unstable above 60ish mph

[Darryl_1983]

I'd planned on some weight reduction, but it's completely standard at the minute.

Not getting on with mid engined and rwd is a worry, and another factor for not wanting to rush into throwing money at it, until I've used it for a few months. I do want to give it a fair go though.

I'm wondering if letting a knowledgeable member drive the car might help put a few things to rest also.

[Ardent]

Echoing @1979scotte

Yes they can absorb some funds. But still relatively cheap in things motoring.
What else can be bought and maintained as cheap as a 2 that gives the same level of involvement?

[Ardent]

I'd planned on some weight reduction, but it's completely standard at the minute.

Not getting on with mid engined and rwd is a worry, and another factor for not wanting to rush into throwing money at it, until I've used it for a few months. I do want to give it a fair go though.

I'm wondering if letting a knowledgeable member drive the car might help put a few things to rest also.

@Darryl_1983
Oddly enough, that was going to be my next post.
I'm only down the road in Leicester. I was going to offer a comparison with mine.
Stock but fresh shocks, teins, yokos. Wheels in motion b road geo set up.

[Ardent]

I had a 182 as well. Great car.
Full fat (comfy bits) with cup suspension. :notworthy:
Would like that engine in a 2.

[JoeCool]

I'm wondering if letting a knowledgeable member drive the car might help put a few things to rest also.

I definitely think this is the way forwards. Before you throw money at the problem, get it diagnosed!! I wouldn't buy coilovers for any car until I've sorted the rest of the suspension anyway.

I don't think this is you just not 'getting' a mid engined cars. These things are supposed to be pussy-cats, they were a staple of women of a certain age fer gawds sake, they should NOT feel skittish, waywards or unpredictable! Anyone with fast car experience (and I count clio 182' in that) should be more than happy behind the wheel at moderate speeds. 

I'd gladly drive/look over it if you ever pass my way but I appreciate a 2 hour drive south in a wayward car isn't fun.

Does anyone know if Steve @ D1Customs is back up and running in Leicester? He would be a good start point, he knows these cars inside out.


Any members with a bit of mechanical experience local to Nottingham willing to have a poke around?

[Ardent]

Sadly I do know the answer re steve. And it's no. 

Not a mech/tech guru like many on here.
But I have offered the option of a comparison with mine.

Over to you. @Darryl_1983
Nottingham - Leicester meet in the middle?

[Darryl_1983]

I'm definitely not against spending money on a car i like and enjoy. Even with the instability at higher speeds, I'm having fun with the car and enjoying it.

It's only really one road that i drive down that the car feels wrong, i guess most the other roads i'm driving are mostly under 60mph though. It's a NSL road, with hardly any straights, undulations all over the place, a few bumpy bits, etc, a proper B-Road for blasting down and having a bit of fun. I always look forward to getting there when i drive my Clio, but in the MR2 it feels dangerous.

I drove the MR2 again today, and it feels like its moving around all over the place, even on the straighter sections of road when i'm barely moving the wheel, its like its rolling over the tyre walls constantly. It's just really odd that the car seems to drive fine everywhere else.

I'm thinking it's probably just a case of tired damper, unmatched soft springs, alignment out, and tyres with a soft side wall, all combining into a right mess at higher speeds.

[Darryl_1983]

Sadly I do know the answer re steve. And it's no. 

Not a mech/tech guru like many on here.
But I have offered the option of a comparison with mine.

Over to you. @Darryl_1983
Nottingham - Leicester meet in the middle?

That would be great and I appreciate the offer. I'm going to struggle to take you up on it for a couple of weeks at least, due to family and work commitments though.

I think it would definitely be good to have an idea of what these cars should feel like when being thrown around bumpy twisty roads at reasonable speeds

I'm 100% going to lower the car and get an alignment done though anyway, so i'm wondering if to get these done first. I'm also thinking that i should just replace the dampers anyway. Because i'll end up changing them in the future at some point, may as well do it at the same time and just bite the bullet with the cost.

[Darryl_1983]

@Ardent

Actually, i'll probably be in Coventry at some point next week doing a site visit, so might be able to pop over during work hours if you're free at some point that suits you

[Ardent]

@Darryl_1983

Like you i will be at work. But generally free after 5

[Darryl_1983]

@Darryl_1983

Like you i will be at work. But generally free after 5

Ok no worries, i suspected that would probably be the case.

I might actually have an alternative close to work through my boss, as he's a friend that is into MR2's and has a roadster that he's played around with for the last couple of years.

[james_ly]

I still think it's the tyres. I just typed into google "Toyo T1R sidewall", and saw people writing stuff like:

"I've found the same, T1R's side wall is too soft, independetly of mileage. Now I'm running on 32 PSI at front and 29 PSI at rear but it's still too rubbish especially during hard braking. I feel like the wishbone bushes would be worn or snapped, but they are in perfect condition."

"Is it just me or is there an insane amount of sidewall flex with these tires?? The jelloie feeling is starting to grow on me a bit...I guess.

The best example to describe this feeling comes from a fast lane change. Once you get into the desired lane and you stiffen the wheel straight again the whole car aggressively rocks back in the opposite direction of the change."

Sounds familiar right?

[Carolyn]

I went slightly taller with my front tyres, to avoid digging up the road with my TRD bumper.

I'm running Nankang NS20s.

I found, on undulating B roads, it was bump-steering quite a bit more.

I upped the tyre pressure from 26 - 28 psi. 

Sorted.

I think the moral is sidewalls can cause bump steer.  I agree that these cars should be pussycats to drive.

[PhilzMR2]

I found Toyo tyres made the car feel like it was driving on jelly. I changed them for Continental Contactsport and the difference had to be seen to believed. The car went from feeling unstable to being completely solid on the motorway. I'm assuming you have the factory fit 15" + 16" wheel combo? If you have aftermarket wheels you may want to consider getting factory spec wheels.

It's also worth looking at the front anti-roll bar bushes as these can affect handling in the way you describe.

[Bossworld]

Just to throw it out there but does anyone find these cars are affected by crosswinds more than you may expect (at the speeds mentioned in the post)?

First 100+ mile motorway journey today since:

New tyres
New lower control arms
New steering union

Felt I was being pushed around in lane at times, somewhat similar to what's being described here. I don't think that would explain the OPs feeling of it happening on NSL b roads though

[Ardent]

@Bossworld

Not uncommon to feel the joys of crosswinds.

[jonbill]

It was a tad more windy than normal today.

[1979scotte]

@Bossworld

Not uncommon to feel the joys of crosswinds.

Agreed and we are experiencing particularly strong wind currently

[Bossworld]

Cool, cheers lads.

[Darryl_1983]

Before I attempt to throw my Clio wheels on the MR2. Will 15x7J ET 35 with 195/50 tyres fit on at the front?

I've also ordered some Tein springs, at least I'll be able to access everything when I take it to pieces to fit the springs. I'll then order anything else that looks suspect and get a proper alignment.

Looking at tyres I can't really find anything in standard fitment that looks decent other than AD08R's, but looking at £370 and I'm thinking they might be a bit too grippy to learn how to control the rear with..... Possibly??

[1979scotte]

Falken ZE914 have had favourable reviews in the past.
Never used them myself.
Assume they come in the correct sizes

[Ardent]

Very close to stock spec.
Just the fronts have a much higher load rating (which we don't need) and in xl construction.
Rears are spot on.

[JoeCool]

Before I attempt to throw my Clio wheels on the MR2. Will 15x7J ET 35 with 195/50 tyres fit on at the front?

Yes, no problem at all. 16x7J ET38 with 205/50's fit ok!

[Darryl_1983]

Bit of an update.

I decided to adjust the alignment to the rear offside wheel (removed when replacing the gearbox) a little using straight edges, measuring tape and eyeing in. I've probably moved the wheel 5+mm inplane, so quite a bit really. The steering wheel is now straight when driving straight, so must be closer to where is was, which was an instant good sign.

This has had a big improvement, I noticed previously the car was moving side to side between going on and off the throttle, even in a straight line. It's now almost not noticeable when going straight.

It's obviously not properly setup still and needs a full alignment carried out, but i'm hoping to get this sorted this week.

I also fitted the Tein springs on sunday, which has improved the stiffness.

Fairly confident a full alignment and a better set of tyres will pretty much sort the problem now though. I'll no doubt start updating bushes roll bars, links and adding stiffeners over time if i keep the car awhile (which is the current plan).

Anyone know of anywhere in Nottingham worth using for an alignment. I know Wheels in motion is highly recommended, but its a 5 hour round trip on a good day. I've found a local place that seemly only do wheel alignment, with good reviews (google reviews for whatever they're worth).

[Ardent]

Glad to hear of the improvement.
Sadly have no recommendations re alignment specialists in notts.