MR2 Roadster Owners Club

Hi everyone, not been very involved with the club for a while although I did make it to Simon's shin ding last summer.

Been very busy with a nightmare of a house project, getting to grips with the new job (2 years now) and the stresses of life as many of you have had under Covid.

My car is definately punishing me for not getting much attention over the last 2 years.....

She has been residing in my parents garage due to no room at the building site I have been living in for the last 2 years, I picked her up in September for a MOT  went straight through but had a rattle on the cat, after investigation needed a new one so booked in to local exhaust place, also ordered a bigger back box to quieten her down a bit, then took her to work and promptly broke the back window on a cold morning before work!

Car went back to my parents until last week when I picked her up in preparation to go to Swansea for a new roof, on the way home  no heat from heater and started to over heat  been here before so next day bled the cooling system, checked oil levels etc, took her for a drive all was good, she had forgiven me, or so I thought!

Up at 5 the next day to drive to Wales, an hour into it the engine blew, whilst overtaking a lorry, coasted into a garage and got transported home.

Local garage has taken a quick look, no compression on 1 cylinder, sparkplug has been cut in half, dropped a valve by the looks of it, low compression on another cylinder.....not looking good.

Some return!

That is sad news.

Terrible news mate and it was the best 2zz swap I've been in.

Bugger...

Terrible news, was possibly the best 2zz engine bay I had seen

Double bugger.

Welcome back, though - how can we help?

Oh, well that's spoilt your day to say the least, real shame.

Sorry to hear this Mike and sorry the house is taking so long. I know how house projects can take over your life!

Hope you are able to come up with a cunning plan to fix the car.

Nooooooo!
Mike, you were supposed to be keeping this car "warm" for me to buy off you.
What an absolute shame.
Hopefully it can be fixed. The car was definitely too good for it to go to waste

Thanks everyone, I've missed you guys!

Not sure what I am going to do yet...

I have a few options but they are all going to cost money

1) buy a replacement engine, transfer the good bits, replace the bits that can be replaced, cross fingers.

2) rebuild engine, at least I know what's been done

3) Put something different in there

4) Break the car and start again with a new project.

Car is coming back to me tomorrow so I can try to work out what's wrong and how much damage has been done, at least I have an empty garage to put her in now!

My main problem is I'm not confident in rebuilding the engine myself so whatever I do I'm going to have to pay someone to do it.

Just need to do the Maths and work out what's best

Mike, really sorry to hear all this bad luck with your gorgeous 2. I do hope you can get her back to how she was. Nice to see you back on the forum though but not in these circumstances. :'(

Quote from: mikek on April 29, 2021, 21:47Thanks everyone, I've missed you guys!

Not sure what I am going to do yet...

I have a few options but they are all going to cost money

1) buy a replacement engine, transfer the good bits, replace the bits that can be replaced, cross fingers.

2) rebuild engine, at least I know what's been done

3) Put something different in there

4) Break the car and start again with a new project.

Car is coming back to me tomorrow so I can try to work out what's wrong and how much damage has been done, at least I have an empty garage to put her in now!

My main problem is I'm not confident in rebuilding the engine myself so whatever I do I'm going to have to pay someone to do it.

Just need to do the Maths and work out what's best

I'm afraid that one will almost certainly be beyond economical repair.  Joe Cool did very well with the reconditioned one he got from MAG engines.  Then it's just a swap...

Quote from: Carolyn on April 29, 2021, 22:03

Quote from: mikek on April 29, 2021, 21:47Thanks everyone, I've missed you guys!

Not sure what I am going to do yet...

I have a few options but they are all going to cost money

1) buy a replacement engine, transfer the good bits, replace the bits that can be replaced, cross fingers.

2) rebuild engine, at least I know what's been done

3) Put something different in there

4) Break the car and start again with a new project.

Car is coming back to me tomorrow so I can try to work out what's wrong and how much damage has been done, at least I have an empty garage to put her in now!

My main problem is I'm not confident in rebuilding the engine myself so whatever I do I'm going to have to pay someone to do it.

Just need to do the Maths and work out what's best

I'm afraid that one will almost certainly be beyond economical repair.  Joe Cool did very well with the reconditioned one he got from MAG engines.  Then it's just a swap...

Would the cams be fubar as I believe Mike has some hot stage 2 cams

Quote from: 1979scotte on April 29, 2021, 22:07

Quote from: Carolyn on April 29, 2021, 22:03

Quote from: mikek on April 29, 2021, 21:47Thanks everyone, I've missed you guys!

Not sure what I am going to do yet...

I have a few options but they are all going to cost money

1) buy a replacement engine, transfer the good bits, replace the bits that can be replaced, cross fingers.

2) rebuild engine, at least I know what's been done

3) Put something different in there

4) Break the car and start again with a new project.

Car is coming back to me tomorrow so I can try to work out what's wrong and how much damage has been done, at least I have an empty garage to put her in now!

My main problem is I'm not confident in rebuilding the engine myself so whatever I do I'm going to have to pay someone to do it.

Just need to do the Maths and work out what's best

I'm afraid that one will almost certainly be beyond economical repair.  Joe Cool did very well with the reconditioned one he got from MAG engines.  Then it's just a swap...

Would the cams be fubar as I believe Mike has some hot stage 2 cams

The cams may well have survived the carnage.  I doubt the same can be said for the block (bores) the pistons and the cylinder head.  I hate to be the harbinger of doom, but a dropped valve does one hell of a lot of damage.

The main thing is to find away to get her back to her former glory.... If we can help, we will.

 :) Such said news after after the the change of jobs i no was a very stressfully time for you.
to have all that go bang now on top of the house stress is all you need.

get it inside your garage now take a deep breath and think.
your 2 a was very special car even with out the 2zz that was the topping of the cake.
you have to do what is best for you and like you some outlay of money is needed what ever direction you go in.

we will always be happy to see at ding day or any other day for that matter and see what discussions can be had to help.

great to here from you as its been a while :)  :)

I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your engine. 
 I would get another 2ZZ in good condition and move forward but I would sell the aftermarket cams and not touch the new engine.

 I have heard of many reported cases of dropped valves when used with aftermarket cams on various forums that use the 2ZZ as a factory engine. It could be the retainers or some other tolerance issue. It doesn't happen to everyone but it does happen where it almost never happens with OEM cams. It also happens with the 1ZZ but more frequent with the 2ZZ probably because its more popular to add cams or for some other mechanical reason. 
 The 2ZZ is a good motor but when you mess with it, it lowers the reliability unlike some other motors where they tend to work well with aftermarket internals.

Quote from: shnazzle on April 29, 2021, 21:19Nooooooo!
Mike, you were supposed to be keeping this car "warm" for me to buy off you.
What an absolute shame.
Hopefully it can be fixed. The car was definitely too good for it to go to waste

If you could just put a down  £2k deposit I can hold it for you (and more importantly fix it!)

Quote from: Carolyn on April 30, 2021, 08:37

Quote from: 1979scotte on April 29, 2021, 22:07

Quote from: Carolyn on April 29, 2021, 22:03

Quote from: mikek on April 29, 2021, 21:47Thanks everyone, I've missed you guys!

Not sure what I am going to do yet...

I have a few options but they are all going to cost money

1) buy a replacement engine, transfer the good bits, replace the bits that can be replaced, cross fingers.

2) rebuild engine, at least I know what's been done

3) Put something different in there

4) Break the car and start again with a new project.

Car is coming back to me tomorrow so I can try to work out what's wrong and how much damage has been done, at least I have an empty garage to put her in now!

My main problem is I'm not confident in rebuilding the engine myself so whatever I do I'm going to have to pay someone to do it.

Just need to do the Maths and work out what's best

I'm afraid that one will almost certainly be beyond economical repair.  Joe Cool did very well with the reconditioned one he got from MAG engines.  Then it's just a swap...

Would the cams be fubar as I believe Mike has some hot stage 2 cams

The cams may well have survived the carnage.  I doubt the same can be said for the block (bores) the pistons and the cylinder head.  I hate to be the harbinger of doom, but a dropped valve does one hell of a lot of damage.

The main thing is to find away to get her back to her former glory.... If we can help, we will.

Thank you for the kind offer of help, still assessing the situation and if I need some help I will definately ask.

Engine is definately toast.

Quote from: Dev on April 30, 2021, 19:21I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your engine. 
 I would get another 2ZZ in good condition and move forward but I would sell the aftermarket cams and not touch the new engine.

 I have heard of many reported cases of dropped valves when used with aftermarket cams on various forums that use the 2ZZ as a factory engine. It could be the retainers or some other tolerance issue. It doesn't happen to everyone but it does happen where it almost never happens with OEM cams. It also happens with the 1ZZ but more frequent with the 2ZZ probably because its more popular to add cams or for some other mechanical reason. 
 The 2ZZ is a good motor but when you mess with it, it lowers the reliability unlike some other motors where they tend to work well with aftermarket internals.

Great advice Dev and I whole heartedly take it on board but.......

unfortunately for me it's the cams that make the engine and make the car what it is.

So I think I have found a solution

Stage 2 cams, uprated valves and springs, uprated oil pump and gears, totally rebuilt on a new block by lee at se7en motorsport 11000 miles ago.

Should give me back exactly what I've lost with a little more reliability.

Just need @shnazzle to place his deposit on the car and I'm good to go!

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 21:39So I think I have found a solution

Stage 2 cams, uprated valves and springs, uprated oil pump and gears, totally rebuilt on a new block by lee at se7en motorsport 11000 miles ago.

Should give me back exactly what I've lost with a little more reliability.

Just need @shnazzle to place his deposit on the car and I'm good to go!

Explain? You have that block?

Quote from: shnazzle on April 30, 2021, 21:53

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 21:39So I think I have found a solution

Stage 2 cams, uprated valves and springs, uprated oil pump and gears, totally rebuilt on a new block by lee at se7en motorsport 11000 miles ago.

Should give me back exactly what I've lost with a little more reliability.

Just need @shnazzle to place his deposit on the car and I'm good to go!

Explain? You have that block?

I dont have it yet but it is available, just came out of a celica that's being broken.

Take my broken one out, put the new one back in, everything is good again, no remapping, just get in and drive

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 21:58

Quote from: shnazzle on April 30, 2021, 21:53

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 21:39So I think I have found a solution

Stage 2 cams, uprated valves and springs, uprated oil pump and gears, totally rebuilt on a new block by lee at se7en motorsport 11000 miles ago.

Should give me back exactly what I've lost with a little more reliability.

Just need @shnazzle to place his deposit on the car and I'm good to go!

Explain? You have that block?

I dont have it yet but it is available, just came out of a celica that's being broken.

Take my broken one out, put the new one back in, everything is good again, no remapping, just get in and drive

How many millions?

£1500 fitted

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 22:25£1500 fitted

What???
Dude...that's an utter bargain.

Quote from: shnazzle on April 30, 2021, 22:28

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 22:25£1500 fitted

What???
Dude...that's an utter bargain.

Same guys I bought the original engine from, heavily discounted the labour for me, a little extra to transport my car one way.

Got to pay for fluids etc on top.

Too good to turn down, picking my car up next Thursday hopefully.

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 22:34

Quote from: shnazzle on April 30, 2021, 22:28

Quote from: mikek on April 30, 2021, 22:25£1500 fitted

What???
Dude...that's an utter bargain.

Same guys I bought the original engine from, heavily discounted the labour for me, a little extra to transport my car one way.

Got to pay for fluids etc on top.

Too good to turn down, picking my car up next Thursday hopefully.

And there was me thinking we needed to have a quick whip round.

Back in the game.
Great news

Are they pulling the cylinder head and putting new valves in?

Quote from: Carolyn on May  1, 2021, 09:18Are they pulling the cylinder head and putting new valves in?

See from #19 it's all 11,000 miles new.

 :) now that is a result and would go with that any day :)
even if you added some refresh bits or had to pay for little bits to done as they are working on and making easy to do there and then got to be worth the little bit extra cost of peace of mind :)  :)

at least  now it will take some of the car stress off you :)  :)

sorry cant help with the house but will be worth it in the end if you are getting a garage as well :)  :)

Jammy bugger...

Soo how you planning on getting it up to Lee?

Quote from: jvanzyl on May  3, 2021, 23:16Soo how you planning on getting it up to Lee?

It's not going to Lee, he just built it. It's going to SJ in Birmingham and they are picking it up for me.

received_467921097609973.jpeg

Took a look at the inside of the new engine, looks reasonably healthy....

Car got picked up at 8am this morning, old engine was out by 5pm.

Great service from SJ autosport so far.....

Quote from: mikek on May 20, 2021, 18:49received_467921097609973.jpeg

Took a look at the inside of the new engine, looks reasonably healthy....

Saucy stuff...

Quote from: mikek on May 20, 2021, 18:51Car got picked up at 8am this morning, old engine was out by 5pm.

Great service from SJ autosport so far.....

Are you sat with him?
I'll be over on Sunday.

Good luck to you both.
The road of modified motors is bumpy and potholed .

Quote from: 1979scotte on May 21, 2021, 13:21Good luck to you both.
The road of modified motors is bumpy and potholed .

Tell me about it!!!

Collected my car from SJ Autosport today. It's running nicely, seems smoother and not quite so Cammy, as the old engine. Stopped after an hour just to check everything, all good. Haven't driven it in anger yet due to the weather but I'm very pleased so far.

Jam at SJ, has been great, sent me photos at each stage of all the new parts going in/on. 4 day turnaround including picking it up.

I just need to go over it now and double check everything, then try to get booked back in for a new roof.

He is going to open up the old engine this week and let me know the extent of the damage.....should be interesting!

Looks like things went to plan and the car will be better than ever.
Hope you can get the roof sorted ASAP

Great news Mike.

Looks like you are back after all!

Woohoo!

... Still got dibs on the car

Great news.

Well done.

Just saw the pics of the build. The boys seem to have done a very thorough job. Very nice indeed. Like the extras you threw in :)

Quote from: shnazzle on May 25, 2021, 20:44Just saw the pics of the build. The boys seem to have done a very thorough job. Very nice indeed. Like the extras you threw in :)

Seemed silly not to whilst the engine was out