Pistol's Red Edition 2zz Sprint ~ now going road car!

Started by pistol pete, April 24, 2019, 23:09

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JB21

Quote from: thetyrant on May 20, 2021, 15:02
Quote from: JB21 on May 20, 2021, 12:34@thetyrant what day you booking, or you doing both? You entering in J11 too?

Im thinking Saturday will work best for me but not set in stone, dont think i could do 2 days back to back there im too old for all that arm twiddling :)

I'll just be doing the Saturday, need a day to recover as I'm also to old.

pistol pete

Well i look forward to seeing you there.
the toyota sprint we try to get all the toyotas parked together :)

pistol pete

Another little update for you

Had a trackday booked with Ben at Castle Combe

The only thing I done before then was change the sump gasket again.. but with that sorted off I went

Was a great weekend, but no real photos.. so here is a video from the day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA5SIABmFe0

The trackday was the Monday, Blyton was the following ~Sunday, I needed to get the clutch changed & work full time & my daughters Bday .. I wanted it done!

When home dropped the gearbox out on my own.. that was fun!!
IMG_20210608_200001 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Getting it back in on my own, but clutch changed, felt great!
As a reminder. here it is
IMG_20210514_103310 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Nicely sprung, I wanted it bedded in before launching
So Friday afternoon i managed 140 miles of driving
IMG_20210611_202704 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Saturday morning before l loaded up i got the Geo redone
IMG_20210612_085158 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

The 4 hour trip up was completely uneventful, and no traffic
Got unloaded, with the Fensport Yaris next to me
IMG_20210612_181917 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210613_080314 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Makes my car look tiny

on the other side was Phil's awesome MK1 turbo MR2
IMG_20210613_080326 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

The day didn't start well, had a massive lock up into the first corner
51250856956_ba76a3b2d7_o by Pete Mason, on Flickr
51251051708_5121eab515_o by Pete Mason, on Flickr
51251607929_1a4b5240ce_o by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Some good pics of the day
51251889750_0d07f7bf57_o by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Getting Air
51250098197_f643c477d5_o by Pete Mason, on Flickr

51251010433_e466427c07_o by Pete Mason, on Flickr

I managed to Pip Aaron to 1st place by just over a second, he was having issues all day, but i know he is going to be right on my tail at three sister (if not infront, but lets hope not )

I managed a 1.12.2 there was more time to be had, but it was the fastest timed lap I have ever had around Blyton, and it was quicker than last time the RX8 went round :)

Here is the Vid: -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amWl9V56dA8

Next up on the 1st I have another track day at Blyton.

I have a few ideas to do, Flat floor, splitter, lets see how that goes

JB21

I can concur pulling/re-fitting the C60 on your own is a PITA. Going well again, keep up the good work.

JB21

#104
Quote from: JB21 on May 18, 2021, 11:44
Quote from: pistol pete on May 18, 2021, 11:32
Quote from: JB21 on May 18, 2021, 11:01What times were you getting at the slightly different layout of Blyton above? Just wondering if I'd be competitive enough in the Javelin sprint series. Managed a 1:13.5 at the old layout on a cold, greasy day with fully worn AR1's. Reckon I could push a 1:11 at the new layout with new tyres and decent conditions.

Not sure TBH i haven't timed it, and don't tend to on track days, also running with extra passenger and seat..
Ill let you know on 13th June.
But like said these are not flying laps, these are standing starts to hard to gauge

I'll jump on the Three Sisters one in August as its only 15 minutes away from me, and see how I get on in J11.

Just booked onto Saturday 7th August at 3S in J11, my mate has booked on J10 in his EP3. Not registered for the championship though, just a taster really.

3 x MR2 2ZZ's in J11 now?

thetyrant

Just booked 7th August at 3S as well....J12 for me but be good to see other roadsters out there :D
Ex-2005 roadster  owner, i will be back :D

JB21

Quote from: thetyrant on June 18, 2021, 13:00Just booked 7th August at 3S as well....J12 for me but be good to see other roadsters out there :D

I was going to enter J12 given mine is much more road spec than the other MR2's in J11, which look like full on race cars, plus I think they're tuned, with aero and serious weight removal etc but had to run with the other 2zz's just as a benchmark more than anything.

pistol pete

Top work guys. Be good to see other mr2s out there!!

pistol pete

Got home last night to find new delivery for race car parts.
a brand new still in wrapping TRD front strut brace....

pistol pete

Since this was last out, all i have done is fit the TRD brace, I have not even started it!.
we are out racing at three sisters Kart circuit Wigan both days this weekend
Spectator are now allowed if anyone wants to say hi

I better make sure its all okay tomorrow :)

pistol pete

couple from a very damp three sisters

XSP_4983 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr

XSP_5141 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr

XSP_4978 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr

XSP_4483 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr

XSP_3429 by Javelin Trackdays, on Flickr


pistol pete

#111
 
As usual this will be one of my badly written cobbled together updates with lots of pictures :)

there are a variety of cars this time.. but it is me so you expect that

So last up we saw I had done well at Blyton
First up was a little bit of work on the road MK3..
started off like this
IMG_20210527_212305 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210528_060531 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

but needed a few jobs.
These consisted of
Full valet including spending 2 hours on the roof, de-fogging the headlights
BC coilovers
Remove the TTE style bar (i don't like it)
Braided brake lines
Full alignment
new SP alloys.

As promised. Pictures for you
IMG_20210820_093503 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210820_102636 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_124909 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_160459 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_170002 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_170004 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_170312 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_171020 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_183027_1 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Came up well
IMG_20210822_191119 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_191124 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_191135 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210822_191519 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210827_124543 by Pete Mason, on Flickr


I got a bit bored not having a quicker daily car.. and saw this cheap up the road, so bought this, kept for two weeks for a bit of fun and then sold it :) and yes it was a manual t5
IMG_20210719_054559 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210719_055250 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

I then when up to Phils and spent a weekend like this, changing a clutch



The home made engine rain cover out of ally had broken, so i mad ea new one, and one for Dave Rowe who was having plenty of rain issues with his MR2 as well
IMG_20210729_001514 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

 
My Wife's old mini, which due to illness she was unable to drive anymore, it was sold over to Phil as a project, but Phil purchased the MR2 turbo.
He offered it back to us, still my wife couldn't drive it, but Daisy is getting to the age where she has really got into cars recently.
So she asked if she could buy it for me and her ot work on together and for her to learn on.
So here it is
IMG_20210729_144304 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
Stripping it down for paint
IMG_20210729_150726 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Also our best friend Jackie (who actually owns the silver MR2) purchased a new daily. I very much like this
IMG_20210802_111314 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Back to racecar. Not much prep was needed for a full weekend at Three Sisters Raceway (Kart circuit)
So I gave it a wash
IMG_20210804_100705 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

What should be a 5 hour journey, turned to a 11 hour nightmare.. but i arrived
IMG_20210806_173440 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

It was Wet. So Si let us use his van as cover
IMG_20210807_103845 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
(this is Aaron & his missus who is my main competition)

Very Wet!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHy-aobs58g

Here is Racecat showing how wet it was
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nc0nNJZWozg

unfortunately racecat had some issues. which after much playing about, Ben had enough, its not been sold and he has a new racecar :)
IMG_20210807_134559 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

The day wet well for me
IMG_20210807_165241 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210807_172301 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Managed to get a couple of Pics is Aarons MR2
IMG_20210807_173150 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210807_173157 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
Very similar but very different
IMG_20210807_173532 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
 
I was wet
IMG_20210807_192637 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

For the evening we went Karting. in that weather.. It was the most fun!!!! it was so sketchy, but I have not laughed so much in a very long time!!
first race I started 12th, worked my way up finished 3rd

then second race they done reverse grid, so started 19th, got up to 2nd then was spun out, down to last, managed to work my way back up through the pack, Also managed 2nd fastest lap time behind an ex-prokarter, so very happy
IMG_20210807_195646 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Not much to say about the Sunday race day.
It started wet again, then drying. the run after lunch i was 2nd overall in the Toyota sprint series and 4th overall in the who event. But it didn't last, it soon dried up a bit more and others found more time
I still got class win for both series (I had never wanted it to rain as much as i did that day!)
IMG_20210808_165511 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Here is video from Three sisters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wIky8ZOUzU

As soon as i got home  was back on the road again for family holiday to Derbyshire
IMG_20210817_123314 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

me and daisy went to the British motorshow, where she found many cars she had wanted to see for a long time. One was a z28 Camaro which we went out for a ride in
IMG_20210821_120557 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210821_120608 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
she loved that car. Daisy has 3 bucket list cars, a 67 impalla, classic beetle and her favorite a dodge Hellcat. so very excited to see one for the first time
IMG_20210821_142750 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

We also went over to my mates bunker where she got to have a drive of a few bits (got to make memories)
MR2
IMG_20210828_155715 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
FN type R
IMG_20210828_162706 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Not bad first 2 cars to drive

I then got sidetracked by painting the house
IMG_20210830_111942 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210830_171837 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Tow car Landy we have had 2 years now, we still think its brilliant so time to give it some love
IMG_20210903_151848 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210903_172716 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

cleans up so well for 159K miles, It had its MOT and flew through
IMG_20210912_154044 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210912_154032 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
nice place to sit when towing for many hours
IMG_20210912_154255 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210912_160944 by Pete Mason, on Flickr


Again back to the race car :) (I get side tracked easy, I am sure if i wasn't leading championship all this time would have been spent improving the MR2)
So want to do a bit of work on the Aero of the car.
I have two 8x4 sheets of ally to make a flat floor with, but first off is making some way for the air to get out of the radiator
so I started playing and this is where it led me
IMG_20210912_160944 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210906_081931 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210908_104514 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210908_110403 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210908_110414 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

It has been taken out for now as is still work in progress, mainly for over winter

I also found someone purchased a mk3 at work. not sure who yet.. but parking rules apply
IMG_20210906_134935 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210906_142524 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Next up was a Friday track day at Anglesey and Raceday Saturday
IMG_20210915_131527 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

6 hours later with no traffic Arrived!
IMG_20210916_172010 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

I don't have any pictures of being there as it was all a little bit of a disaster.
In the morning on 3rd lap the car started blowing blue smoke badly..
I went into the pits, seemed to clear, checked all levels, all was okay
Did a couple more stints in the morning and it was okay
Then on the second stint, as soon as it went into lift it felt like a misfire, limped it back round, and the bottom end had let go
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGrzQfdVWXo

So It was a long journey home that night missed the raceday at Anglesey. time for a new Engine!!
A chat with Andy and Stacey at J-Spec i soon had one on its was as next day delivery
IMG_20210924_145759 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210924_145803 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210924_145833 by Pete Mason, on Flickr


As said I get distracted easy.
Kels little KIA went back to KIA, which the chip shortage, they offered us more than what we bought it for, with kels issues she wanted and auto daily, so is now in the Landy.. Which meant i went looking for a new daily for me (landy was my main daily)
Got myself back in a turbo hot hatch.. its a lotta fun
IMG_20210919_084517 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210924_162953 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Done some preventative work on it so i could use it before starting on the MR2 engine swap
Cam follower, HPFP, Sump pick up, full service, Ram air induction and a Miltek cat back as the old one was rotted with a hole in it
IMG_20210921_152653 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210924_163019 by Pete Mason, on Flickr


Next up with Cadwell fast approaching it was time to start engine swap on the MR2
IMG_20210925_094539 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210925_120716 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

I'm organized honest :)

A few hours later
IMG_20210925_144207 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210925_144755 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Progress has been slow, I have been on nights so when i am not too tired i have jumped on it.
Stripped the donor engine down
none of this was needed
IMG_20210927_124816 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20210927_124827 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

The clutch on the donor was toast!
IMG_20210927_153556 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Engine back in
IMG_20210927_175741 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

That is pretty much it.
I have the suspension back on with new drive shaft seals and drive shafts in.
Hopefully today (Friday) when i get up, ill get it back up and running again, with an alignment next week,
Then its Cadwell Trackday Sat with raceday Sunday..
Fingers crossed all goes well


That's it for now.. that was a heavy one, not much about the MR2 this tie, but life happens... Over winter will be Aero work.

Oct 27th I'm at Brands taking Daisy round for her first time being out on track (passenger) its my birthday so its gonna be a good day!

Chilli Girl

Great write ups Pete, I enjoy reading and seeing your pics, thank you. ;D
Ex owners of Chilli red facelift 52 reg called Chilli, silver 55 reg called Foxy and blue pfl W reg MR-S called Sapphire. Now 2 less!

puma2

 :) yes defiantly  great write up and love the pictures as well :)
how you fit in work as well i don't no :))  :))

i love how chop and change cars and give them all a bit of love even if you move on soon :)

keep the distraction going and you must have some tool kit and hand on experience to keep you entertained :)  :)   

pistol pete

Cheers.
I am an electrical engineer who works shift.  So that help for time

I'm a lot better with cars than I used to be. Other than the Volvo . The Leon's the first car I've bought in a couple years. 


pistol pete

How do.
No update for a long time!! Sorry

Firstly We wont the class championship at Cadwell end of last year so very pleased.. car was fantastic all year (except for needing a new engine of course)
Since then it got tucked away in a friends garage and haven't seen it since.

Main reason, I can't afford track prices and i really cannot afford the cost of the series now, It was £90 an event when i started with several down south. They are all north , the closest being blyton which is 5 hours away and event range from £150 to £270 and for 6 laps i just cannot justify that any more :(

So i haven't even gone to see the car for "prep".. going from that i now have several things i want to do on the house and many things i want to go and do with my daughter (one being going round Scotland)

In October i got a new family car which i have been playing with (didn't get on with the volvo)
IMG_20220302_113549 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20220302_113557 by Pete Mason, on Flickr
Done a few bits to it, really nice car..

and here is a picture of our newest cat (9 months old) being an idiot
273539383_10158214588006507_3944368783866423711_n by Pete Mason, on Flickr

So rather than let an awesome car just sit there doing nothing, i have put too much into it, so for now, its getting converted back into a road and use it!

I have to take the cage out as i want the wife to drive it, and she can't really use harnesses, and as a daily itll be a pain.
Exterior will stay the same and underpinings, but inside will go comfy
So first off is to strip it, luckily my daughter is at an age she wants to be involved and learn so we we had a great day of fun
Trailer got sold
roof offs
Seat outs
Dash out
Cage out

the silver one is going to be broken and used as a parts car to get the race car back to road spec
Pics for your enjoyment

Home
IMG_20220324_112207 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Next to the donor car
IMG_20220324_113718 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

IMG_20220324_115952 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Roof off
IMG_20220326_130815 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

my helper
IMG_20220326_135438 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

enjoying the sun
IMG_20220326_143250 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

IMG_20220326_144953 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

IMG_20220326_145333 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

Ill keep you updated on how we get on

shnazzle

Ah one of our favourite cars ever. The mk2 Leon. We've had 3.
57 plate FR petrol DSG, 11 plate CR170 FR remapped to 210hp and a stupid amount of torque, and a bright yellow 10 plate CupraR.
Very similar mods to yourself always. Front (TripleR) lip, black grille, black mirrors, black roof.

One thing to do is to turn up the XDS in VCDS. You go through brakes quicker but it does wonders for handling.
And a set of KWv3 coilies are amazing on the Leon
...neutiquam erro.

pistol pete

Quote from: shnazzle on March 27, 2022, 12:01Ah one of our favourite cars ever. The mk2 Leon. We've had 3.
57 plate FR petrol DSG, 11 plate CR170 FR remapped to 210hp and a stupid amount of torque, and a bright yellow 10 plate CupraR.
Very similar mods to yourself always. Front (TripleR) lip, black grille, black mirrors, black roof.

One thing to do is to turn up the XDS in VCDS. You go through brakes quicker but it does wonders for handling.
And a set of KWv3 coilies are amazing on the Leon


Yeah I really like it
2.0tfsi.
Ram air
3inch downpipe sports cat
Miltek
Eibach springs and Bilstein shocks. Made a big difference

pistol pete

I really need to do an update.
But the 2zz in on the road and amazing, i love driving it

It is great to be able to drive it for more than 6 laps a month :).
So i had a road trip around the south - mid uk to see friends/let them have a go.
Here are a couple of pics of where it is at the moment, i will sort out the pictures and update soon :)
IMG_20220716_202953 (1) by Pete Mason, on Flickr
IMG_20220716_205307 by Pete Mason, on Flickr

I have also been round Scotland in the scirocco so got some great photos from that

puma2

 :) I love the fun you and effort you put into all your cars :)
what do you do for work if your happy to say :)
keep the it all going and keep the pictures comeing 8)


pistol pete

Quote from: puma2 on August  4, 2022, 07:52:) I love the fun you and effort you put into all your cars :)
what do you do for work if your happy to say :)
keep the it all going and keep the pictures comeing 8)



Thanks. yeah try to have all the funs  8)  ;D  ;D

I am an electrical maintenance/breakdown engineer for a fragrance/flavours factory

I never used to do the big jobs on my own cars (i used to service them etc), until i was about 25 (few years back now) when I though, I'm an engineer, well if someone can take it apart, then I can.. have been doing my own work on cars ever since

puma2

 :) i was going to ask if self taught.
well you definitely  got the skills for playing with cars :)
love your house and the drive away around it so you can  cars all day :)

now all i need is to pop around, leave my 2 with you and pick it back in week with it being better condition than when i left it with you :))  :))  :))

now where do you live O:-)

pistol pete

Quote from: puma2 on August  4, 2022, 08:12:) i was going to ask if self taught.
well you definitely  got the skills for playing with cars :)
love your house and the drive away around it so you can  cars all day :)

now all i need is to pop around, leave my 2 with you and pick it back in week with it being better condition than when i left it with you :))  :))  :))

now where do you live O:-)

Ha ha i have done that for a few mr2 mates :)
One i help look after is actually up in mansfield.(mk2 turbo and a mk1 with a 3sgte). long ol trek from kent. but its always a good laugh weekend with mates

pistol pete

#123
Well i suppose di had better update this.
sorry its been a while, i haven't done a great deal to the car except use it, i do seem to have many photos, so apologies

1st off, I love it on the road. I love everytime I drive it, and each thing i do is just making it that little bit better

So where we left off, the cage was coming out and i was driving a Leon every day


Got the leon looking exactly how i wanted..

I then started driving the MR2 everyday, never touched the leon (it was more uneconomical than the mr2). so i sold it :)

Because the MR was going back on the road, and i wanted others to drive it, i did not want to run harness and bucket seats. I wanted some "fast road" type seats, but budget etc i was just going to stick the old red edition seats back in.
The corbeau's were up for sale, and i had a guy contact me who wanted some bucket seats in his mr2, wanted to know if i wanted to swap for a set of Recaros SR2's in immaculate condition, which had mk3 mr2 runners and brackets already fitted.
Couldn't really say no to that, especially when i find out the car was at my mates garage JDT tuning, about 5 miles from me. The guy worked a lot so i just popped up there and swapped them over for him.
while there i redone all his harness properly for him



a quick test fit of the new seats in mine



I was very happy

We then went off on holiday, which included a stop off at haynes motor museum. I still love a viper



Of course the MK1 shot


when home it became to go all out, stipping down the silver one, to make way for putting all the parts into the 2zz




I had to chop out the old cage mounts before i could start re-installing the interior, seats wouldn't go back with mounts there, and roof wouldn't lower if i left them in





All got a coat of paint for protection

starting to come back together



Roof back on, no more hard top. I doubt i'll ever put it back on, i use the soft top all the time



All back together and read for the road



the stock steering wheel is badly worn, so i have stuck with the Kode one for now and will address this later. It does need changing as it is too small to see all of the dials (was ok with the super low race seat), but now i cannot see over 30mph or 4k rpm

First time out was to go get fuel, this was during the fuel shortage, so the only place to get fuel was super expensive motorway service station
You will notice at this point the originally black/bronze wheels are back on. I have fitted the only road tyres that come in this size. the new Toyo TR1's defo not my first choice, but the only one available in 225/50/15, i have driven a lot of miles on these now in all conditions and they are a huge step up from the previous t1r's



on the front bumper I still had to the tow hook (and i did not have the bumper cover if i removed it)
After hitting my shin on it too many times, i decided to do something about it
I go the spare tow hook from the silver one, tapped in out to m12 coarse thread and fitted with tow strap and high tensile bold, then the whole thing got threaded into the car
not to everyones cup of tea, but i like it






car park shot



even using the drinks holder, this was a really good milkshake



since started to then tidy up the body work. especially as i had a show coming up with the MR2DC



Dish



first long drive out was to the show in Eastbourne with Daisy, about an hour half from me, this is firsts long road run since i built the car, and it was faultless, but i knew it would be as by now i am actually using the car every day for work
I found the seats really comfy, the 6 paddle clutch works reasonably well on the road, the suspension on full soft works and the toyo's seems to handle most conditions with the softer sidewall helps



it was a small Classic show, but the car still got a lot of attention






I am not great at words as some people are with the updates, so i tend to just add a few notes next to the pictures :), but if you want any more Info on anything particular, please ask
Continuing from the last post

Next up for May school holidays me and Daisy went to Scotland as a driving holiday covering 1798 miles in 8 days
Starting from south coast , Edinburgh, Inverness, Ullapool, Thurso, Loch ness, South Coast.

I could do a huge write up on that holiday alone, but i won't, just know It's amazing. you need to go, pictures do not do it justice. this is the second time I have gone, I will be going back.
We went in Jackie's Scirocco, and it was the perfect car for the trip, comfy and quiet on the long motorway journeys, and a hoon when I wanted it to be
I almost took the MR2, but I believed the coolant was a playing, so i even changed the Rad, but after a got back from holiday i turned out it was all fine, i was just being paranoid, also the extra room in the scirocco was much welcome'd
Couple of pics from the trip








Yes it was amazing, and Yes go do it! Next year me and Daisy are going to America after she finishes her GSCE's

so back home, i was excited to see my MR2 again



At a local car meet a giant American tank parked up next to me, the MR2 looked tiny




For Daisy's Birthday we went to American Speed fest. There were plenty of her dream cars floating around (HellCat)
One was on sporting bears, where you pay to charity to go out for a ride, so we went in a tweaked one running around 940hp and no silences. It was a beast



for some time after that I just carried on driving the MR2 everyday with no issues, and enjoyed every moment!

The looks of the car were not starting to annoy me. I want it to keep its "trackcar" look and some of its battle scars as it is part of the car's history, but some bits were annoying me. The front arches didn't sit right and made the front wheel looked tucked far to much, the engine lid had loads of dents from where me and Ben removed the original TTE spoiler badly and the front wing being a different colour. The rear arch needs replacing due to rust and laquer peel, but finding one seems to be pretty hard.

First to sort was the front arch
here you can see the issue, not a good finish at all, fine on track but annoying me daily now



Mocked up where I wanted them to sit,


I was pleased with the fit and look, the wheel fitment looked a lot better. I went ahead a done both fronts
With moving the arches, changing engine lid, front wing the decals had to come off otherwise I would have some panels with, some without. I also wanted the original side skirts back on the car, so have fitted them back up too




due to the rising costs of fuel, we had bought kel a blue motion golf, I also fancied something eco for battering to and from work (40 mile a day), and no use towing we let Landy go
This was a sad day



I picked myself up a TdiE (1,9) a3, same car as kels just a different frock which returns some pretty amazing MPG to just go to work and back. a lot of car for £2500
This then leaves the MR2 to basically do everything else,. It still gets used every single day




I wanted to finish getting the silver MR2 stripped down, as I had someone after the gearbox (this fell through and I still have it)
It was going to scrap, but something has happened means i will be holding onto it for the metal....





Back to the 2zz. The ECU had been left unprotected because i had needed access to it
One of those issues was a very bad idle and terrible cold start since fitting the new engine
Luckily RRR engineering are able to connect to the car via my laptop and the magic of the internet. They then found the cam sensor was noisy, a filter was adding in the ECU program which sorted the idle. The cold start they added some fuel, this is because it is a different engine since the last time it was mapped (I do need to get it on the rollers at some point, but it is a closed loop fueling so adjusts as required) 
With this al sorted I decided to protect the ECU and wiring, that way i could use the huge luggage area again
Simple but effective



Foxy also kept getting hit and moving about the car, so his harness (cable ties) was refitted and the ECU data logger was homed



next up was the steering wheel, i was getting annoyed with the airbag light being on, not being able to see the temp/oil/rev counter.
Here is the very sorry looking Red edition



This then got sent off to Brother Custom Steering Wheels..

Due to lockdown and life. It had been too long since i had seen my friends, I also wanted to do a decent road trip in the MR2. All my good friends have come from  the MR2 works and racing. First stop was Wallingford to see Ben. It had been far too long, him being a full time Dad now he is a busy man, but it is well worth it, the boys are amazing and looking forward to seeing the grow! Ben also had a little drive in the 2zz
We went out in "our" mainly Bens new track car. as the RX8 had at long last died.
So we went playing round Abingdon in this



It's called the OMG also known as "the wrong Honda"






Amazing couple of days and great to catch up. Next up was up to Mansfield to Phil (Magic Beans)

On the way i had to stop for a quick apple juice at Caffeine and Machine






At Phils, we done many works on his cars, One was collecting the wheels for his 1.5 and getting the SW20 back together

A happy Phil, seems to be very excited to be holding a Yankee candle :) :)


Beastie Mk1.5



I let Phil drive the 2zz, he had been in it on track as a passenger. I never used to let anyone drive my cars,  but i love this car so much i want others to enjoy and see why i love it.. I believe he did love it



I am sure Phil's pictures are better but a few from our drive out






You will spot here a guy chatting to Phil about his car (guy was parked up in a zafira GSi). Phil witnessed first hand the hate (seems like a strong word) my car gets most places it goes. It isn't from it's looks, its from it being a mk3 mr2.. "oh yeah I hate them, the look gauky, its too slow, doesn't drive well." You wouldn't believe how much I get this. The guy with a gsi just told Phil he loved his mk1 but the mk3 is just S**t
Luckily I love my car and just do not care, and it is there loss the mk3 is a brilliant little car




Adrienne's go next (Phil's missus) this gave me a chance to see the car being driven from the outside (first time), I really love the way it looks on the road, so different from everything else





A happy Phil in the MK1



Next up was down to Cambridge to see Andy (old Fensport mechanic and a good friend) with his 2zz powered Yaris which is a hoot!, and his 400hp celica GT4



And finally, for you long term IMOC'ers stopped to see Chr15py and Chizzle



Home after that, the MR2 was faultless again except for my ally engine cover snapped causing it to rattle, so that got removed



made a new one out of stainless and painted black, this has to be fitted otherwise the rain falls onto the coils and knackers them pretty quickly, i will find a better solution one day



Looking at them pics, reminds me the other bits i did, I removed the lithium battery and refitted a battery in the original location, the Ram air fits nicely behind it, Also had to refit rear numberplate lights

I have now started stripping down my daughters mini ready for Paint



The scirocco had been running badly, at a cost of 600£ to get it carbon cleaned i did it my self. Everyone who says VW are hard to work on have never worked on a MR2





Went for a very early Kent run with the Pistonheads guys, this was a lot of fun and the MR2 did very well



A large pallet arrived from J-Spec, Front wing, engine lid, front head light a couple other small tidy up bits, there was also a new rear quarter, send to see if it was better than mu current one. It wasn't unfortunately so hunt continues




Random pic with my brother softtop TT.



Time to do some more bodywork tidying
Ben had bought me for my birthday last year my old rear wing. If you look back through this thread, you will see it started on my yellow mk3. I thought it went in the end with the RX8, but ben being the darling he is went and purchased it back off the guy! very pleased to get rid of the dodgy badly fitted ebay wing
Carbon wing fitted to new engine lid, the hard top catches removed, and a coat of lacquer on the rear quarter to stop it peeling any worse
you can see from the last picture how well used the car is





Lastly is the front wing and head light, it is still a little bent behind there, but it all goes back together okay, and cleaned up both headlights with some light sanding (1000grit the 3000 grit) and then polish







Pleased with how its looking now, i went to the Hazard morning meet Sunday, this Sunday another classic show with the DC, then really looking forward to GOJapan, on the JDT stand, if you see me come say hi



Got a call today that the steering wheel is finished, should be with me Friday, Hopefully can get it refitted before Sunday's show
Flat bottom, for added leg room
Alcantara top and bottom, with red stitching and red bad
Perforated leather and thumb grips on the side whole thing is thicker too. Cannot wait to get it on




okay I think I am done now

pistol pete

#124
Oh.. No I am not  :P

So.. On pistonheads, they have a "where is it now" thread, people wondering where their old cars are. I have had sooo many cars. but there is always one i keep looking up on the MOt history checker

You can see where this is going can't you

I kept looking for E39 NEX. My very first MR2 back in 2002. the one that started my love for MR2s led on to meeting a lot of life long friends, and shaped a lot of what was to come for me. Unfortunely the car has been off the road since 2014
So any hope of seeing it again was very small

Back in the day..




that is my now wife walking in front of the car, me to the side, Steve kingsnorth's Super edition and Dave Price D:Class mK1






I did a lot to that car and a lot of shows.
i had the wheels and tyres fitted
Arches done
Gearknob
Magnex exhuast
changed the whole interior from Blue to black.

So i put in said Pistonheads thread I would love to know where E39 NEX is.
Nothing for a very long time, never expected to hear anything. then one day Ben dropped me a screen shot. Someone had replied. "how much do you want it"
I replied, just asking where is it, condition etc. then nothing for a while, decided it must have just been an internet troll.
But then, he replied say he had purchased two to repair, and this was one of them. He was unsure how to work forums, and that was kinda it.

So i decided to go social media stalking. I eventually found him on a Friday evening and we got chasing on facebook messenger.
He had already started some repairs, and di not really want to sell it.

I believe i have this right, the way he acquired the cars was
He and a friend were into E39 M5's. His friend text him a pic of the E39NEX number plate. he replied saying, oh you are buying another m5. His friend replied saying, 2no there are two MR2's here i know you have been looking for some"
He went down found the cars and purchased them from an old boy who could no longer drive and had parked them up

Once home and repairs started, he did a search to see how much the E39 numberplate was worth, which then led him to my post asking where it is.

After many hours of chatting pictures etc, he could tell the car meant quite a bit to me and he did have two.
So a price was discussed, and agreed, for me to the find out he is in Durham, me in Kent. I no longer have a trailer. Luckily Shipley came to the rescue, by monday morning the car was on (a friends) drive way.

It got there just before me, the wife text to say it had arrived.
I admit now, i got quite emotional, i hadn't seen it for 20 years, It's my 40th this year, we said we would buy me a special car. I think this covers that!!

I am under no illusion, it needs a lot of work. A lot!!. It is being parked into Jackie's garage untill i have finished the mini.
It was amazing to see all the bits i had done still on it, worryingly the tyres have not been changed!
Some bits i hadn't done too. I was very pleased to see the gearknob still there. Even little bits like moving the alarm LED and Painting over surface rust under the bonnet..

Anyway.. here it is for now, tucked away in the garage until I finish off the mini (hopefully middle next year).. but I have it and that's all that matters
Cannot wait to start work on it















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