02 MR2 improvements for the track or just buy a VX/Elise?

Started by Anonymous, December 21, 2005, 10:34

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aaronjb

#25
It's worth a try  s:) :) s:)  What's the worst that could happen.. (no brakes?  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  ) I'm just interested to see what pedal feel is like 'on the limit' so to speak  s:) :) s:)
[size=85]2001 Vauxhall Omega 3.2V6 Elite / 2003 BMW M3 Convertible / Dax 427 (in build)
ex-2002 MR2 TopSecret Turbo Roadster[/size]

mrsmr2

#26
ABS cuts in so late anyway I'll don't think you'll get a lot of benefit.

However, it would be interesting to see how much left there is before the brakes do lock but, as the brakes are still working even with ABS activated, I don't think there is a lot of benefit.  The downside of no ABS is that you run into a load of cones.

Also worth noting when I was at North Weald, the guy with no ABS on his Elise was having no end of problems on the bend - locking up and running extremely wide.

In the 2, the ABS would activate yet the car would still steer perfectly and turn well inside the wall.  The brakes and balance of the car made the braking through the turn activity almost pointless in this car - it was so benign.

Overall, I think I'll be soft and stick with the non purist route.

Jason
04 Astral Black, hard top, air con, black leather, Corky\'s MSMB; FSB;  RMB; RLCB, empty exhaust manifold, cg-lock.  Warranty: new wheels @ 20k, new pads and discs @ 21k, new wheels @ 26.4k

Anonymous

#27
For what it's worth, my next car purchase will be a second Roadster specifically for track use. I'm talking totally stripped out, upgraded everything, and certainly not with a 1ZZ in (and probably not a 2ZZ either...)

I love the car and the way it handles. I can't justify an Elise or similar for track use only, so I'll stick with what I know and enjoy that.

philster_d

#28
In the MK2 there was two (electrical) plugs in the frunk, unplugging either disables the ABS.

juansolo

#29
Quote from: "Ekona"For what it's worth, my next car purchase will be a second Roadster specifically for track use. I'm talking totally stripped out, upgraded everything, and certainly not with a 1ZZ in (and probably not a 2ZZ either...)

I love the car and the way it handles. I can't justify an Elise or similar for track use only, so I'll stick with what I know and enjoy that.

As a pure track car you can't beat a Caterfield IMO.  It'll be cheaper in every respect and they're a lot more suited to track work.
[size=75]Porsche Cayman - Curvy (almost) perfection
Juno SSE-CN - Bonkers track thing
Mercedes 190E - Das Uberbarge still going strong[/size]

aaronjb

#30
Quote from: "juansolo"As a pure track car you can't beat a Caterfield IMO.  It'll be cheaper in every respect and they're a lot more suited to track work.

Eek, the thought of Dan building a car....  s;) ;) s;)   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

(I know, easy to pick up secondhand/abandoned projects/turnkey)
[size=85]2001 Vauxhall Omega 3.2V6 Elite / 2003 BMW M3 Convertible / Dax 427 (in build)
ex-2002 MR2 TopSecret Turbo Roadster[/size]

Anonymous

#31
Quote from: "aaronjb"Eek, the thought of Dan building a car....  s;) ;) s;)   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

 s:lol: :lol: s:lol:   s:P :P s:P


You're probably right about the Caterfield Juansolo, but something like that has never really appealed to me in terms of style. I have no doubt that it would be much quicker round a track, but I'm not at that stage yet where I'd feel comfortable working on car like that: I know the '2, and I'd like to build up something unique based around it.

markiii

#32
I'm going to need to lock my garage aren't I   s:? :? s:?
Gallardo Spyder<br />Ex Midnight Blue 911 T4S<br />EX VXR220<br />Ex Custom Turbo 2001 Sahara Sun MR2 Roadster 269bp, 240lbft<br /><br />MR2ROC Committee 2002 - 2009<br /><br />

aaronjb

#33
Quote from: "markiii"I'm going to need to lock my garage aren't I   s:? :? s:?

Yes, or you may find me camped out in there one day in the Nissan..  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

(Probably with Dan's new track car parked next to it)

 s;) ;) s;)
[size=85]2001 Vauxhall Omega 3.2V6 Elite / 2003 BMW M3 Convertible / Dax 427 (in build)
ex-2002 MR2 TopSecret Turbo Roadster[/size]

Anonymous

#34
MR2 -   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  
VXT -   s:scared: :scared: s:scared:

and that's all I have to say on the matter

LeeUK

#35
I was breaking incredibly late into the chicaine at Elvinton and never had the ABS kick in, I don't think I would bother removing the fuse, although it would be interesting to see if it works.  Go on Dan, what engine?
[size=100]JELBE[/size]
MR2 Roadster 2zz Track/Racecar Project ......2% complete......

MR2ROC Go-Karting Champion 2005
[/color]

Anonymous

#36
Quote from: "aaronjb"
Quote from: "markiii"I'm going to need to lock my garage aren't I   s:? :? s:?

Yes, or you may find me camped out in there one day in the Nissan..  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

(Probably with Dan's new track car parked next to it)

 s;) ;) s;)

 s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Don't worry Mark, I'm not planning to take over your garage just yet...  s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:


@Lee: I'm toying with the idea of putting a V6 in there instead. It's already been done in the States, so the knowledge is already out there, it's just a case of learning it all myself. That's quite a way off though (late next year at the earliest): I'm just looking forward to ripping the guts out of a stock '2 first!  s:D :D s:D

LeeUK

#37
Yeah, sound like alot of fun!  Bare metal and 2 bucket seats I hope!
[size=100]JELBE[/size]
MR2 Roadster 2zz Track/Racecar Project ......2% complete......

MR2ROC Go-Karting Champion 2005
[/color]

Anonymous

#38
Wow, ask a question, log out for 24 hours or so and the place goes mad - thanks everyone for your thoughts. I took a VXT out for a test drive yesterday - usual fairly pointless exercise on roads around our wonderful capital city but following observations: 1. It's much more refined over broken London streets than I expected - probably better than my 2 (Eibach springs and the roof on but otherwise stock). 2. It is very quick!! I used to have an S2000 and it would leave it for dead (obviously a highly objective opinion  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:  ) 3. You do get a real sensation of driving something a bit special - very focused, big flared wings from the driving seat, lots of noise from behind (nice noise too) 4. Bit tight, I am 6'3 and 16 stone - the seats are a tight fit and I would imagine would get seriously uncomfortable on a long trip. The steering wheel sits virtually in your lap to the extent that fixed position wheel twirling interferes with your legs. 5. The steering itself is very heavy at low speeds. Lovely feel though. 6. Didn't get a proper opportunity to launch it into some corners but prior track time in Elises and standard VXs suggest it should be fine.

Conclusions? it isn't easy - I got back in the MR2 and was immediately reminded of all that is good about them - comfortable, fun, easy to live with, practical (in a ridiculously impractical way!) and a hoot to drive. There is no doubt the VX is a much more serious proposition - it really is a pain to get in and out of and daily use would undoubtedly get pretty tiresome, but, it is soooo fast, and at the moment soooo bloody cheap (we have to accept that cheap is a relative thing on this forum!!) I think I may have to let the MR2 go. I'll never recover the investment on parts for the 2 and ultimately it won't get to VX standards. But as someone wisely pointed out - the moment I prang the VX or more likely someone dings it on the street the 'pleasure' of low volume specialist car ownership will bite hard.

I need a drink and a lie down.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'll let you know what I do.

Richard

PS Merry Christmas everyone, drive safe and have a great '06

silversprint

#39
Since I turned a show car MR2 into pretty much a track I'll throw my opinion into this.

What the spyder required to be a save and fun track day car is:

1)A functionaly rollbar to keep you alive. This requires custom fabrication since no one makes a bolt in one. They hardtop will not save you in a rollover.
2)Better suspension-Coilovers. The stock suspension is too soft. Frankly most of the aftermarket coilovers have too low of a springa rate as well. Also bigger sways bars make a big improvement.
3)Additions to the engine to keep it from blowing up-Oil cooler. 1zz motors without oil cooler can see oil temps above 300*F.
MR2 2zz 300hp, Ohlins, big sticky tires, and a big wing
Lotus Elise
70 911E
RX7 Fd3S

Anonymous

#40
Newer MR2s have an oil cooler anyway - don't they?

markiii

#41
all european/uk spec ones have an oil cooler
Gallardo Spyder<br />Ex Midnight Blue 911 T4S<br />EX VXR220<br />Ex Custom Turbo 2001 Sahara Sun MR2 Roadster 269bp, 240lbft<br /><br />MR2ROC Committee 2002 - 2009<br /><br />

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