great work, and enjoy the fruits of your labours - as I am sure you do regularly ;D
Quote from: moca2cv on March 14, 2022, 10:45Ah! You're the K swap at Giz!!! Ash and Tom said they had a special MR2 in :) Love those guys 🥰
Short ratios ftw, sounds like you've found the sweet spot!
That's the one, they're both really good guys, nothing but good stuff to say about them.
Quote from: A7DUO on March 14, 2022, 21:10Great project and great work too - really impressive spec and work, well done.
Having come from the Elise and Caterham world in the past - was interesting to see the A048's going on as I've run these on Caterham's and I bet they were good on the track or road in the dry in your MR-2. Honda K20 must be amazing in one too, but the 2ZZ is an impressive upgrade too, and your car even looked quite well sorted when you acquired it, but its really quite awe-inspiring now.
Although the Caterham is obviously a different animal (and perhaps more comparable to the Elan copy that is the now very well received MX-5), I find it interesting comparing the MR-2 to the Elise - as they do have quite a lot in common. Having had an early Elise S1 with MMC brakes and a later S1 111S more recently - there are great when they were nearly new and low mileage, but they are simply not that durable and get tatty quickly and then when you look at the price of a good one today an MR-2 is a no brainer now.
I suppose what I'm getting at is you have proved we can create a well sorted, track focussed machine that isn't dogged with the 'delicacy issues' of a Rover K-series block in an expensive Lotus chassis. Rock on, great work, and enjoy the fruits of your labours - as I am sure you do regularly ;D
Thanks for the kind words, it really is very similar to the Elise and with the power/theatre of the K20 is comparable on track to. Id like to get booked on a Lotus of Track day and see what kind of difference there is.
I just love the fact that its so much easier to live with, parts are readily available and things are alot easier to replace, for example if you have a little off you can buy and bolt on replacement panels/bumpers not have to get a whole new clam.
You make a really good point about the Elise's looking and feeling tatty. Suppose its the differnce between something that is built with everyday use in mind and something built purely to be as light as possible for performance and feel. (ill no doubt find this on track!)
Dan
Few more little things happening with K20MRX this weekend.
The car is currently running a mix of Yellow stuff pads on the front and Apec on the rear and ultimatley they are just not strong enough for the track.
I tried to order some CL RC6endurance pads for the front however apparently the fit of them is quite poor so I have changed to the Winmax W6. I have heard good things about how long they last and still provide some good bite so will be good to see what they are like.
On the back I had purchased some PBS Track pads so im going to try them, Hopefully it wont make it too unbalanced.
Because I have now gone up to 16" wheels at the back with a wider tyre I also need to raise the ride height a little at the back to avoid any rubbing.
If I have enough time I want to get the exhaust exit modified so it comes out between the rear crash bar instead of below. This is a) because it sits really low to the ground atm and b) because i think it will look better! In time I would like to a get some form of flat floor and small diffuser so it will be out the way for this too.
And lastly I also want to modify the gear shifter, it is fairly high currently especially with the gearknob I use, because of the length of it I feel even at the shortest throw setting it is still far too long. So reducing the height of the shaft should solve this. I can always use some spacers under the whole assembly to raise it back up if it doesn't feel in as good position after.
Me & Matt are booked on at Blyton on Sunday so will be great to see how all the changes feel. So to recap since the last trackday the following will have changed;
Previous;
Tyres - Zestino Gredge 195/205
Wheels - 15" front & rear
Brakes - Yellow stuff/Apec pads
Gearbox - Stock EP3 Box with M-Factory LSD (4.764FD)
Current;
Tyres - Yokohoma AO48 205/225
Wheels - 15/16" staggered
Brakes - Winmax W6/PBS Track pads
Gearbox - DC5 box (Shorter 4/5/6) & LSD with M-Factory 5.417FD
Super excited about it ;D
Dan
That's a crazy short final drive.
You'll love it!
Didn't know PBS make pads for the ZZW30 callipers. Have you got a link to the pads?
Quote from: JB21 on March 17, 2022, 17:22Didn't know PBS make pads for the ZZW30 callipers. Have you got a link to the pads?
Only do the rears' from what I can see mate, but here;
https://exoracing.co.uk/pbs-protrack-rear-brake-pads-for-toyota-mr2-1zz/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5ae009TN9gIVEoFQBh3kfwDhEAQYAyABEgK9hvD_BwE
Think I got mine off an ebay shop though
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401720253672
Dan
Not such a great update this one unfortunately, the prep for Blyton all started ok....
Got the pads all changed in the morning, suspension raised up at the rear and just a general check over.
The chaps at GIZ then helped out with sorting the exhaust tailpipe and shortening the shifter and I planned to pick the car up after a meal on sat night...
(https://i.ibb.co/xjW7FJ8/MRS.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xjW7FJ8)
(https://i.ibb.co/KjQKS13/MRS-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KjQKS13)
However when we went to start the car at about half 9 on the sat it wouldn't start. Checked the battery, tried some jump leads. Nothing. Seemed very much like the immobiliser not working as there was no fuel pump noise. Spent the next few hours checking different buts and pieces till we found a Relay that was shot. Popped a new one on and there was life!
Thank goodness, was very close to calling it a night on a few occasions but prevailed in the end!
Sunday morning came and took a steady ride over to Blyton, unfortunately on the way the car was spraying a light amount of oil out the back which was worrying. So when we got to Blyton we had a good look over to try and determine where it was coming from. At first looked like it was from the sump plug however after abit more searching it was a lot worse...
The fill/level plug was totally missing, so the oil had been spraying out of the hole when it was running and not leaking when stationary. I was gutted and thought surely it can't have not been put back on. Looking at the pic I took when the box was put back in it was clearly there but can't have been tightened correctly. Very annoying and worrying but these things happen.
So we went to the local B&Q and autoparts store to try and find a temp solution... turns out a radiator plug worked just enough to bung the hole. So we filled the box back up with oil and started our trackday!
(https://i.ibb.co/CWhvPyG/MRS-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CWhvPyG)
The car felt absolutely brilliant! The gearbox has made such a big difference and made the car feel really sharp albeit it's strange getting used to the different gears for different parts on the track.
The brakes were night and day different to the Yellow stuff pads, I do however think I'll want to go abit sharper again as the initial bite is still abit lacking at speed.
The tyres also felt way better but to be honest it still needs more rear tyre as it was fairly oversteery! Think it would have been better with a 195/225 or 205/245 stagger.
Things took a turn for the worse on the first session after lunch though as a few laps in the box started popping out of gear, 3 times on one lap. Knowing that the box had been ran low on oil on the journey to the track we called it a day straight away and I limped the car home holding it in gear.
Absolutely gutted to say the least as the box has only just been put in I really hope there's nothing too damaged in there, fingers crossed it just needs some new bearings etc.
On a brighter note we took the Mx5 as a support car so got to finish the day in that so we didn't miss out on any track time. It was great fun in a totally different experience!
So what's the plan, well I've had a lot of outlays on the cars recently so I'm going to take the engine and box out the car on my next day off then park the car up for a few months whilst I concentrate on getting the Elise sold to free up some funds.
I'll then get the gearbox sorted, want to give the engine a freshen up and get the cams and itbs mocked up. I want to have a check over the subframe and future proof it and probably give the engine bay a kick of paint along with a painted rocker cover.
I'll then pop it all back in and get it booked it to have the new cams/itbs mapped before it's first outing.
This probably won't be for a few months but fingers crossed will get the car back better than ever for the start of summer.
So an all round disappointing weekend but having a few sessions in the car in the morning made me really happy and I know the cars going to be even better after.
Was also really nice to meet some other MR2's on the track, not sure if any of them were on here but nice to catch up.
We only put the go pro on at the start of the afternoon so may have got one of Matt's sessions and a few out laps of me swearing at the gearbox when it started popping out so I'll get them uploaded!
Dan
Have you thought about fitting a 2ZZ gearbox?
Had a day on the MR2 on Thursday and got the engine out.
Was my first time taking an engine out from the bottom, so much easier!
With the Subframe and ARB removed it came right out the back with the car just on axle stands. I must say though thank goodness the previous owner put in the bulkhead access panel, made getting at the back of the engine bay so much better!
(https://i.ibb.co/vLdsXKx/MRS-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vLdsXKx)
(https://i.ibb.co/2N19dHP/MRS-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2N19dHP)
(https://i.ibb.co/857qtV4/MRS-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/857qtV4)
Plan is now to clean up and paint the engine bay, treat the subframe and then put it back on its wheels whist we sort the box/engine. Then Ill clean up and paint the engine and box, fit the cams and itbs (fingers crossed they fit upto the access panel).
In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?
Dan
"In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?"
Check with
@Petrus?
Quote from: SV-3 on March 26, 2022, 13:56"In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?"
Check with @Petrus?
Just under it. The flow goes down and you want it just in the border zone between ´clean´ air and turbulence.
Al try to fit the base of the support no too far backwards.
Imagine the car as a plank on two rollers with each end sticking out a bit beyond the rollers. You´ll see why you want the down force where.
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on March 26, 2022, 11:41In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?
Dan
Great choice of wing! Re height, I went for in line with the top of the glass of the hardtop. Works alright as far as I can tell, and doesn't restrict rearward visibility either 👍🏻 My uprights were about 25cm tall. Can dig out the drawing if you like.
Quote from: Petrus on March 26, 2022, 16:28Just under it. The flow goes down and you want it just in the border zone between ´clean´ air and turbulence.
Al try to fit the base of the support no too far backwards.
Imagine the car as a plank on two rollers with each end sticking out a bit beyond the rollers. You´ll see why you want the down force where.
Thanks Petrus, that's a really good analogy. I will aim for that area then!
Quote from: moca2cv on March 27, 2022, 10:40Great choice of wing! Re height, I went for in line with the top of the glass of the hardtop. Works alright as far as I can tell, and doesn't restrict rearward visibility either 👍🏻 My uprights were about 25cm tall. Can dig out the drawing if you like.
I've just had a look at the Job you did on your, looks really good. If you could dig them out that would be brilliant!
Thanks
Lovely read, how happy are you with the gauges in that position rather than below your eyeline on the top of the dash?
Damn thats a shame on the gearbox but hopefully once thats sorted your good to enjoy it some more!
You know where we (Carbotech) are if you need more bite from the pads once you get rest of car dialed in :D
Quote from: Call the midlife! on April 5, 2022, 13:59Lovely read, how happy are you with the gauges in that position rather than below your eyeline on the top of the dash?
Thanks, I have found it fine so far. Naturally you do have to look away quickly but also I'm normally on track with Matt so whoever is in the passenger seat always keeps an eye too. So it's handy been visible from both sides.
Quote from: thetyrant on April 5, 2022, 14:47Damn thats a shame on the gearbox but hopefully once thats sorted your good to enjoy it some more!
You know where we (Carbotech) are if you need more bite from the pads once you get rest of car dialed in :D
Thanks a lot, I get the feeling will be In touch later in the year!
Another little update, had an afternoon free and it was a nice day so I degreased and sanded down the subframe. I was pleased to see its in pretty good condition.
I rust treated any areas that were just showing signs of rust starting then gave it a few coats of hammerite.
Another job on the list was to give the engine bay abit of a tidy up and paint whilst the engine is out.
So again I dregreased, sanded down and painted it. I've always not liked it when engine bays are a dull finish compared to the rest of the paint on the car so I matched it up to the outside.
Then put the subframe and wheels back on so I can push it in and out the garage till the engine goes back in.
Am going to get the engine degreased and painted today and fingers crossed the ITBs should be arriving so I'll post some pics up later!
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/5MKPrLh/928-AD149-9776-4-D0-E-A3-A5-C927-D3-D0486-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MKPrLh)
(https://i.ibb.co/6HqHmj4/675476-EE-440-A-4-C7-C-9-E72-9-D1-AA7-FDDBDE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6HqHmj4)
(https://i.ibb.co/t26mDQ7/D2-A1-F46-C-82-B4-4-B48-B5-E4-49-D1552438-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t26mDQ7)
(https://i.ibb.co/C0GncDn/77266602-D88-E-49-F1-BE3-A-3-A776685264-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C0GncDn)
(https://i.ibb.co/g9tbL3R/98-CF1-F68-44-DA-4-A2-C-80-DB-DF20-BD6-C45-A3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g9tbL3R)
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on April 6, 2022, 09:45I've always not liked it when engine bays are a dull finish compared to the rest of the paint on the car so I matched it up to the outside.
The paintwork on the outside of mine is becoming dull, and soon it'll match the finish in the engine bay. Then nobody will notice the engine bay looking bad.
What a lovely read and effort,looking forward seeing new posts in this thread!
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on April 6, 2022, 09:45Another little update, had an afternoon free and it was a nice day so I degreased and sanded down the subframe. I was pleased to see its in pretty good condition.
I rust treated any areas that were just showing signs of rust starting then gave it a few coats of hammerite.
Another job on the list was to give the engine bay abit of a tidy up and paint whilst the engine is out.
So again I dregreased, sanded down and painted it. I've always not liked it when engine bays are a dull finish compared to the rest of the paint on the car so I matched it up to the outside.
Then put the subframe and wheels back on so I can push it in and out the garage till the engine goes back in.
Am going to get the engine degreased and painted today and fingers crossed the ITBs should be arriving so I'll post some pics up later!
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/5MKPrLh/928-AD149-9776-4-D0-E-A3-A5-C927-D3-D0486-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MKPrLh)
(https://i.ibb.co/6HqHmj4/675476-EE-440-A-4-C7-C-9-E72-9-D1-AA7-FDDBDE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6HqHmj4)
(https://i.ibb.co/t26mDQ7/D2-A1-F46-C-82-B4-4-B48-B5-E4-49-D1552438-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t26mDQ7)
(https://i.ibb.co/C0GncDn/77266602-D88-E-49-F1-BE3-A-3-A776685264-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C0GncDn)
(https://i.ibb.co/g9tbL3R/98-CF1-F68-44-DA-4-A2-C-80-DB-DF20-BD6-C45-A3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g9tbL3R)
And to think it takes me all afternoon to change over some wheels....
Wished I had the experience and skills for this sort of job!!
How much was the shifter?
Quote from: ucb on April 7, 2022, 21:39And to think it takes me all afternoon to change over some wheels....
Wished I had the experience and skills for this sort of job!!
:)) :)) I started there mate! I'm no professional but its amazing what your capable of it you try.
@Mark - The shifter was circa £500/600 delivered.
Thanks
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on April 5, 2022, 12:54I've just had a look at the Job you did on your, looks really good. If you could dig them out that would be brilliant!
Thanks
Sent you a message - sorry for the delay!
Got another couple of days on the MR2 so made abit more progress.
The Gearbox was inspected and much to my relief just needed new bearings, so I had this rebuilt.
I then stripped down, cleaned and painted the engine and ancillaries ready to put back in.
And then put them back together and back into the car, really pleased with how it all looks all fresh and painted.
I had put a new passenger Driveshaft in before the last track day so I also put the new one onto the drivers side too so they are matching.
I also have a refurbished Wrinkle red oem rocker cover to go on and new gaskets but am waiting till its all back together in case I mark it...been there and made that mistake before!
For the time been Im abit up in the air about the ITBs so for the time been I have purchased some larger bore intake tubing and will be making a better intake for it.
Next up is getting the exhaust back on and then I can take it for a MOT renewal, then I shall be putting my attention to the front engine bay and giving it the same refreshment treatment.
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/RjvLWNW/CBB97-D7-E-5-F19-4-DF5-981-F-A2-B1-F1733-D65.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RjvLWNW)
(https://i.ibb.co/3h3hmmZ/4-AF19508-5775-42-AD-9-C93-BF18-D93-EA8-FE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3h3hmmZ) (https://i.ibb.co/sCRYqQ2/3-F0756-CB-D5-DB-4-C5-B-B0-C6-FDF1-A7-F0-E0-F9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sCRYqQ2) (https://i.ibb.co/bFWRNfH/A9-D8-C15-B-6-AA2-43-F5-9-E18-5-BF9-C54-AED67.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bFWRNfH) (https://i.ibb.co/jMBBSZL/A100-E083-1-E0-E-4-D8-C-AEC8-691-D232-E05-FA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jMBBSZL) (https://i.ibb.co/GH4sHRc/5-AE0-E2-FB-673-B-4-F68-AA83-D0-EBE0-EFAA66.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GH4sHRc) (https://i.ibb.co/ZYzq7Bj/D2383-E1-F-871-A-4-D2-B-AD71-C15-F3923497-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZYzq7Bj)
Excellent work Dan ;D
Not much of an update as I've been getting some bits on the Elise done.
Did however do a couple of bits, I've made a different intake set up with a larger diameter pipe and HKS filter(these sound so good!).
I've heard that the K20's like a shorter and larger pipe so maybe will be happier too.
Then I also got the rocker cocker refurbished in oem colours to go with the rest of the silver/red theme on the car.
Will be off at the weekend so want to get the rest of the ancillaries back on and it back on its wheels for use.
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/1MTdmDP/994897-DF-69-D9-4-DBA-8328-03-FDE01-E0655.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1MTdmDP)
(https://i.ibb.co/GHKJbms/83-D7-C86-A-015-C-4209-A5-F6-262820-C98-A0-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GHKJbms)
(https://i.ibb.co/fH7dJHL/D652-E8-B8-90-E7-4-F85-BBCA-A9-FC33168-D79.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fH7dJHL)
Love this project, keep up the good work :)
That looks too good to use!
Looking good Dan. Cant believe how far right the engine sits in the bay compared to my 2ZZ. You gonna get it corner weighted once complete?
Quote from: JB21 on May 10, 2022, 07:38Looking good Dan. Cant believe how far right the engine sits in the bay compared to my 2ZZ. You gonna get it corner weighted once complete?
Sorry for the late reply! I sure will be yes, planning on trying to get rid of some weight too so will try and even it up abit. Its not too bad currently though.
Time for a very long overdue update!!!
So the MR2 has taken abit of a backseat over the last 4/5 months. I got the Elise all finished and started tracking it and enjoying it....Then the engine spun a bearing at Cadwell so I turned my attention to building another engine up for it.
So what's happened with the MR2...in brief not alot!
I've got everything pretty much back together and have re-routed and changed all the coolant hoses to silicone/pipes which looks alot neater IMO.
(https://i.ibb.co/R2yLj4d/IMG-0707.jpg) (https://ibb.co/R2yLj4d)
(https://i.ibb.co/QcfT4VS/IMG-0709.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QcfT4VS)
So what's next? Lots to be fair!
Over winter I just want to try and enjoy the car as much as possible, get some seat time and used to the car.
With the plan to fit the ITBs I have I also want to work on making a larger more open area around the back of the engine and bulkhead, so going to cut the bulkhead open more and have a box fabricated with removable panels to help with air feed to the ITB's and hopefully make it a lot easier to work on.
I have also left myself with a spare K20 head from the Elise, So I am going to get this ported/polished/skimmed and build it back up with upgraded valve train and some more spicy cams. I'll then fit this at the same time as the ITBs and book it in for a new map and hopefully some more horses!
I was considering putting a K24 bottom end in however at the moment want to just stick with the K20 and the whole idea is to make it as enjoyable driving experience as possible. So the additional revs accompanied to the short box and ITB's should deliver a really special feel albeit maybe not as fast as the torquey K24.
When this is done I will be taking the car back to JP Cages to get the rear cage converted into a full one, then turning me attention to getting rid of some weight in the car to counteract this along with getting the dash flocked.
And finally I would like to treat the bodywork to abit of love and tidy the car up so I think I will paint the car, I have always liked white cars and quite like the link with Honda Type R cars been white with red compliments so think that's the way I will go but will see nearer the time.
So as you can see there is LOADS I have planned for the car but am really excited about it and cant wait to get see how it progresses.
Dan
:) there is some work to do keep going it be worth it in the end.
I love a Elise 8)
*Holy thread revival batman*
Long story short I still own the MR2 but it has sat in the garage and just been tinkered with over the last 18months (how its been 19months I have no idea).
Had a year without much car action and more holidays and trips instead which was a nice change.
The Elise took front seat with the time I did have but I have now got that finished and sold to a great new owner...Hope I don't miss it too much. (Picture in its finished state).
So what's changed with the MR2, not loads.
I have stripped the interior to loose some weight, removed speakers, airbag etc then painted and cleaned the interior up.
The Corbeau seats have been replaced with my old Bride replica seats I've had in storage for decades which are abit tighter and offer some more support.
The custom made exhaust system has been sold and I've fitted a PPE header which has been modified to a 3" collector and system, Only has 1 box currently but I have a smaller box to add too to make it track day friendly.
The RBC inlet manifold has been removed and a Skunk2 Ultra Inlet added (still have the ITBs to fit at some point).
I've spent too much time messing about with a spare bonnet putting the Elise Scoop in it.
Also spent far too much time making brackets up and cleaning up a spoiler I purchased for the car (Collected it and it was an absolute mess and should have walked away but felt committed after traveling to pick it up.
Relocated the battery to behind the passenger seat so its further forward and lower down and fitted a uprated Expansion tank.
Purchased and fitted Konig Hypergram wheels with Accelera 651 Sport extra for road occasional track, and some Rota slipstreams with some Dunlop Direzza's for summer trackdays.
Sold the oem hardtop and purchased a Rogue motorsport lightweight one and fitted the Poly rear window. This still needs painting and going to get the underside flocked to make it look abit neater.
The car is now on its wheels, engine running (albeit hunting quite badly so imagine one of the sensors needs replacing) and ready to go for an MOT.
Its booked in to have the Exhaust modifications done back at GIZ motorsport in a few weeks and so they can have a general check over things too.
So that's where we are up to currently, what's the future look like?
LOTS of trackdays..Now its running I just want to enjoy it as it is then do little bits here and there but without taking it off the road.
Future fettling includes getting the access panel on the bulkhead enlarged with access from the front and top, really want to open it up as much as possible to make working on it easy and with the ITBs to fit so we can create some ducting etc.
Then have the ITB's to fit, along with some Skunk2 Ultra 1 cams, with uprated springs and retainers. Should hopefully see power to circa 260-270hp which will be exciting.
Then all attention will be onto getting the suspension set up right and losing some weight where possible. We have got hold of some corner weights which is handy so should be able to monitor the progress easily!
Will upload some more recent pictures of the bits done and current state when I get the chance and most importantly some track footage in the not so distant future.
Dan
:) :) long time back good to hear your still on it and work is now taking place 8) 8)
Car is going to have an extra exhaust box and exit fitted this week along with MOT. Then will put a few road miles on to make sure all is well before booking a trackday.
Certainly excited for a drive, its been too long!
Few quick pictures of current state.
Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/6D9vzcH/MR21.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6D9vzcH)
(https://i.ibb.co/QfkGCms/MR22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QfkGCms)
(https://i.ibb.co/w4MXWgN/MR23.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w4MXWgN)
(https://i.ibb.co/64bsVzP/MR24.jpg) (https://ibb.co/64bsVzP)
(https://i.ibb.co/98Qf007/MR25.jpg) (https://ibb.co/98Qf007)
(https://i.ibb.co/yWQDMxH/MR26.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yWQDMxH)
Mechanically one of the cleaner builds I've seen, nice job.
I don't like cut bumpers, so aesthetically only the back doesn't sit right with me until two big snails are on display.
Still surprised you went away from lotus ownership, shouldn't they rise in value faster than these cars thus making them worth maintaining? Especially compared to a modded roadster.
Or am I missing something.
Hopefully see you out on track this year 👌
Quote from: Danny Scarbro on February 22, 2022, 21:38Over the next few weeks we got the driveshafts swapped over and I also received a new gear shifter set up I had ordered.
It's a work of art and feels really nice albeit I do need to spend some time fiddling with the set up to get it right.
(https://i.ibb.co/sbVP2DP/263-D80-F9-5-F05-416-E-A8-FD-05-EC46-A3-FCA7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sbVP2DP)
(https://i.ibb.co/Z2SmVzs/BF74-A363-F619-4085-AC68-EBF5-D5-ADE4-FC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2SmVzs)
(https://i.ibb.co/wpgGd7S/7-F13-BA76-7291-4-B7-F-9007-8-EF96406-A73-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wpgGd7S)
(https://i.ibb.co/drLMtbz/4-F77-EA6-F-BF14-4-F2-B-A326-5783-E1-CD8537.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drLMtbz)
We were then booked onto Blyton for a trackday between Christmas and new year, we always book on these as it's pretty much guaranteed to be cold wet slippy and lots of fun with Blyton been perfect to get some car control practice in!
Needless to say the weather didn't disappoint and neither did the car, was great fun all day and the Marshall's were really good and allowed for some sideways action.
(https://i.ibb.co/mcbM1MV/99-FB6492-A30-D-4247-9798-08-CBD1-D14875.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcbM1MV)
(https://i.ibb.co/kGndtNj/EF46-D23-A-29-C4-46-E5-B0-C9-48-B2-BAE6209-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kGndtNj)
(https://i.ibb.co/GkjHPSp/767-AE580-ACF9-41-C6-B3-A3-CFB447-B46-AFC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GkjHPSp)
(https://i.ibb.co/BcxwRtM/B6-D7-ADC3-A6-DF-49-B1-8-C6-A-9-A9-B1-D04-C2-B3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BcxwRtM)
And a good mid corner moment captured from behind;
(https://i.ibb.co/r6bKdxs/C4869-ADF-468-B-477-E-BE71-12551-F7-FDBC2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r6bKdxs)
And of course the obligatory moment when ambition out weighed capabilities....
(https://i.ibb.co/whTf7PC/45626305-8210-4-E4-B-B4-C2-140328146303.jpg) (https://ibb.co/whTf7PC)
What did I say earlier about them not been too bad on the limit 😂
Dan
Think thats me in photo behind you, Silver 2 with red roof, 29th dec!
Quote from: SuperArt on February 11, 2024, 11:32Mechanically one of the cleaner builds I've seen, nice job.
I don't like cut bumpers, so aesthetically only the back doesn't sit right with me until two big snails are on display.
Still surprised you went away from lotus ownership, shouldn't they rise in value faster than these cars thus making them worth maintaining? Especially compared to a modded roadster.
Or am I missing something.
Thanks for the kind words! I'm in two minds on the rear bumper, will probably get a second, fit back to back and see which I prefer.
I do have a fear the that the Elise's will do exactly that and rocket up in price however I just cant justify having a £20-£25k track car when I can have one at £10-£15 that will provide just as much enjoyment and be alot easier to maintain. Bolt on panels compared to a clam if and when there's any offs been a big consideration.
Dan
Quote from: KRAMSNEHPETS on February 11, 2024, 19:29Think thats me in photo behind you, Silver 2 with red roof, 29th dec!
That's the one, that was such a great day out. Love a wet cold slippery Blyton over winter.
Dan
Car is back now with additional exhaust box and few other bits done. Seems to be lots of trouble with noise limits at track days this year so hopefully shouldn't have any problems.
New exhaust set-up;
(https://i.ibb.co/D8mDkTj/MR2-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D8mDkTj)
(https://i.ibb.co/txp4ypv/MR2-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/txp4ypv)
Also got the shifter plumbed in and working;
(https://i.ibb.co/y8GcyjX/MR2-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/y8GcyjX)
A new expansion tank;
(https://i.ibb.co/85VsTV1/MR2-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/85VsTV1)
I have also used the spare garage as a parts collection storage unit...
(https://i.ibb.co/wsGTvGR/MR2-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wsGTvGR)
So what do we have ready to fit;
-Mishimoto Aluminium radiator
-Rota Slipstreams with Dunlop Direzza's
-Spare set of panels and bumpers
Plan with the spare panels is to wrap them in Gloss white, I've always really liked White cars so was the natural progression. I've never tried wrapping a car or anything. Heard its very tough, annoying and time consuming so with having the panels spare and off I can just take my time and do it as a little side project!
Last but not least said I would put a final picture of the Elise but forgot, so here is what the MR2 has replaced, needless to say it has big but really light shoes to fill!
(https://i.ibb.co/K2Nm4ZB/MR2-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/K2Nm4ZB)
Next up is finally a trackday!
Then some opening up on the bulkhead ITB's and cams :)
Dan
Awesome work mate. Aintree Saturday 27th April if you fancy it. Bookings opened today. £160 session event.
They're very chilled on noise limits as well.
https://www.liverpoolmotorclub.com/track-day-information/
Quote from: JB21 on March 24, 2024, 17:36Awesome work mate. Aintree Saturday 27th April if you fancy it. Bookings opened today. £160 session event.
They're very chilled on noise limits as well.
https://www.liverpoolmotorclub.com/track-day-information/
Thanks mate but I'd rather do a few more local days to start with then will probably head over to Oulton in the summer so will have to a sort a day with a few of us?
Dan