MR2 Roadster Owners Club

Well, it's been a while since I've updated this thread!

The 2ZZ swap is now done, and I've undertaken my first roadtrip in it to test the new engine.

Went from Bristol to the Lake District, a round trip of some 600 ish miles.

The car didn't miss a beat, and even returned 38MPG, which isn't bad for a 2ZZ. We were sat at about 4,000RPM most of the way, which equates to 75MPH in 6th, so pretty pleased with that.

Who says MR2s are impractical? Managed to fit a suitcase, two pairs of walking boots and two coats in the frunk!

Also, small update.

Fitted a new shape Yaris 6-Speed gearknob. Much nicer to hold than the original, and shorter too, which has the effect of reducing the throw.

(https://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/785x1047q90/910/RjO8qP.jpg)

So, a little while since my last update.

Since then, I have done the following:

  * Fitted solid shifter bushes
  * Fitted solid cage mount bushes
  * Fitted TTE springs and low mileage dampers
  * Removed rear spoiler
  * Fitted new front brake discs and EBC Yellowstuff pads

I've also booked a trackday at Bedford Autodrome on 21st December, looking forwards to it

Had my MR2 on the Dyno this morning @ Interpro Automotive.

Very pleased. It made 188BHP @ 8,200RPM and 148Lbs/FT torque @ 6,900RPM.

Fuelling and emissions were perfect.  s:D :D s:D

Nice Alex good power too. What exhaust system do you use?

Bet your happy with that performance! Bet she is fun on the road.

Quote from: "Meeerrrk"Nice Alex good power too. What exhaust system do you use?

Thanks chap. Torque was slightly higher than I expected too.

I'm using a CHE 2ZZ swap manifold, stock CAT/Downpipe with new (and enlarged) flexis, and a Megan Racing exhaust (very quiet if I'm honest).

The RR operator commented that he didn't think the manifold was impeding flow in any way. Food for thought...

Quote from: "s12vea"Bet your happy with that performance! Bet she is fun on the road.

Very much so.

To be honest, performance up to 6,200RPM is fairly similar to the 1ZZ, if a little more torquey.

Then it just goes mental from 6,200RPM to 8,500RPM.   s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:   It sounds fabulous as well.

I maintain that this engine should have been a factory option, and I simply can't believe there aren't more 2ZZ swaps in the UK currently.

It's a piece of cake, super-reliable and so cheap to do.

PS: TOTAL Oil consumption in the last 4,500 miles: 200ml. That includes circa 230 miles on track.   s:D :D s:D

Very interesting actually, I've been looking at all ideas of exhaust options, makes me think (at least to get me going) that I don't need to spend quite so much. Can always upgrade later on.

Nice car dude, bet your pleased, especially for what you paid!!

Quick update:

All my cars have had Recaro seats in them, and the Roadster should be no exception. However I didn't want to go faffing around cutting the standard seats about to make them fit the underside of the recaros. I wanted a plug and play solution, so I figured I would need some genuine ZZW30 Recaro subframes and some Recaros seats.

Finding the seats would be the easy bit, however the Recaro subframes were a little trickier to find. I don't believe you can buy them new any more, and even Demon Tweeks didn't list anything for the car. Bugger.

So my thoughts turned to the Land of the Rising Sun. Tuning is BIG in Japan, so I thought that it was more likely to find a pair of subframes there.

From many an hour wasted on the internet, and from Best Motoring DVDs, I came to know of a company called UpGarage! in Japan, which specialises in retailing used tuning parts ( https://www.upgarage.com/en (https://www.upgarage.com/en) ). The problem is that their website is all in Japanese!

Since I can't read Japanese, I thought I'd use the Google Translated webpage. After some assumed interpretation, I couldn't believe my luck when I came across a used pair for ZZW30 Genuine Recaro subframes! I knew this was rare, even in Japan, so I had to buy them. I knew of an Australian guy who now resides in Japan and specialises in finding and sending Japanese Tuning parts all around the world. He's called Jesse Streeter:  m http://jessestreeter.com/ (http://jessestreeter.com/) m

I sent him the link, and a deposit payment via PayPal and Jesse secured the subframes for me, and sent them on the boat across to me via EMS Japanese tracked mail. This was in October, and they took 13 weeks(!) to arrive, but arrive they did. Total cost was circa £170.00 for the pair including shipping and duty. Expensive I know, but still about half the price of a new pair (if you could even find them!).

I then went and found a pair of Evo 5 Recaros (these were my second choice) for £200.00 on eBay! Bargain! My first choice were Honda Integra DC2 black Recaros, but finding a set in very good condition for less than £400.00 proved impossible.

So last night I unbolted the Evo 5 subframes from the seats, offered up the MR2 subframes and everything lined up! I bolted it all together, and plopped the seats into the car and bolted them up tight. Everything fitted with no dramas.

The driving experience is even better. You feel even more connected to the car, as you are braced tight in the car, I swear it gives you more feeling. The seats are especially snug around the shoulders and really keep you held in place. No more bracing myself with my left knee against the centre console when cornering hard to the right!

I need a set of black cloth doorcards to complete the interior, as the red leather ones seem out of place now.

I only got a quick pic in the garage last night, as it was late and dark. I will get some better pics in the daylight soon:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48731932856_5c884d7040_o.jpg)

So that's the story of my plan to fit Recaros in my Roadster, which set into action in October 2013 and finally ended in March 2014!

Wow you lucky bugger! I have been thinking about getting a set of bride subframes from japan. They are about £90 each but shipping is £200!! Like you, found it impossible to find runners for these cars. My journey continues,

Your seats look great in the roadster, good work that man!

hi on your trip to the lake district 75 mph @ 4000 rpm equates to gearing of 18.75 mph per 1000 rpm which seems very low to me
and even more so when you got 38 mpg
like those seats a lot ( meeerrrk have you looked at prolux on this website in the affilates section they do bride seats )

Quote from: "jonone"hi on your trip to the lake district 75 mph @ 4000 rpm equates to gearing of 18.75 mph per 1000 rpm which seems very low to me
and even more so when you got 38 mpg
like those seats a lot ( meeerrrk have you looked at prolux on this website in the affilates section they do bride seats )

Thanks for the info, I've now ordered some mounts from Rouge Motorsport  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "jonone"hi on your trip to the lake district 75 mph @ 4000 rpm equates to gearing of 18.75 mph per 1000 rpm which seems very low to me
and even more so when you got 38 mpg
like those seats a lot ( meeerrrk have you looked at prolux on this website in the affilates section they do bride seats )

Correct.

I'm using a C60 from a Corolla T-Sport, which has a very short 6th gear, and quite a short FD:

 m http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_C ... ission#C60 (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_C_transmission#C60) m

[MOD]With agreement from the op the performance segment of this has been split off here where it is more at home [/MOD]

Quote from: "Alex Knight"To be honest, performance up to 6,200RPM is fairly similar to the 1ZZ, if a little more torquey.

Then it just goes mental from 6,200RPM to 8,500RPM.   s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:   It sounds fabulous as well.

Exactly my thoughts when I picked up my car instant 1st impression was it was noticeably more grunty when in the 1ZZ rev range, more like a 2litre.  Why people say the 2zz lacks torque or claim the 1ZZ has better torque is a mystery to me as it blatantly isn't the case.  It's like an all round more powerful 1ZZ below 6200rpm then like a totally different much more powerful engine above 6200.  Think when I 1st looked at my dyno my 2ZZ made more bhp before the lift point than a 1ZZ made at peak power.

Impressive mate. I'm doing same build atm. Hopefully engine will be in by end next month:) you done any quarter mile strips??? Times etc???

Thanks. Not been near a 1/4 Mile strip yet, but plan on headed to Shakespeare County Raceway at some point this year.

Suspect it should run about 13.5 Sec @ around 100-105MPH.

awesome thread.. how easy/cheap is the conversion?

Swap parts come to circa £800.00 inc VAT and Duty from Monkey Wrench Racing.

Labour is free if you can swing a spanner competently. It's really not that difficult a swap, seeing as 3 out of the 4 engine mounts are identical to the 1ZZ!

I picked up a donor Corolla T-Sport for £1,400 with circa 80K miles on the clock, stripped out the engine and gearbox and sold it on for £510.00.

Add around £100 for consumables (Oil, Oil Filter, new Accessory Belt, Coolant) and the swap cost me around £1,800.00.

That's also not factoring in selling the old 1ZZ engine and box, which I donated to a friend with a sick roadster.

If I sold the engine and box for say, £300.00, the swap would have cost me circa £1,500.00.

Not bad eh?

Quote from: "pistol pete"awesome thread.. how easy/cheap is the conversion?

Slippery slope dude!

Check out the thread called "all things 2zz" there is all the info needed. I'm collecting all the parts I need to do this swap and plan to do it toward the end of this year  s:) :) s:)

Had a slight overheating problem under load a little while ago, which was cured with a full bleed of the coolant system, as there was an air pocket trapped.

It's been fine ever since (and was fine for the 6 months prior to that as well), but I decided to uprate the radiator anyway with a MishiMoto aluminium radiator, which is about twice the thickness of the stock item:

Best thing is, it was only £65 delivered! Bargain!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732001891_cd1da117e1_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732001856_881d160067_o.jpg)

Have you seen SteveB's info on this very subject? He has fitted a different expansion tank higher up, which totally cured his problem; he was still getting it even with a bigger rad.

Yep, standard expansion bottle is the problem not the rad (I also have a high volume alloy rad).  Flow into it it under too much pressure post 2ZZ swap bubbles get dragged into the system and collect at the top right of the rad.  On track it's very noticeable you'll get air in the rad within 10 mins hard driving.  Spoke to another 2ZZ owner at a track day and he modified the standard tank fixing it, I decided top be sure high mount Motorsport swirl pot replacement and it's fixed the issue.

(http://www.steve-bowen.com/mk3%20mr2/240413%20Swirl%20pot.jpg)

That's interesting Steve.

I did a trackday @ Bedford before I had any overheating issues and it was fine for what it's worth. I was flat-chat all day, and covered around 70 laps of the 3.3 mile circuit.

Does your swirl pot simply replace the stock header completely?

Have you got a link to the tank you bought?

Out of curiosity, how does air actually get into the system?

I'm looking to do a 2ZZ swap myself. I priced up everything from MWR and it came to £1500, that's without the engine, box or ECU. How did you price yours up so cheaply? Would you mind sending me a PM of all the parts you needed and bought as it would help me greatly. I included the PPE header and exhaust with cat when pricing up, as I presumed I would need these?

Car looks fantastic and must drive brilliantly now   s:) :) s:)

Hi Alex, to be honest mine never over heated but the chap I met with a 2ZZ on a track day asked me if i had that issue and said to keep and eye on the rad, sure enough top right hand corner kept getting air in it, i had just not realised I suspect you can get to the point of having rather a lot of air in it before cooling issues show up.

Ok,

Fitted the MishiMoto radiator over the weekend.

Very impressed with the quality to be honest, welds look very good, and I had almost zero fitting issues.

The only slight snag I came across was the fact the rad is so wide, it touched/fouled the leading edge of the slam panel when fitted.

All we simply did was trim the leading edge with some tin snips, and then popped some door-shut rubber over the top to protect the rad in case it moves about a bit (it shouldn't, it's solidly in there).

NB: Rad fitting is 100x easier if you unbolt the power steering pump and move it out of the way!

I didn't measure the size of the rad, but from looking at it, it looks to be about 3 times the size of the OEM radiator. Couldn't believe the difference, and the fact that it was only £65 delivered! Bargain!

Here's some pics:

Size difference:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48731698208_5753bbaf6a_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48731698153_33183b3e1e_o.jpg)

All fitted!:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732206177_8c0f686d14_o.jpg)

Quote from: "bluesmoke"I'm looking to do a 2ZZ swap myself. I priced up everything from MWR and it came to £1500, that's without the engine, box or ECU. How did you price yours up so cheaply? Would you mind sending me a PM of all the parts you needed and bought as it would help me greatly. I included the PPE header and exhaust with cat when pricing up, as I presumed I would need these?

OK, well I bought the following:

1 x MWR Plug N Play Adapter - MR2 Spyder 2ZZ Swap $350.00
1 x MWR Shifter Shaft - MR2 Spyder 6-speed Swap $170.00
1 x MWR Dipstick Tube - MR2 Spyder 2ZZ Swap $70.00
1 x MWR Reverse Blockout - MR2 Spyder 6-speed $130.00
1 x MWR Engine Mount - MR2 Spyder 2ZZ Swap $45.00
1 x CHE Header - Toyota MR2 Spyder 00-05 2ZZ Swap - Stainless $299.00
1 x PPE MR2 Spyder 2ZZ Swap Air Intake $235.00

This is lifted from my MWR invoice. The shipping came to $119.83 (£76.61), which took the total invoice to $1,418.83. This converted to £907.12 sterling at the time

Now having done the swap myself, there are two things you don't need from that list, if you are even half competent with a spanner, and that's the Plug 'N' Play Adapter loom. You can get hold of both ECU pinouts and re-pin the loom yourself. You have to at least re-pin x5 immobiliser wires if you are using a UK spec ECU, so you may has well go ahead and re-pin the rest of them. This saves $350.00 (£223.77). You also don't really need the PPE 2ZZ swap intake, as I relocated mine behind the battery anyway. You can just cut and adapt the MAF tube from your donor 2ZZ engine, pop a filter on the end, couple of hose clamps and that's it. That saves $235.00 (£150.25).

If you do re-pin your loom however, you will need the VVL Lift fly loom from MWR:  m http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/produ ... ts_id=1510 (http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/product_info.php?cPath=43_143&products_id=1510) m  This weighs in at $89.00 (£56.90).

So if you take my invoice: £907.12
Subtract the Loom Adapter: (£223.77)
Subtract the Intake: (£150.25)
Add the Lift Fly Loom: £56.90
Factor in maybe a (£10.00) reduction in shipping costs, and this takes your total to:

£580.00

Factor in VAT and import duty (pessimistically at a factor of 1.35) and that takes your total to £783.00

Gives you an idea of how cheap it can be!

Let me know if there's anything else you need to know.

Quote from: "bluesmoke"Car looks fantastic and must drive brilliantly now   s:) :) s:)

Thanks! It really is. It's a pleasure to work on, and the car just drives faultlessly now. I really couldn't be happier with it.  s:D :D s:D

That's great. I'll go with the MWR header now I have done more reading, as I didn't like the sound of having to plug air injector holes with the header you used.

My car is an import, but has had an immobiliser fitted at some point. Not sure how this will complicate things. Did you need to use a Celica key at all, with a transponder? Will try and get my hands on the pin outs before buying anything, see if I can be bothered to do that bit myself   s:D :D s:D

Quote from: "bluesmoke"That's great. I'll go with the MWR header now I have done more reading, as I didn't like the sound of having to plug air injector holes with the header you used.

I didn't have any holes to plug. I used a 2002 Corolla T-Sport engine, which didn't have air injection.

Quote from: "bluesmoke"My car is an import, but has had an immobiliser fitted at some point. Not sure how this will complicate things. Did you need to use a Celica key at all, with a transponder? Will try and get my hands on the pin outs before buying anything, see if I can be bothered to do that bit myself   s:D :D s:D

I used a Celica 190 ECU and matching transponder. I replaced the MR2 transponder with the Celica 190 one, and re-programmed the immobiliser and central locking. It all works as per the factory installation now.
I do suspect however, that as yours didn't have the factory fitted immobiliser, you would need to run x5 wires as required, or use a JDM Celica 190 or US Spec Celica GTS ECU, as these do not have built in immobilisers.

I'm going to order a celica GTS USA spec ecu, no immobiliser, lower lift point and higher rev limit. 199 usd isn't bad value in my books.

I'll be going with a header from zero exhausts (zeroexhaust.co.uk) his website doesn't show the header but he has one on the shelf and can make to order.

Won't an aftermarket immobiliser still affect the Celica ECU though, as it will be tapped into the wiring somewhere won't it?

Really interesting thread.

I have a celica T sport as well as my MR2 and can't imagine how much fun the 2zz engine would be with rwd, mid engine and light weight of the roadster. It's a brilliant unit in the celica and to be honest I notice very little difference between the two cars in fuel economy. Why Toyota didn't make an MR2 T sport is beyond me, I would've bought one in a flash.

+1 on that, it's how the roadster really should be  s:) :) s:)

Hi Alex
just spotted your great thread I only live over in Chepstow and only finished my 2ZZ conversion late last year and am just getting it ready to do a track day at Castle Combe very soon.
 I have only just finished running it in after fully rebuilding the engine and as its not my daily driver it  took a while to do the miles .

 Today I ordered a 4 point  rear cage to fit in about 3 weeks time when I am off work as well as a set of toyo R888.
 I also have the che manifold mated to a twin centre exit Janspeed system I bought off a member and it sounds great and not too loud

Car sounds good George, happy with the performace?

Quote from: "george_m"Hi Alex
just spotted your great thread I only live over in Chepstow and only finished my 2ZZ conversion late last year and am just getting it ready to do a track day at Castle Combe very soon.
 I have only just finished running it in after fully rebuilding the engine and as its not my daily driver it  took a while to do the miles .

 Today I ordered a 4 point  rear cage to fit in about 3 weeks time when I am off work as well as a set of toyo R888.
 I also have the che manifold mated to a twin centre exit Janspeed system I bought off a member and it sounds great and not too loud

Hi George,

Sounds good, great to have another local who has 'seen the light'! Did you do the work yourself?

Why did you rebuild the engine? Car sounds serious with a cage and R888s!

I may be able to get to the Coombe trackday in April, if I can find the time to order and fit a baffled sump.

Alex - hoping to do castle Coombe April 28th, is that the date you are thinking about?

Erm, not sure!   s:? :? s:?  

Combe website says there isn't one on 28th April?:  m https://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/trackdays/ (https://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/trackdays/) m

Is it through another provider?

Here is the link mate ... Edit 2 ... Hope this works  m http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday/ (http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday/) m

Hi the ebay engine was not as advertised 40k miles and as the sump had been  off recently so I removed it and looking inside I was not happy. I complained to nippon_autospares_ltd  and  eventually I got a £450 refund.
 The company said the sump was replaced because it was damaged, however  I put the refund towards a rebuild which yes I did all my self but this got very costly in the end  using genuine Toyota parts. They did offer to swap the engine but I had lost faith in them by then

 However I now have an excellent engine which dynoed at Circuit Motors at 201 bhp and 142 lbft torque with no cat. The gear box I pulled apart and swapped over the lsd from my old box into a T sport box changed some seals and bearing but again I bought this as a low mileage unit from a guy in Ireland but it does snick a bit going into 5th a so not as per described but it was only recently I noticed this.
I will change the gear change bushing and have already swapped to Tein lowered springs, the rear cage is just me worrying a bit as I did use to race a MK2 Turbo ( retired now ) and this had a full cage fitted.
I really enjoy driving  this car but feel it ( and me ) needs to go on track to be fully appreciated as for the tyres I needed a set any way as I am on winter tyres and so I talked myself into a set of R888

Any tips on how to rebuild a 2zz and the parts needed George? It's the one job I may be too worried to attempt.

So, spec so far (that I can remember!) is:

 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  2ZZ Engine Swap
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  C60 Transmission
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Modified PPE Intake
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  CHE 2ZZ Swap Manifold
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Megan Racing Exhaust
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  TTE Springs
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  MishiMoto Aluminium Radiator
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  EBC YellowStuff Pads F & R - Stock Discs
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Evo V Recaro Seats
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Genuine Recaro Seat Rails
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Solid Shifter Cage Mounts
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Solid Shifter Linkage Bushings


Future planned mods are:

 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  OEM LSD
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  MR2 Taller 6th Gear
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  BC Racing Coilovers
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Eliseparts Baffled Sump
 s:arrow: :arrow: s:arrow:  Trackdays

Quote from: "bluesmoke"Any tips on how to rebuild a 2zz and the parts needed George? It's the one job I may be too worried to attempt.

pm sent not wanting to hi jack Alex's thread

It was a nice day today, and I haven't properly cleaned the car in months, so I took advantage of the good weather and got to work.

I had all 4 wheels off, and cleaned inside, washed, polished and hoovered. If it's nice tomorrow I'll wax it, clean the glass and interior.

I took some pics, as it won't be this clean again for ages. It comes up alright for £1400s worth of purchase!  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732063821_5ab7e011d3_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732244997_3da6313d15_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732063746_4ac7df02c9_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48731736928_4af0c30601_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732063686_8be2c7f819_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48731736888_68f99dd3ae_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732244837_c89086276a_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732244797_b05af722a0_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732063561_763ff898ce_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732244752_954e54d1d4_o.jpg)

And here it is all tucked up where it rests between trackdays:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732147251_b8db3352a8_o.jpg)

Nice...very stealthy

Quote from: "Meeerrrk"Here is the link mate ... Edit 2 ... Hope this works  m http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday/ (http://www.javelintrackdays.co.uk/trackday/) m

Just booked up.   s:D :D s:D  

Who's coming, saw a few MR2s on the attendees list.

I'm planning to sign up, just trying toget my car mot'd. Pistol Pete from here is going along with some of his mates in mr2s.

Hope to see you there

Soooo...

I found some Integra DC2 Recaros I prefer, so I fitted these and some black cloth doorcards today.

Best. Seats. Ever.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732154791_e722c780b5_o.jpg)

You sir have a serious Recaro habit.

i dig your exhaust, alex. oh, wait - it's mine! hope it's doing well in your converted 2?

I had some new wheels fitted today, Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2. 7J x 15, ET38. The sit a little further out and are more flush with the arches due to the 7mm lower ET. This has also had the added benefit of increasing the track by 14mm per axle.

What do you guys think?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732379912_b1d5ceeeda_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732379202_11b7a3948e_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48731873768_83e0cfdb8c_o.jpg)

Exactly what I will get if I don't go for a set of Matt's SP wheels.
So In  other words they look the business.

They look mint mate, glad your happy with them.

Look great, really suit the car!

What tyres are you running?

Cheers guys, yes very happy thanks Gary.

I'm running Bridgestone Potenza RE002 Adrenalin F&R.

195/50/R15 Front

205/50/R15 Rear

I've reduced the stagger slightly from stock to slightly increase the propensity to oversteer. I like it that way.  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Gave it a quick clean today in preparation for the trackday at Castle Combe tomorrow.

Also removed the front plate to maximise cooling on track.

Cant beat black when its clean. Looks awesome

Very slick, you can't beat black when it looks like that!

Hope castle Coombe is good tomorrow. Disappointed I won't be there!

Had an awesome day today at Castle Combe!

The track started slightly damp (interesting), but then soon dried up in about half an hour. It stayed dry until about 3pm ish, and then rain stopped play for me as my tyres are borderline scary in the wet!  s:shock: :shock: s:shock: 

In the dry though, the car was simply amazing. I could carry unbelievable amounts of speed into corner entry, and could brake crazy late compared to most cars there.

The tyres (Bridgestone RE002) had bags of grip, I could really lean on them, and they would only start to wash a bit after at least 15 laps.

The overall dry balance was super, really neutral mid corner. Oversteer was available if you got too greedy with entry speed, and there was some (admittedly slightly ragged using an open diff ATM) power oversteer on demand at corner exit if you wanted too. What a great car. Showed a race spec EP3 a very comfortably clean pair of heels too.  s:D :D s:D

Some pics of the day:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733166391_a429f87b26_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732837188_46b77bb7a9_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733166166_5ec30d2341_o.jpg)

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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732837003_f3b64db47e_o.jpg)

Looks like you had a great time  :-) :-) :-)

Some great pictures, really jealous I couldn't make it!

Sounds like the car performed really well...out of interest did you fit the sump before hand?

Yarp, fitted the sump about 10 days ago. Glad I did, it generated some serious lateral load!

Do you mind me asking what sump you fitted? I'm in the middle of a 2zz swap and sump is one of the mods I want to do.

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Yarp, fitted the sump about 10 days ago. Glad I did, it generated some serious lateral load!

Its quite amazing how much grip they generate in the dry isn't it  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "TiM3"Do you mind me asking what sump you fitted? I'm in the middle of a 2zz swap and sump is one of the mods I want to do.

All here chap:  l viewtopic.php?f=7&t=49156 (http://www.mr2roc.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=49156) l

Nice   s:D :D s:D

Good to meet you Alex
Was a good day.. The 2z looked awesome

Hope to see you another one soon

Quote from: "steve b"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Yarp, fitted the sump about 10 days ago. Glad I did, it generated some serious lateral load!

Its quite amazing how much grip they generate in the dry isn't it  s:) :) s:)

Yes Steve, I was staggered to be honest, given the very modest 195 and 205 F&R tyre widths. I can only (so far) dream of what they are like with wider tyres and track focused suspension!   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  

For the record, I kept a very close eye on water temps all day, as I haven't yet got round to fitting a different header tank. Temps stayed resolutely between 81 and 85 Deg C all day, with no fluctuations.

Intake temp stuck to pretty much 18 Deg C, with ambient around 14-16 Deg C. I have relocated my intake to behind the battery.

Quote from: "pistol pete"Good to meet you Alex
Was a good day.. The 2z looked awesome

Hope to see you another one soon

You too chap, thanks for that. I had a great day, and the car way outperformed my expectations.

You looked like you enjoyed yourself too.  s:wink: :wink: s:wink:

Quote from: "TiM3"Do you mind me asking what sump you fitted? I'm in the middle of a 2zz swap and sump is one of the mods I want to do.

Where abouts are you Tim?

So, I attended a TrackDay at Pembrey circuit, along with Paul1087's 2ZZ swapped car also last Saturday.

(http://www.argaumracing.co.uk/ESW/Images/501px-Pembrey_circuit.png)

Again, the car didn't miss a single beat. Faultlessly reliable as usual, and zero overheating issues either, despite circa 25°C ambient temperatures. The MishiMoto rad is doing a good job so far.

The track is very high grip, which made for some fairly committed driving, which was big fun. The additional lateral load due to the high grip made me realise that I would like the car to have more (stiffer) resistance to roll, as I had a slight moment coming out of the Honda Curve (off camber, and bumpy exit) caused by the bumps upsetting the very highly loaded N/S/R tyre on exit and creating a rather large roll-oversteer moment. All ok though, and I gathered it up, but it forced me to change my line on subsequent laps to taking a later entry point, and a shallower exit to avoid the bumps.

Special mention to the brakes (EBC Yellowstuff all round - el-cheapo motor factor discs). They were immense. Brutal, yet repeatable and instant retardation from the limiter in 4th (110MPH) down to 25MPH. Every. Single. Time. Not once was I happy that I'd braked late enough at the end of the straight, and I thought I may have been beginning to take liberties. I wasn't even close to the limit, they really are that good!  s:D :D s:D 

My rear tyres (Bridgestone RE002 all round) are now all but done for 2,500 miles after putting them on. The fronts are still on 6mm. They were put on at the same time!  s:shock: :shock: s:shock:    s:shock: :shock: s:shock:    s:shock: :shock: s:shock: 

Here are some pics of my car on the day:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733439737_2512ec4a77_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732930063_1165f31c1f_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733439752_0ecb224a89_o.jpg)

Good stuff. Sounds like your having a great time. Looking forward to seeing it  s:) :) s:)

What's the plans, anti roll bar upgrade, or Coilovers...or both?!

Quote from: "Meeerrrk"Good stuff. Sounds like your having a great time. Looking forward to seeing it  s:) :) s:)

What's the plans, anti roll bar upgrade, or Coilovers...or both?!

Gonna start with coilovers, and then see what the balance is like.

Problem is, because trackdays are so (relatively) few and far between for me, it's gonna take months for me to find the ideal balance (damping wise).

I will be setting it up for the track, and just living with the harshness on the road, as it's not my daily driver.

I know what you mean, you just can't replicate the track when on the road.

I'm reluctant to stiffen then rear with bigger arbs after my "fun" at brandshatch in the wet, so I'm planning on bc Coilovers as go from there, much the same as you by the sounds of it.

Are you looking at BCs too?

So I did another trackday at Combe yesterday, will report back soon as I should have some GoPro footage to upload.

Looks good mate, is it 1 of those ebay stick on one's?

Here's a vid of some of my laps at Castle Combe:

Believe it or not I got held up by an Ariel Atom 300 about half way into the video. It was bonkers down the straights, but I could carry miles more speed into corners than he could.  s:shock: :shock: s:shock: 

Enjoy!

Very cool

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Believe it or not I got held up by an Ariel Atom 300 about half way into the video. It was bonkers down the straights, but I could carry miles more speed into corners than he could.   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:

Every trackday I go to you see people in really expensive track toys driving like complete pussies in the corners, gets on my nerves! I didn't watch it all, but I presume you got him eventually?  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "Pete C"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Believe it or not I got held up by an Ariel Atom 300 about half way into the video. It was bonkers down the straights, but I could carry miles more speed into corners than he could.   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:

Every trackday I go to you see people in really expensive track toys driving like complete pussies in the corners, gets on my nerves! I didn't watch it all, but I presume you got him eventually?  s:) :) s:)

Oh yes, nipped down the inside at the exit of Quarry corner after almost a lap of being held up. He very quickly receded in my mirror after that.  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "Alex Knight"

Quote from: "Pete C"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Believe it or not I got held up by an Ariel Atom 300 about half way into the video. It was bonkers down the straights, but I could carry miles more speed into corners than he could.   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:

Every trackday I go to you see people in really expensive track toys driving like complete pussies in the corners, gets on my nerves! I didn't watch it all, but I presume you got him eventually?  s:) :) s:)

Oh yes, nipped down the inside at the exit of Quarry corner after almost a lap of being held up. He very quickly receded in my mirror after that.  s:) :) s:)

I assume his car was up to the job just the drivers bottle that was wanting?

Atom comes into the vid around the 15min mark btw.

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Here's a vid of some of my laps at Castle Combe:

Believe it or not I got held up by an Ariel Atom 300 about half way into the video. It was bonkers down the straights, but I could carry miles more speed into corners than he could.   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  

Enjoy!

[youtube:3lvpldf3]4f5HaehU0tc[/youtube:3lvpldf3]

Nice video, love the sound the car makes - what induction system do you use? Its not too intrusive.

The Atom had some "interesting" lines but not the worst I've seen. Pretty extreme car for a noobie though   s:scared: :scared: s:scared:  

25min video must have taken some uploading and processor power!!   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  

Any more booked this year?

Quote from: Meeerrrk

Quote from: Alex KnightHere's a vid of some of my laps at Castle Combe:

Believe it or not I got held up by an Ariel Atom 300 about half way into the video. It was bonkers down the straights, but I could carry miles more speed into corners than he could.  s:shock: :shock: s:shock: 

Enjoy!

Nice video, love the sound the car makes - what induction system do you use? Its not too intrusive.

The Atom had some "interesting" lines but not the worst I've seen. Pretty extreme car for a noobie though  s:scared: :scared: s:scared: 

25min video must have taken some uploading and processor power!!  s:shock: :shock: s:shock: 

Any more booked this year?

I'm using the PPE intake from MWR intended to go with the 2ZZ swap parts I ordered, however it places the filter next to the exhaust manifold, which is not ideal. I've relocated it to behind the battery: plenty of space, and a nice cold feed from the N/S intake. TBH, it is pretty loud, it's just the GoPro was placed on the windscreen (ie: a fair distance from the engine) and I had the roof down, which drowns the noise a bit too.

Rear tyres are finished now, after 1 year, and just 2,800 miles.  s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  Fronts are still showing circa 4-5mm.

The Atom driver wasn't a noob, far from it, just think he lacked a bit of bottle. It should have murdered my car (and it did down the straight!).

Thanks - I was looking at ordering that intake too, but im a bit conscious of intake temps.

Good work on the tyres!!  s:D :D s:D  Any ideas on what you are going for next...something more track focused?

Yeah, I wouldn't bother with the MWR kit, plus it's sooo expensive. Just fabricate a home brew jobbie behind the battery.

Going with the same tyres again. They suit the character of the 2 so well, and they are mega cheap for the levels of grip they offer. Just dug out my invoice from last year, and a set of 4 (195/50/R15 and 205/50/R15) were £236 inc VAT and delivery from  m http://www.tyretraders.com (http://www.tyretraders.com) m  That's very cheap if you ask me. Comparable in price is the Toyo T1-R, which are garbage compared to these in my experience.

On a site note, I've noticed that my rear brake pads also don't last too long. The latest set are almost finished after 3 dry trackdays. EBC Yellows. Fronts (same pads) are still very healthy.

wow that is brilliant value, I don't blame you for running them again!

my car has always been heavy on its rear pads, even when it was my GF's daily driver.

Bought a new camera off here, and decided to give it a little test on my favourite closed road:

Love the sound, very jealous!

The go-pro is good isn't it, I bought one from Rob too.

If you've got w smart phone, you will find the app very useful to set it up then switch to the WIFI remote for start and stop  s:) :) s:)

Look forward to seeing some track footage soon!!

Ah, it's not a GoPro! It's a Drift HD camera that I bought from Ackers for £100 (thanks Ackers!).

I couldn't justify £200 on a camera, after I bought the GoPro, so I sold it on.

Will have to wait till next weekend for a daytime test, and have yet to test it on 1080P.

Oh ok!! Fair enough. It seems to cope ok with the dark, be interesting to see how if fairs in normal light  s:) :) s:)

Hello Alex,

I am new on the forum but I already have the project to swap my engine for a 2ZZ-GE. Right now, I have the following parts at disposition :

2zz engine
Inlet manifold
Exhaust manifold
Coil packs
Injectors
Fuel rail
Maf sensor
Engine loom for the lift ocv
Ecu
Transponder in the key for the matching ecu

Does some parts missing ?

I would appreciate to be able to get informations and help making this conversion

P6310JMP - PM sent.

So I've booked a trackday at Silverstone this coming Sunday - on the full GP circuit. Very exciting! Will report back after the weekend.

Camera working and ready to go??

Indeed it is chap, and I'll be armed with x2 memory cards!

Great look forward to seeing it.

Hope you have a great day

Well I'm back from a very wet Silverstone.

I didn't get any dry laps in at all, there was something approaching a dry line right at the end of the day, but I was out in a friend's Evo giving him some pointers when it blew up and called a halt to the rest of the day.

I managed to record two videos, one short one (below) and a longer one which I will upload tomorrow.

In short, the car behaved impeccably, but again I was hampered by a lack of rear grip due to not being able to get the tyres even approaching something warm. I dropped the pressures to 24PSI rear and 20PSI front, but it didn't make much difference. As you can see from the video, it just oversteered everywhere. I had one spin, a 360 (only the second time I have ever span a car!), but it was all very safe and controllable.

It was a great day, and there were some pretty serious machines there today, including what seemed like about 30 GT-Rs (mind bogglingly fast, and soooo much traction - I was jealous).

I would imagine the track is mega in the dry, but I didn't get to experience that today, but I still had an absolute blast sliding the car around.  s:D :D s:D

Really disappointed for you that it was wet all day, it's frustrating in the mr2. But you do learn a lot about how to drive in those conditions and it's fun in a different kind of way.

Glad the car was good again, I absolutely love the sound of your car when it's on lift! Sounds ace  s;) ;) s;)

Not done Silverstone since the new pits have been built, but used to ride it on a CBR600 a while ago, seeing if you dare go into Copse at full chat makes it one of the best corners in the country.

Quote from: "Meeerrrk"I absolutely love the sound of your car when it's on lift! Sounds ace  s;) ;) s;)

Thanks chap.

Everyone that goes in the car comments on how good it sounds.  s8) 8) s8)

Here's the second video, it's a long one at circa 40 minutes. Took bloody ages to upload!

Sorry about the glare, and the crappy sound. The track was still wet, and coupled with the low sun and the exposure set too high on the camera, it's all waaayyy too bright!

Some photos from the day:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733049703_c6c0e9ec53_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733560517_be60ab189e_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733050433_98f897edfe_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733646637_c2f9577c8f_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733049988_b6dd6eb27a_o.jpg)

Nice pics Alex.
Any chance the Lambo was pony so i can stop lusting after one?

Sadly it never ventured out on track.   s:( :( s:(  

His mate was out though, in a new 991 GT3. Look bloomin' quick.

Garages at silverstone are pretty epic!

Yeah, we were in the international, aka F1, paddock chap.

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Here's the second video, it's a long one at circa 40 minutes. Took bloody ages to upload!

Sorry about the glare, and the crappy sound. The track was still wet, and coupled with the low sun and the exposure set too high on the camera, it's all waaayyy too bright!

[youtube:ee0ib9pf]MzPetlX7DXU[/youtube:ee0ib9pf]

Sounds like it's turbo charged, or am I hearing things?

Nope, definitely NA!

So...

After much deliberation, I have decided to put my sensible head on for a change.

It's financially and practically unrealistic to put the car into dry storage when I go travelling in May, so I have reluctantly decided to put the car up for sale soon.  s:( :( s:(

Alex that's a real shame but you've had some fun and your trip sounds like a once in a life time experience. So why not.

Im sure you'll find something to keep you busy once you're back, who knows maybe even another mr2 to tweak and tune!

Best of luck with everything!

Thanks chap, very kind of you to say so.   s:) :) s:)

Let me know when you sell it, I've just bought a VX220 but think I prefer the MR2, I'm deciding whether or not to sell the VX and get a 2zz MR2. Have to look at price etc and think about it.

Sold yesterday already I'm afraid!

How much for if you don't mind me asking?

Sure, no problem. It sold for the £4,000 asking price to the first person that saw it.

Thanks, just interested how much I would need.

Sorry you had to sell Alex. Did well to get full asking and quickly too.

LeeH has one for sale btw.

Thanks Scott.

I'm actually starting to think it was priced too cheaply. I could have sold it 3 times in 2 hours for full asking price.   s:shock: :shock: s:shock:

Others have been trying tell sell cheaper 2zz for a while.
I've seen great turbo cars go for less.

Was too cheap. If you hadn't been so far away I was considering buying it for the seats for my car and selling it on again.

I stand corrected.
Perhaps i just undervalue 2zz roadsters.

Bugger, if you consider the potential of the car on track vs. something like an Elise, then it's massively undervalued.

'I wouldn't have said it was cheap personally. Spec wise it was pretty much standard other than some lowering springs and some (marmite) alloys. The Recaros were a nice touch but can be had for around £350 second hand. It was a pre-facelift with over 100k on the clock and an open diff. I think you did well getting 4k for it.

Well I'm back and the car is back!

Many thanks to Andrew (aka: tpivette) for looking after it for me   s:D :D s:D  

Spent a few hours applying a solid coat of wax today, and it still looks great.

A few things to do though:

* Replace x4 coil pack oil seals as one has let go and created a misfire.
* I've replaced the manifold to down pipe gasket as the Topspeed one supplied with the manifold finally cried enough!
* Replace the carbon bonnet with an OEM black bonnet.
* New wheels and tyres. I've gone with the same wheels again, but brand new this time and a set of Yokohama AD08Rs all round.
* Lowered the front by an additional 12mm
* Lowered the rear by an additional 5mm
* Fit OEM front bumper badge
* Fit front lip

Think that's it.

Nice one Alex and welcome back.

Car is looking good, has it a new exhaust too?

On coils now mate?

Nah, same old pony exhaust. I'll replace it with something decent when I get round to it!

Yup, on Meister-R coilovers now, and had a Mattperformance underbrace now too.

Fitted new coil pack oil seals x4 today, and also fitted new lift bolts - they weren't snapped thankfully    s:D :D s:D

Have booked on for Llandow on 17th October too.

Alex which coils did you buy? It's something I want to get but they are eye wateringly expensive from Toyota !

OEM Toyota mate. Yes, bloody expensive, but they should last a good while now, fit and forget hopefully.

Easy job though, cam cover comes off in 10 mins max.

Good to see you back in this car Alex! It looks extremely tidy, very inspiring!

Mark if you are suspecting one of your coils is dodgy I have the 1zz set going spare if you need them and if someone confirms they are the same PN. Also if you like we can go for a short spin in my car so you can listen to the noises my box makes going around corners to see how yours compared... Mine is noisier than my 5spd, but it just seems the diff bites harder on this one.

No I don't suspect they are faulty but the entire engine is basically new so there is the part of me that wants to change them for new too....the cost is all that is stopping me though ~£250 for the set.

That doesn't sound right, it's a different noise than mine makes from your description.

Thanks jonty, kind words!

1ZZ and 2ZZ coils are not interchangeable. 2ZZ coils are longer.

For me Mark they are a digital thing, OK or not. I wouldn't think there is any benefit in replacing them now, unless you can see signs of the insulation breaking down in which case you can expect an issue some time soon.

What are the plans now Alex? Is the list of things to do exhaustive, or do you see yourself taking the project on further In the future?

Just a continual and never ending process of incremental refinements and improvements Jonty.
Next plan is to fit a longer 6th gear, and also might as well replace the clutch and flywheel since the gearbox will be off, and probably a good time to replace the crank seal too.

Got these delivered and fitted the other day   s:D :D s:D 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48732379912_b1d5ceeeda_o.jpg)

Nice, 15s all round or facelift sizes?

Also, one of the reasons I went for a 2ZZ swap was a good balance between power and economy.

Also, forgot to mention, had the alignment done yesterday, current (requested by me) specs are:

Front Camber: -1.5 Deg
Front Toe: 0.00mm

Rear Camber: -2.0 Deg
Rear Toe: 0.00mm

15s all round chap, 205/50/R15 Rear, 195/50/R15 front.

Brings a lump to the throat seeing the old girl, especially with the Scottish flag on the rear plate - car provenance is so important!  
Remember who gets first refusal - and get a shave dude!

Did you buy vietts car in the end?

Aww, I'm taking good care of it Andrew, don't worry!

No way am I shaving, I'm keeping the beard for as long as I can get away with, 6 months and counting. Saves a fortune on razor blades!

No Vietts didn't happen for one reason or another. This is on my drive from today.....

 m https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1503991723259686&set=pcb.1503991879926337&type=3&theater) m

How is the Z going Andrew? I see you've removed the 'scaffolding'?!

tbh I'm in 2 minds, its stillen s/charged and makes 500+ and the brakes are awesome (its a bespoke brake manufacturers demo car) but its a bit lardy. and I think its going to financially ruin me. bit like the wife really.

 if anyone's looking for an APR gtc300 world challenge rear wing and associated scaffolding thing, I'm your man!

Awesome Zed, it sounds mental.

We've got a 350z, but I think the other half wants to get a 370z nismo...I just showed her the pic of yours and her eyes lit up  s:) :) s:)

ill post the spec list......

 m http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/101188-sti ... -demo-car/ (http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/101188-stillen-supercharged-2009-nissan-370z-gt-art-demo-car/) m

I just liked how it looked. 260Z owner from 20 -  I mean 30 -  years ago and they've got the look right again, it is very handsome (not feminine at all)

I'm so glad you removed that BGW, that was a bit mental.

Awesome spec.

cheers.   likewise.  cant decide if removing the screen wash bottle cos you need two oil coolers is as cool as it sounds - IN REAL LIFE!

Man I wish I got that consumption Alex,mine does about 250 to the tank, with plenty of dual carriageway at 60-65! New wheels and tyres look great, I'll consider dropping down from 17s in the future when I want better track performance, those pics make me envious!

big thanks for taking me for a spin and helping me with all my questions I have learnt so much  


This car is mental and together with a highly skilled driver like Alex this car is a weapon of mass destruction and on 15s and coilovers it looks so epic.

I drove down the same roads in my 1zz after the 2zz it is a no brainer for a daily driver or weekend toy the 2zz is mental and for sure I will be doing one  !

don't tell the wife !

Had a wonderful day at Llandow circuit today, along with Paul1087.

Circuit stayed dry all day (for a change!), and Paul and I managed to get some decent laps in.

I didn't get much footage (battery and camera securing issues!), but what I did manage to get is below. First lap was just a warm up lap.

I have to say, the car was absolutely faultless all day (again), with zero oil consumption.

Fastest lap for me today was a 0:49.1. Think I could have snuck into the 48s range if I had ridden the kerbs hard, but mechanical sympathy took over, and I stayed away.

Hi Alex
Have you driven that track before, and if so did the MeisterR's and underbrace help the times at all?

Hi matey,

Sorry for the late reply! I have driven the track before, but only in Spoon Sports Europe's DC2 Integra, not in the MR2.

I can confirm however, that the coilovers have taken a lot of roll out of the initial turn-in phase. There is a much more direct feel mid corner also. Everything feels more 'immediate' if you know what I mean?

I had the dampers wound to about 24/F & 28/R. I found that I felt I could still go a bit stiffer, especially at the rear. I was going to wind the rears up to 32(max), and the fronts to 28, but I ran out of time!

So, not much to update really.

Car is running like absolute clockwork. I've fitted some facelift rear bumper inserts, and took it out for a spin yesterday with the roof down.

Missed that after driving the company car for a few weeks.

Booked a trackday at Anglesey on Monday 2nd May, looking forward to that.   s:D :D s:D

Found this picture the other day too!

It is obligatory to take this photo when you remove an engine!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733646422_6aee26c700_o.jpg)

Nice shot   s:D :D s:D  

Must remember to get one when the time comes...   s:) :) s:)

Where's the beard?!

Quote from: "JoeCool"Where's the beard?!

That photo is from 2014!

Report from Angelsey:

What a circuit! We did the full layout, as opposed to the coastal circuit which I did before a few years ago in my old DC2 Integra. Really stunning setting for what I would describe as an intermediate to advanced circuit.

(http://www.motorsportcircuits.co.uk/assets/images/anglesey-track-guide.gif)

The day started off wet. Very wet. I was a little disappointed, as I had done Silverstone GP Circuit previously on the old Bridgestone RE002s, and they weren't very good at generating ANY heat in the wet, which resulted in very low grip levels. This time, I was using Yokohama AD08R tyres, and the difference really is night and day. I can see why a lot of production based race cars use them as a dedicated wet tyre. So much more grip and therefore confidence.

I didn't have chance to fill the tank before I got to the circuit as it's such an early sign on, and driver's briefing, so I went out onto the wet circuit with half a tank (it used half a tank to get from Bristol to Anglesey). This only lasted 45 minutes on track, before I started to get fuel starvation coming out of the banking, despite the gauge showing between a quarter and empty.

I was told that the weather would improve by 11AM, so I headed off to fill up with a tank of super unleaded. When I returned, the track was starting to dry. At least it looked dry. It turned out to be the period between wet and dry, and the conditions were very, very greasy. I was nearly caught out coming through Peel, and was rewarded with a HUGE dose of turn in oversteer, then a tank slapper on the way out. Luckily, I managed to ride out the slides.

I had the coilovers set to fully soft all round, to try and promote some grip. The steady state cornering balance was really quite rear biased in these conditions, you could always feel the rear itching to break into a slide.

I decided to come in and wait for some fully dry running. In the meantime I adjusted the dampers to 20F/20R and then headed out to enjoy some dry laps. The balance was again fairly oversteery, which was fun, but ultimately not as quick as it could be. I also felt there was quite a lot of roll across the front axle, so I came in again and set the dampers to 32F(Full)/26R.

My oh my, what a difference! You could immediately feel there was much less pliancy to the ride, the nose was bobbing quite a lot as I exited the pit lane. Grip levels however, were *immense*. It was actually difficult to hold on going around the banking, due to how much lateral grip was being generated. It then became a slight lift into Church, and then fully flat all the way up to the braking point for rocket. It was clipping the limiter in 4th here, so I decided to take a couple of seconds of 5th too, instead of sitting on the limiter. Around 115MPH. Braking is super late going into Rocket, as it's quite a steep uphill. It still amazed me how late you can brake in these cars. I was taking 10s of metres out of most other stuff there.

I noticed that the fuel was getting low again (98 miles to a whole tank  s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  ), and as it had just passed 4PM, I decided to call it a day.

I was taking it easy headed back, cruising along at 60MPH on the A55, when the engine decided to cut out. I shifted down through the gears, but there was nothing at all there. We were left stranded on the side of the road, in the pouring rain! I thought that it may have been the ECU wiring to the immobiliser, as we had quite a lot of luggage in the storage bins, but everything was fine. Couldn't figure it out, so had the call out the AA (thanks Lloyds Bank!), and get recovered the 230 miles home  s:x :x s:x 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733686272_6706636302_o.jpg)

Upon further investigation when I got it home, and information from topdownman, I discovered that it had blown the 15A EFI1 fuse, and the ECU was getting no power. Replaced it, and it fired straight up!  s:D :D s:D 

I'm a happy bunny again. I think that the (very) wet conditions may have contributed to the blown fuse, but I am yet to find the cause. It'll probably never happen again.

So all in all, a fantastic weekend, wonderful circuit, and only a slight hiccup at the end. Highly recommended to anyone who is thinking of doing a trackday there.

Next time you go let me know I would like to have a go

Did the AA not look for the fault ?  A fuse how frustrating.

im back at anglesey on the 3rd of june... you should come up again  s:P :P s:P  i manage 125mph coming up the hill to rocket! never had any issues with grip in the wet on my R888s either :S

i will be fitting my 2zz before the track day too

Quote from: "Paulus1066"i manage 125mph coming up the hill to rocket!

What's powering this beast?!

It's a 10 hour round trip for me, and I like to experience different circuits too.

Got my eye on Pembrey and Spa Francorchamps this summer.

166bhp 1zz... but its totally stripped out! i will be fitting my 2zz in a couple of weeks hopefully!

To be fair, it is my local track. i am yet to visit anywhere else! i want to try oulton and cadwell.

Oulton is mega, highly recommended.

Quote from: "Paulus1066"166bhp 1zz... but its totally stripped out! i will be fitting my 2zz in a couple of weeks hopefully!

To be fair, it is my local track. i am yet to visit anywhere else! i want to try oulton and cadwell.

If you have a 1zz running 166 why are you doing a 2zz swap?
It would have cost serious money to get that power.
Dont forget 2zz in an elise makes 189 but they make a bit less in an MR2 depending on how you do the exhaust.

2zz mapped on a power fc should make around 205bhp+ depending on how far you are willing to push it and the fuel you are running.  

I also have the bits to build a turbo kit, have ordered a link G4+ xtreme and will be running E85 - should be safe on standard internals up to 400bhp but i will aim for 350bhp.

I wont be doing the turbo build for a while as decent mappers are impossible to book at short notice, but i should be able to get someone who can map a power fc in a day for the NA

And i am going for the Link G4+ Xtreme because it will run an electronic throttle and manage sequential shifting for then i get a Quaife sequential and pro-shift system next year.

Good luck.

Good to meet you earlier to day Alex.  One very smart MR2 you've got there.    s:D :D s:D  (http://i694.photobucket.com/albums/vv308/mxcum167/MR2/Others/IMG_1595_zpsxkx1x0vp.jpg) (http://s694.photobucket.com/user/mxcum167/media/MR2/Others/IMG_1595_zpsxkx1x0vp.jpg.html)

Martin.

You too chap.

Thanks for the picture!  s:D :D s:D

Very nice 2 buddy, also thanks for the post with your total cost of the swap.

MOD. moved to RR as requested

Nice day today, so took the time to give it a quick polish, which was long overdue. Also fitted a Top Secret exhaust (thanks Dave) and a new OEM length gear cage (sooo much better!).

Do you mean a standard gear cage instead of a quick shift? If so why is the quick shift so bad? Thanks

How is the exhaust ? Is it better than the old one ?

Quote from: "lamcote"Do you mean a standard gear cage instead of a quick shift? If so why is the quick shift so bad? Thanks

I had a standard cage with the shifter cut down to reduce the throw.
I found that it baulked going into 2nd gear on track a few times at very high revs. This was due to the lack of leverage.

Quote from: "justinread72"How is the exhaust ? Is it better than the old one ?

I'd say so chap. It's really quite loud, but seems like it'll still pass trackday static testing. Reckon it's still under 100dB @ 4500RPM.

Nice car! Have enjoyed reading this thread.   s:) :) s:)  

Like the front splitter, do you mind if I ask which one it is? And do the rozzers give you grief for the front plate?

Fantastic,

I wish i was mechanically minded, been quoted £4500 for the same job . . . . .  (sad face)

Quote from: "Huambo81a"Fantastic,

I wish i was mechanically minded, been quoted £4500 for the same job . . . . .  (sad face)

Who by?

Quote from: "SDB278"Nice car! Have enjoyed reading this thread.   s:) :) s:)  

Like the front splitter, do you mind if I ask which one it is? And do the rozzers give you grief for the front plate?

Thanks. It's an EZ-Lip from the states. Think I got it from Amazon.

And no, I've not been stopped by the police at all.
I did however receive a smart-alec remark from one of the customs police about the plate on the way to Le-Mans, but I just ignored him!

So, a few updates.

I've fitted a Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel and Momo boss. It's 330mm in suede with red stitching (to match the Recaros and gear gaitor). Apologies for the crap pic, but the light was fading.

(http://imageshack.com/a/img922/8607/RDN7Lc.jpg)

I've also now replaced the Meister-R coilovers with some TEIN Superstreets and TEIN EDFC I sourced from Japan (via Streetercorp - brilliant service once again).
The wiring has been run to the strut tops for the EDFC motors, but I've not yet had chance to wire the controller in, will update when I can. It allows me to adjust the damping force from inside the car  s:) :) s:)

(http://www.3sx.com/store/catalog/tein-edfc-controller-ii-600.jpg)

Initial impressions with the shockers set to full soft are that the ride is much more compliant than the Meister-Rs, especially the primary (low speed) ride.
The spring rates are 3KG/mm (Front) and 6KG/mm (Rear). I haven't had them on track yet, but I expect them to be similar to the Meister-Rs when wound up.

I've also fitted a Pioneer SPH-DA120, which has Apple CarPlay included - this is excellent, I'm really pleased with it. I listen to a LOT of music via Spotify, and the application interface is spot on. Plus you have the added bonus of being able to use Apple Maps/Nav, which means I don't need an external Sat-Nav either  s:) :) s:)

(http://www.pioneer-car.eu/eur/sites/pioneer_eu/files/styles/product_image_detail_510x237/http/products.pioneer.prod.one-agency.be/sites/pioneer_products/files/product-images/sph-da120_ew5_lightblue_front_a1.jpg?itok=22upG2VL)

Glad you are happy with the tein.
From memory they were a lot of money from new.

I found them used on  m http://www.auctions.yahoo.co.jp (http://www.auctions.yahoo.co.jp) m

Quality bit of kit.

Nice day today, and I had a couple of hours to spare, so I thought I'd drag the car out and give it a polish.

I'm always amazed at how well it comes up, the panels are like glass when you run your fingers over them.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733198508_eb136a9114_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733528241_b7356d5cc0_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733198423_62d9b748b6_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733710077_9b195b9853_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733528266_42435ca4de_o.jpg)

Pics don't work for me Alex

TEIN EDFC finally fitted over the weekend.
Massive thanks again to Andy at Bonsai Car Services.

It's great to be able to adjust the damping from inside the car, at the touch of a button. Will be very handy on track, as I will be able to adjust the balance of the car without having to come into the pits.

Haven't yet managed to stick the controller down properly, but it hides away nicely in the dashtop cubby.

FYI, anyone that wants to fit EDFC, the motors DO clear the front and rear bonnets with no modification.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733738317_4ac0a76dca_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733558076_fec1939a20_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48733227373_544da08ddf_o.jpg)

Alex how does the edfc connect to the strut?
Do you screw it on?
 Basically what I'm getting at is whether it would work with setting BC or MeisterR coilovers.

Ok what size is the plate and where did you get it? I need one that size

Quote from: "shnazzle"Alex how does the edfc connect to the strut?
Do you screw it on?
 Basically what I'm getting at is whether it would work with setting BC or MeisterR coilovers.

Yes, its screws on.
Can't speak for whether it would work with Meisters, the installation procedure is quite specific to ensure the dampers are set and can adjust properly.

Quote from: "Steve954r"Ok what size is the plate and where did you get it? I need one that size

I have no idea what you're talking about?

I know i shouldn't mention this but have you seen the edfc active pro, same motors but g force adaptive settings from a new black box.

Quote from: "rbuckingham"I know i shouldn't mention this but have you seen the edfc active pro, same motors but g force adaptive settings from a new black box.

Yes, I did consider the pro version, but I decided that I want the damping to remain static for a predictable balance on track. I can't be doing with a constantly, subtly shifting balance.

Quote from: "Alex Knight"

Quote from: "Steve954r"Ok what size is the plate and where did you get it? I need one that size

I have no idea what you're talking about?

Sorry, front number plate

Quote from: "Steve954r"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"

Quote from: "Steve954r"Ok what size is the plate and where did you get it? I need one that size

I have no idea what you're talking about?

Sorry, front number plate

Pretty sure the size is 12" x3 ".

Can't remember where I ordered it, but it was online somewhere.

Quote from: "Alex Knight"

Quote from: "Steve954r"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"I have no idea what you're talking about?

Sorry, front number plate

Pretty sure the size is 12" x3 ".

Can't remember where I ordered it, but it was online somewhere.

Many thanks

Hi, I've been looking at getting a Pioneer SPH-DA120 - presume this just slotted in OK along the same lines as any other double DIN head unit would?

Quote from: "swiftyds"Hi, I've been looking at getting a Pioneer SPH-DA120 - presume this just slotted in OK along the same lines as any other double DIN head unit would?

Yes, standard double DIN fitment.

Great choice, I'm really pleased with the unit.

Thanks

Had a trackday at Snetterton on Monday, thoroughly enjoyed the day, and as ever, the car didn't miss a beat. Absolutely perfect.

It was a fully wet day all day (glad we hired a garage!), but despite the conditions, it was an absolute blast. It was a bit daunting learning a new circuit in the soaking wet conditions, but after 20 laps or so I soon picked up a rhythm.
I set the front dampers to fully stiff, and the rear dampers to fully soft to try and tame some of the rampant oversteer I was experiencing. It worked of a fashion, though opposite lock was still on the menu all day, under braking, turn-in and under power.
It was manageable though, and once I'd learned the wet lines, everything started to gel. I spent an especially memorable last session hunting down a supercharged, carbon-bodied NSX. Just as I was starting to reel it in lap after lap, it was black flagged for noise! I've no doubt it would murder me in the dry, but it was fun nonetheless.

All in all, a great day, and I'd love to experience the circuit in the dry.

Sadly, we'd forgotten the GoPro, so this is all the footage I have:

Blimey, that's a journey from yours!
Did you trailer it or drive the MR2?

Quote from: "The Other Stu"Blimey, that's a journey from yours!
Did you trailer it or drive the MR2?

Drove it, of course!

Quote from: "Alex Knight"

Quote from: "The Other Stu"Blimey, that's a journey from yours!
Did you trailer it or drive the MR2?

Drove it, of course!

That's brave, especially on a very wet track day   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Quote from: "The Other Stu"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"

Quote from: "The Other Stu"Blimey, that's a journey from yours!
Did you trailer it or drive the MR2?

Drove it, of course!

That's brave, especially on a very wet track day   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Brave is how us forced induction  guys roll   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Quote from: "1979scotte"

Quote from: "The Other Stu"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Drove it, of course!

That's brave, especially on a very wet track day   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Brave is how us forced induction  guys roll   s:lol: :lol: s:lol: [/quot]

Scotte I do hope you are using " roll " in the vernacular!

So, long time no update!

I really haven't driven the car much due to grimy winter weather, but me and a friend (another 2ZZ black PFL) had a spare few hours on Saturday, so we headed off to my work armed with a big box of cleaning gear. I managed to wash and wax (Autoglym HD Wax) the car, quick hoover inside and treated the roof again twice.

Must say, I'm looking forward to the spring/summer track season - can't wait to tame the beastie again!  s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce: 

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48833898723_62da6099e3_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834275896_35e89cbb47_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834280221_c35a7577be_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834453052_e6c00bed15_o.jpg)

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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834460512_59d02ea44e_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48833926528_a28755d014_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834473252_a98365255e_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48833935208_1a24ec95ba_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834317381_093f4b7d39_o.jpg)

That is one sexy garage

Work for merc do you?

I do. I'm a dealership accountant.

Righto, update time:

I bought the car back in 2013, and carried out the 2ZZ swap the same year.
Since the swap, I've been nothing but impressed with the 2ZZ. It's been absolutely, totally, faultlessly reliable, despite doing numerous track days, and generally being driven quite hard. It consumes zero oil <ahem Honda B-Series, Honda K-Series>

With summer, and a forthcoming trackday season approaching, I've decided to do some preventative maintenance, and fit some upgrades whilst I'm at it.

So the car is going down (again) to Andy at Bonsai Garage (http://www.bonsai-wsm.com/) and we're going to whip the engine out in preparation for the following works (in no particular order, and as I remember them!):

* Longer 6th gear from UK 6-Speed MR2 Roadster Gearbox
* OEM LSD from UK 6-Speed MR2 Gearbox
* Fidanza 3.59KG Flywheel
* OEM spec Exedy clutch
* NGK BKREIX7-11 Iridium Plugs
* Modified OEM 2ZZ Manifold
* MWR Underdrive Water Pump Pulley
* New Auxilliary Drive Belt
* New Timing Chain Kit (Full, including tensioner)
* Powercoat Rocker Cover
* New Water Pump
* New Oil Pump
* New Thermostat
* New Lift Bolts (again!)
* OEM Oil Filter
* Gulf Competition 15w-50 Racing Ester Oil
* OEM Spec Gearbox Oil with LSD additive
* Clean OCV Filters
* Ultrasonically Clean Fuel Injectors
* New Crank Seals
* New Driveshaft Seals
* All New Gaskets - Exhaust & Engine

Think that's about it!

Needless to say, none of the above really needs to take place, I just think it's a prudent thing to do, and realistically the car shouldn't need anything other than routine maintenance for a good while to come  s:) :) s:)

I'd be interested if anyone can think of anything else I should be changing/upgrading whilst the engine is out (not suspension related).

Thanks all.

Sounds good! Not sure there is much else needed, longer 6th is a good idea, maybe throw a rotrex at it whilst you're there though?!

Thanks Jonty.

Negatory on the supercharger, it's NA all the way for me.

That's some serious maintenance. But then again, if it's driven hard then I guess that's the price you pay

How much was the gearbox if you don't mind me asking?

Take long to find?

£260. Couldn't find one on here, so went to a beaker on eBay.
He wanted £350 for it, but I beat him down to £260 delivered.

Can't decide if it makes £ sense to buy the gearset from TCB, MWR or buy a second hand UK box. I could just risk it and split my working 6 speed to scavenge the 6th gear, but then can't sell it on.

Interesting to see you paid £260, not a lot less than the gearset.

TCB didn't have any 6-speed boxes when I called. They mentioned that they see very few of them. The breakers they tend to get are PFL.

I'm just going to weigh in the rest of the box when I'm done with it. Shame, but there's little else I can do with it.

Asm vehicle breakers in Thame should have a six speed box. They've got a 2005 breaker in now, and they're decent to deal with. Very reasonable on price for my hard top anyway.

May as well drop some cams in whilst the engine is out!  s;) ;) s;)

Quote from: "MilesH"May as well drop some cams in whilst the engine is out!  s;) ;) s;)

Wish it was a case of just dropping a set in.
Cost £450 for the parts or £750 all fitted by se7en motorsport.  
I got lucky and found a 2zz engine with them recently fitted, but a big outlay to upgrade to. That being said, I do really believe that they totally transform the engine opening up torque from low down thus reducing the amount of time you're having to rev the balls off the engine.

Plus you need an ecu to really unleash them. It's a couple of grand upgrade all in, once mapped etc. That's why I've stayed away.

True Joe, but it's an investment to release the full 2zz potential, and one with a sell-on value in the future.....so not like it's wasted money the way I look at it.

I can't really justify the BHP/£ ratio of hotter cams to be honest.

I don't really care about low/medium speed RPM to be frank. When I drive the car on the road, I drive it pretty gently to be honest, and when I'm on track, I very rarely drop below 6,000RPM. From what I've read, the cams offer little top-end improvement over OEM.

Sure, it'd be nice, but as mentioned, you need to go standalone ECU to fully release the extra power, plus I really like having a nice, stable OEM idle.

A nice stable OEM idle is so overrated LOL   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  .

Quote from: "PhilMC"A nice stable OEM idle is so overrated LOL   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  .

Agreed.
My current car doesnt idle properly with stock ecu.  s:( :( s:(

I love the sound of my cams at idle. ....and the excitement of not knowing if it's going to stall or not!

Update:

Car is at Bonsai, and the engine has been whipped out:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834570047_67a7864171_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834577647_3c9367fe49_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834030438_90345bf055_o.jpg)

This is what 4 hard years of trackdays is like. We dd the initial swap very quickly, so didn't have much time to clean it up when it originally went in:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834577492_004ddc7724_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834408116_34b0e96f09_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834408731_bed72c71b1_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834578957_e6c951e173_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834037823_74f2cd6a9c_o.jpg)

Subframe looks 'ok'. It's got a bit of a hole in it. Andy's gonna weld it up, then it's being stitch welded, and sent off to be powedercoated.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834578487_465713a18a_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834408311_86cf61fbfd_o.jpg)

Gearbox has never presented any problems really. New driveshaft seals will be fitted, along with LSD and longer 6th gear.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834578712_0d6e35140e_o.jpg)

Some of the bits have turned up, excited to get them fitted once everything is ship-shape.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834035863_1683702592_o.jpg)

Pictures not showing Alex   s:( :( s:(

Same here, I can never see any of Alex's pics, even I copy and paste URL's from a quote. Which is a shame as I know it's a lovely car.

I just get lots of grey 'no entry' signs.

Photos should be showing now?

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Photos should be showing now?

Some are showing but others still have the grey no entry sign   s:? :? s:?

Same here. It's odd. That subframe doesn't look much better than Scots!! These things are deathtraps, so glad I got mine sorted.

Ok, *supremely* confident that *all* pictures should be showing now!  s:lol: :lol: s:lol:

Quote from: "Alex Knight"Ok, *supremely* confident that *all* pictures should be showing now! [emoji38]

Success [emoji1]

Sent from my Lenovo P2a42 using Tapatalk

Update time, it's been a little while as we've been stuck trying to locate a tool to remove the valvetrain shims without resorting to buying one from Toyota (£200+).
Andy @ Bonsai, in ever resourceful fashion ended up making one from scratch, and it worked a treat:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834406746_afe6dfee87_o.jpg)

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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834035238_3735393c0e_o.jpg)

The subframe has been sent off to be stripped, and when it came back, the hole was fixed with new metal, and Andy has seam welded it for additional rigidity:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834406166_da008548ec_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834399781_723b23d373_o.jpg)

It was then sent off for painting (along with the rear ARB and x4 rear arms). They came back, and have been re-installed. Polybushes have been fitted for all 4 rear arms, and the rear ARB:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834575017_92d10827ec_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834034148_7bd29ae843_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834405461_2c2ff202ac_o.jpg)

The engine is being stripped down ready for new oil pump, water pump, timing chain kit, thermostat, crank seals, injector seals, etc (all OEM parts from Toyota - not as expensive as you might think):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834573922_a924cbf848_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834574462_d79bed13a4_o.jpg)

Smashing job Alex! Well deserved TLC I think  s:) :) s:)

do you have a link for that front lip?

Quote from: "manos3003"Smashing job Alex! Well deserved TLC I think  s:) :) s:)

Thanks dude  s:) :) s:)

Quote from: "keljon"do you have a link for that front lip?

Sure, here ya go:  m https://www.ezlip.com/ (https://www.ezlip.com/) m

Bit more progress has been made. The engine has been dropped back in tonight, not long to go now!

New steering UJ from TCB (very cheap, and fantastic service - really impressed) ready to go in:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838656111_cf7e5b946a_o.jpg)

Rocker cover is back from powder coating:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834031833_4f6f5b4b74_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834031988_60eedf856b_o.jpg)

New (and crazily expensive  s:shock: :shock: s:shock:  ) Fidanza flywheel fitted - lightest available 2ZZ flywheel:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834402826_2210898584_o.jpg)

Which has been mated to an OEM spec Exedy clutch:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834402696_5e839150d6_o.jpg)

Engine block has been cleaned and painted:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834573572_90de2e4162_o.jpg)

Underside has been cleaned up, ready for a fresh coat of underseal:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834034613_52263a40f9_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834574677_34eb0e9964_o.jpg)

New auxiliary belt along with MWR underdrive water pump pulley:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834031403_826c6ee828_o.jpg)

Good work mate, keep at it!

Update: The engine is (back) in!

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So, exhausting progress recently by Andy @ Bonsai Garage (http://bonsaigarage.uk). We were going to lose the cat, but Andy has found a way of keeping it.
The original cat and backbox are being retained, and Andy is creating a new link pipe with mandrel bent stainless pipe from the modified OEM manifold to the start of the cat.
We are using a new flange and connecting pipes from Rogue Motorsport (http://roguemotorsport.com/), and new OEM gaskets.

This was supposed to be the last job on the car, but Andy has since discovered a leak from the Mishimoto radiator, which will have to be sorted also.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48834401301_113002b868_o.jpg)

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Update:

I picked the car up last night!
Initial impressions are: It's obviously the same car (most of the work carried out was preventative maintenance), but everything just feels nicer.
The fidanza flywheel and new clutch have made the most difference by far, along with the new exhaust. Everything seems to spin a lot smoother a freer. The car is noticeably faster, especially between 6,000RPM - 8,250RPM. It just seems like the engine has been given a new lease of life  s:) :) s:)  The longer 6th gear also makes cruising a little more relaxed (no more 3,600RPM at 70MPH!)
All-in-all, I'm extremely pleased and happy with the outcome, and also so pleased to have it back after 5 months!

Quote from: "Alex Knight"The longer 6th gear also makes cruising a little more relaxed (no more 3,600RPM at 70MPH!)
All-in-all, I'm extremely pleased and happy with the outcome, and also so pleased to have it back after 5 months!

Glad to hear that Alex. I'm 8 months into 2zz ownership & I still find myself trying to shift up from 6th before remembering that's all there is.

Quote from: "cptspaulding"

Quote from: "Alex Knight"The longer 6th gear also makes cruising a little more relaxed (no more 3,600RPM at 70MPH!)
All-in-all, I'm extremely pleased and happy with the outcome, and also so pleased to have it back after 5 months!

Glad to hear that Alex. I'm 8 months into 2zz ownership & I still find myself trying to shift up from 6th before remembering that's all there is.

I'd (obviously) recommend fitting 6th gear from an FL MR2 if you can get hold of one.
I ended up buying an entire gearbox, but I wanted an LSD also, so that made it more cost effective.

Out of curiosity, why keep the stock cat? If going through all that, why not just weld in a 200cell into all that custom piping?

Quote from: "shnazzle"Out of curiosity, why keep the stock cat? If going through all that, why not just weld in a 200cell into all that custom piping?

In my experience (and also many of my peers), sports cats have a relatively finite serviceable period, and tend to deteriorate/develop faults much quicker than a fit for purpose OEM cat.
I want fit and forget, not fit and change every 2-3 years.

Of course, some people will say they have had no problems for many years (mileage dependent?) with sports cats, but on balance, I think I've made the right decision.

Fair points and I would be inclined to agree  s:) :) s:)

I saw your car at Bonsai (mine was the silver 2zz track car which had the Rogue exhaust setup). Nice setup you've got and I was impressed with the reliability.

Thanks mate  s:) :) s:)  It's been very good to me, given how hard it's driven on track, so I thought I'd repay the favour. Wasn't cheap though!

I had a good look around your car too, especially the exhaust. Looks very nice indeed. In fact, seeing your exhaust prompted me to go the same way as you (Rogue flange and bends).

I've completed my first trackday since the refresh. It was as at wet and miserable Pembrey circuit on 01/10/17.
The car (as always) was flawless, zero issues (thankfully, given that the work done to the car was pretty extensive), and zero oil consumption (sorry 1ZZers!).

Given that it was a wet day, I didn't get chance to really push the car, but it was lots of fun, and enjoyable.
I'm pleased to say that the addition of an LSD has made a difference. No more spinning up the inside wheel coming out of the slow, 2nd gear hairpin at the end of the main straight.
I could meter the power (and the angle of the resultant slide) nice and accurately. I had total confidence in the car.
I did have a play with the damping during the sessions, and found a really nice, neutral balance. Just a smidgen of turn-in understeer (this is new to this car, must be the LSD), and nicely metered oversteer at corner exit.
I can't wait to try the car in the dry, but I guess I'll have to wait until the spring and more clement weather for that.

I did make a new friend in a blue Honda S2000, who was a first time trackdayer.
I gave him some pointers on racing lines etc, as he self-admittedly didn't really know what to do. I was offered a drive in the S2000 as well - my first time in one of these on track.
The tyres were past their best, but it clung on gamely, and had a nice engine, but the gearing seemed overly long to me, especially third gear.

Here are some pictures of the day:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838477718_de8f15629d_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838849871_217bf98cb4_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838477533_b38e41ba7b_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839043112_41a099e029_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838477458_2df98f59b5_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838850041_227df704a3_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839023687_01423d0fc7_o.jpg)

Glad you are enjoying yourself.
Do you think your new friend might let to pop his F20 in your 2?
That would be automotive manna from heaven.

Brilliant, that wee car is in my top 3 best cars I've ever owned. Try not to dent too many panels though....

Quote from: "tpivette"Brilliant, that wee car is in my top 3 best cars I've ever owned. Try not to dent too many panels though....

Cheers pal! Perhaps you should get another (but not mine!)?

I would if I could find the right one, but I think I've been spoiled....

Greetings all,

It's been a while since I've updated this thread.

Not much has happened over the winter. No more trackdays sadly, as the weather has been pretty grim.

I did, however treat the car to another polish and wax (Autoglym HD Wax). It comes up so spiffing every time, I'm really amazed this little car is 16 years old now!

Here it is after applying the wax:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838615488_cf593dbf6f_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838987006_788dfbefc3_o.jpg)

And some after pics (the whole process took about 5 hours):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838985686_a20c9b68ed_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839159882_9b00027676_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838613298_f62e27c742_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838612763_a8845339a6_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838612163_3938ef6b11_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838982251_b8c02b6205_o.jpg)

Looking good Alex you need to pop up and have a look at m red car.

Quick update:

The air filter on the car was still the same one as installed when we originally did the engine swap (supplied by Monkey Wrench Racing), so I thought it was about time it got changed, despite not having covered that many miles.

I opted for an AEM dryflow (with a 70mm intake neck) as I'd read good things about their filters.

It's ever so slightly bigger than the old one, but fits just fine.

I visited JDM Combe yesterday at the Castle Combe circuit. I was helping my friend on the Spoon Sports stand. As a consequence, I had a few free track passes. I even managed to remember to record one of them (just!) and here it is (sorry about the sound quality - it's the camera mounting):

Had a track morning (open pit) booked at Castle Combe on Monday just passed.

I did some prep work on the weekend, but all that was required was new rear tyres (Yokohama AD08R - 205/50/R15) and some new rear brake pads (EBC Yellowstuff).

Bed the new brakes and tyres in on Saturday night, and was good to go for Monday.

The car - as ever - was mighty. Perfect balance from the chassis in mid to high speed corners. I found with the (relatively) newly fitted LSD, I could just overspeed the rear tyres from apex to exit, allowing for a spot of neutral steer. I would like a little less roll when loaded. Pitch was well contained, so this points to beefier ARBs required, but I'm loath to change anything as the car works so well on the road too.

I had dampers front and rear set to fully stiff all round.

I have lots of footage which I will upload soon, but for now here what I think was my fastest lap of the day. I wasn't timing, but it looks like a 1:24(ish) lap:

As promised, here are the three sessions I recorded:

Session 1: Pretty tame, as it was my GFs first time on track - I was taking it easy.


Session 2: Pushing a little more, but nothing too punchy.


Session 3: Pushing a bit harder, especially towards the end. No passenger and less fuel in the car (started with a full tank) meant the car felt a bit lighter and therefore quicker everywhere.

Hello all. Long time, no update!

Not much has changed really, planning to overhaul the brakes in the next couple of months.

Going for new (Blueprint) discs, new (Yellowstuff) pads, caliper rebuild & paint, and braided hoses (finally).

In the meantime, I popped into work to give the car another polish, and a bit of an interior clean.

Here are the results:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839058776_ff62d22888_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839058106_690e702cfb_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839057171_5b89d32fc8_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839231667_33ab6d60a2_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838684863_06a89f411e_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838684053_302b167353_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839229532_b3843d40eb_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839228927_f074bcaa40_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839052986_dbf6053528_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839052511_b26759f017_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839052106_4bbb48f9bd_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839051596_76c81c517f_o.jpg)

Still love the car :) good to see you back

Black does clean up well! Very smart

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Forgot to say, failed the MOT back in December on worn rear trailing arm bushes.
They were absolutely goosed! If your braked firmly, the whole car would physically jink to one side. Come off the brakes, and it would jink back in the opposite direction! It was quite violent.
These were the only bushes that weren't replaced during the overhaul in 2017. They've been done with Polybushes now.

Hi all,

So after fitting the Top Secret exhaust back in 2016, I'd always felt it might be ever so slightly too loud for my tastes these days.
It sounds fantastic, don't get me wrong. Smooth and deep, with a few pops and bangs on the overrun (even with the stock CAT in place).

But really, however, I'd decided that a TRD exhaust would be absolutely perfect for me. Not too loud, but still free-flowing enough for the 2ZZ.
Sadly, ZZW30 TRD exhausts are rarer than a politically backed Brexit agreement. I'd been scouring the internet for two years for a 'reasonably priced' TRD exhaust. All the ones I saw for sale were between £250 and £300. By the time you had added £150 EMS shipping, it was looking like £400-£450 for a second (or perhaps third or fourth!) hand exhaust - I couldn't justify that.

Then last week, I happened across one on Yahoo Auctions Japan, and the starting bid was very low (1,000JPY), so I decided to take a punt, and put a max bid in of around £100.
Would you believe that I won the auction for 10,600JPY (around £75)! I was very pleased :)

Cosmetically, it's not in great shape however, but I'm sure after some TLC and polishing it can be brought back to a good condition. Being TRD, I'm sure that mechanically it's going to be sound.

Expect to see a Top-Secret exhaust for sale in a few weeks  ;)

Here's some pictures from the auction:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839095512_5d29763d94_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838549808_5734aff81a_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838549873_c001038a52_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839095667_3c5b4e8d8a_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839095687_0c41a336ac_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838922641_a858e1f4e3_o.jpg)

Wow! Amazing purchase! Not jealous at all

Quote from: Alex Knight on March 12, 2019, 14:45


Then last week, I happened across one on Yahoo Auctions Japan, and the starting bid was very low (1,000JPY), so I decided to take a punt, and put a max bid in of around £100.
Would you believe that I won the auction for 10,600JPY (around £75)! I was very pleased :)
quote]

Who physically sends it Alex, & what's it going to add with import duty?

Gary

Quote from: shnazzle on March 12, 2019, 20:37
Wow! Amazing purchase! Not jealous at all

https://youtu.be/PyHr-4SeILI


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

how much you after for old exhaust?, any pictures please

Quote from: KRAMSNEHPETS on March 12, 2019, 22:04
how much you after for old exhaust?, any pictures please

Not really sure yet. I need to get it off the car first.

Won't be for around a month, as I'm moving house in a couple of weeks.

am in no rush but a price would be good, would  make a quick decision, where you located. what manifold you need for exhaust?

Quote from: KRAMSNEHPETS on March 12, 2019, 23:04
am in no rush but a price would be good, would  make a quick decision, where you located. what manifold you need for exhaust?

The exhaust bolts to the stock CAT/downpipe section, not really related to the manifold.

so how much ?

So, update time!

Exhausting progress this weekend. TRD exhaust has arrived from Japan. It's in much better condition than the pictures from the auction indicated. No loose baffles, everything seems solid and well maintained.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839318687_72681ff5fc_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839146416_82588203cb_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839317622_9a428b1a7f_o.jpg)

Stripped the back end down to reveal the outgoing Top Secret exhaust. Everything came apart no problem at all. All you need is a 10mm socket really! The two back box bolts were greased when the last exhaust was installed, so came undone with no problems.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838772098_5bbbd29d16_o.jpg)

A side-by-side comparison of the Top Secret exhaust and the TRD exhaust. The Top Secret exhaust is crazy light - unsurprising given how small the actual box is.
The TRD exhaust by comparison is much, much heavier (feels about the same as an OEM exhaust). Not exactly a positive, but I still think this is the right exhaust for me.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839316122_f61e90ed50_o.jpg)

And here is the TRD exhaust installed. Again, no problems with fitting at all. I used a new OEM donut gasket (expensive, but well worth it - pattern part gaskets aren't the best seal, and can leak in my previous experience).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48838770248_053d36296d_o.jpg)

Car went back together with no problems.
The sound is much quieter than the Top Secret exhaust, much closer to an OEM box, but with a bit more depth and volume. Kind of an OEM+ sound - exactly what I was looking for.
Overall, very smooth, and I'm very pleased with the results!

I've also been hoarding new brake parts for a while now, to refresh the brakes for the upcoming TrackDay season.

To fit this weekend:

* New Blueprint Discs - Front and Rear (I swear by these on track, and only £30 per disc!)
* EBC Yellowstuff Pads - Front and Rear (again - proven on track, and not expensive)
* Motul RBF 600 Fluid - 1.5 Litres (supposed be the danglies - I decided against RBF660 as the change intervals are a bit longer)
* Goodridge braided brake lines - I didn't want to go with HEL as I've heard of fitting/quality issues in some applications
* Gulf Ester based 15W-50 Fully Synthetic Oil - (~50W hot viscosity helps keep temps under control on track)
* OEM Oil Filter - (not expensive - high quality)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48839101466_b723bfeb63_o.jpg)

Hey Alex it's Dave the guy who bought your stereo a few years ago and who you followed out to Winford last year, I was in my black MR2, have you decided how much you want for your exhaust? Might suit mine👍

Dave, sending you a PM.

Also interested in exhaust

I attended a track evening at Bedford Autodrome (SW Circuit) on a few days ago.

At first, I wasn't that sold on the idea of a track evening, but it was absolutely great! It was, of course, helped by the immensely good weather. Very well organised evening, smooth and efficient.
I didn't feel like I needed any more time on track (used almost all of a full tank), and the circuit itself is well catered to the MR2 I feel.

The car - as always - was immense. Balance was really great in the dry conditions. There was a smidge of low speed understeer on the hairpin before the back straight, but everywhere else (ie: faster corners) the balance was neutral to mild oversteer. Perfect for me. The brakes were really, really impressive. I could lean on them deep and hard into the braking zones. Honestly, at some point the brakes felt stronger than I was brave! The best thing is that the stopping power was repeatable and predictable lap after lap. Very pleased indeed.

The only negative (if you could call it that), was that I suffered some fuel starvation with 10 minutes to go. The gauge was showing between 1/4 and empty. Interesting, as I've never experienced that before in this car.

I did record some video, but the files are quite large and will take a while to upload. Apologies in advance also, as the sound quality is shockingly bad!

Here are some photos in the meantime:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47119041004_b83f7560f1_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40941869243_4223af83ef_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46992508095_2c2b54c753_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46992516165_a1a334df7d_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47119064494_e95675a276_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46992516435_6682fad6a9_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46992459865_5f79afcea8_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47119104184_b31497daf9_h.jpg)

Here is the first video from Tuesday. As you can probably tell, I got a bit frustrated getting stuck behind a Nissan GT-R for what felt like ages (except on the straight, where it almost literally disappeared  :-\ ).

Love it!

Quote
The only negative (if you could call it that), was that I suffered some fuel starvation with 10 minutes to go. The gauge was showing between 1/4 and empty. Interesting, as I've never experienced that before in this car.

I was there a couple of weeks ago. It's the track that killed my last engine, so I've laways had the old 'oil starvation' issue at the back of my mind. Managed to get over that and just drive and enjoy this time round. Sadly, I wans't really paying attention to my dashcam so didn't get any footage.

Really like a couple of those images with the blurring and sweep. A cut above standard trackday photography that.

Second video from the Bedford track evening.

Had a pretty wild slide coming out of the first corner at 6m:20s...

Here's the last video from Bedford track evening.

Probably my most enjoyable session. I was beginning to learn the track properly, and was carrying much more apex speed, especially through the quicker corners.
Caught and passed a few tasty machines too (Porsche Cayman GT4, Jaguar F Type etc).

Had a butt-puckering moment at 11m:25s, but managed to gather it all up, and kept pointing the right way!

Another trackday for me, and an entirely new circuit.

Visited Donnington Park for the first time for a track evening run by OpenTrack. Was very slickly organised, and a very enjoyable event.

Car was excellent, as always. Took it in it's stride with no issues. The gearing was particularly well suited to this track, almost always on the boil over 6,000RPM.

I only got one video, but here it is:

Some photos from the day:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48644013011_bae02e26f8_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48644525577_7f350068b2_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48644128198_7f5c649dbe_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48644127938_a7f85685aa_k.jpg)

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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48644649712_4cd67a4cfc_k.jpg)

What a nice car und beautiful build @Alex Knight
Did you sit lower in the Evo 5 Recaros and gain a little more headspace thrue it?

Regards Thomas

Quote from: litr0m on September  2, 2019, 18:40What a nice car und beautiful build @Alex Knight
Did you sit lower in the Evo 5 Recaros and gain a little more headspace thrue it?

Regards Thomas

Danke schön!

Yes, both sets of Recaros (Evo V and Integra DC2) are a fair bit lower than the standard seats.
I am using genuine Recaro seat rails, which I'm sure helps.

I am 5'11", and I can wear a helmet with the roof up with no issues.

looks awesome on track mate. can't wait to get mine on.. i loved the yellow banana, so this will be another level..

what wheels you using?widths/tyre widths?

Quote from: pistol pete on September  5, 2019, 18:55what wheels you using?widths/tyre widths?

I'm using Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2, 15x7J, ET35.

195/50/R15 front
205/50/R15 rear

Yokohama AD08R all round.

Quote from: Alex Knight on September  6, 2019, 13:12

Quote from: pistol pete on September  5, 2019, 18:55what wheels you using?widths/tyre widths?

I'm using Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2, 15x7J, ET35.

195/50/R15 front
205/50/R15 rear

Yokohama AD08R all round.

ahh interesting.. thats the sizes ive been looking at.. any lack of grip?

Quote from: pistol pete on September  6, 2019, 13:15

Quote from: Alex Knight on September  6, 2019, 13:12

Quote from: pistol pete on September  5, 2019, 18:55what wheels you using?widths/tyre widths?

I'm using Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2, 15x7J, ET35.

195/50/R15 front
205/50/R15 rear

Yokohama AD08R all round.

ahh interesting.. thats the sizes ive been looking at.. any lack of grip?

I doubt it I run smaller PFL wheels with AD08R on double stock torque. Over 250ftlb at the wheels and have no issues in the dry.

@Alex Knight how did you manage to mount the seats with the Recaro seatrails?

Do you have some pictures of this setup how it looks mounted

Quote from: litr0m on September  7, 2019, 11:51@Alex Knight how did you manage to mount the seats with the Recaro seatrails?

Do you have some pictures of this setup how it looks mounted

I don't have any pictures, but I imported some genuine recaro rails from Japan. They were listed on Yahoo Japan auctions. Quite rare I believe, though you may find that Bride RO seat rails also fit most recaro seats.

Quote from: pistol pete on September  6, 2019, 13:15

Quote from: Alex Knight on September  6, 2019, 13:12

Quote from: pistol pete on September  5, 2019, 18:55what wheels you using?widths/tyre widths?

I'm using Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2, 15x7J, ET35.

195/50/R15 front
205/50/R15 rear

Yokohama AD08R all round.

ahh interesting.. thats the sizes ive been looking at.. any lack of grip?

Depends what you mean by lack of grip. Compared to what?

Well, I've had some photo hosting issues with the recent demise of TinyPic.

Photos have now been migrated to Flickr - took forever to do!

Had a day at Bedford Autodrome (GT Circuit) yesterday - really enjoyed the trackday.

The car was - as ever - sublime, and completely reliable.

Engine feels strong as ever. I was regularly seeing 130MPH in 5th gear down the back straight.

I have fitted some new Yokohama AD08RS (new compound) tyres to the front, and I reckon I noticed a smidge of understeer at low speed, though this may have been the circuit layout in fairness.

Had a great battle with a RS Megane R26 F1 (which was on R888R rubber and had a full cage). Very close between both of us. Not bad considering my power deficit and 'only' AD08R rubber.

Some pictures from the day:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49084427396_0f1e2195b6_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49084629857_8c7218b182_k.jpg)

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MOT passed again for another year.

Failed first time round on emissions - CAT wasn't hot enough. Passed after a bit more temperature.

Couple of small advisories, but nothing serious.

Hello all. Long time no update.

I've been wanting to upgrade the speakers for quite a while, but have never really had the time.
Thanks to COVID19, I've recently been blessed with the gift of additional time!

I didn't want to go for anything super fancy. Just something decent to replace the 18 year old factory speakers!
They should go nicely with my Pioneer SPH-DA120 headunit.

Doorcard and speaker removal is ludicrously easy. About 5 minutes for the whole lot.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721257831_eb7dbd9915_k.jpg)

I bought some speaker mounts and wiring adapters. The whole lot came to around £10 posted.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721572387_9145c5a607_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721572397_18015653e5_k.jpg)

I went for some Alpine speakers. They were keenly priced (£30) and had decent specs.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721257991_f078d7de0b_k.jpg)

Wiring is plug and play! :)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721572557_f55d907665_k.jpg)

Speaker fitted in about 2 minutes.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721257876_754fcdb6e9_k.jpg)

Out of interest, I decided to weigh the old and new speakers. The new ones were indeed lighter. I've saved myself 328 grams!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49721257886_e660003b39_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49720720323_9c84579ada_k.jpg)

But.... Weight...

Edit: sorry, thought this was Petrus' thread!

I am interested in doing this change. Were did you get the adapter and wiring? Do you have any part numbers?
Are the much better?

Part numbers are in the picture!

I wouldn't say night and day difference, but they don't distort like the old ones do at higher volumes. Well worth the £40 IMHO.

Successfully managed to change the primary lambda sensor today. I actually don't think it's been changed since the 2ZZ swap.

I had noticed my fuel economy had taken a significant dip on track (circa 100 miles from full to fuel starvation).
However I did measure the road fuel consumption on the way to the last trackday, and it averaged 38.9MPG on a gentle jaunt up the motorway, so not sure what's going on there. Hopefully the new lambda will cure the high fuel consumption on track?!

I cause to go into work this week, so I thought I'd take advantage of the empty workshop and available ramps to give the MR2 another thorough cleaning.

This time I did the following:

• Cleaned
• Clay barred
• Waxed
• Wheels sealed
• Tyres shined
• Interior cleaned
• Seats shampooed

The clay barring took quite a while, and I was genuinely surprised how dirty the clay bar was, even directly after washing the car. I'd never used one before, and the results are super-satisfying:


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812816856_cd27fb2391_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812276493_8aeb9e68b5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTJWnk)IMG_2957 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTJWnk) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49813123462_283438f72b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPh9f)IMG_2955 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPh9f) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49813118272_b236881437_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPfAL)IMG_2975 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPfAL) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812812241_4a208dc006_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMFCn)IMG_2977 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMFCn) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812806536_252ff12434_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDW1)IMG_2988 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDW1) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49813105537_e711855ac9_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPbPc)IMG_2997 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPbPc) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812805256_962529dbb1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDxW)IMG_2991 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDxW) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812803376_5700d51e4b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMCZw)IMG_2995 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMCZw) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

Quote from: Alex Knight on April 24, 2020, 10:13I cause to go into work this week, so I thought I'd take advantage of the empty workshop and available ramps to give the MR2 another thorough cleaning.

This time I did the following:

• Cleaned
• Clay barred
• Waxed
• Wheels sealed
• Tyres shined
• Interior cleaned
• Seats shampooed

The clay barring took quite a while, and I was genuinely surprised how dirty the clay bar was, even directly after washing the car. I'd never used one before, and the results are super-satisfying:


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812816856_cd27fb2391_o.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812276493_8aeb9e68b5_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTJWnk)IMG_2957 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTJWnk) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49813123462_283438f72b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPh9f)IMG_2955 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPh9f) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49813118272_b236881437_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPfAL)IMG_2975 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPfAL) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812812241_4a208dc006_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMFCn)IMG_2977 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMFCn) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812806536_252ff12434_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDW1)IMG_2988 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDW1) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49813105537_e711855ac9_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPbPc)IMG_2997 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTPbPc) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812805256_962529dbb1_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDxW)IMG_2991 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMDxW) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49812803376_5700d51e4b_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMCZw)IMG_2995 (https://flic.kr/p/2iTMCZw) by Alex Knight (https://www.flickr.com/photos/184438106@N02/), on Flickr

Looovely

Looks fantastic mate.

Reading a couple of posts up, I'm no audio expert but have you now got the stock tweeters and the middle 'tweeter' in your new two way speakers replicating the same frequency? 

From when I dismembered my stock tweeters, I believe the stock door woofers are wired in parallel to the tweeter wiring, and the tweeter has a wired in resistor acting as a crossover.  So I think your new door speakers will be receiving the full range as expected, but you've got the high frequencies coming out of two sources if that makes sense?

Quote from: Bossworld on April 24, 2020, 11:43Looks fantastic mate.

Reading a couple of posts up, I'm no audio expert but have you now got the stock tweeters and the middle 'tweeter' in your new two way speakers replicating the same frequency? 

From when I dismembered my stock tweeters, I believe the stock door woofers are wired in parallel to the tweeter wiring, and the tweeter has a wired in resistor acting as a crossover.  So I think your new door speakers will be receiving the full range as expected, but you've got the high frequencies coming out of two sources if that makes sense?

Thanks chap.

Ummm.... dunno! I know 3/5ths of bugger all about audio. I did wonder, but I tried them anyway and it sounds great, so I'm happy!

Refitted the 12"x3" front plate today. I think it looks better, and it must help a little with cooling on track.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49890781133_ef11179d81_k.jpg)

Brake pads all round today.

EBC Bluestuff fitted to the front axle, and Yellowstuff on the rear.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49927085531_bb31a2385c_k.jpg)

Blueprint discs have lasted amazingly well. No lip at all, and only some light scoring. They look like they are good for at least another 5-10 track days.


Also had a few minutes to chuck it on the dyno. The result? 189BHP. Same as last time!

This arrived from Toyota today, thought it'd be a nice touch. Only about a fiver as well!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50073001597_a513e5b76c_k.jpg)

Also treated the car to some new OEM mats too:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50108911318_9ed3a2523e_k.jpg)

Engine mounts. Mine were original, and well past their best. I'd already replaced the drivers side mount with a new OEM mount, but there was still some noticeable movement, so I thought I'd replace the remaining three mounts with new OEM mounts also.

I ordered the mounts from Nengun in Japan, as it was much cheaper than ordering them from Toyota UK, even after factoring in import duty.

Here are the mounts as they turned up:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50258287877_2111938f7d_k.jpg)

The old gearbox mount. This took the most amount of work to remove, as I had to remove the battery, air filter, battery bracket etc:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50257441733_24e7d1b546_k.jpg)

And the new mount fitted:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50258100876_778ebf070e_k.jpg)

Subframe mount was next. This was the most worn mount by far. When I removed it, and put a pry bar to the rubber insert, you could almost pull it out of the mount:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50258287842_0a450fd51f_k.jpg)

New one fitted:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50258287787_2a2901ef2c_k.jpg)

Lastly was the bulkhead mount. This was a piece of cake, and considerably the easiest to remove. It was also the least worn:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50258287757_10af1ab16d_k.jpg)

And the last new mount fitted:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50257441688_61cfcb00c7_k.jpg)

The difference was great! The whole drivetrain felt noticeably tighter, changing gear most noticeably. Gear changes now feel smoother, slicker and tighter. Overall an extremely worthwhile job I would say.

Just read this from start to finish - awesome car and great write up!

Some good pointers regarding the 2ZZ swap, I'm immersing myself in the 2ZZ world and was looking at the MWR website and their comments on ECUs and immobilisers - good to know from your previous comments that swapping the pins and transponder is DIY-able. How did you do the reprogramming of the transponder and CL? I haven't searched for that yet, so apologies if it's common knowledge :)

Hi there. Thanks for the kind words.

There's a guide here for key reprogramming:

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=23563.0

Quote from: Alex Knight on August 25, 2020, 16:38Hi there. Thanks for the kind words.

There's a guide here for key reprogramming:

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=23563.0

Awesome stuff, thanks!

Thought it was about time I posted up a full spec list, as I've realised I've done really quite a lot to this car!

ENGINE & GEARBOX:

2ZZ-GE Conversion
MWR Patch Harness
Celica 190 ECU
MWR Dipstick Tube
Modified Celica 190 Manifold
Genuine TRD ZZW30 Exhaust
AEM intake relocated behind battery
Eliseparts Baffled Sump
Fidanza 3.59KG Flywheel
Exedy Clutch
ZZW30 FL longer 6th Gear
ZZW30 OEM LSD
OEM Oil Pump
OEM Water Pump
OEM Thermostat
Koyo OEM Radiator
MWR Underdrive Water Pump Pulley
OEM Timing Chain & Tensioner
Reset Valve Clearances
Powdercoated Rocker Cover
Bigfoot Gear Cage Bushes
Solid Gear Linkage Bushes
OEM Engine Mounts
NGK BKR7EIX-11 Plugs
Gulf Competition 15w-50 Engine Oil

SUSPENSION/FOOTWORK/BRAKES:

TEIN Superstreet Coilovers
TEIN EDFC Damping Controller
4-Point Underbrace
Refurbished & Powdercoated Subframe
Powdercoated & Polybushed Rear Suspension Arms
7.0J x 15 ET35 Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 Wheels
195/50/R15 Yokohama AD08RS Front Tyres
205/50/R15 Yokohama AD08R Rear Tyres
Blueprint Brake Discs
EBC Bluestuff Front Pads
EBC Yellowstuff Rear Pads
Goodridge Braided Brakes Lines
Motul RBF 600 Brake Fluid
TCB Performance Steering UJ
Underside Stripped & Fully Undercoated

INTERIOR:

DC2 Honda Integra Type-R Recaro SR Seats
Genuine Recaro ZZW30 Seat Subframes
New OEM Mats
Pioneer SPH-DA120 Headunit
Alpine SXV-1725E Speakers
FL Radio Surround
Genuine GT86 Gearknob
Matching Stiched Gear Gaitor
Personal Neo Grinta 350mm Alcantara Steering Wheel
Momo Steering Wheel Boss

EXTERIOR:

OEM Hard Top
E-Z Lip Front Lip
OEM VVTi-190 Rear Badge

Phew! Think that's about it!

It's been a long 10 months since my last trackday, but I finally managed to get up to Anglesey last Saturday for some (thankfully) dry track time.

Brakes were AMAZING! Super repeatable and very hard stops lap after lap. I could honestly smash the pedal as hard as I dared, and zero fade all day. EBC Bluestuff front and Yellowstuff rear.

Again (it's almost boring to say it) but the car was 100% reliable and faultless.

I'm still on AD08R rear and AD08RS front tyres, and I am absolutely confident that there is more understeer than before. I don't really ever recall waiting to get on the power whilst the car felt front limited at lower speeds (2nd and 3rd gears). This is a new sensation to me in this car. You could overcome it by being more aggressive on turn-in and letting the pendulum/weight transfer neutralise the understeer, but that's not really my style.

I'm potentially looking at going to a square 205/50/R15 all-round tyre setup to try and reduce this a little.

Medium to high speed corners were still lovely and neutral->oversteer though, which is how I like it.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347530898_48b2ded7f4_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348248841_e2d93408ea_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348404952_f1e5b740a7_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348248276_e31be0152c_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347548293_b4ce222b43_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347529723_2751b66046_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348239286_6e6eeae128_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348224556_38b8aad8d6_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347541573_3a7c30b14f_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348233926_4959798729_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347538093_7f950443c7_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348233106_49074e72d4_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347527773_643e3977f0_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348229896_f12bc95a8b_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50347534223_bb51e455ff_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348385617_15e3c91629_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348226836_54d91956aa_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348376962_1f3f5a1767_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50348382802_be3a37330f_k.jpg)

For the last few years, it's been a borderline struggle to get through the MOT emissions test.

I decided to replace the CAT with a new OEM one yesterday, and was quite surprised when peering into the old one to find absolutely nothing there! Completely gutted.

I'm amazed it's actually passed any MOTs at all, let alone all of them since I've owned the car. Suffice to say that I've no MOT concerns this year now!

A great thread and a lovely car. I have a black PFL too, albeit one that's 99.9% standard - seeing your car on black wheels has cemented my intention to respray the wheels on my car the same.

MOT passed for another year.

They did initially fail the car yesterday, as the small numberplate maaaaayyyy not be quite to the letter of the law, however I kept the old one, and re-fitted it for the re-test today.

Some work to do though.

O/S/R wheel bearing has a bit of play (surprisingly I think these are the original bearings!), so will replace all four at the same time. I believe that the fronts are bolt in/out, and the rears are press fit? Could someone please confirm?

Slight weep from an inner CV boot as well, so will replace all four again, most likely when the wheel bearings are done. Gives me a chance to change the gearbox oil too.

Tester mentioned that power steering pipes are starting to look a little crusty, so will replace those, along with new Ravenoil fluid.

So, some winter maintenance ahead, but that's literally all it needs. Amazing really, given how many times it's been on track. What a properly tough, well sorted little car this is :)

Quote from: Alex Knight on December  2, 2020, 13:44MOT passed for another year.

Some work to do though.

O/S/R wheel bearing has a bit of play (surprisingly I think these are the original bearings!), so will replace all four at the same time. I believe that the fronts are bolt in/out, and the rears are press fit? Could someone please confirm?

Slight weep from an inner CV boot as well, so will replace all four again, most likely when the wheel bearings are done. Gives me a chance to change the gearbox oil too.

Tester mentioned that power steering pipes are starting to look a little crusty, so will replace those, along with new Ravenoil fluid.

So, some winter maintenance ahead, but that's literally all it needs. Amazing really, given how many times it's been on track. What a properly tough, well sorted little car this is :)

with all the work and effort you have put into this i would be pleased with MOT.
small jobs that will now cover. great work.
i do like when you got the car inside the workshop so bright and good looking pictures there.
looks a clean place and worth a vist on that alone ha ha.

now what can i bring my 2 for you for....

Alex, Ive really enjoyed reading your Reader Ride thread.

Love the Recaros, nice one on the MoT today.

Quote from: Alex Knight on December  2, 2020, 13:44MOT passed for another year.

They did initially fail the car yesterday, as the small numberplate maaaaayyyy not be quite to the letter of the law, however I kept the old one, and re-fitted it for the re-test today.

Some work to do though.

O/S/R wheel bearing has a bit of play (surprisingly I think these are the original


 bearings!), so will replace all four at the same time. I believe that the fronts are bolt in/out, and the rears are press fit? Could someone please confirm?

Slight weep from an inner CV boot as well, so will replace all four again, most likely when the wheel bearings are done. Gives me a chance to change the gearbox oil too.

Tester mentioned that power steering pipes are starting to look a little crusty, so will replace those, along with new Ravenoil fluid.

So, some winter maintenance ahead, but that's literally all it needs. Amazing really, given how many times it's been on track. What a properly tough, well sorted little car this is :)

Yes alex rears are press in and front are bolted but be careful the bolts can be a pain. As for new front bearings they have the abs sensor built in and if they not broke don't fix and they are expensive! £150 plus each from Toyota Paul at tcb is your man for all you need he does front hubs from Japan start at £50

Quote from: justinread72 on December  2, 2020, 21:25

Quote from: Alex Knight on December  2, 2020, 13:44MOT passed for another year.

They did initially fail the car yesterday, as the small numberplate maaaaayyyy not be quite to the letter of the law, however I kept the old one, and re-fitted it for the re-test today.

Some work to do though.

O/S/R wheel bearing has a bit of play (surprisingly I think these are the original


 bearings!), so will replace all four at the same time. I believe that the fronts are bolt in/out, and the rears are press fit? Could someone please confirm?

Slight weep from an inner CV boot as well, so will replace all four again, most likely when the wheel bearings are done. Gives me a chance to change the gearbox oil too.

Tester mentioned that power steering pipes are starting to look a little crusty, so will replace those, along with new Ravenoil fluid.

So, some winter maintenance ahead, but that's literally all it needs. Amazing really, given how many times it's been on track. What a properly tough, well sorted little car this is :)

Yes alex rears are press in and front are bolted but be careful the bolts can be a pain. As for new front bearings they have the abs sensor built in and if they not broke don't fix and they are expensive! £150 plus each from Toyota Paul at tcb is your man for all you need he does front hubs from Japan start at £50

Perfecto, thanks @justinread72!

Checked the oil today, as I've not checked it since last oil change.

It's done a hard trackday, and a few more miles than normal since then. Still at the top of the dipstick. Remarkable really. What a great engine 👍🏼

Quote from: Alex Knight on December 12, 2020, 19:23Checked the oil today, as I've not checked it since last oil change.

It's done a hard trackday, and a few more miles than normal since then. Still at the top of the dipstick. Remarkable really. What a great engine 👍🏼

Its how it should be if they've been treated correctly.

Was it a low mileage corolla?

Quote from: 1979scotte on December 12, 2020, 19:41

Quote from: Alex Knight on December 12, 2020, 19:23Checked the oil today, as I've not checked it since last oil change.

It's done a hard trackday, and a few more miles than normal since then. Still at the top of the dipstick. Remarkable really. What a great engine 👍🏼

Its how it should be if they've been treated correctly.

Was it a low mileage corolla?

Not always the case with engines.
I've seen very, very well maintained K20 engines that burn oil.

The Corolla (MD51CDN) was on 80K miles when I bought it.

Engine is on 105K miles now, chassis on 125K miles.

Did some maintenance today, namely replacing the EPAS fluid and replacing the lift bolts.

Started with the EPAS fluid. I'd bought 2 litres of Ravenol E-PSF, and had a quick watch of this video:

https://youtu.be/ElmEb6PKZ50

Seemed simple enough, and it was. Didn't take long at all.

The fluid hasn't been changed in my ownership, and I decided it's high time it was done. It's also cheap and easy to do. It's good preventative maintenance too. Old, dirty fluid isn't great for the pump, and I've heard of a few failing recently.

The existing fluid was a proper state:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751934476_4d7ed1e91f_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751933221_41475d232c_k.jpg)

I used a 2-Litre drinks bottle with a tube going into the lid, then created an airtight seal around the tube.
Popped the other end of the tube into the reservoir, and squeezed the bottle. This then sucked out as much from the reservoir as I could get out:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751934161_e8ca3372bf_k.jpg)

I then removed the rubber pipe on the bottom of the reservoir, and fed that into the bottle (note: you need to plug the hole on the bottom fitting - I used a rag). I then topped up the reservoir with new fluid.

I then swivelled the steering wheel left and right, and watched the old fluid pump out into the bottle until the reservoir was drained again.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50752042992_88b4753c59_k.jpg)

I repeated until I'd gotten through both bottles of new fluid. This was the result:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751197978_a132007d8e_k.jpg)

Much better:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751198218_ca89106fb1_k.jpg)

Onto the lift bolts...

Now, I definitely remember replacing these when I did the engine swap, but that was 7/8 years and 20K miles ago. The bolts are about £1 each. These are a known wear item (even though I'd used the updated Toyota designed bolts last time), so I thought it wouldn't harm to swap in a new pair.

I'm glad I did. The old bolts, though not seriously compromised, definitely showed significant signs of wear. You can very clearly see where the bolts wear, which in turn fatigues the metal, eventually snapping in the head.

Old bolts on the left, new on the right:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50752042397_0a05c0199b_k.jpg)

Closer up:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50752042012_48c472af50_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751933321_a3918f6a8d_k.jpg)

Replaced the bolts and carried on.
Quick inspection of the cams shows all is well, no scoring etc (I'm either very lucky, or regular oil changes with high quality, ester based oils pays off...).

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751933781_db909cc2ca_k.jpg)

Made sense to pop on a new rocker cover gasket whilst I was there:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751197728_7d7e8c0078_k.jpg)

And I also popped a whiteboard on the door. That way I don't need to try to remember all the little jobs that need doing!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50751932941_9b0593038e_k.jpg)

Your not lucky you are sensible.
Probably why you have 0 issues and others blow their engines to pieces

Enjoyed reading this and the pics Alex, you're doing well! ;D

Looking good Alex.
I have a similar list i keep on Google sheets so teh wife knows what and when to order service bits to keep on top of everything
All future plans and prices kept on there too!!

If you've read this thread, then you'll probably know that I do like to keep my car clean, especially on the outside...

I had access to a Wet 'n' Dry vacuum recently, so it made sense to give the MR2 a good seeing to. I was genuinely surprised at the results.

Firstly I whipped the seats out to give full access:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50849324532_e5691e4e05_k.jpg)

Unsurprisingly a bit grubby. I was a little disappointed to see that the brand new OEM mats had started to wear a little under the driver's left (clutch) heel.

This is what went into the Vax:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50849234896_94ba6b758a_k.jpg)


And this is what came out!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50848508248_adc972843d_k.jpg)

I was genuinely surprised, but then again I suppose the has likely not been done in 18-odd years. It really goes to show that looking clean isn't always clean.

This is the result (the carpet is still drying):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50848508133_699a50f835_k.jpg)

The seats came out very nicely also (again, they were still drying):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50849234746_c05e55ccbc_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50849324372_9a0cfd82cc_k.jpg)

OMG you cleaned the inside!
Good job I'm sitting down.

Quote from: 1979scotte on January 18, 2021, 15:19OMG you cleaned the inside!
Good job I'm sitting down.

Cheeky bugger!

I cleaned the steering wheel with alcantara cleaner a few weeks ago too!
Came out lovely.

Quote from: Alex Knight on January 18, 2021, 15:33

Quote from: 1979scotte on January 18, 2021, 15:19OMG you cleaned the inside!
Good job I'm sitting down.

Cheeky bugger!

I cleaned the steering wheel with alcantara cleaner a few weeks ago too!
Came out lovely.

But you touch it with your dirty hands.
No don't say it.
You actually clean them too.

so cool

Quote from: Alex Knight on December  2, 2020, 21:54

Quote from: justinread72 on December  2, 2020, 21:25

Quote from: Alex Knight on December  2, 2020, 13:44MOT passed for another year.

They did initially fail the car yesterday, as the small numberplate maaaaayyyy not be quite to the letter of the law, however I kept the old one, and re-fitted it for the re-test today.

Some work to do though.

O/S/R wheel bearing has a bit of play (surprisingly I think these are the original


 bearings!), so will replace all four at the same time. I believe that the fronts are bolt in/out, and the rears are press fit? Could someone please confirm?

Slight weep from an inner CV boot as well, so will replace all four again, most likely when the wheel bearings are done. Gives me a chance to change the gearbox oil too.

Tester mentioned that power steering pipes are starting to look a little crusty, so will replace those, along with new Ravenoil fluid.

So, some winter maintenance ahead, but that's literally all it needs. Amazing really, given how many times it's been on track. What a properly tough, well sorted little car this is :)

Yes alex rears are press in and front are bolted but be careful the bolts can be a pain. As for new front bearings they have the abs sensor built in and if they not broke don't fix and they are expensive! £150 plus each from Toyota Paul at tcb is your man for all you need he does front hubs from Japan start at £50

Perfecto, thanks @justinread72!

I did my front bearings removing the old ones from the wheel hub was a total nightmare:( In the end we blowtorched the edge on the hub then whacked the half unscrewed bolts and after a good bit of encouragement they finally came loose.

Thanks for the thread Alex. I haven't read it in a long time,
Just read from start to finish, really enjoyed it

I really want them seats. I am currently getting my track car back to road going, so ill be on lookout for something similar :)

Got a few bit to work through to get it back, hopefully do a trackday together soon again though!!

Quote from: pistol pete on February 11, 2021, 05:31Thanks for the thread Alex. I haven't read it in a long time,
Just read from start to finish, really enjoyed it

I really want them seats. I am currently getting my track car back to road going, so ill be on lookout for something similar :)

Got a few bit to work through to get it back, hopefully do a trackday together soon again though!!

Thanks for the kind words!

They are great on track, but I also like to keep it as a 100% useable road car.

Thats what i am going back to , I kinda want to Daily mine :).
I don't mind the crazyness of it all and harshness, plus, i can always jump in the Landy :)

Quote from: pistol pete on February 11, 2021, 22:39Thats what i am going back to , I kinda want to Daily mine :).
I don't mind the crazyness of it all and harshness, plus, i can always jump in the Landy :)

I'm very lucky in that my MR2 has always been a second car for me (hence the very low annual mileage), and that I'm fortunate enough to have a company car.

Couldn't daily mine its far to harsh with noise and vibration. Shame as the ride comfort is fine for the road.

I'm fortunate enough to have my land rover, the wife Kia and my r53 cooper s..
But I'm a bit mad and wanna daily the Mr.. noise harshness etc doesn't bother me..

I'll be selling the mini I expect to find buying a project classic beetle to do with my daughter

Quote from: pistol pete on February 12, 2021, 22:23I'm fortunate enough to have my land rover, the wife Kia and my r53 cooper s..
But I'm a bit mad and wanna daily the Mr.. noise harshness etc doesn't bother me..

I'll be selling the mini I expect to find buying a project classic beetle to do with my daughter

30 minutes in mine and I'm exhausted, lol. I daily a 330d auto barge so jumping in the MR feels like driving a race car in comparison. Good fun, but tiring for my old arse.

Hello all, update time:

It's time for some more maintenance (shock). I've been hoarding parts for the last few weeks in preparation for some TLC before the trackday season (hopefully) starts:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009311482_dc44443aab_k.jpg)

Front ARB bushes (ARB will be stripped and powdercoated):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008507428_8d8b83ee46_k.jpg)

New gearbox oil:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009211551_254050c9bd_k.jpg)

New OEM driver's side engine mount (it's the only one I didn't do when I replaced all the others):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008504468_91d0908f63_k.jpg)

Both lift OCV filters:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008504428_beca1f420c_k.jpg)

Four new wheel bearings:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009311127_4810f65492_k.jpg)

New ARB droplinks:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009211341_75e96d40cc_k.jpg)

Powdercoated and polybushed front arms with new ball joints:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008504338_9073248ed1_k.jpg)

Steering UJ gaitor:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51008504288_3fea8d8923_k.jpg)

New power steering pipes (and a bottle of Ravenol EPSF to top up:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009211281_4ff316d2eb_k.jpg)

Another oil and filter change:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009311027_de71b2cbb2_k.jpg)

New spark plugs:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51009310882_f466650ecd_k.jpg)

Well, things have escalated...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51133193266_99375c523f_h.jpg)

How come you go with 15W 50 oil mate? That 15w rating scares me for cold starts.

from that picture, are you now making space to fit the Honda cTDi engine in the front for the low down torque :)

Quote from: JB21 on April 23, 2021, 14:10How come you go with 15W 50 oil mate? That 15w rating scares me for cold starts.

Hot viscosity mate. I'd rather sacrifice a bit of cold start protection for high track temps.

I don't drive the car much, and the oil gets changed extremely frequently.

Quote from: Alex Knight on April 23, 2021, 14:43

Quote from: JB21 on April 23, 2021, 14:10How come you go with 15W 50 oil mate? That 15w rating scares me for cold starts.

Hot viscosity mate. I'd rather sacrifice a bit of cold start protection for high track temps.

I don't drive the car much, and the oil gets changed extremely frequently.

Thats it mate, as long is not a daily it'll be fine. You got a oil temp sensor?

Quote from: JB21 on April 23, 2021, 16:15

Quote from: Alex Knight on April 23, 2021, 14:43

Quote from: JB21 on April 23, 2021, 14:10How come you go with 15W 50 oil mate? That 15w rating scares me for cold starts.

Hot viscosity mate. I'd rather sacrifice a bit of cold start protection for high track temps.

I don't drive the car much, and the oil gets changed extremely frequently.

Thats it mate, as long is not a daily it'll be fine. You got a oil temp sensor?

Actually no, but I don't do long sessions.

Well, it's been the best part of three months in the making, but I have my car back.

It went to a friend (the former proprietor of Bonsai Car Services - and an absolute top-rate, first class mechanic) to have the aforementioned maintenance parts fitted.

Now, I knew things were looking a little crusty under the front bonnet. The contrast was stark compared to the refreshed rear end, but things, as previously mentioned, had escalated.

It wasn't horrendous, by any stretch, but I asked Andy to take a look and clean up/refresh what he could.
We quickly realised that you can't do half a job. If the front end needed a seeing to, then we had to go all-in.

What follows is evidence of just how crusty things had gotten (not all the pictures are amazing quality, but you can get the gist):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204864435_a2f5c25339_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203798376_226683869d_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204864670_a5e33b7714_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204570919_7f5fb60c44_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204003588_4e5b37241c_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204864615_0441ddcf2d_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204864600_3312e4d609_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204864620_97d7d7c089_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203081052_fe6f3a97f7_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204003473_34b4bc4f6e_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203081122_890f768028_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204570874_36f805b455_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203798626_0a9046217e_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203081187_8c4408c915_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203081172_3bc6c24950_h.jpg)


So, by the time all the stripping was done, we ended up with something that once resembled the front of my MR2:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204003558_d6e680e849_h.jpg)

Now, the real work began!

I asked Andy to do everything, and I mean everything!

Every. Single. Nut. Bolt. Component.

Everything that was removable on the front end was removed and either replaced with new if possible, or treated, cleaned painted and sealed.

Here is a selection of the (non-exhaustive) work carried out:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203798591_d6762e550d_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203081097_9566ed9305_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203798611_1814d0af2c_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204570884_ce07b8a34c_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204003528_085ebf922b_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204003533_684a23f226_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203080952_f604ff8471_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204570889_61b3fb3700_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204590074_910ddea57c_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204657888_154581b420_k.jpg)

Both OCV filters were extremely clean:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204003438_5742d04dd4_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204864680_ccc23a648a_h.jpg)


Andy kept up the little jokes as he went along...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203798536_5a33ae6ffe_h.jpg)

To cut a very, very long and expensive story quite short, I was over the moon with the finished results:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51205222844_5f8d4a5f18_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204451381_be9091c313_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203736012_d2f074c6e3_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204657793_013a854fbb_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51205519165_ebfc62f138_k.jpg)


I cannot thank Andy enough for all his hard work, detail, diligence and dedication to my cause.

The ABS pump bracket is now no longer available from Toyota, and from my research, is a prime candidate for attracting the brown stuff.

Not a problem for Andy, he made me a new one!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203081042_42b1903e9b_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204570729_f1c11b71fb_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51203798566_e157c0853b_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204570904_6b17adf123_h.jpg)

The car drives lovely, there's no longer a single rubber bush on the car, every joint is now polyurethane.

It feels extremely cohesive and tight.

I couldn't be happier! 😊

Great work.
Unfortunately there are lot looking like that now. Won't be long and they'll be as bad as mk1 mx5.

That's lovely work there Alex. I remember that you and Andy were friends.
What happened with Bonsai? A couple of years back, they were advertising that they were imminently going to do a drive-in K20 swap, then it all went quiet, the website went down etc.

Did he get a better offer? He's definitely got an amazing eye for detail there. I'd love yo have a car that's sparkling as that. It must feel like a brand new car!

Quote from: 1979scotte on May 26, 2021, 16:17Great work.
Unfortunately there are lot looking like that now. Won't be long and they'll be as bad as mk1 mx5.

I'm not so sure.

Ancillary wise, perhaps so.

Structurally, I don't think so.
MX5s rot everywhere, including the chassis.
MR2s (mine at least) chassis' are much more resistant.

My chassis legs for example looked brand new, before we even started.

Quote from: The Other Stu on May 26, 2021, 16:33That's lovely work there Alex. I remember that you and Andy were friends.
What happened with Bonsai? A couple of years back, they were advertising that they were imminently going to do a drive-in K20 swap, then it all went quiet, the website went down etc.

Did he get a better offer? He's definitely got an amazing eye for detail there. I'd love yo have a car that's sparkling as that. It must feel like a brand new car!

He did get an offer, to go and work for a very well regarded classic car restoration company. Very high end stuff.

I don't think Andy enjoys working for people though (as many don't), and so he's going to set up a Japanese modern classic fettling/restoration business.

My car has been ground zero!

Sounds great. There are a lot of people looking for restoration and mods.
Someone Bristol way was asking recently on Facebook, so would be good to point them his way.

Obviously, we've lost a couple of our specialists of late - Steve has gone off to drive Ambliances, for instance although nice to see Matt Lee back in the game.

Outstanding work, looks great and I bet feels even better knowing its all sound.

Quote from: Alex Knight on May 26, 2021, 16:55

Quote from: 1979scotte on May 26, 2021, 16:17Great work.
Unfortunately there are lot looking like that now. Won't be long and they'll be as bad as mk1 mx5.

I'm not so sure.

Ancillary wise, perhaps so.

Structurally, I don't think so.
MX5s rot everywhere, including the chassis.
MR2s (mine at least) chassis' are much more resistant.

My chassis legs for example looked brand new, before we even started.

I've seen more than one that's not too pretty .
My yellow one needs welding.

Quote from: The Other Stu on May 26, 2021, 18:56Sounds great. There are a lot of people looking for restoration and mods.
Someone Bristol way was asking recently on Facebook, so would be good to point them his way.

Obviously, we've lost a couple of our specialists of late - Steve has gone off to drive Ambliances, for instance although nice to see Matt Lee back in the game.

I certainly wish I'd been able to take advantage of Steve's skills.

Hi Alex, Just checked in to see if you still had the old girl and good to see you taking great care of her. I'm afraid that as I work in a dockyard, the car was submitted to a few years of daily parking in a mist of sea air which can't have helped. I'm currently carless due to Covid restrictions meaning I havent been at work since March 20 so nothing to impress you with, MR2 itch might need another scratch at some time though.

Quote from: tpivette on June 30, 2021, 13:55Hi Alex, Just checked in to see if you still had the old girl and good to see you taking great care of her. I'm afraid that as I work in a dockyard, the car was submitted to a few years of daily parking in a mist of sea air which can't have helped. I'm currently carless due to Covid restrictions meaning I havent been at work since March 20 so nothing to impress you with, MR2 itch might need another scratch at some time though.

Hey, great to hear from you!

Indeed, I've been taking the best possible car of the car. I honestly don't know any other way 💁🏻‍♂️

Don't be too hard on yourself. Lots of W30s are going this way now, and are starting to need some attention.

If you're looking to get back into one, there are many more 2ZZ swapped cars now (but no, you can't have mine again!).

Sorry to hear about your situation, hopefully things will pick up soon.

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  1, 2021, 11:42If you're looking to get back into one, there are many more 2ZZ swapped cars now (but no, you can't have mine again!)

Bit of a lurky/hijacky comment but where would one find one of these many 2zz swapped 2s? :)

Quote from: MrChris on July  1, 2021, 12:12

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  1, 2021, 11:42If you're looking to get back into one, there are many more 2ZZ swapped cars now (but no, you can't have mine again!)

Bit of a lurky/hijacky comment but where would one find one of these many 2zz swapped 2s? :)

Your local mechanic on a lift...

download (1).jpg

Quote from: MrChris on July  1, 2021, 12:12

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  1, 2021, 11:42If you're looking to get back into one, there are many more 2ZZ swapped cars now (but no, you can't have mine again!)

Bit of a lurky/hijacky comment but where would one find one of these many 2zz swapped 2s? :)

There's an FB group. Cars (and swaps) are of varying quality though...

Quote from: shnazzle on July  1, 2021, 16:33

Quote from: MrChris on July  1, 2021, 12:12

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  1, 2021, 11:42If you're looking to get back into one, there are many more 2ZZ swapped cars now (but no, you can't have mine again!)

Bit of a lurky/hijacky comment but where would one find one of these many 2zz swapped 2s? :)

Your local mechanic on a lift...

download (1).jpg

Pfffffft...

1ZZ <cough> perpetual oil changing machine <cough>

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  1, 2021, 17:44

Quote from: shnazzle on July  1, 2021, 16:33

Quote from: MrChris on July  1, 2021, 12:12

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  1, 2021, 11:42If you're looking to get back into one, there are many more 2ZZ swapped cars now (but no, you can't have mine again!)

Bit of a lurky/hijacky comment but where would one find one of these many 2zz swapped 2s? :)

Your local mechanic on a lift...

download (1).jpg

Pfffffft...

1ZZ <cough> perpetual oil changing machine <cough>

Hahaha! Truth

I have recently moved from Bristol to Scotland, which meant relocating the MR2 400+ miles north, and therefore a very boring motorway schlep.

Nothing at all to note, with the exception of the rather dull topic of fuel consumption, to which I must say I was rather surprised.

I stopped to refill after 286.6 miles, and it took 32.27 litres (7.1 Gallons). This worked out at a rather surprising 40.37MPG!

This was no 60MPH hypermile journey either. Was doing 70-80 (with a few 'explorations' of the entire rev range) almost all the way.

I'm in no doubt that the longer 6th gear was a significant contributor here.

This is how much fuel was left before I stopped to refill:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301527690_91a455a93a_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51300514131_6f3adbb10f_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301527790_318be966d6_k.jpg)

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  9, 2021, 17:11I have recently moved from Bristol to Scotland, which meant relocating the MR2 400+ miles north, and therefore a very boring motorway schlep.

Nothing at all to note, with the exception of the rather dull topic of fuel consumption, to which I must say I was rather surprised.

I stopped to refill after 286.6 miles, and it took 32.27 litres (7.1 Gallons). This worked out at a rather surprising 40.37MPG!

This was no 60MPH hypermile journey either. Was doing 70-80 (with a few 'explorations' of the entire rev range) almost all the way.

I'm in no doubt that the longer 6th gear was a significant contributor here.

This is how much fuel was left before I stopped to refill:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301527690_91a455a93a_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51300514131_6f3adbb10f_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51301527790_318be966d6_k.jpg)

Its the only downside to my MR2, the Celica 6th. Sits above 4000rpm at 70mph, so its not economical at all. Around 35mpg average on a long drive.

What revs does the MR2 6th sit at around 70mph?

70MPH is circa 3,300RPM I seem to remember.

Honestly, having a short 6th gear is a waste of time. I've got the limiter in 5th gear, and that was getting on for 140MPH. No one needs more than that on any UK track.

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  9, 2021, 17:11I have recently moved from Bristol to Scotland

Welcome to God's own racetrack! :)) Mind the sheep! Will we be seeing you up at Knockhill any time soon?

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  9, 2021, 18:3670MPH is circa 3,300RPM I seem to remember.

Honestly, having a short 6th gear is a waste of time. I've got the limiter in 5th gear, and that was getting on for 140MPH. No one needs more than that on any UK track.

Why is it so short in the MR2? In my old Celica 190 I'm sure it wasn't that short in 6th.

Quote from: JB21 on July  9, 2021, 19:04

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  9, 2021, 18:3670MPH is circa 3,300RPM I seem to remember.

Honestly, having a short 6th gear is a waste of time. I've got the limiter in 5th gear, and that was getting on for 140MPH. No one needs more than that on any UK track.

Why is it so short in the MR2? In my old Celica 190 I'm sure it wasn't that short in 6th.

Erm, that's not that short!
Bear in mind I'm using a 2ZZ final drive.

If you think that's short, don't even look at a Corolla T-Sport 6th gear. Bonkers short.

@Alex Knight

That's bonkers good mpg.
Only managed that once in a turbo 2.
What sort of mpg do you get on track?

Quote from: 1979scotte on July  9, 2021, 20:16@Alex Knight

That's bonkers good mpg.
Only managed that once in a turbo 2.
What sort of mpg do you get on track?

I know! I'm sure when I was trying to chase down what I thought was an O2 sensor a couple of years ago, I measured and got 38MPG on the way to a trackday. So it's consistently good.

If nothing else, it demonstrates that the engine and ECU side of things are very healthy indeed.

On track is the inverse story!
I'll be lucky to get 80-90 miles before I get down to a quarter of a tank and start getting fuel surge problems. I haven't measured, but it's shocking how much fuel gets used on track.

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  9, 2021, 20:47

Quote from: 1979scotte on July  9, 2021, 20:16@Alex Knight

That's bonkers good mpg.
Only managed that once in a turbo 2.
What sort of mpg do you get on track?

I know! I'm sure when I was trying to chase down what I thought was an O2 sensor a couple of years ago, I measured and got 38MPG on the way to a trackday. So it's consistently good.

If nothing else, it demonstrates that the engine and ECU side of things are very healthy indeed.

On track is the inverse story!
I'll be lucky to get 80-90 miles before I get down to a quarter of a tank and start getting fuel surge problems. I haven't measured, but it's shocking how much fuel gets used on track.

Could be worse you could have a V6.
Even on a motorway run you're lucky to see 25mpg. Although it doesn't really drop much when pushing on unless you're really hitting the high revs and getting a load of boost from the rotrex.

After cooking my rear Yellowstuff pads (below), I've decided to bite the bullet and go for a much more extreme (and expensive!) set of pads.

I ordered some CarboTech XP10s all round. Being fitted next week, then I'm going to book an evening at Knockhill.

Out with the old!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51386305651_bffbf52c98_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51386554743_d168499714_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51241212630_6c9b24c5a4_h.jpg)

And in with the new!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51387305110_12d58940b8_k.jpg)

Looking forward to what you think of the XP10 :)

Ian

Where have you moved to in Scotland?

Quote from: AJRFulton on August 23, 2021, 17:37Where have you moved to in Scotland?

North Perthshire, near-ish to Blairgowrie.

Just been and picked these up, been meaning to for a while now. Any guesses?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51401604308_f4ffd1e6b5_h.jpg)

Big boxes.
Wheels?

Not really got a clue tbh.

Headlights?

Quote from: Topdownman on August 25, 2021, 11:17Headlights?

This. I have a similar looking box.

Quote from: Topdownman on August 25, 2021, 11:17Headlights?

Winner!

 :) new headlights you don't see these often  for sure 8)  8)
do you mind if i ask where from how much ;D  ;D

Toyota Perth. £302 with trade discount. I thought it was a decent price.

So, obviously today I collected some brand new headlights and set about installing them.

It's actually a very easy job. All you need is a 10mm ratchet!

• Remove front plastics.
• Undo the four bolts on the top of the bumper.
• Remove the two bolts in the front of the arch liner.
• Remove the bolt holding the bumper corner to the wing.
• Remove the two bolts on top of the headlight brackets.
• Remove the securing nut at the back of the headlight.
• Unplug headlight, sidelight and indicator.
• Remove headlight!

This is what it looks like when you have done that:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51401756646_623f757116_k.jpg)

Here are the new ones:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51402736325_922d848330_k.jpg)

Old and new headlight comparison:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51402735730_b5a9df0019_k.jpg)

One side fitted, you can see what a difference it makes:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51402018448_c6b9d397ee_k.jpg)

When fitting the N/S I worked out it was easier to loosen the bumper off at both ends for better access:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51401009752_316852c285_k.jpg)

All done! Very pleased with the investment:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51401009177_1286b0bc95_k.jpg)

Quote from: Alex Knight on August 23, 2021, 19:53

Quote from: AJRFulton on August 23, 2021, 17:37Where have you moved to in Scotland?

North Perthshire, near-ish to Blairgowrie.

Some amazing roads on your doorstep.

The road from Pitlochry over to Bridge of Cally is great for a good stretch, although it gets a bit poorly sighted once off the hill. Then the A83 up to Glen Shee is top notch, one of the best around first thing in the morning. If you don't want to stop there, the road up over the Lecht to Tomintoul then Grantown is great too.

We're not well served for tracks up here but the roads make up for it.

I've been out to bed the new pads in this morning, the procedure is quite extreme and requires zero mechanical sympathy!

My god though, these pads are in a different league(s) to EBC.

I was in the car on my own the first time I used them hard after bedding in, and I said, out loud "f*ck me!". I couldn't help the expletive.

They are face meltingly good.
I immediately knew that the limiting factor of my braking setup would now be the tyres. Stonking.

I had a problem recently with water ingress into the coil pack/spark plug area.

I cannot be sure, but I believe the problem is that water is getting under the Lotus coil pack cover when I'm jet washing the car. This has caused a misfire which was traced to a rusty spark plug (which had covered 900 miles only).

My solution was to create a little rubber seal around the coil pack cover to stop water getting in:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51422264733_46d180748e_k.jpg)

Yesterday marked the my first trackday since moving to Scotland, and indeed my first visit to Knockhill.

As you'd expect for a track situated on the top of a hill in Scotland in October, it was wet. Very wet.

This was a bit of a shame, as I was really looking forward to putting the new CarboTech pads through their paces with some very high loads, but it wasn't to be.

The car was, as I've come to expect now, completely faultless.
Honestly, I really can't say enough good things about this little machine. I just love it. What a great car.

The balance was this:

Low speed - some mid-corner understeer

High speed - lots of oversteer!

I honestly had a great time, and the car was moving about a lot underneath me.

I'm looking forward to trying the circuit in the dry as I think the MR2 would be mega.

Here's a video summing up the day's action:

I seen a car that I had a suspicion might be you in one of the photo threads for Knockhill. Don't see too many MR2's on track up there

The MR2 in the wet at Knockhill can be very tricky. The changing camber of the corners, and the actual gradient of some of the hills (which you don't appreciate until you walk around the track - the hairpin is actually a pretty steep climb when you're on foot!), makes the car have a tendency to be (far more than usual) unpredictable and snappy - it can be hard to get confidence in the car. TBH with anything but the right tyres and pressures, the car can be almost undrivable at anything like a 'competitive' track day speed (or competition speed). Certainly when compared to the equivalent class of FWD cars, I seem to have a far harder time setting my car up in the wet up at Knockhill relative to other tracks I've driven in the wet.

Knockhill is also noted by many regulars as having a bit of a tendency of appearing to offer more grip when the track is very wet, than when it is just merely wet or damp. I put this down to the grip remains fairly consistent when its very wet, but again because of the cambers, gradients and bumps - the actual wetness of the track varies a lot when it is just merely wet or damp, and that gives the illusion of more grip being available when the track is very wet.

I much prefer driving the track in heavy rain than when the track is at 'intermediate' tyre sort of level - I have a lot more confidence in the car.

However Knockhill in the dry.... it's a track that IMO really suits the MR2. You need to attack the kerbs though to get the most out of the lap, which takes a bit of time to find a dampener setting that works.

Quote from: Alex Knight on October 10, 2021, 23:18Yesterday marked the my first trackday since moving to Scotland, and indeed my first visit to Knockhill.

As you'd expect for a track situated on the top of a hill in Scotland in October, it was wet. Very wet.

This was a bit of a shame, as I was really looking forward to putting the new CarboTech pads through their paces with some very high loads, but it wasn't to be.

The car was, as I've come to expect now, completely faultless.
Honestly, I really can't say enough good things about this little machine. I just love it. What a great car.

The balance was this:

Low speed - some mid-corner understeer

High speed - lots of oversteer!

I honestly had a great time, and the car was moving about a lot underneath me.

I'm looking forward to trying the circuit in the dry as I think the MR2 would be mega.

Here's a video summing up the day's action:

Car seems nicely balanced and controllable in the wet, What where your tyres, chassis, suspension, geo settings? Mine is a pig in the wet! To stiff, to aggressive geo and a right bloody handful, its not fun at all. I just cant bring myself to dial it back though as when its dry its unbelievably balanced and fast!

Quote from: JB21 on October 11, 2021, 10:01

Quote from: Alex Knight on October 10, 2021, 23:18Yesterday marked the my first trackday since moving to Scotland, and indeed my first visit to Knockhill.

As you'd expect for a track situated on the top of a hill in Scotland in October, it was wet. Very wet.

This was a bit of a shame, as I was really looking forward to putting the new CarboTech pads through their paces with some very high loads, but it wasn't to be.

The car was, as I've come to expect now, completely faultless.
Honestly, I really can't say enough good things about this little machine. I just love it. What a great car.

The balance was this:

Low speed - some mid-corner understeer

High speed - lots of oversteer!

I honestly had a great time, and the car was moving about a lot underneath me.

I'm looking forward to trying the circuit in the dry as I think the MR2 would be mega.

Here's a video summing up the day's action:

Car seems nicely balanced and controllable in the wet, What where your tyres, chassis, suspension, geo settings? Mine is a pig in the wet! To stiff, to aggressive geo and a right bloody handful, its not fun at all. I just cant bring myself to dial it back though as when its dry its unbelievably balanced and fast!

As said I find the car difficult to set up for the wet. It seems to be very sensitive to changes too.

I am like you, I just don't bother. Over the race weekends at Knockhill it's too changeable - and doing all the set up work by yourself - it becomes such a pain in the arse, lying on the wet ground changing geo settings..... only for it to brighten up during the next session. The guys that have some help can probably justify doing it, but I don't so... leave it.

Generally my wet set up is drop the rear pressures and drop the antiroll bar 1 notch then just try and live with it.

As said in my post, I know Knockhill and those are very wet conditions - I find the MR2 easier to drive there in those condition than when it's less wet.

Good effort, looked like you had a decent time despite the weather... and be prepared for that any time of the year, October or not!

Also interested to hear what tyres you were running, it all looked pretty progressive and controllable.

Its hilarious to think there are track days going on when only last week people around here were sitting in Mile long queues for fuel.

Quote from: JB21 on October 11, 2021, 10:01

Quote from: Alex Knight on October 10, 2021, 23:18Yesterday marked the my first trackday since moving to Scotland, and indeed my first visit to Knockhill.

As you'd expect for a track situated on the top of a hill in Scotland in October, it was wet. Very wet.

This was a bit of a shame, as I was really looking forward to putting the new CarboTech pads through their paces with some very high loads, but it wasn't to be.

The car was, as I've come to expect now, completely faultless.
Honestly, I really can't say enough good things about this little machine. I just love it. What a great car.

The balance was this:

Low speed - some mid-corner understeer

High speed - lots of oversteer!

I honestly had a great time, and the car was moving about a lot underneath me.

I'm looking forward to trying the circuit in the dry as I think the MR2 would be mega.

Here's a video summing up the day's action:

Car seems nicely balanced and controllable in the wet, What where your tyres, chassis, suspension, geo settings? Mine is a pig in the wet! To stiff, to aggressive geo and a right bloody handful, its not fun at all. I just cant bring myself to dial it back though as when its dry its unbelievably balanced and fast!

Thanks.

Running the following:

AD08RS. 195/50/R15 Front. 205/50/R15 Rear. Pressures for this wet day were set to 24psi front, 26psi rear.

Tein Superstreet with EDFC. Started out full stiff on the front, full soft on the rear. Ended up full soft all round.

Fully polybushed front and rear. Every bushing.

Zero toe all round.

1.5Deg negative camber front.

1.0Deg negative camber rear.

Been sent some media from the last trackday at Knockhill:

(Unsuccessfully) trying to chase a track prepped M3 - too early for WOT at last corner exit:


A few statics:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51670386324_a2d9e41a6e_h.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51668901837_8b338e9cba_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51669940768_8f59bf4bc9_b.jpg)

A little dorifto sequence:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51669940823_ffb4b98490_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51668901812_870e33eaa3_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51668901802_9c191e2c2d_b.jpg)

These last four are from a very nice chap called Marcel I met, who takes some pretty amazing photos of Scotland.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51668940127_6f0096415c_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51669737806_ad226f2df2_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51670616570_0a0f6165b4_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51670616745_1cd94b7bee_k.jpg)


He's apparently a regular (amateur) at Knockhill. You can find his website and IG here:

My Saturday Drive - Website (https://mysaturdaydrive.com)

My Saturday Drive - Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mysaturdaydrive/?hl=en-gb)

Brilliant pics @Alex Knight - I did Knockhill some years ago now in a little blue MGF and Ford 1.6 racing car and the circuit was wet that day too but great fun.  It was one of those Gift vouchers days, brilliant fun.

I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

Quote from: JB21 on November 10, 2021, 15:21I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

It's east coast, the wet Scotland reputation comes from the west coast. I won't claim it a dry track, as it gets plenty rain but of the more northern tracks Anglesey and probably Oulton Park will probably see more wet days than Knockhill.

However given the tracks location, high on a hill, when it rains it can rain lots - and it's always cold!

Quote from: JB21 on November 10, 2021, 15:21I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

I'm turning the negative into a positive, it's helping improve my car control skills.

Quote from: Alex Knight on November 10, 2021, 20:12

Quote from: JB21 on November 10, 2021, 15:21I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

I'm turning the negative into a positive, it's helping improve my car control skills.

True, I just hate not being able to really push on wet days. I'm looking at road legal full wets for mine. MFR do them.

Quote from: JB21 on November 11, 2021, 07:04

Quote from: Alex Knight on November 10, 2021, 20:12

Quote from: JB21 on November 10, 2021, 15:21I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

I'm turning the negative into a positive, it's helping improve my car control skills.

True, I just hate not being able to really push on wet days. I'm looking at road legal full wets for mine. MFR do them.

Do you know if they will be on the 1a/b/c list?

It's a market I'm surprised has never really been catered for. Toyo did the R1R which was probably considered a damp tyre, but it got discontinued.

You get plenty choice with dry track tyres, but little in the way of dedicated wet. Rainsports and the like do a job, but you see a car with full wets on and realise they aren't that good.

In terms of competition it's hard to compete against the FWD cars in a full wet session in the MR2, so would be interested in any tyre that can help.

Quote from: AJRFulton on November 11, 2021, 08:04

Quote from: JB21 on November 11, 2021, 07:04

Quote from: Alex Knight on November 10, 2021, 20:12

Quote from: JB21 on November 10, 2021, 15:21I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

I'm turning the negative into a positive, it's helping improve my car control skills.

True, I just hate not being able to really push on wet days. I'm looking at road legal full wets for mine. MFR do them.

Do you know if they will be on the 1a/b/c list?

It's a market I'm surprised has never really been catered for. Toyo did the R1R which was probably considered a damp tyre, but it got discontinued.

You get plenty choice with dry track tyres, but little in the way of dedicated wet. Rainsports and the like do a job, but you see a car with full wets on and realise they aren't that good.

In terms of competition it's hard to compete against the FWD cars in a full wet session in the MR2, so would be interested in any tyre that can help.

Not sure if on the list.

Extreme also do a full road legal wet.

MRF option:

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/mrf-motorsport-tyres-ztw5-intermediate-wet-race-tyre-2011482/

Extreme option:

https://www.extremetyresuk.com/project/extreme-vr3/

@JB21 referred to "Extreme" tyres. I notice that they claim:

"EXTREME PERFORMANCE TYRES IS A SPECIAL COMPANY AMONG OTHERS PRODUCING RETREADED SPORTS TYRES. ONLY THE BEST CASING, "

Is that a common practice for track tyres?
Fifty years or so ago I bought a set of retreads on the recommendation of the supplier and within less than 10 road miles the casing split. That was on a Hillman Imp.
I do hope the technology has moved on a lot today.

Quote from: Joesson on November 11, 2021, 09:54@JB21 referred to "Extreme" tyres. I notice that they claim:

"EXTREME PERFORMANCE TYRES IS A SPECIAL COMPANY AMONG OTHERS PRODUCING RETREADED SPORTS TYRES. ONLY THE BEST CASING, "

Is that a common practice for track tyres?
Fifty years or so ago I bought a set of retreads on the recommendation of the supplier and within less than 10 road miles the casing split. That was on a Hillman Imp.
I do hope the technology has moved on a lot today.

Some of the cheaper brands do retreads. I know Maxxsport RB4 tyres were.

Most of the established track tyres are not.

I can't see either as e-marked though, are they road legal?

6th gear is for motorway cruising only... I'd be AMAZED if anybody goes anywhere near it on track, especially with a 2ZZ!

Even with a 1ZZ, I'd love a LONGER 6th.... motorway cruising should be 70mpg = 2200rpm-2500rpm.... the 3250rpm-3500rpm just feels annoying after a bit.

40mpg is standard for going anywhere near a motorway, even for ~140-150kph cruising for those on the autobahns.... I'm not suggesting it's pleasant doing a high speed dual carriageway haul in a MR2, but it's still good on fuel.

I had a Corolla T-Sport 6th gear before I swapped it for an MR2 6th gear. It was silly short. Circa 3,700RPM at 70MPH.

Its much better on fuel with the MR2 6th gear now. I got 40MPG on the run from Bristol to Scotland, even with a 2ZZ.

Agreed on not seeing 6th gear on track too.

I have seen the rev limiter of 5th gear, and the speedo was reading circa 135 MPH. Can't think of a track in the UK where you'd get near that. Closest I've been is Bedford Autodrome GT, which was circa 130MPH on the back straight in 5th.

My old MR-S box in 5th was reading about the same at 70mph, too noisy for me but then I knew that it wasn't a motorway vehicle when I brought it! :o

Quote from: JB21 on November 11, 2021, 08:53

Quote from: AJRFulton on November 11, 2021, 08:04

Quote from: JB21 on November 11, 2021, 07:04

Quote from: Alex Knight on November 10, 2021, 20:12

Quote from: JB21 on November 10, 2021, 15:21I'd be selling the MR2 and buying something AWD if knockhill was my local track, it never stops bloody raining there.

I'm turning the negative into a positive, it's helping improve my car control skills.

True, I just hate not being able to really push on wet days. I'm looking at road legal full wets for mine. MFR do them.

Do you know if they will be on the 1a/b/c list?

It's a market I'm surprised has never really been catered for. Toyo did the R1R which was probably considered a damp tyre, but it got discontinued.

You get plenty choice with dry track tyres, but little in the way of dedicated wet. Rainsports and the like do a job, but you see a car with full wets on and realise they aren't that good.

In terms of competition it's hard to compete against the FWD cars in a full wet session in the MR2, so would be interested in any tyre that can help.

Not sure if on the list.

Extreme also do a full road legal wet.

MRF option:

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/mrf-motorsport-tyres-ztw5-intermediate-wet-race-tyre-2011482/

Extreme option:

https://www.extremetyresuk.com/project/extreme-vr3/

Funny thing with road legal tyres is that's its illegal to sell a non-E-marked tyre for road use, but it's not illegal to use them. As long as the tyre meets the 1.6mm tread depth across 3/4 of the width, it's legal to use on the road. A full wet will technically be legal to use on the road.

Quote from: AJRFulton on November 11, 2021, 13:28

Quote from: Joesson on November 11, 2021, 09:54@JB21 referred to "Extreme" tyres. I notice that they claim:

"EXTREME PERFORMANCE TYRES IS A SPECIAL COMPANY AMONG OTHERS PRODUCING RETREADED SPORTS TYRES. ONLY THE BEST CASING, "

Is that a common practice for track tyres?
Fifty years or so ago I bought a set of retreads on the recommendation of the supplier and within less than 10 road miles the casing split. That was on a Hillman Imp.
I do hope the technology has moved on a lot today.

Some of the cheaper brands do retreads. I know Maxxsport RB4 tyres were.

Most of the established track tyres are not.

I can't see either as e-marked though, are they road legal?

I can now confirm the MRF ZTW5 wets are indeed road legal. Received mine today.

MOT day today - passed without advisories 😁

I've covered 1,709 miles since last MOT, which included a 400+ mile move to Scotland. I really must book more trackdays next year.

Quote from: Alex Knight on December 16, 2021, 10:36MOT day today - passed without advisories 😁

I've covered 1,709 miles since last MOT, which included a 400+ mile move to Scotland. I really must book more trackdays next year.

Agreed

Our outside tap crapped out a while ago, and I've only just been able to fix it.

As a result, the MR2 has not been cleaned in a little while.

I used my lunch break to rectify that. I honestly don't remember it ever being so dirty!

Here's the before:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51854795140_037cc308ac_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51854794985_7da11cd408_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51854214358_6f2ae41fbe_k.jpg)

And after a quick wash (only had an hour including getting everything out and packing it away etc):

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51854136311_b4c7aa7996_k.jpg)

Makes me feel sooooo much better.
I couldn't resist one last look back as I was walking back to the house - surely a sign of a car that's really gotten under your skin 😁

Scrub's up well!

Very smart @Alex Knight - could do with new lights like yours ;)

Quote from: Chilli Girl on January 31, 2022, 22:03Very smart @Alex Knight - could do with new lights like yours ;)

It's actually not that expensive!

I bought a new pair for £290, and sold my old ones on eBay for £80, which means the net cost to me was about £210. No brainier to me. Really freshens up the front end.

It is amazing how new headlights lift the look of a car!

 :) now that was some dirt removed in a hr :)
good work on that in a hr. :)  :)

Quote from: puma2 on February  2, 2022, 08:15:) now that was some dirt removed in a hr :)
good work on that in a hr. :)  :)

Thanks! I think it's down to the underlying great condition of the paint and the many polishes and waxes it's had over the years.

I stripped the car down today in advance of the bodyshop trip tomorrow morning.

Here are some better pics of what needs fixing:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51891867022_5c1f635780_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51893475790_e4459b2f11_k.jpg)

It's really nothing too sinister. I've had a really good poke around today, and everything else is absolutely rock solid, so I can only assume that the seam sealer has been compromised at some point allowing water ingress, but I cannot for the life of me think how?

Perhaps it's something from the factory not applied correctly?

As I've said, everything else is spot on. Next on the list will be a coil over refurb.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51893475650_b9e1afeda9_k.jpg)

Had a call from the bodyshop today, all is fixed. Will pick up and share pictures tomorrow.

FYI, some parts of this area are triple-skinned. It wasn't straightforward!

All fixed. They've done a fantastically thorough job. Really pleased with their work.

Affected area has been cut out, new metal in, primed and painted. Seams re-sealed and the whole area has been protected:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51909207931_3701f7d5b3_k.jpg)

½ Day trackday booked for tomorrow morning.

Fingers crossed for some dry weather this time!

Assuming knockhill?

I'm sat in the missus house about 10 miles from the circuit - would say today is good conditions so long as there's no mist up there. Probably a few degrees cooler than ideal (most seem to say the tarmac at Knockhills at its fastest with an air temperature about 15-20° without bright sun). Every time I've broke the minute there has been days like today.

Good luck

Track morning completed yesterday (yes, @AJRFulton - I was at Knockhill). Finally got to experience this circuit in the dry.

First impressions are of that it is a high workrate circuit! There's not a lot of time for respite, unlike some of the bigger, more open tracks that seem to be more common in the south of England. I relished the elevation changes of the circuit, that's rather unusual.

On to the car - well as most of you will expect, it was flawless. 100% reliable and still steadfastly refuses to consume any oil, ever. Suspension was set to full stiff all round, and this was the first proper test of the CarboTech pads in the dry.

The balance of the car was lovely. My preference is one for a slightly nervous rear, as it really helps get the front locked onto line, and this trackday was no different. You could play with the entry speed if you wanted more, or less turn in. Don't get me wrong, if you get greedy, it will bite hard and you need to be quick with the opposite lock, but stay in the window and it's fantastically rewarding. I've had this car a LONG time now, and every time I take it on track I'm still absolutely in love with it  8)

The brakes were very, very strong. This was probably the latest and hardest I've dared to brake at a trackday, and the pads were there with repeatable stopping power every single time. I'm so glad I've finally found brake pads that can keep up with me. If anyone is wondering if these pads are worth the high price point, they absolutely are.

All-in-all, a great morning and this car is still easily the best car I've ever owned. What an amazing machine.

Some basic servicing to do next. Going to change the engine oil and filter, gearbox oil, brake fluid and coolant as a reward for being so good  O:-)

What tyres and pressures are you running there?

You're getting oversteer twitchiness in a few bits where I wouldn't expect it with a full track semi slick (AR1/R888R/A051/etc), however if you're running a more road focused track tyre (AO08/NS2R/etc) it would explain it.

Quote from: AJRFulton on May  9, 2022, 10:39What tyres and pressures are you running there?

You're getting oversteer twitchiness in a few bits where I wouldn't expect it with a full track semi slick (AR1/R888R/A051/etc), however if you're running a more road focused track tyre (AO08/NS2R/etc) it would explain it.

I started with 30psi cold all round.
After about 5-6 laps I came back in and adjusted them all to 30psi hot (they had all gained around 5/6psi).

I'm not running a semi slick tyre, I'm using AD08RS, 195/50/R15 front and 205/50/R15 rear.

I also have my alignment set with zero toe all round.
I know some toe in at the rear would stabilise it a bit, but I can deal with the oversteer and it helps get the front even sharper. I like it that way.

I absolutely loved watching this, brilliant @Alex Knight and pleased the car behaved so well. ;D

 Its good to hear the TEINs SSP working great for you. I love mine for the level of control and balance they give this car. One of the reasons why I never upgraded to the KW V3 even though they are better but I don't feel the need to find out.

 I have a question for you. How is the paint on the coil overs holding up. TEIN says they use anti corrosion paint on them.

Absolutely

Quote from: Dev on May  9, 2022, 14:35Its good to hear the TEINs SSP working great for you. I love mine for the level of control and balance they give this car. One of the reasons why I never upgraded to the KW V3 even though they are better but I don't feel the need to find out.

 I have a question for you. How is the paint on the coil overs holding up. TEIN says they use anti corrosion paint on them.

Absolutely agree with you. I think it's a great balance between road and track, and actually manages to work well on both. Great suspension, and I LOVE being able to adjust the damping from inside the car. What a great product.

As for how they are holding up, paint wise, I haven't had the wheels off for a proper poke around in some time, but from memory they are doing quite well? Though my car is garaged, and I tend not to drive it when the roads have been gritted, which I'm sure helps. I do plan on getting them refurbished, re-valved and rebuilt at some point this year though.

How are yours holding up?

Today I replaced the wheel nuts that came with the TD 1.2s with some black ones from DriftWorks. I think they suit the black wheels better, the old ones were getting a bit manky, and most importantly, I've saved 151g of unsprung rotational mass!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52066941204_ecb5963170_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52065664712_4408e9ca12_k.jpg)

Quote from: Alex Knight on May 11, 2022, 21:57Absolutely
Absolutely agree with you. I think it's a great balance between road and track, and actually manages to work well on both. Great suspension, and I LOVE being able to adjust the damping from inside the car. What a great product.

As for how they are holding up, paint wise, I haven't had the wheels off for a proper poke around in some time, but from memory they are doing quite well? Though my car is garaged, and I tend not to drive it when the roads have been gritted, which I'm sure helps. I do plan on getting them refurbished, re-valved and rebuilt at some point this year though.

How are yours holding up?

 Im in the same boat as my car is also garaged.
I have over 80K miles on mine with a rebuild around the 60k mark which was unnecessary. The initial 50k was all year use in the rain and salted snow but no corrosion on the paint however there was the slightest amount of corrosion on the end of one of the rods which Tein removed when I sent them in. Since then no rust but that is because I hardly drive it and not in bad weather.

 A Local friend of mine that had the same set used them to around 100k miles and the suspension was shot but still drivable. I think if it was sent in for a rebuild it would need all new rods and possibly rejected due to damage since it seen rough roads in his area. From that I could see there was a significantly more rust on the chrome and anodized bits but not so much on the body where they apply the anti corrosion green paint. If anything that were very dirty since the car wasn't maintained well, sat out side and driven every day in harsh winter weather.

Quote from: Alex Knight on May  8, 2022, 14:28The brakes were very, very strong. This was probably the latest and hardest I've dared to brake at a trackday, and the pads were there with repeatable stopping power every single time. I'm so glad I've finally found brake pads that can keep up with me. If anyone is wondering if these pads are worth the high price point, they absolutely are.

Good to hear from another satisfied customer and please the pads lived upto the price :D  car looks to be going very well also, i really need to get the mini upto knockhill this year at some point.

Long time no update, and not much to update.

The car has not been driven much this summer. We've been working on the house & (large) garden, and also making preparations for the new garage to be built this coming week.

I've popped the hard top on (nowhere else to store it as I've demolished the outbuilding where it was stored) until the garage is ready and given it a quick wash today.

Can't wait to get it into the new garage and give it the full decon, claybar, polish and wax on the scissor lift!  ;D

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52346178642_86e2a7c796_c.jpg)

 :) new garage count me in  i love a garage build  8)
please can we see before and after pictures of said garage :)

 your 2 is not bad mind  8)  8) will look belter in its new home 8)  8)

One last blast up the Old Military Road (A93) to Glenshee Ski Centre before being put into storage whilst the garage is built.

Had one of the best road drives I've had in this car. Dry, empty roads, elevation and camber changes.

The car felt like an extension of me, I was just thinking it through corners.

It really is a lovely thing.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52425493589_8d7c7d07a0_k.jpg)

Looks good  8)  only thing letting it down is the drainpipe exhaust tailpipe imo :D

Quote from: thetyrant on October 13, 2022, 18:00Looks good  8)  only thing letting it down is the drainpipe exhaust tailpipe imo :D

It's a genuine TRD!

Though it's not the most flattering angle.

Garage has started to take shape.

6mx5m

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52426251085_3e7f954ca7_k.jpg)

So that's where the Amazon Rain Forest timber is all going!

Do you have to hoist the MR2 over the wall to get into it?  ;D

Quote from: Joesson on October 14, 2022, 10:00So that's where the Amazon Rain Forest timber is all going!

Scottish grown and sustainably harvested  :)

Quote from: tricky1138 on October 14, 2022, 10:46Do you have to hoist the MR2 over the wall to get into it?  ;D

Thankfully, no. I drive it through the gates like most folk!

 8) well done on the start keep the updates comeing with pictures 8)
your 2 is looking good as well :)  :)

Long time no update!

The garage is finally (mostly) finished, and today I went to collect the car from hibernation at the in-laws to go into the new garage  ;D

There's still quite a lot of snow up in rural Perthshire, but I was amazed at how the AD08RS tyres actually coped getting off the drive!

It's now back home, and awaiting a good wash to get the road salt off before it's put away until spring.

 :) did you mention garage now i  love garage or 2 any info on this and even better pictures.
good effort to your 2 out on the main road. hope drive home went well :)  :)

Thoroughly jealous of your surroundings. 
That's the kind of drive I want. One without humans anywhere near it. Damn humans. 

Well, after a bit of careful manoeuvring (the entrance apron hasn't yet been poured!) and the aid of some scaffold planks etc, it's in!

Welcome home.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52597912791_825a303ef1_b.jpg)

Quote from: puma2 on December 31, 2022, 08:51:) did you mention garage now i  love garage or 2 any info on this and even better pictures.
good effort to your 2 out on the main road. hope drive home went well :)  :)

As do I! I was promised a garage when we moved in, and after much demolition and construction, it's finally done, and exactly to my spec. There was no need for planning permission, as it was all done under permitted development, and we went as big as we could possibly go.

Next to go in is a mid-rise scissor lift, a great deal of rafter storage/organisation, a wheeled tool box and a proper work bench.

See above for pic  :D

Quote from: shnazzle on December 31, 2022, 09:23Thoroughly jealous of your surroundings.
That's the kind of drive I want. One without humans anywhere near it. Damn humans.

That's very kind!

To make things worse for you, this road is 15 minutes from our house:

Quote from: Alex Knight on December 31, 2022, 15:18That's very kind!

To make things worse for you, this road is 15 minutes from our house:

Where is this?? Any houses for sale? :)
We're looking to move next month 

Quote from: shnazzle on December 31, 2022, 16:16Where is this?? Any houses for sale? :)
We're looking to move next month

Here you go:

https://www.ultimatedrives.net/top-10-roads/details.php?route_ID=80023

We made the move from Bristol to Alyth last year, and it's a different world up here. We went back to Bristol for Xmas, and I couldn't believe the congestion below the border. It literally never happens up here.
Houses are significantly cheaper too.
We bought a 4 bed farmhouse with 1/4 acre for £50K less than our 3 bed terraced in Bristol.

Quote from: Alex Knight on December 31, 2022, 15:12Well, after a bit of careful manoeuvring (the entrance apron hasn't yet been poured!) and the aid of some scaffold planks etc, it's in!

Welcome home.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52597912791_825a303ef1_b.jpg)

So much yes for this garage. 👍

Quote from: Gaz2405 on December 31, 2022, 18:26So much yes for this garage. 👍

ooh now that is bat cave what a pleasure to have been built to spec.
what ever stress and strain your life was going through that it was totally worth it all.
ps when can i move in :))  :)) 

Mid-rise scissor lift will be installed in the spring, along with floor sealing and painting, wall and ceiling insulation, and a diesel heater.

Quote from: Anon on January  2, 2023, 09:06I have a scissor lift and it is one of my best purchases ever

Which one do you have?

MOT passed. No advisories. Good stuff.

 :) you got to love that feeling for a whole year :)
enjoy your 2 and the outstanding home it lives in :)

plus some of the best roads and scenery you have up there.

Still looking good.

Quote from: tpivette on April  8, 2023, 17:52Still looking good.

Thanks. Still love this car to absolute bits!

Indoor cover arrived today, thanks to @H1GRM.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52810401638_daad88ce04_h.jpg)

Arrived in Gainsborough for tomorrow's trackday at Blyton park.

I haven't done over 20 miles in this car since October last year.

Just did 328 miles predominantly down the A1. Just filled up for a total of 37.13 litres. That works out at just over 40 mpg. Steady 70mph with the occasional forays into lift to overtake etc.

That's pleasingly good economy for a car of such performance.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; there are no downsides to a 2ZZ swap.

I love this car.

That is impressive. I no longer remember life before turbo but I never see much more than 270 miles in mine, admittedly with mixed driving and mostly W.O.T.
I guess the 2zz really is just a 1zz even in economy when not using the big rev numbers.

good track, am there sat 27th

Well, I'm back from Blyton Park.

Firstly, props to this phenomenal car. What a machine. I drove 330 miles down to Blyton the night before, drove (hard!) around the circuit all day, then drove 330 miles home at the end of the day, with zero issues. Honestly, how many cars are capable of that? I cannot praise this car highly enough.

The circuit is a good one, and I think it really suits the MR2. Some of the corners are front limited, and I experienced some annoying understeer round Bunga-Bunga. I did have some passenger laps in a K20 S1 Elise (epic car, so nimble - you can really feel the lack of mass) and a Mini GP3 (suprisingly fast - was actually quicker than the new FL5 Civic Type-R in a straight line) - and they both were suffering from understeer through there also.

My car, as ever, (it feels a bit boring typing the same thing every time!) was fantastic. Lovely balance generally. It was particularly awesome exiting Lancaster corner. 3rd gear, right in the power band, you could feel the rear just juuuust overspeeding and helping to retain the tiniest slip angle, whilst still retaining drive. Perfection. I took the GP3 chap out for some flying laps, and he simply couldn't believe how good the balance was - so adjustable.

I did have a small panic coming back to the pits. A polyurethane exhaust mount literally melted (yes, literally) and began dripping directly onto the exhuast. This caused a small fire (yes, really) which was put out straight away by the very efficient marshalls. I was luckily right next to an extinguisher!

I spent the lunch break removing the remnants of the hanger and cleaning up the exhaust to ensure there was no more material left stuck to it.

All in all, a really good day. Epic car this, just epic.


(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52865172333_a0d047f24d_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52864898204_58aa39b3ed_b.jpg)

Brilliant Alex ;D

Am there 27th May and 24th June! Was watching to see if you got into 5th gear before chichane, , like me , no!

Some photos:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862426487_f061fcae2a_b.jpg)

Even on 'only' AD08RS tyres and Tein SuperStreet suspension, it still picks up an inside front wheel. Goes to show how stiff these chassis' are.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862728226_517ed66547_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862723146_99969f7419_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52863343850_693bd16570_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52862320912_63103a37ca_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52863278935_bc4093a3ae_b.jpg)

Looks good on track.

I was surprised how much roll the Elise seemed to have externally.

My two favourite cars in the first pic - the A110 - lovely ;D

Quote from: Gaz2405 on May  3, 2023, 14:07Looks good on track.

I was surprised how much roll the Elise seemed to have externally.

Thanks. That's a good observation regarding the Elise.

I can say that it didn't feel like that from the passenger seat. It felt like it had more pitch than roll.

It was on Nitrons- FYI.

If it's the K20 Elise I think it is I've seen it at Blyton before, was there another black one there with it?

About even on the straights, but couldn't keep up once we got into the corners.

Both actually came over to see what set up I was running.

Decent set of guys.

Quote from: Chilli Girl on May  3, 2023, 16:00My two favourite cars in the first pic - the A110 - lovely ;D

And in "Sapphire Blue".

Quote from: Gaz2405 on May  3, 2023, 16:17If it's the K20 Elise I think it is I've seen it at Blyton before, was there another black one there with it?

About even on the straights, but couldn't keep up once we got into the corners.

Both actually came over to see what set up I was running.

Decent set of guys.

Only one there. Guy's name is Rob. Super nice dude, very enthusiastic.

Was quicker than me everywhere, especially the tight turns and back straight.

To thank my car for (mostly) behaving very well on the last 660 mile round trip and consequent trackday, I've treated it to:

• Wheels off and deep cleaned
• Claybar
• Polish
• Wax
• Roof treated

Comes up minty. I can't believe it has done 125K miles now.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884410869_d24f4f2d59_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884250996_19ae43aa88_b.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52884411134_4308af5161_b.jpg)

Panels are like glass. The car gets used hard, but I think this goes to show what taking the time to properly look after a car well over the years gets you:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52883670582_f3c1df8a3d_b.jpg)

your effort you put into looking are your 2 is paying well keep up the good work 8)  8)
ps now were are the roads you took the pictures  8)  8)

@puma2

Thank you!

Here's a link to where I took the pictures:

Drumderg Wind Farm (https://maps.app.goo.gl/gGVxNMgF3DZnF1ig6?g_st=ic)

It's the road that links my village with the legendary A93 Old Military Road.

I've actually gotten my snowboard out round here in the winter also!

Took the car out up the newly resurfaced A93 today just for the hell of it.

Is this the MR2's best angle?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031865669_9bf98a741c_z.jpg)

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  8, 2023, 17:51Took the car out up the newly resurfaced A93 today just for the hell of it.

Is this the MR2's best angle?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031865669_9bf98a741c_z.jpg)

Pics like these that make me miss my 2

 :) pictures  like that with my 2 just want to be in that area 8)  8)

did you use to live in Bristol?

Quote from: puma2 on July  9, 2023, 08:31:) pictures  like that with my 2 just want to be in that area 8)  8)

did you use to live in Bristol?

Yes, we moved to Scotland in 2021.

Lived in Clifton, Bristol before that.

 :) fair paly that was a big move 8)
hopefully its paying off well and your enjoying that area more and work and life balance better for you as well :)

love the area from your pictures and great place to have your 2 out and about to rest after the track work 8)

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  8, 2023, 17:51Took the car out up the newly resurfaced A93 today just for the hell of it.

Is this the MR2's best angle?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031865669_9bf98a741c_z.jpg)

Yes, but windows down. Need to go back next week & do it again properly ;)

Quote from: Alex Knight on July  8, 2023, 17:51Took the car out up the newly resurfaced A93 today just for the hell of it.

Is this the MR2's best angle?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53031865669_9bf98a741c_z.jpg)

From this angle the front looks quite long.

Reckon you could fit an engine in that space at the front.

The front scuttle cover had gotten quite dirty and showed witness marks from previous polishing sessions, and it really bugged me when the car was clean:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084109061_58106b0aa0_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084514025_8ededde733_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084298094_b47f70f91a_k.jpg)

I set about cleaning under the scuttle cover, and found that the bolts holding the wiper linkages in place were a bit crusty, so I replaced them with some zinc plated bolts.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084109016_87376b206f_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084108051_f6ee4d9f98_k.jpg)

All refitted and looking much better:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084513105_2e9325cd0f_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53084297019_e3e692c01a_k.jpg)

It's the little details that make the difference sometimes.

Great job @Alex Knight - looks so much better. ;D

Today I fixed something that's been slightly bugging me for literally years.

I've always had a bit of free play at the top of the throttle pedal. About half an inch or so. I had gotten used to it, so I put it on the 'long' list.

Today I fixed that, and it was incredibly easy.

Firstly, the cable slack at the throttle body end was fully maxed out, so I took a look at the pedal end.

There is a rubber sleeve going around the cable at the top of the pedal, along the length of it (circled in red below). Presumably this has been compacted after many years of full throttle use, resulting in slack between the top of the pedal initially moving and then finally taking up the movement.

I removed the pedal from the bracket (dead easy - two 10mm bolts) and added 3 x 1mm washers to the top 10mm bolt (circles below in blue) between the pedal and the bracket.

This has the effect of tilting the top of the pedal inwards towards the interior, thus taking up the slack at the top of the pedal.

Result? Instant engine response from the moment the pedal is depressed, and the idle is still perfect, meaning I haven't added any preload to the cable.

If you have the same issue as me, take the five minutes to fix it and enjoy a significantly more responsive engine at the start of the pedal travel!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53085528872_61a9502707_k.jpg)

Quote from: Alex Knight on August  1, 2023, 13:00Today I fixed something that's been slightly bugging me for literally years.

I've always had a bit of free play at the top of the throttle pedal. About half an inch or so. I had gotten used to it, so I put it on the 'long' list.

Today I fixed that, and it was incredibly easy.

Firstly, the cable slack at the throttle body end was fully maxed out, so I took a look at the pedal end.

There is a rubber sleeve going around the cable at the top of the pedal, along the length of it (circled in red below). Presumably this has been compacted after many years of full throttle use, resulting in slack between the top of the pedal initially moving and then finally taking up the movement.

I removed the pedal from the bracket (dead easy - two 10mm bolts) and added 3 x 1mm washers to the top 10mm bolt (circles below in blue) between the pedal and the bracket.

This has the effect of tilting the top of the pedal inwards towards the interior, thus taking up the slack at the top of the pedal.

Result? Instant engine response from the moment the pedal is depressed, and the idle is still perfect, meaning I haven't added any preload to the cable.

If you have the same issue as me, take the five minutes to fix it and enjoy a significantly more responsive engine at the start of the pedal travel!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53085528872_61a9502707_k.jpg)

I've just come back from a joyride and, Sir, thank you so much.

As soon as I saw the post I thought, "There is no way..." after having had the same issue since I've owned my MR2.
Well, after a couple of washers as a quick fix, compared to the thousands of pounds I've spent on this car, this is by far one of the best mods I've ever done.  :))

Everything feels so tight now: crispier, quicker shifts, instantaneous rev matches - no guessing games!

Recommended to anyone with pedal play. You're a life saver Alex.

I knew that I couldn't be the only one!

I'm very glad to have helped :)

It's amazing the difference it makes isn't it?

As an aside, I've removed one of the washers, and only have two in there now. I noticed when everything was fully up to temperature, there was juuuuust a little pre-load on the cable, bringing the idle to about 1,200RPM. That's been resolved now.

Quote from: Alex Knight on August  3, 2023, 22:43I knew that I couldn't be the only one!

I'm very glad to have helped :)

It's amazing the difference it makes isn't it?

As an aside, I've removed one of the washers, and only have two in there now. I noticed when everything was fully up to temperature, there was juuuuust a little pre-load on the cable, bringing the idle to about 1,200RPM. That's been resolved now.

The amount of play in my pedal must have been quite significant then as I've got about 5mm of washerage in there and it's right on the money - no preload and instant throttle response.

My right leg is starting to get tired driving it though as there's no more safety net resting your foot on the throttle, especially in this shocking weather!

All fluids changed today.

Gearbox oil: Motul Gear 300 75w-90 Fully Synthetic Racing Transmission & Differential Oil

Brake & Clutch Fluid: Motul RBF 600 Factory Line Fully Synthetic DOT 4 Racing Brake & Clutch Fluid

Engine Oil: Millers Oils Motorsport CFS 10w-50 NT+ Nanodrive Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

And a genuine Toyota oil filter and sump plug washer.

Quote from: Alex Knight on August  1, 2023, 13:00If you have the same issue as me, take the five minutes to fix it and enjoy a significantly more responsive engine at the start of the pedal travel!

Finally got around to doing this. Crazy how easy that was to do and the difference it makes, thanks for the tip. I still have probably 1-2mm of slack but another washer would 100% take it too far so for now it'll do.

Wheels off today for a brake and tyre wear inspection check - all good.

The pads are about half worn, I'm very pleased with the wear rate on the CarboTech XP10s. I'd have had to have changed them already if I was still using Yellowstuff.

AD08RS tyres have huge life left in them. I'd estimate that they are still on 5-6mm tread all round. Amazing really.

Also gave me a chance to deep clean the wheels. Came up lovely. I bought these wheels new in 2014 and they still look good today.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53182320831_a94b204d49_k.jpg)

Yesterday marked the last drive of this year - a lovely blast up the A93.

As of today, it is SORN for 6 months. I've not done this before, but I just can't bear the thought of such a clean car being subjected to the scottish winter, so it's tucked away in the garage for now.

Rest assured it's going to be cleaned to within an inch of it's life, inside, outside and underneath.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53303001025_323db5a640_k.jpg)

 :(  :( night night for 6 months then is it :(

Just tucked away mine yesterday...:-(

Sad time of year, but it does look very cosy!

I couldn't tuck the car away dirty, obviously, but the weather wasn't playing ball.

Had some sunshine today, so I've given it a quick once over. No polish or wax, just a wash.

Came up nice, and gives me a good platform to get a full paint correction done soon.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53310492847_ba18a7f896_k.jpg)

Polished or not that is shiny to my eyes

 :) that is one good clean while the sun was out fair play :)
looking good love to see what its like looking with a bit  dress to impress  :))  :))

MOT passed today - zero advisories - happy days :)

 :) now your talking about that 12 month feel on the MOT enjoy :)   the black as it does look good  8)  8)

Parts arrived from Japan yesterday.

I cleaned and fitted the C-One Motorsport rear strut brace.

It's super sturdy, I'm really pleased with it.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53594345888_19f7fc3373_k.jpg)

Decision time!

I find myself in the incredibly fortunate position of being able to choose which genuine, JDM front strut brace to use.

Given that I already have the C-One Motorsport rear brace, the OCD in me is keen to use the C-One front brace also.

However, being a bit of a genuine TRD parts nerd means that I also would like to fit the TRD front brace.

The TRD brace is slightly stiffer (though I don't think there's a massive difference between the two), but I would also be a little tweaked by having two different brands of strut brace on the car (yes, I'm fully aware of how weird this is).

Fitting either unfortunately means that I won't be able to use the frunk cover/lid, which is a little disappointing.

What do you guys think?

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53597875181_264704c603_k.jpg)

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53598204689_303c403c23_k.jpg)

What suspension are you running on your car?

Quote from: KRAMSNEHPETS on March 19, 2024, 20:22What suspension are you running on your car?

TEIN SuperStreet with EDFC.

Stiffness of the strut cannot be determined accurately by hand. Whatever differences you feel would be magnified many times over when properly installed as the car would be applying far greater torsional forces to these braces.
I'd pick the stiffer one for the front it makes more difference anyway, doesn't matter what goes at the back.
I have both front and rear TRD braces to fit, sadly can't fit the rear as the turbo fan fouls.

The difference between the two probably can't be felt by us non professional drivers anyway, go with your heart.

Stiffness be damned. I'd want a "set".

I have a set listed months ago...no takers.
Still have them!

They'd have to match for me.

There's no way a cross-bolted brace will be as stiff as the TRD, which, I think, is very well engineered.

Also when you look at the rigidity of the plates where the brace bolts to the struts, there's no comparison.

I have a spare frunk lid, if you want to cut one down. I know the breakers just bin them (after removing the catches), so getting a spare is no big deal.  I use tie wraps to attach the top edge of the frunk lid to the TRD brace.

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That's super handy, thanks @Carolyn. I had considered cutting it down, but I hadn't thought of the cable tie hinge!