MR2 Roadster Owners Club

So I thought it was time to start putting a build thread/journey together for my current MR2 project, so what the idea then?

Well I've owned a couple of K20/24 S1 Elise's for the last 4 years, and whilst building them up into capable fast road/track toys I've also seen the price of them continue to rise and rise along with the amount they have cost to build!

And whilst I love them cant help but think £20-30k is an awful lot of money for a track toy that's only used once a month or so, especially when I have quite a few bits on my house Id like to do.

I then came across a sensibly priced and spec'd K20 converted MR2 Roadster, which made me think, could I make it 80% as good as the Elise for 50% of the money?

Needless to say I went to look at it and bought it, The chap had done a great job of the conversion making it a nice quick car but maintaining the interior and comfort of a more normal car.

So initial thoughts of the car?

-Its fun, great fun infact! Has the same lovely balancing act or understeer to oversteer mid corner that the Elise's have which you can play with.

-It doesn't look like an Elise

-Its such a nicer place to be inside, seats are fairly comfy, has carpets in the front, power steering electric Mirrors and the engine mounts arent too harsh.

-Its still fast, yes not as fast but still capable.

So overall I was really happy, for the difference in money it really offers a great overall and more usable package.

I'll get some photo's uploaded of when I purchased it and then start going through some of the things I have done so far and the future plans as I'm pleased to say its going to be staying for a while!

Many thanks

Pictures when I purchased the car.

(https://i.ibb.co/P63dtG5/3-A882196-A770-427-B-A467-150007842140.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P63dtG5)

(https://i.ibb.co/XjfT8CG/A5-A7-E401-4528-4-CBC-9-FDA-53915-CA27932.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XjfT8CG)

(https://i.ibb.co/F37R2hJ/BFE76-BF7-53-F9-4-E4-E-8-AB0-6615-FAF57-DAE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/F37R2hJ)

And spec when I purchased it;

Stock K20 engine
RBC inlet manifold
Innovative engine mounts
Custom exhaust manifold into 3" system
234bhp mapped by EFI
Stock gearbox with M Factory LSD
Clockwise baffled sump
Hondata k100 ecu
Modal oil cooler

Meister R coilovers
Yellow stuff EBC pads
White line f&r anti roll bars
McGillian under body brace
Fully pollybushed


Corbeau club sport seats
3" TRS harness'

Dan

Nice...wish I have the time and the ££££!

There was a few visual changes I wanted to make with the car straight away and in a funny turn of events I already had a few parts lined up!

I had purchased a Silver Mk3 MR2 shell that was ready to drop a 2ZZ engine in which had some nice parts on it, I literally sold it weeks before getting this car so spoke to the guy who purchased it and got some of the parts back!

On the list was a matching Silver Hardtop and Black side air intakes. So I removed the Soft top and got these fitted along with removing the rear spoiler. (The style wasn't to my taste and my understanding for a decent aero benefit the wing has to fairly large and mounted quite high up so wouldn't be doing a lot anyway).

I then wanted to change the number plate, again not really to my taste I found a still K20 orientated plate for it and got some Japanese sized rectangle plates made up and fitted.

Naturally with a new car I was looking on Ebay/FB Marketplace for things to buy and came across some Traklite Gear wheels in bronze, a deal was done and I got them wrapped in some Zestino Gredge 195/205 tyres which I thought would be a good all round starting tyre to learn the car with.

The final first phase of improvements was to cut the bottom section of the rear bumper, remove some of the plastics and add a aftermarket crash bar. Again this was all mostly for visual benefit but I'm sure will allow heat to escape more easily too.

I was pleased with these small updates how different the car looked and it already felt like 'my car' instead of one I had just bought. Sounds silly I know but I think its important to put your own touch onto your car.

Thanks

(https://i.ibb.co/k82xFbV/F6-BB3525-4-D90-4-F16-8-EF4-3-EE0733-DF6-DB.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k82xFbV)

(https://i.ibb.co/TkF0Dy7/B543-DDFF-EB57-4895-AFE0-B34-A9129273-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TkF0Dy7)

(https://i.ibb.co/0yZs5wH/BA2-B79-D2-EDED-4-F25-816-D-84007-CC17424.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0yZs5wH)

Next on the list before booking a trackday was to sort the seating position and roll cage, the previous owner had made his own brackets which although were very good was far too high for me and my bro who also uses the car.

So we cut them out and got some of the Rogue Motorsport mounts and readjusted the seats to a position we were happy with.

Then it was onto sorting the roll cage, the cage currently in the car was made for use with a softop and didn't give enough head room for me lot alone Matt. So this was removed and I took the car to JP Cages who made me a custom rear cage to order.

Was really pleased with the quality and fit of the cage, gives lots of head room and have no doubt will be nice and strong if the worst happens, I will probably go back there to convert to a full cage later down the line.

With this sorted it was time to book its first outing at Cadwell.


Pic of the original cage and how low it sat;

(https://i.ibb.co/SPDStSp/546-ED48-F-352-A-49-EE-BE14-870-EBC2-BC7-DD.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SPDStSp)

And the new cage now;

(https://i.ibb.co/ZV68zjV/D239-DDB6-934-C-47-AF-944-E-05-AB39817900.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZV68zjV)

(https://i.ibb.co/xXCMN9B/AE98-AAFA-D38-B-4861-9-ED8-CCA3-AE3-CD9-F7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xXCMN9B)

(https://i.ibb.co/g65cjsk/8031-F3-F4-7-EC1-4822-8-A1-E-0407-E9-D130-C0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g65cjsk)

(https://i.ibb.co/HzP4VL1/5-D55-CD6-E-88-FC-4487-9-C64-6-C5-BCB8-B55-D8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HzP4VL1)

So the first outing at Cadwell was a success, car performed brilliant abd the only casualty was the battery jumped out of its holder on one lap so need to have a look at relocating that.

Car felt really good, had great traction out of the corners and felt nice and playful, quite oftens here people saying they are quite snappy but it feels comfortable around the limits*

*Hope I don't regret saying this later in the build 😂

Few pictures albeit with the silly img things!

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/TcX3fvY/6-D1-ECE22-A746-467-E-A641-E9419-C4-E5-A8-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TcX3fvY)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZfsdXTF/4-AC5965-F-C235-4572-ABF8-61302-B183522.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZfsdXTF)

(https://i.ibb.co/MDfc9MJ/023-F0-ADE-FB23-44-D9-BB18-D180639-F11-CA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MDfc9MJ)

Nice Danny, glad you started a thread.

Next on the agenda was to neaten up the dashboard a little bit, the dash had 3 additional gauges along with a Rev limit light in pods stuck on. All useful info but again not to my taste, so I purchased a triple gauge pod to go in where the CD player was to simplify the dash then moved the Rev limit light for now.

Before;

(https://i.ibb.co/hmHJ33z/3-EC9387-C-9168-45-A5-AEB0-26-B7-CCB61-A0-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hmHJ33z)

After;

(https://i.ibb.co/MSMgNgK/CD1-B1-CFF-7505-4-E85-8936-14-A2-CDCEE8-B0.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MSMgNgK)

I also changed the 280mm Wheel for a Sparco suede 330mm as I don't like the wheel too small. I fitted a removable steering wheel boss at the same time too.

Dan

Next few visual enhancements for the exterior was something I don't think I've ever fitted on a car but I can't help but like them on the MR2...side skirts!

Along with a front lip I think it drastically changes the look of the car and am super happy with it.

Only temp painted them in wheel silver but to be honest can't believe how good the colour match is!

All set for another Cadwell now 😬

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/HNMLrLn/2-E0438-D8-7281-4-DD6-88-C5-B6-C434-C9-D171.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HNMLrLn)

(https://i.ibb.co/d2tnYws/88-CEFCA7-D079-4-BA5-926-B-B7-D150276942.jpg) (https://ibb.co/d2tnYws)

(https://i.ibb.co/cg82XbJ/C70-AA2-C6-3-B90-4216-AEB6-D08-DB31-C2038.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cg82XbJ)

(https://i.ibb.co/R7MqcTQ/FD36-A9-E4-22-AF-48-BD-B63-A-A44-C1-B325-A4-F.png) (https://ibb.co/R7MqcTQ)

Another great day at Cadwell was had, however we found that on left hands bends especially on the way up coppice and the slight kink before the mountain it was loose at the back.

It got progressively worse so we jacked it up and found the issue was the adj camber bolts we fitted were moving and we had active camber on the rear...not ideal 😂 tightened them up for one last session and then called it a day.

Looking back at some of the footage we were getting some half decent laps in too considering it was only the second time out and with the active camber clocked a few 1;42/43 laps.

So was pleased with the pace, with some more seat time and some wider more focused rubber should see a 1;39 which would be really happy with!

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/5v2kB0n/22-F152-C4-736-C-42-E1-9647-F696-EC5-F5-D95.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5v2kB0n)

(https://i.ibb.co/P6FDpx4/FB755-A2-B-A7-BA-4679-963-D-BE54-F6-A89-D5-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P6FDpx4)

(https://i.ibb.co/9Ws22vN/05-F2813-E-14-D2-44-B4-AB70-C3-BD6-C739-E4-A.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9Ws22vN)

(https://i.ibb.co/W5cNyvC/788080-AE-EFC2-4-B3-D-A40-D-83-F46057-ADF4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/W5cNyvC)

(https://i.ibb.co/BGZx9c8/02-C49352-5-A83-49-F2-A99-A-99-F6-E4-D0603-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BGZx9c8)

Next outing was booked to Oulton Park, this one didn't go so well.

Naively didn't take the car out for a test since Cadwell as it all seemed ok. Set off the night before for Oulton and ten mins into the journey the driveshaft was knocking quite badly.

I limped it to Matts and we had a couple of hours on it but we were fighting a loosing battle, after having for it removed it was clear it was 'shafted' 🙄

So we had to jump in the mx5 for the day at Oulton so all was not lost.

Had a cracking day as always and I got some uprated shafts ordered ready for fitting over the next few weeks.

Strangely we did the trackday on the exact same day with the same people exactly 6 years apart so replicated the old picture for abit of fun!


(https://i.ibb.co/Z2tZBP4/41-DBB043-F410-423-F-9-B65-2760-D341-FC01.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2tZBP4)

Little video Matt put together appreciate it's not the MR2 but still good fun!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR1sPPOvwzCnas24OTS4GV27D9gzYpJwoygg6UQNnZ_356_TYDWbTgkXTW0&v=8a-PfbC_FTE&feature=youtu.be

Dan

Over the next few weeks we got the driveshafts swapped over and I also received a new gear shifter set up I had ordered.

It's a work of art and feels really nice albeit I do need to spend some time fiddling with the set up to get it right.

(https://i.ibb.co/sbVP2DP/263-D80-F9-5-F05-416-E-A8-FD-05-EC46-A3-FCA7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sbVP2DP)

(https://i.ibb.co/Z2SmVzs/BF74-A363-F619-4085-AC68-EBF5-D5-ADE4-FC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2SmVzs)

(https://i.ibb.co/wpgGd7S/7-F13-BA76-7291-4-B7-F-9007-8-EF96406-A73-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wpgGd7S)

(https://i.ibb.co/drLMtbz/4-F77-EA6-F-BF14-4-F2-B-A326-5783-E1-CD8537.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drLMtbz)

We were then booked onto Blyton for a trackday between Christmas and new year, we always book on these as it's pretty much guaranteed to be cold wet slippy and lots of fun with Blyton been perfect to get some car control practice in!

Needless to say the weather didn't disappoint and neither did the car, was great fun all day and the Marshall's were really good and allowed for some sideways action.

(https://i.ibb.co/mcbM1MV/99-FB6492-A30-D-4247-9798-08-CBD1-D14875.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcbM1MV)

(https://i.ibb.co/kGndtNj/EF46-D23-A-29-C4-46-E5-B0-C9-48-B2-BAE6209-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kGndtNj)

(https://i.ibb.co/GkjHPSp/767-AE580-ACF9-41-C6-B3-A3-CFB447-B46-AFC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GkjHPSp)

(https://i.ibb.co/BcxwRtM/B6-D7-ADC3-A6-DF-49-B1-8-C6-A-9-A9-B1-D04-C2-B3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BcxwRtM)

And a good mid corner moment captured from behind;

(https://i.ibb.co/r6bKdxs/C4869-ADF-468-B-477-E-BE71-12551-F7-FDBC2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r6bKdxs)

And of course the obligatory moment when ambition out weighed capabilities....

(https://i.ibb.co/whTf7PC/45626305-8210-4-E4-B-B4-C2-140328146303.jpg) (https://ibb.co/whTf7PC)

What did I say earlier about them not been too bad on the limit 😂

Dan

So after having some fun in the car over winter I wanted to get a few bits done ready for the better weather when it arrives.

There is plenty of contrasting views about whether to run with staggered wheels/tyres on the MR2 so I thought there's no harm in trying it.

The car always felt pretty good with 15"s all round so it may be I go back to that we shall see.

I picked up a couple of sets of Rota GT3's one set in 15 and one 16. Got them all powder coated and sold one set leaving myself a pair of each.

I had some 225/45/16 AO48 tyres already in the garage and managed to find a matching pair of 205/50/15 so got them bought and all on the car.

Will be interesting to see how the car feels a) with abit more serious tyre and b) with a staggered set up.

I prefer the look of the bronze wheels so when I work out what sizes I want long term will be going back down that route.   

Whilst I was getting the tyres fitted Adam kindly put the car on the corner weights for me so we can have a base of where the car is currently.

I would like to try and lose abit more weight here and there which shouldn't be too difficult.

(https://i.ibb.co/FXdwMjZ/44-AA1-DAC-4-E10-4493-9-E50-30647509173-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FXdwMjZ)

(https://i.ibb.co/TMxXNJB/AA9239-F3-8238-46-E0-8-F95-7-D1-ADBEF097-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TMxXNJB)

(https://i.ibb.co/tZ1x1X3/B786-E21-F-14-FF-4-C06-9-A85-DD05-F611-AAA8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tZ1x1X3)

(https://i.ibb.co/7J5Q5t1/C29-D7647-076-E-41-B6-8508-EF1-E735-C196-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7J5Q5t1)

Weight is without the hardtop and with just over half a tank of fuel. 975kg is the initial aim with the hardtop on. Any hints and tips of some weight loss without ruining the car would be appreciated!

Dan

That's the thread upto speed now, having owned the car for 6 months now I've really grown fond of it.

It's been brilliant fun on track, feels like it could be really capable. And is generally a really nice place to be and to drive to and from the track.

So far it's definitely achieving the goal and giving as much fun/enjoyment as the Elise for a fraction of the price.

So what's next?

I already have the next batch of modifications lined up which Id like to get sorted before the summer. But it will just depend on getting the Elise finished and sold to release some funds/parts!

I have a set of Titan 48mm ITBs I've secured and need to collect for the engine, I'm going to fit these along with either some Skunk2 Drop in Cams or go a little further and do a slightly more aggressive cam and springs/retainers to unlock a few more Revs.

This should see the power at circa 250-270hp depending on the dyno!

I also have a box I made for the Elise that I'll be fitting a long with a lightened flywheel. It's a DC5 box with a shorter 4/5/6 gears and with a M Factory 5.417 final drive (current stock one is 4.764) so that will really wake the engine up and utilise the high revving power band.

Both these bits should really add to the theatre and make for a really impressive sound/engine character along with abit more pace too!

After that I'd like to get a rear wing made up to see if can make the rear feel abit more planted on the faster sections.

Apart from that I really want to just get lots is seat time and enjoy the car!

Hopefully won't be too long before the next batch of updates.

Thanks Dan

Cracking read.

Well played.

Took me a while to get through but well worth the read. Thanks for sharing. Fantastic car

Remember watching the build thread for this, pre your purchase on another forum, 

Great stuff!

You can find some component weights here;

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=12479.0

I am interested in how you found the zestinas as a street tyre as they seem like they would be similar to the old yoko AD08r (albeit in limited sizes)?

I hope you will be bringing the car to the National event, I want to see that shifter!

PS Are you considering some rear spats to finish off the bodykit?

Quote from: Topdownman on February 23, 2022, 08:11Great stuff!

You can find some component weights here;

https://www.mr2roc.org/forum/index.php?topic=12479.0

I am interested in how you found the zestinas as a street tyre as they seem like they would be similar to the old yoko AD08r (albeit in limited sizes)?

I hope you will be bringing the car to the National event, I want to see that shifter!

PS Are you considering some rear spats to finish off the bodykit?

Thanks! I will try and make the national as would be good to meet a few enthusiast and learn abit more about the cars.

At the rear Im toying with putting a small diffuser on along with a flat floor so I may just wait to get that sorted to be honest.

Thanks for sending the link to the weight components, will have a read through.

We found the Zestino tyres good overall tbh, Grip levels in the dry were good considering the relatively small size, Its a shame they dont do a 225 width 15/16" as I think that would be a nice easy turn up and drive track tyre.

I will mention though they are ok on a drying track but on a wet/damp track they are terrible! Next to no grip even with the soft compound.

Dan

Hope you can make it.

Good feedback on the tyres. The wet grip sounds like AD08r were so does sound like they are an option. As you say, the size choice is very limited though.

Did you find a supplier in the UK or did you have to buy from them direct?

Good work im sure you and Matt will get plenty of enjoyment out of this :)

Hi Danny, good read and I was wondering where this car ended up. I sort of knew Dan who you bought this from and it was a hell of a build (apart from the roll cage). Looks even better now. Your Will has recently been asking me questions about my 2ZZ build, re weight and corner weighting, now I know why, lol.

Mine is a similar spec, just with a 2zz. Will defo look at the K20 route one day though. Also just fitted A048's and they are mega on track.

Hope to see at a trackday sometime, I always see your Will and Matt so more than likely. We can do a proper 2zz v k20 head to head for the ZZW30 fan boys.

Quote from: Topdownman on February 24, 2022, 11:37Hope you can make it.

Good feedback on the tyres. The wet grip sounds like AD08r were so does sound like they are an option. As you say, the size choice is very limited though.

Did you find a supplier in the UK or did you have to buy from them direct?

I just got mine from Demon Tweeks mate, On memory were in stock when I ordered them so pretty much next day.

Quote from: JB21 on February 24, 2022, 13:19Hi Danny, good read and I was wondering where this car ended up. I sort of knew Dan who you bought this from and it was a hell of a build (apart from the roll cage). Looks even better now. Your Will has recently been asking me questions about my 2ZZ build, re weight and corner weighting, now I know why, lol.

Mine is a similar spec, just with a 2zz. Will defo look at the K20 route one day though. Also just fitted A048's and they are mega on track.

Hope to see at a trackday sometime, I always see your Will and Matt so more than likely. We can do a proper 2zz v k20 head to head for the ZZW30 fan boys.

Yeah He was saying you have got yours down to an impressive weight and time at Oulton! Let me know if your thinking of coming over to Cadwell/Blyton and Ill try and book on the same and vice versa with Oulton.

I best get some seat time in so I'm not letting the comparison down  :))

Any hints/tips of things you have found are worth doing for track? Do you run with ABS on track? And what pad do you use if you dont mind me asking? What size AO48 are you on, staggered?

Thanks

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on February 26, 2022, 11:23Yeah He was saying you have got yours down to an impressive weight and time at Oulton! Let me know if your thinking of coming over to Cadwell/Blyton and Ill try and book on the same and vice versa with Oulton.

I best get some seat time in so I'm not letting the comparison down  :))

Any hints/tips of things you have found are worth doing for track? Do you run with ABS on track? And what pad do you use if you dont mind me asking? What size AO48 are you on, staggered?

Thanks

Yeah I'll give you a shout if doing these tracks. Got all 3 on my list this year so we can catch up.

Current spec of mine below. Very well balanced, and puts out a decent lap on any track.

MR2 2ZZ Spec:
200hp p/ton
938kg without driver
189hp & 132 ft/lbs (standard spec)

Engine, ECU & exhaust:
Standard 2006 Celica 2zz-ge engine 89k miles
Corolla 2zz-ge JDM ECU (6000 lift - 8200 limit)
BMC CDA intake, with cold air feed to NS scoop
Elise Parts baffled sump
Custom header, 200 cel sports cat & custom silencer

Suspension & chassis:
MeisterR ZetaCRD coilovers - 5kg front/7kg rear
Front and rear whiteline ARB's - front full stiff, rear middle setting
Fully braced front, mid and rear
Custom 6 point T45 roll cage
Fully poly bushed
Hardrace spherical rear arms

Wheels & tyres:
OZ Ultraleggera 15x7 wheels (4.9kg each)
Yokohama A048 tyres front 190/580/15 soft - rear 220/610/15 medium

Brakes:
OE ABS in place
OE calipers
OE spec MTEC J-Hook discs
Carbotech RP2 front pads
Stoptech Sport rear pads
Motul RBF 600 fluid

Geo:
Fully corner weighted, cross weights 49% front - 51% rear
front (each side) camber -3.00/toe out -1mm
rear (each side) camber -3.00/toe in +2mm

Great build!

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on February 22, 2022, 22:03After that I'd like to get a rear wing made up to see if can make the rear feel abit more planted on the faster sections.

Check out T89 Racecar Wings - Cal makes proper wings, and his aluminium aerofoils are lighter than the carbon 'tuner' blades by some margin. My whole set up (1600mm wide, 220mm chord and 250mm legs) weighs barely 5kg. Can't recommend them highly enough.

As for losing weight... there's loads of little bits to get rid of! I binned the centre console, and relocated the cigarette lighter to under the steering wheel, and behind there is all the airbag gubbins - in the bin :) If you haven't removed the passenger airbag too that's a good few kilos. Rogue doorcards are a couple of kilos lighter than the stock ones, even without taking in to account the speakers... and so on and so forth. You'll get there :)

Quote from: JB21 on February 26, 2022, 19:46Yeah I'll give you a shout if doing these tracks. Got all 3 on my list this year so we can catch up.

Current spec of mine below. Very well balanced, and puts out a decent lap on any track.

Thanks for the detailed info, do you find the 220 profile rear tyres ok on the 7" rim. (I have just fitted the same as finding 16x8 rears of a nice style/offset is a pain!

Any days planned yet?

Dan

Quote from: moca2cv on February 28, 2022, 21:02Great build!

Check out T89 Racecar Wings - Cal makes proper wings, and his aluminium aerofoils are lighter than the carbon 'tuner' blades by some margin. My whole set up (1600mm wide, 220mm chord and 250mm legs) weighs barely 5kg. Can't recommend them highly enough.

As for losing weight... there's loads of little bits to get rid of! I binned the centre console, and relocated the cigarette lighter to under the steering wheel, and behind there is all the airbag gubbins - in the bin :) If you haven't removed the passenger airbag too that's a good few kilos. Rogue doorcards are a couple of kilos lighter than the stock ones, even without taking in to account the speakers... and so on and so forth. You'll get there :)

That's good to know regarding the wing, Will check them out! Ill try and document the weight loss bits I do, want to try and take some weight out the doors but maintain the stock doorcards. I hadnt thought about the airbag! Need to check that! Thanks

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on March 10, 2022, 10:15Thanks for the detailed info, do you find the 220 profile rear tyres ok on the 7" rim. (I have just fitted the same as finding 16x8 rears of a nice style/offset is a pain!

Any days planned yet?

Dan

Fine mate yeah. Also ran 225 AR1's with no issue.

Next little update on the MR2 is done, So we managed to get the Gearbox removed from the Elise and then switched it with the box from the MR2.

Will be interesting to see if there is much difference between the stock Honda LSD and the M-Factory one, hopefully not too much but if there is maybe it will push towards a plated one in the future.

Box was fairly easy to take out of the MR2 and replace albeit with the help of the guys at GIZ motorsport, with the Elise the whole engine had to come out, so another plus on the MR2 side of things!

(https://i.ibb.co/HCwmk0G/0-DA3-F266-7281-44-C6-AEDE-ECFC04-B68-E5-F.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HCwmk0G)

(https://i.ibb.co/ct208h2/BA6-AB2-B5-D8-B3-46-BB-BC34-352-EF609-AC15.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ct208h2)

At the same time I also fitted a Fidanza lightweight flywheel and genuine Honda Clutch kit (I cant stand the aftermarket kits and never really see the point on a NA build).

(https://i.ibb.co/qryJ4Dc/76053863-AFD2-4186-8050-2-E85-B0-CF10-B2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qryJ4Dc)

In terms of what this means to the ratios I used the following Calculator to show the difference, as you can see its now alot shorter. I'll never see anywhere like 140mph on the tracks I go to anyway so it was all wasted before!

Before;

(https://i.ibb.co/HK302W8/MR2-Ratio-1.png) (https://ibb.co/HK302W8)

After;

(https://i.ibb.co/9VvRGGK/Mr2-Ratio-2.png) (https://ibb.co/9VvRGGK)

So what does it feel like? It so much more eager and really feels alot more torquey lower down the revs. Thankfully driving normally it isn't much worse as its still sub 4k at 60mph so I'm relieved about that. When your on a spirited drive it really has woken it up and it drops right back into the power band when changing gear, makes it feel like a really special engine/box set up....Cant wait to get the ITBs on now!

Cars due an MOT at the end of the month then will be booking a Cadwell in April to give it another shakedown before getting on with the ITBs/cams etc.

Really loving this little car. So pleased I bought it!

And a little pic behind the new daily.

(https://i.ibb.co/Jn8ycK0/1-AAEF95-A-9324-4-D46-A9-B2-BB698957-C912.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Jn8ycK0)

Dan

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on March 10, 2022, 11:19Box was fairly easy to take out of the MR2 and replace albeit with the help of the guys at GIZ motorsport, with the Elise the whole engine had to come out, so another plus on the MR2 side of things!

Ah! You're the K swap at Giz!!! Ash and Tom said they had a special MR2 in :) Love those guys 🥰

Short ratios ftw, sounds like you've found the sweet spot!

Great project and great work too - really impressive spec and work, well done.

Having come from the Elise and Caterham world in the past - was interesting to see the A048's going on as I've run these on Caterham's and I bet they were good on the track or road in the dry in your MR-2.  Honda K20 must be amazing in one too, but the 2ZZ is an impressive upgrade too, and your car even looked quite well sorted when you acquired it, but its really quite awe-inspiring now. 

Although the Caterham is obviously a different animal (and perhaps more comparable to the Elan copy that is the now very well received MX-5), I find it interesting comparing the MR-2 to the Elise - as they do have quite a lot in common.  Having had an early Elise S1 with MMC brakes and a later S1 111S more recently - there are great when they were nearly new and low mileage, but they are simply not that durable and get tatty quickly and then when you look at the price of a good one today an MR-2 is a no brainer now.

I suppose what I'm getting at is you have proved we can create a well sorted, track focussed machine that isn't dogged with the 'delicacy issues' of a Rover K-series block in an expensive Lotus chassis.  Rock on, great work, and enjoy the fruits of your labours - as I am sure you do regularly  ;D

Quote from: moca2cv on March 14, 2022, 10:45Ah! You're the K swap at Giz!!! Ash and Tom said they had a special MR2 in :) Love those guys 🥰

Short ratios ftw, sounds like you've found the sweet spot!

That's the one, they're both really good guys, nothing but good stuff to say about them.

Quote from: A7DUO on March 14, 2022, 21:10Great project and great work too - really impressive spec and work, well done.

Having come from the Elise and Caterham world in the past - was interesting to see the A048's going on as I've run these on Caterham's and I bet they were good on the track or road in the dry in your MR-2.  Honda K20 must be amazing in one too, but the 2ZZ is an impressive upgrade too, and your car even looked quite well sorted when you acquired it, but its really quite awe-inspiring now. 

Although the Caterham is obviously a different animal (and perhaps more comparable to the Elan copy that is the now very well received MX-5), I find it interesting comparing the MR-2 to the Elise - as they do have quite a lot in common.  Having had an early Elise S1 with MMC brakes and a later S1 111S more recently - there are great when they were nearly new and low mileage, but they are simply not that durable and get tatty quickly and then when you look at the price of a good one today an MR-2 is a no brainer now.

I suppose what I'm getting at is you have proved we can create a well sorted, track focussed machine that isn't dogged with the 'delicacy issues' of a Rover K-series block in an expensive Lotus chassis.  Rock on, great work, and enjoy the fruits of your labours - as I am sure you do regularly  ;D

Thanks for the kind words, it really is very similar to the Elise and with the power/theatre of the K20 is comparable on track to. Id like to get booked on a Lotus of Track day and see what kind of difference there is.

I just love the fact that its so much easier to live with, parts are readily available and things are alot easier to replace, for example if you have a little off you can buy and bolt on replacement panels/bumpers not have to get a whole new clam.

You make a really good point about the Elise's looking and feeling tatty. Suppose its the differnce between something that is built with everyday use in mind and something built purely to be as light as possible for performance and feel. (ill no doubt find this on track!)

Dan

Few more little things happening with K20MRX this weekend.

The car is currently running a mix of Yellow stuff pads on the front and Apec on the rear and ultimatley they are just not strong enough for the track.

I tried to order some CL RC6endurance pads for the front however apparently the fit of them is quite poor so I have changed to the Winmax W6. I have heard good things about how long they last and still provide some good bite so will be good to see what they are like.

On the back I had purchased some PBS Track pads so im going to try them, Hopefully it wont make it too unbalanced.

Because I have now gone up to 16" wheels at the back with a wider tyre I also need to raise the ride height a little at the back to avoid any rubbing.

If I have enough time I want to get the exhaust exit modified so it comes out between the rear crash bar instead of below. This is a) because it sits really low to the ground atm and b) because i think it will look better! In time I would like to a get some form of flat floor and small diffuser so it will be out the way for this too.

And lastly I also want to modify the gear shifter, it is fairly high currently especially with the gearknob I use, because of the length of it I feel even at the shortest throw setting it is still far too long. So reducing the height of the shaft should solve this. I can always use some spacers under the whole assembly to raise it back up if it doesn't feel in as good position after.

Me & Matt are booked on at Blyton on Sunday so will be great to see how all the changes feel. So to recap since the last trackday the following will have changed;

Previous;
Tyres - Zestino Gredge 195/205
Wheels - 15" front & rear
Brakes - Yellow stuff/Apec pads
Gearbox - Stock EP3 Box with M-Factory LSD (4.764FD)

Current;
Tyres - Yokohoma AO48 205/225
Wheels - 15/16" staggered
Brakes - Winmax W6/PBS Track pads
Gearbox - DC5 box (Shorter 4/5/6) & LSD with M-Factory 5.417FD

Super excited about it  ;D

Dan

That's a crazy short final drive.
You'll love it!

Didn't know PBS make pads for the ZZW30 callipers. Have you got a link to the pads?

Quote from: JB21 on March 17, 2022, 17:22Didn't know PBS make pads for the ZZW30 callipers. Have you got a link to the pads?

Only do the rears' from what I can see mate, but here;

https://exoracing.co.uk/pbs-protrack-rear-brake-pads-for-toyota-mr2-1zz/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5ae009TN9gIVEoFQBh3kfwDhEAQYAyABEgK9hvD_BwE

Think I got mine off an ebay shop though

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401720253672

Dan

Not such a great update this one unfortunately, the prep for Blyton all started ok....

Got the pads all changed in the morning, suspension raised up at the rear and just a general check over.

The chaps at GIZ then helped out with sorting the exhaust tailpipe and shortening the shifter and I planned to pick the car up after a meal on sat night...

(https://i.ibb.co/xjW7FJ8/MRS.jpg) (https://ibb.co/xjW7FJ8)

(https://i.ibb.co/KjQKS13/MRS-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KjQKS13)

However when we went to start the car at about half 9 on the sat it wouldn't start. Checked the battery, tried some jump leads. Nothing. Seemed very much like the immobiliser not working as there was no fuel pump noise. Spent the next few hours checking different buts and pieces till we found a Relay that was shot. Popped a new one on and there was life!

Thank goodness, was very close to calling it a night on a few occasions but prevailed in the end!

Sunday morning came and took a steady ride over to Blyton, unfortunately on the way the car was spraying a light amount of oil out the back which was worrying. So when we got to Blyton we had a good look over to try and determine where it was coming from. At first looked like it was from the sump plug however after abit more searching it was a lot worse...

The fill/level plug was totally missing, so the oil had been spraying out of the hole when it was running and not leaking when stationary. I was gutted and thought surely it can't have not been put back on. Looking at the pic I took when the box was put back in it was clearly there but can't have been tightened correctly. Very annoying and worrying but these things happen.

So we went to the local B&Q and autoparts store to try and find a temp solution... turns out a radiator plug worked just enough to bung the hole. So we filled the box back up with oil and started our trackday!

(https://i.ibb.co/CWhvPyG/MRS-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CWhvPyG)

The car felt absolutely brilliant! The gearbox has made such a big difference and made the car feel really sharp albeit it's strange getting used to the different gears for different parts on the track.

The brakes were night and day different to the Yellow stuff pads, I do however think I'll want to go abit sharper again as the initial bite is still abit lacking at speed.

The tyres also felt way better but to be honest it still needs more rear tyre as it was fairly oversteery! Think it would have been better with a 195/225 or 205/245 stagger.

Things took a turn for the worse on the first session after lunch though as a few laps in the box started popping out of gear, 3 times on one lap. Knowing that the box had been ran low on oil on the journey to the track we called it a day straight away and I limped the car home holding it in gear.

Absolutely gutted to say the least as the box has only just been put in I really hope there's nothing too damaged in there, fingers crossed it just needs some new bearings etc.

On a brighter note we took the Mx5 as a support car so got to finish the day in that so we didn't miss out on any track time. It was great fun in a totally different experience!

So what's the plan, well I've had a lot of outlays on the cars recently so I'm going to take the engine and box out the car on my next day off then park the car up for a few months whilst I concentrate on getting the Elise sold to free up some funds.

I'll then get the gearbox sorted, want to give the engine a freshen up and get the cams and itbs mocked up. I want to have a check over the subframe and future proof it and probably give the engine bay a kick of paint along with a painted rocker cover.

I'll then pop it all back in and get it booked it to have the new cams/itbs mapped before it's first outing.

This probably won't be for a few months but fingers crossed will get the car back better than ever for the start of summer.

So an all round disappointing weekend but having a few sessions in the car in the morning made me really happy and I know the cars going to be even better after.

Was also really nice to meet some other MR2's on the track, not sure if any of them were on here but nice to catch up.

We only put the go pro on at the start of the afternoon so may have got one of Matt's sessions and a few out laps of me swearing at the gearbox when it started popping out so I'll get them uploaded!

Dan

Have you thought about fitting a 2ZZ gearbox?

Had a day on the MR2 on Thursday and got the engine out.

Was my first time taking an engine out from the bottom, so much easier!

With the Subframe and ARB removed it came right out the back with the car just on axle stands. I must say though thank goodness the previous owner put in the bulkhead access panel, made getting at the back of the engine bay so much better!

(https://i.ibb.co/vLdsXKx/MRS-4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vLdsXKx)

(https://i.ibb.co/2N19dHP/MRS-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2N19dHP)

(https://i.ibb.co/857qtV4/MRS-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/857qtV4)


Plan is now to clean up and paint the engine bay, treat the subframe and then put it back on its wheels whist we sort the box/engine. Then Ill clean up and paint the engine and box, fit the cams and itbs (fingers crossed they fit upto the access panel).

In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?

Dan

"In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?"

Check with @Petrus?

Quote from: SV-3 on March 26, 2022, 13:56"In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?"

Check with @Petrus?

Just under it. The flow goes down and you want it just in the border zone between ´clean´ air and turbulence.

Al try to fit the base of the support no too far backwards.
Imagine the car as a plank on two rollers with each end sticking out a bit beyond the rollers. You´ll see why you want the down force where.

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on March 26, 2022, 11:41In other news Ive aquired a APR GTC-200 wing for the back, will be getting some mounts made up so it is level with the roofline, I believe this is the best area?

Dan

Great choice of wing! Re height, I went for in line with the top of the glass of the hardtop. Works alright as far as I can tell, and doesn't restrict rearward visibility either 👍🏻 My uprights were about 25cm tall. Can dig out the drawing if you like.

Quote from: Petrus on March 26, 2022, 16:28Just under it. The flow goes down and you want it just in the border zone between ´clean´ air and turbulence.

Al try to fit the base of the support no too far backwards.
Imagine the car as a plank on two rollers with each end sticking out a bit beyond the rollers. You´ll see why you want the down force where.

Thanks Petrus, that's a really good analogy. I will aim for that area then!

Quote from: moca2cv on March 27, 2022, 10:40Great choice of wing! Re height, I went for in line with the top of the glass of the hardtop. Works alright as far as I can tell, and doesn't restrict rearward visibility either 👍🏻 My uprights were about 25cm tall. Can dig out the drawing if you like.

I've just had a look at the Job you did on your, looks really good. If you could dig them out that would be brilliant!

Thanks

Lovely read, how happy are you with the gauges in that position rather than below your eyeline on the top of the dash?

Damn thats a shame on the gearbox but hopefully once thats sorted your good to enjoy it some more!

You know where we (Carbotech) are if you need more bite from the pads once you get rest of car dialed in :D

Quote from: Call the midlife! on April  5, 2022, 13:59Lovely read, how happy are you with the gauges in that position rather than below your eyeline on the top of the dash?

Thanks, I have found it fine so far. Naturally you do have to look away quickly but also I'm normally on track with Matt so whoever is in the passenger seat always keeps an eye too. So it's handy been visible from both sides.

Quote from: thetyrant on April  5, 2022, 14:47Damn thats a shame on the gearbox but hopefully once thats sorted your good to enjoy it some more!

You know where we (Carbotech) are if you need more bite from the pads once you get rest of car dialed in :D

Thanks a lot, I get the feeling will be In touch later in the year!

Another little update, had an afternoon free and it was a nice day so I degreased and sanded down the subframe. I was pleased to see its in pretty good condition. 

I rust treated any areas that were just showing signs of rust starting then gave it a few coats of hammerite.

Another job on the list was to give the engine bay abit of a tidy up and paint whilst the engine is out.

So again I dregreased, sanded down and painted it. I've always not liked it when engine bays are a dull finish compared to the rest of the paint on the car so I matched it up to the outside.

Then put the subframe and wheels back on so I can push it in and out the garage till the engine goes back in.

Am going to get the engine degreased and painted today and fingers crossed the ITBs should be arriving so I'll post some pics up later!

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/5MKPrLh/928-AD149-9776-4-D0-E-A3-A5-C927-D3-D0486-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MKPrLh)

(https://i.ibb.co/6HqHmj4/675476-EE-440-A-4-C7-C-9-E72-9-D1-AA7-FDDBDE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6HqHmj4)

(https://i.ibb.co/t26mDQ7/D2-A1-F46-C-82-B4-4-B48-B5-E4-49-D1552438-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t26mDQ7)

(https://i.ibb.co/C0GncDn/77266602-D88-E-49-F1-BE3-A-3-A776685264-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C0GncDn)

(https://i.ibb.co/g9tbL3R/98-CF1-F68-44-DA-4-A2-C-80-DB-DF20-BD6-C45-A3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g9tbL3R)

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on April  6, 2022, 09:45I've always not liked it when engine bays are a dull finish compared to the rest of the paint on the car so I matched it up to the outside.

The paintwork on the outside of mine is becoming dull, and soon it'll match the finish in the engine bay. Then nobody will notice the engine bay looking bad.

What a lovely read and effort,looking forward seeing new posts in this thread!

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on April  6, 2022, 09:45Another little update, had an afternoon free and it was a nice day so I degreased and sanded down the subframe. I was pleased to see its in pretty good condition. 

I rust treated any areas that were just showing signs of rust starting then gave it a few coats of hammerite.

Another job on the list was to give the engine bay abit of a tidy up and paint whilst the engine is out.

So again I dregreased, sanded down and painted it. I've always not liked it when engine bays are a dull finish compared to the rest of the paint on the car so I matched it up to the outside.

Then put the subframe and wheels back on so I can push it in and out the garage till the engine goes back in.

Am going to get the engine degreased and painted today and fingers crossed the ITBs should be arriving so I'll post some pics up later!

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/5MKPrLh/928-AD149-9776-4-D0-E-A3-A5-C927-D3-D0486-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5MKPrLh)

(https://i.ibb.co/6HqHmj4/675476-EE-440-A-4-C7-C-9-E72-9-D1-AA7-FDDBDE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6HqHmj4)

(https://i.ibb.co/t26mDQ7/D2-A1-F46-C-82-B4-4-B48-B5-E4-49-D1552438-AE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/t26mDQ7)

(https://i.ibb.co/C0GncDn/77266602-D88-E-49-F1-BE3-A-3-A776685264-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/C0GncDn)

(https://i.ibb.co/g9tbL3R/98-CF1-F68-44-DA-4-A2-C-80-DB-DF20-BD6-C45-A3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/g9tbL3R)

And to think it takes me all afternoon to change over some wheels....
Wished I had the experience and skills for this sort of job!!

How much was the shifter?

Quote from: ucb on April  7, 2022, 21:39And to think it takes me all afternoon to change over some wheels....
Wished I had the experience and skills for this sort of job!!

 :))  :))  I started there mate! I'm no professional but its amazing what your capable of it you try.

@Mark - The shifter was circa £500/600 delivered.

Thanks

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on April  5, 2022, 12:54I've just had a look at the Job you did on your, looks really good. If you could dig them out that would be brilliant!

Thanks

Sent you a message - sorry for the delay!

Got another couple of days on the MR2 so made abit more progress.

The Gearbox was inspected and much to my relief just needed new bearings, so I had this rebuilt.



I then stripped down, cleaned and painted the engine and ancillaries ready to put back in.

And then put them back together and back into the car, really pleased with how it all looks all fresh and painted.

I had put a new passenger Driveshaft in before the last track day so I also put the new one onto the drivers side too so they are matching.

I also have a refurbished Wrinkle red oem rocker cover to go on and new gaskets but am waiting till its all back together in case I mark it...been there and made that mistake before!

For the time been Im abit up in the air about the ITBs so for the time been I have purchased some larger bore intake tubing and will be making a better intake for it.

Next up is getting the exhaust back on and then I can take it for a MOT renewal, then I shall be putting my attention to the front engine bay and giving it the same refreshment treatment.

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/RjvLWNW/CBB97-D7-E-5-F19-4-DF5-981-F-A2-B1-F1733-D65.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RjvLWNW)
(https://i.ibb.co/3h3hmmZ/4-AF19508-5775-42-AD-9-C93-BF18-D93-EA8-FE.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3h3hmmZ) (https://i.ibb.co/sCRYqQ2/3-F0756-CB-D5-DB-4-C5-B-B0-C6-FDF1-A7-F0-E0-F9.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sCRYqQ2) (https://i.ibb.co/bFWRNfH/A9-D8-C15-B-6-AA2-43-F5-9-E18-5-BF9-C54-AED67.jpg) (https://ibb.co/bFWRNfH) (https://i.ibb.co/jMBBSZL/A100-E083-1-E0-E-4-D8-C-AEC8-691-D232-E05-FA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jMBBSZL) (https://i.ibb.co/GH4sHRc/5-AE0-E2-FB-673-B-4-F68-AA83-D0-EBE0-EFAA66.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GH4sHRc) (https://i.ibb.co/ZYzq7Bj/D2383-E1-F-871-A-4-D2-B-AD71-C15-F3923497-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZYzq7Bj)

Excellent work Dan ;D

Not much of an update as I've been getting some bits on the Elise done.

Did however do a couple of bits, I've made a different intake set up with a larger diameter pipe and HKS filter(these sound so good!).

I've heard that the K20's like a shorter and larger pipe so maybe will be happier too.

Then I also got the rocker cocker refurbished in oem colours to go with the rest of the silver/red theme on the car.

Will be off at the weekend so want to get the rest of the ancillaries back on and it back on its wheels for use.

Dan


(https://i.ibb.co/1MTdmDP/994897-DF-69-D9-4-DBA-8328-03-FDE01-E0655.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1MTdmDP)

(https://i.ibb.co/GHKJbms/83-D7-C86-A-015-C-4209-A5-F6-262820-C98-A0-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GHKJbms)

(https://i.ibb.co/fH7dJHL/D652-E8-B8-90-E7-4-F85-BBCA-A9-FC33168-D79.jpg) (https://ibb.co/fH7dJHL)

Love this project, keep up the good work :)

That looks too good to use!

Looking good Dan. Cant believe how far right the engine sits in the bay compared to my 2ZZ. You gonna get it corner weighted once complete?

Quote from: JB21 on May 10, 2022, 07:38Looking good Dan. Cant believe how far right the engine sits in the bay compared to my 2ZZ. You gonna get it corner weighted once complete?

Sorry for the late reply! I sure will be yes, planning on trying to get rid of some weight too so will try and even it up abit. Its not too bad currently though.

Time for a very long overdue update!!!

So the MR2 has taken abit of a backseat over the last 4/5 months. I got the Elise all finished and started tracking it and enjoying it....Then the engine spun a bearing at Cadwell so I turned my attention to building another engine up for it.

So what's happened with the MR2...in brief not alot!

I've got everything pretty much back together and have re-routed and changed all the coolant hoses to silicone/pipes which looks alot neater IMO.


(https://i.ibb.co/R2yLj4d/IMG-0707.jpg) (https://ibb.co/R2yLj4d)

(https://i.ibb.co/QcfT4VS/IMG-0709.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QcfT4VS)


So what's next? Lots to be fair!

Over winter I just want to try and enjoy the car as much as possible, get some seat time and used to the car.

With the plan to fit the ITBs I have I also want to work on making a larger more open area around the back of the engine and bulkhead, so going to cut the bulkhead open more and have a box fabricated with removable panels to help with air feed to the ITB's and hopefully make it a lot easier to work on.

I have also left myself with a spare K20 head from the Elise, So I am going to get this ported/polished/skimmed and build it back up with upgraded valve train and some more spicy cams. I'll then fit this at the same time as the ITBs and book it in for a new map and hopefully some more horses!

I was considering putting a K24 bottom end in however at the moment want to just stick with the K20 and the whole idea is to make it as enjoyable driving experience as possible. So the additional revs accompanied to the short box and ITB's should deliver a really special feel albeit maybe not as fast as the torquey K24.

When this is done I will be taking the car back to JP Cages to get the rear cage converted into a full one, then turning me attention to getting rid of some weight in the car to counteract this along with getting the dash flocked.

And finally I would like to treat the bodywork to abit of love and tidy the car up so I think I will paint the car, I have always liked white cars and quite like the link with Honda Type R cars been white with red compliments so think that's the way I will go but will see nearer the time.

So as you can see there is LOADS I have planned for the car but am really excited about it and cant wait to get see how it progresses.

Dan

 :) there is some work to do keep going it be worth it in the end.
I love a Elise 8)

*Holy thread revival batman*

Long story short I still own the MR2 but it has sat in the garage and just been tinkered with over the last 18months (how its been 19months I have no idea).

Had a year without much car action and more holidays and trips instead which was a nice change.

The Elise took front seat with the time I did have but I have now got that finished and sold to a great new owner...Hope I don't miss it too much. (Picture in its finished state).

So what's changed with the MR2, not loads.

I have stripped the interior to loose some weight, removed speakers, airbag etc then painted and cleaned the interior up.

The Corbeau seats have been replaced with my old Bride replica seats I've had in storage for decades which are abit tighter and offer some more support.

The custom made exhaust system has been sold and I've fitted a PPE header which has been modified to a 3" collector and system, Only has 1 box currently but I have a smaller box to add too to make it track day friendly.

The RBC inlet manifold has been removed and a Skunk2 Ultra Inlet added (still have the ITBs to fit at some point).

I've spent too much time messing about with a spare bonnet putting the Elise Scoop in it.

Also spent far too much time making brackets up and cleaning up a spoiler I purchased for the car (Collected it and it was an absolute mess and should have walked away but felt committed after traveling to pick it up.

Relocated the battery to behind the passenger seat so its further forward and lower down and fitted a uprated Expansion tank.

Purchased and fitted Konig Hypergram wheels with Accelera 651 Sport extra for road occasional track, and some Rota slipstreams with some Dunlop Direzza's for summer trackdays.

Sold the oem hardtop and purchased a Rogue motorsport lightweight one and fitted the Poly rear window. This still needs painting and going to get the underside flocked to make it look abit neater.

The car is now on its wheels, engine running (albeit hunting quite badly so imagine one of the sensors needs replacing) and ready to go for an MOT.

Its booked in to have the Exhaust modifications done back at GIZ motorsport in a few weeks and so they can have a general check over things too.


So that's where we are up to currently, what's the future look like?

LOTS of trackdays..Now its running I just want to enjoy it as it is then do little bits here and there but without taking it off the road.

Future fettling includes getting the access panel on the bulkhead enlarged with access from the front and top, really want to open it up as much as possible to make working on it easy and with the ITBs to fit so we can create some ducting etc.

Then have the ITB's to fit, along with some Skunk2 Ultra 1 cams, with uprated springs and retainers. Should hopefully see power to circa 260-270hp which will be exciting.

Then all attention will be onto getting the suspension set up right and losing some weight where possible. We have got hold of some corner weights which is handy so should be able to monitor the progress easily!

Will upload some more recent pictures of the bits done and current state when I get the chance and most importantly some track footage in the not so distant future.

Dan

 :)  :)  long time back good to hear your still on it and work is now taking place  8)  8)

Car is going to have an extra exhaust box and exit fitted this week along with MOT. Then will put a few road miles on to make sure all is well before booking a trackday.

Certainly excited for a drive, its been too long!

Few quick pictures of current state.

Dan
(https://i.ibb.co/6D9vzcH/MR21.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6D9vzcH)

(https://i.ibb.co/QfkGCms/MR22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QfkGCms)

(https://i.ibb.co/w4MXWgN/MR23.jpg) (https://ibb.co/w4MXWgN)

(https://i.ibb.co/64bsVzP/MR24.jpg) (https://ibb.co/64bsVzP)

(https://i.ibb.co/98Qf007/MR25.jpg) (https://ibb.co/98Qf007)

(https://i.ibb.co/yWQDMxH/MR26.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yWQDMxH)

Mechanically one of the cleaner builds I've seen, nice job.
I don't like cut bumpers, so aesthetically only the back doesn't sit right with me until two big snails are on display.

Still surprised you went away from lotus ownership, shouldn't they rise in value faster than these cars thus making them worth maintaining? Especially compared to a modded roadster.
Or am I missing something.

Hopefully see you out on track this year 👌

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on February 22, 2022, 21:38Over the next few weeks we got the driveshafts swapped over and I also received a new gear shifter set up I had ordered.

It's a work of art and feels really nice albeit I do need to spend some time fiddling with the set up to get it right.

(https://i.ibb.co/sbVP2DP/263-D80-F9-5-F05-416-E-A8-FD-05-EC46-A3-FCA7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sbVP2DP)

(https://i.ibb.co/Z2SmVzs/BF74-A363-F619-4085-AC68-EBF5-D5-ADE4-FC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Z2SmVzs)

(https://i.ibb.co/wpgGd7S/7-F13-BA76-7291-4-B7-F-9007-8-EF96406-A73-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wpgGd7S)

(https://i.ibb.co/drLMtbz/4-F77-EA6-F-BF14-4-F2-B-A326-5783-E1-CD8537.jpg) (https://ibb.co/drLMtbz)

We were then booked onto Blyton for a trackday between Christmas and new year, we always book on these as it's pretty much guaranteed to be cold wet slippy and lots of fun with Blyton been perfect to get some car control practice in!

Needless to say the weather didn't disappoint and neither did the car, was great fun all day and the Marshall's were really good and allowed for some sideways action.

(https://i.ibb.co/mcbM1MV/99-FB6492-A30-D-4247-9798-08-CBD1-D14875.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mcbM1MV)

(https://i.ibb.co/kGndtNj/EF46-D23-A-29-C4-46-E5-B0-C9-48-B2-BAE6209-C.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kGndtNj)

(https://i.ibb.co/GkjHPSp/767-AE580-ACF9-41-C6-B3-A3-CFB447-B46-AFC.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GkjHPSp)

(https://i.ibb.co/BcxwRtM/B6-D7-ADC3-A6-DF-49-B1-8-C6-A-9-A9-B1-D04-C2-B3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/BcxwRtM)

And a good mid corner moment captured from behind;

(https://i.ibb.co/r6bKdxs/C4869-ADF-468-B-477-E-BE71-12551-F7-FDBC2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/r6bKdxs)

And of course the obligatory moment when ambition out weighed capabilities....

(https://i.ibb.co/whTf7PC/45626305-8210-4-E4-B-B4-C2-140328146303.jpg) (https://ibb.co/whTf7PC)

What did I say earlier about them not been too bad on the limit 😂

Dan

Think thats me in photo behind you, Silver 2 with red roof, 29th dec!

Quote from: SuperArt on February 11, 2024, 11:32Mechanically one of the cleaner builds I've seen, nice job.
I don't like cut bumpers, so aesthetically only the back doesn't sit right with me until two big snails are on display.

Still surprised you went away from lotus ownership, shouldn't they rise in value faster than these cars thus making them worth maintaining? Especially compared to a modded roadster.
Or am I missing something.

Thanks for the kind words! I'm in two minds on the rear bumper, will probably get a second, fit back to back and see which I prefer.

I do have a fear the that the Elise's will do exactly that and rocket up in price however I just cant justify having a £20-£25k track car when I can have one at £10-£15 that will provide just as much enjoyment and be alot easier to maintain. Bolt on panels compared to a clam if and when there's any offs been a big consideration.

Dan

Quote from: KRAMSNEHPETS on February 11, 2024, 19:29Think thats me in photo behind you, Silver 2 with red roof, 29th dec!

That's the one, that was such a great day out. Love a wet cold slippery Blyton over winter.

Dan

Car is back now with additional exhaust box and few other bits done. Seems to be lots of trouble with noise limits at track days this year so hopefully shouldn't have any problems.

New exhaust set-up;


(https://i.ibb.co/D8mDkTj/MR2-1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/D8mDkTj)

(https://i.ibb.co/txp4ypv/MR2-6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/txp4ypv)

Also got the shifter plumbed in and working;


(https://i.ibb.co/y8GcyjX/MR2-5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/y8GcyjX)

A new expansion tank;

(https://i.ibb.co/85VsTV1/MR2-7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/85VsTV1)

I have also used the spare garage as a parts collection storage unit...

(https://i.ibb.co/wsGTvGR/MR2-2.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wsGTvGR)

So what do we have ready to fit;

-Mishimoto Aluminium radiator
-Rota Slipstreams with Dunlop Direzza's
-Spare set of panels and bumpers

Plan with the spare panels is to wrap them in Gloss white, I've always really liked White cars so was the natural progression. I've never tried wrapping a car or anything. Heard its very tough, annoying and time consuming so with having the panels spare and off I can just take my time and do it as a little side project!

Last but not least said I would put a final picture of the Elise but forgot, so here is what the MR2 has replaced, needless to say it has big but really light shoes to fill!

(https://i.ibb.co/K2Nm4ZB/MR2-3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/K2Nm4ZB)

Next up is finally a trackday!

Then some opening up on the bulkhead ITB's and cams :)

Dan

Awesome work mate. Aintree Saturday 27th April if you fancy it. Bookings opened today. £160 session event.

They're very chilled on noise limits as well.

https://www.liverpoolmotorclub.com/track-day-information/

Quote from: JB21 on March 24, 2024, 17:36Awesome work mate. Aintree Saturday 27th April if you fancy it. Bookings opened today. £160 session event.

They're very chilled on noise limits as well.

https://www.liverpoolmotorclub.com/track-day-information/

Thanks mate but I'd rather do a few more local days to start with then will probably head over to Oulton in the summer so will have to a sort a day with a few of us?

Dan

Little update on the MRX.

Went for the MOT on Thursday and pleased to say passed with no issues, had a good look underneath on the ramps too and was pleased to say very little rust too. Had thought I may need to do some sills or something soon but thankfully not!

Was nice to drive the car again, felt quite sharp and exciting which is good! Have got the annoying k series leak from the rocker cover so ordered a new gasket and will pop that on.

Ordered and fitted some pull handles instead of the stock tubing, gives abit more space and personally think it looks better too!

(https://i.ibb.co/rcyKPpP/12.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rcyKPpP)

Next I had been deliberating about a wing I had seen, its the SW motorsports one designed for the TT Cup racing series...I saw it and quite liked it, thought if its been designed for a TT they had a similar body shape/size so should be functional.

I bit the bullet and ordered one, test fitted it with the bumper off to help work out where it would be best.

(https://i.ibb.co/3mMxs5S/13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3mMxs5S)

(https://i.ibb.co/4dvsYfm/14.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4dvsYfm)

Then mounted up properly, I'm quite please with it, seems to fit well, blade looks to be at a good height to the roofline and width of the car and is just big enough without looking TOO big and silly.

(https://i.ibb.co/XVwSdBd/15.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XVwSdBd)

(https://i.ibb.co/pfqQN5k/11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pfqQN5k)

The keen eyed of you will have also spotted I've put a more normal rear bumper on too, albeit scabby condition I picked it up cheap and wanted to see if without the cut at the bottom it looks better...got to say I prefer it so thanks to 'Superart' for mentioning it.

Have picked up a TRD style rear lip to go on the bottom too so will get that sprayed on fitted.

I had a go at wrapping the wings...is abit fiddly, bit of heat helped alot and a second pair of hands would be really useful. However am not going to call it a day on the wrapping idea, the issue is I'm sure a professional outfit could get a lovely neat finish on the edges and underside of the panel, but me in my garage not so much. I know what I am like and I wouldn't be happy with the finish and the underside of the panels been different colours etc

Have a different plan now which will pop in a few days when I know more!

Dan

Next mini update...

So with the wrapping idea falling on its arse what was the next plan? Well one Thursday night I was scrolling Facebook market place and found what looked like a nice Black MR2 needing a few bits doing to it that was 3 miles down the road. Needless to say at 8am the next day I was looking round it and two days later it was back on my drive!

So the plan is to take all the black panels off (Have always liked the cars in Black), switch them onto mine, then I'll paint the hardtop, door shuts, engine bay etc to match. Then either keep the other shell as a spare or maybe for a future race car.

The new car;

(https://i.ibb.co/XpS9QFz/23.jpg) (https://ibb.co/XpS9QFz)

(https://i.ibb.co/Y3Hj7t5/24.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Y3Hj7t5)

(https://i.ibb.co/DtT9SCD/25.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DtT9SCD)

Then starting to switch the panels over, I was really pleased at how clean from rust the car is!

(https://i.ibb.co/6vb9D6L/18.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6vb9D6L)

(https://i.ibb.co/MnkC8FX/19.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MnkC8FX)

(https://i.ibb.co/v3KDHvb/20.jpg) (https://ibb.co/v3KDHvb)

How its sat now, Looking forward to having the rest of the panels on at the weekend, super excited about it as I have always not really liked the silver .


(https://i.ibb.co/YLsJvT3/21.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YLsJvT3)

(https://i.ibb.co/FDLzXGJ/22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/FDLzXGJ)

Many thanks

Dan

Got the last of the panels switched over, and also got the fibreglass hardtop, front and rear lips and side skirts back from the painters.

Really pleased with how all the panels look and the paintwork is in nice condition apart from the bonnet which the lacquer has faded. Will be getting this re-painted.

'Balanced' the lips and bits up so I can see what it will look like to get some pictures, will fasten and bond them up this week.

(https://i.ibb.co/9ghjBvx/MR2.jpg)[/url]

(https://i.ibb.co/jGQRpXn/MR3.jpg) (https://ibb.co/jGQRpXn)

(https://i.ibb.co/ckJCS3Y/MR4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ckJCS3Y)

(https://i.ibb.co/6YpLJVD/MR5.jpg) (https://ibb.co/6YpLJVD)

(https://i.ibb.co/KsJqFKR/MR6.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KsJqFKR)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZxtCzPq/MR7.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZxtCzPq)

(https://i.ibb.co/98tBz4w/MR8.jpg) (https://ibb.co/98tBz4w)

Have also got a spare bootlid which is been sprayed black so I can just run the car without the wing on the road and then switch at the track...think it looks abit much on the road and dont want to get the wrong attention!

(https://i.ibb.co/7RCr32x/MR9.jpg)

So next I need to paint the door shuts and few bits of silver that are left and the colour switch is complete :)

Also have been working on making the old shell into a nicer car which my Dad is going to use which will ne nice for him.

(https://i.ibb.co/jgHBR3q/MR1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7RCr32x)

Just need to find/get some lowering spring and hopefully a maroon soft top to finish it off for him.

Dan
 (https://ibb.co/9ghjBvx)

Car looks great, well done.

Love the wheels especially.

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on May  6, 2024, 13:16Just need to find/get some lowering spring

be aware of possible rubbing

Quote from: Alex Knight on May  6, 2024, 21:57Car looks great, well done.

Love the wheels especially.

Thanks Alex, was considering painting the wheels Silver to lift the car slightly but unsure....The famous 2 Black track Mr2's with Silver Enkei's just look so damn great and have been the inspiration to the black switch!

Dan

Quote from: Petrus on May  6, 2024, 22:20be aware of possible rubbing

Thanks for the heads up, I have read that some are worse than others and the Tein's are abit of a no go. Seems the H&R ones are the best option for ride height and comfort? Unless you have any advice Petrus?

Dan

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on May  7, 2024, 16:08Thanks for the heads up, I have read that some are worse than others and the Tein's are abit of a no go. Seems the H&R ones are the best option for ride height and comfort? Unless you have any advice Petrus?

Dan

I ran Tein springs on my car with Koni adjustable s it was brilliant all rounder, not too low and with the improved damper handling and ride were much improved, tried on stock dampers first but felt a bit underdamped.

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on May  7, 2024, 16:08Thanks for the heads up, I have read that some are worse than others and the Tein's are abit of a no go. Seems the H&R ones are the best option for ride height and comfort? Unless you have any advice Petrus?

Dan

Bronze on black is as good as it gets IMHO.

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on May  7, 2024, 16:08Thanks for the heads up, I have read that some are worse than others and the Tein's are abit of a no go. Seems the H&R ones are the best option for ride height and comfort? Unless you have any advice Petrus?

Dan

I´d think twice about lowering and méasure the space the tyres have three times (vs the inner edge of the wheel arches and do not forget the inner splash guard  protrusions ).

On real world roads both the OEM ground clearance and tyre clearance are not overly ample imo.
Secondly lower springs = stiffer springs and weirdly enough the after market lowering springs do not have the same front vs rear spring rate balance as TRD ones.  And this doés affect handling!

Since in the UK it is not much of a challenge to find custom spring manufacturers at reasonable money I´d look at thát.
Go mínimally lower if you must, thus ditto stiffer and dó keep the OEM/TRD front/rear spring rate balance in the picture.

FYI:
https://www.spyderchat.com/threads/spring-rates-table-for-lowering-springs.104465/?post_id=1511633#post-1511633

Great work! Fantastic to see all of the effort put into this!

Random question - how is the throttle cable linked to the K20a2 throttle cam (the one with the spring that you blip to raise the revs)?

I just removed the TB on my own K20 MR2 and cleaned the IACV and calibrated the TPS, put it back on and realised the end of the cable doesn't fit! If you have a better solution then it'd save me removing it all again to drill a larger hole!

Thanks for the information about the springs and set ups. Dads had a change of heart un-fortunately so wont be having the spare MR2.

In other news Front & rear lips are now fitted properly, side skirts on the to-do list.

There was a leak from the rocker cover gasket so I ordered some replacements and fitted them.

Have painted the windscreen surround, rear hardtop beam and door sills so its looks more normal now. Just the door shuts and interior/engine bay to do now.

Next job was a very very very shameful and short term fix, but one that actually does a job. Annoyingly on the new panels one of the doors has some rust on the bottom, So ill look out for a replacement door but for now I ordered some Black gloss wrap...rust treated the areas, cut some patches and covered them up.

I know bad form from me but as a quick fix it actually doesn't look too bad, and for a track car is ok!

Really really chuffed with how it looks all black, over the moon actually, gone from a car that I liked but just always wished it was slightly different to one I really like!

What's next?

Have a Cadwell evening booked Wed 29th May to give it a little test outing, then Blyton on Sun 9th June.

Few little bits need doing prior to the track day;

-Knock Sensor failure code - Have one ordered so just needs fitting
-New Filter Element for Air filter as old one is toast!
-Ordered some larger diameter and black piping for the induction as it was killing my OCD been blue and far too small. This was a stupid purchase and should have just been left for a few track days as I'm putting the ITBs on then but I just cant help it!
-Shifter mechanism adjustments - Throw is too long currently
-Sump baffle adjustments - Have heard of these sticking so going to just bend the ends slightly so they cant
-Oil change whilst doing the baffles
-Quick Geo as it is all over the place currently

So nothing too strenuous hopefully.

CANT WAIT TO GET ON TRACK WITH IT!  ;D

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/QCLMGKD/MR21.jpg) (https://ibb.co/QCLMGKD)
(https://i.ibb.co/SvvTr7R/MR10.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SvvTr7R) (https://i.ibb.co/0mcwHnR/MR11.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0mcwHnR) (https://i.ibb.co/CWM7r82/MR12.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CWM7r82) (https://i.ibb.co/THCwJ7k/MR13.jpg) (https://ibb.co/THCwJ7k) (https://i.ibb.co/KxzmrPm/MR14.jpg) (https://ibb.co/KxzmrPm) (https://i.ibb.co/dKqWXMY/MR15.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dKqWXMY) (https://i.ibb.co/yVSj4h1/MR16.jpg) (https://ibb.co/yVSj4h1) (https://i.ibb.co/k5Y0h8m/MR17.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k5Y0h8m) (https://i.ibb.co/hFsTbtt/MR18.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hFsTbtt) (https://i.ibb.co/k162T3V/MR19.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k162T3V) (https://i.ibb.co/NtHVhyy/MR20.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NtHVhyy)

Quote from: lukeydoo on May  8, 2024, 09:27Great work! Fantastic to see all of the effort put into this!

Random question - how is the throttle cable linked to the K20a2 throttle cam (the one with the spring that you blip to raise the revs)?

I just removed the TB on my own K20 MR2 and cleaned the IACV and calibrated the TPS, put it back on and realised the end of the cable doesn't fit! If you have a better solution then it'd save me removing it all again to drill a larger hole!

Hi LukeyDoo,

Sorry havent seen this earlier, I can send you some pictures of how mine is mounted if you like? On memory it looks like its all original Honda so think the Honda cable has been used.

I've had it to pieces a few times and never struggled.

Dan

Really like this build, it's got old school Cliosport.net vibes about it for those that were on it

Quote from: Gaz2405 on May 18, 2024, 11:25Really like this build, it's got old school Cliosport.net vibes about it for those that were on it

Thanks Gaz! I used to be on the CRX forum many years ago and used to do project threads on there so I'm probably still living that life!

Time for a few little updates, Got on with the to-do list before Cadwell reasonably well.

-New induction set/up and filter element fitted.

-GIZ Motorsport helped with sorting the baffle plates and oil change and fettled with the shifter...its better but still isn't right so need to do some research on this. With the really short gearbox it needs to be perfect as your always using the box!

-Fitted the side skirts and switched the bootlid over to the one with the wing attached.

-Took it for an alignment at the local Bush tyre place....this didn't go so well;

So these were the original numbers;

(https://i.ibb.co/sjmMGTt/IMG-1162.jpg) (https://ibb.co/sjmMGTt)

I wanted to get to 3 degrees camber front 0 toe. 2.5 degrees camber rear and 0.15 toe.

Ended up with this;

(https://i.ibb.co/HFPVBzN/IMG-1163.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HFPVBzN)


As you can see miles away and tbh a waste of time and money.

For some reason they just couldn't get any more than 1-1.5 degree's camber on the back passenger side. I have got adjustable hard race traction arms and camber arms but haven't replaced the Toe arms, so assuming you need to do all of them to get it right.

They ran out of time and had other customers waiting, I didn't have much time myself so I opted to put a Camber bolt on the rear Passenger and adjust it by eye to as close as I could.

So the alignment was far from perfect, going to now purchase the last adjustable toe arm fit it with the camber bolts and take it back to hopefully get it better before Blyton (9th June).

Few pictures at a spot local to me I quite like as well as the new Induction set up.

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/HhTQ3qb/IMG-1013.jpg) (https://ibb.co/HhTQ3qb)

(https://i.ibb.co/PgsjtWC/IMG-1124.jpg) (https://ibb.co/PgsjtWC)

(https://i.ibb.co/WPPZPH7/IMG-1130.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WPPZPH7)

(https://i.ibb.co/3pZW9GL/IMG-1133.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3pZW9GL)

*Cadwell Update*

So after a little bit of last minute dashing about was all set for the shakedown, throughout the day the weather had been nice but with on and off showers so was keeping my fingers crossed for a dry one.

I love a wet track day but with it been the first outing in a while I suspected there may be a few bits we need to sort/fettle with and its nicer lying in the sun that in a puddle!

Lucky for me it was nice and dry all night.

So how was the car? Was great fun! Short ratio's is perfect for Cadwell popping into 6th on both straights. Was the first time using Dunlop Direzza's and they felt really grippy albeit were catching on one side slightly with the lack of camber so had to raise it up after the sighting laps.

The alignment was obviously not ideal but the tyres helped hide this. Brakes felt good for most of the evening but just started to tail off towards the end of the sessions so I'm thinking it probably wants some fresh fluid before Blyton.

One area for improvement is the shifter, 3/4/5/6 are good but 1/2 are horrific to get into, naturally was only using 2nd on the hairpin however quite often missing 2nd and ending in 4th and bogging. Just feels so far to the left away from the other gears so need to find a solution to this.

The other area is me! Can tell its been a while and need to get some seat time and confidence back. The wing has definitely helped with the faster sections feeling more assured around Charlies 1/2 and Chris Curve which is good, am sure there is some time to un-lock there now.

Wasn't too busy on the evening but was a few nice things about, had some good little battles with some BMW M3's 440i's etc, interesting to see the different area's of the track that suit the different cars. MR2 coming into its own on the tighter stuff and the BMW's stretching away on the faster stuff. Was impressed with the little MR2's straight line speed in comparison too which is promising.

Few bits to sort before Blyton but on the whole a really successful shakedown and super excited for the rest of the year in the car.

Anyway enough waffle time for some pictures, curtesy of Rob Baxter so there's some good'uns!

Did have the go pro in for one session so will upload that when I get some time too.

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/vQBk33B/MR22.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vQBk33B)

(https://i.ibb.co/0MxkcT3/MR23.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0MxkcT3)

(https://i.ibb.co/vjJCMJC/MR24.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vjJCMJC)

(https://i.ibb.co/k5Ktp1c/MR25.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k5Ktp1c)

(https://i.ibb.co/2vhw0Rx/MR26.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2vhw0Rx)

Looking good  8)  glad everything went well!

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on June  2, 2024, 11:10One area for improvement is the shifter, 3/4/5/6 are good but 1/2 are horrific to get into, naturally was only using 2nd on the hairpin however quite often missing 2nd and ending in 4th and bogging. Just feels so far to the left away from the other gears so need to find a solution to this.

I found the same so made a little "stopper" for the 2nd gear gate, so you just ram the shifter all the way over to the stop with no risk of hitting reverse. It was on a sort of over centre catch, and you just flipped it out the way if you needed reverse.

@Maurici has the car now but might be able to get a pic if you need...

Thanks Adam, To be fair with the K20 box Reverse is the other side so no chance of hitting that unless things go really wrong!

Its just not a nice feel or easy to find so wants some attention. Am sure some fettling will sort it. Going to reach out to people with the same set up and see if they have any hinters or tips.

Dan

Quote from: AdamR28 on June  3, 2024, 22:59Looking good  8)  glad everything went well!

I found the same so made a little "stopper" for the 2nd gear gate, so you just ram the shifter all the way over to the stop with no risk of hitting reverse. It was on a sort of over centre catch, and you just flipped it out the way if you needed reverse.

@Maurici has the car now but might be able to get a pic if you need...

I made a stopper for my lateral movement at the shifter end too. Essentially just a stop.

Few more trackdays under the belt in the MR2 now, managed to squeeze a Cadwell/Blyton Double header on the 27/28th of July and what a weekend it was.

Car was really fantastic and didn't miss a beat on the whole, only a few changes from the last outing;

-Brake fluid change.
-Re-did alignment.
-Fitted 15x9" Konig's at the back now they had arrived.
-Hardrace adjustable tow arms

Car felt really good and got plenty of attention on both days and both me & Matt said its one of the best cars we've driven on track in terms of sheer enjoyment.

Didnt get many clean laps but optimums at Cadwell were 1;40 and 1;08 at Blyton so its fairly quick too. No doubt some extra seat time and some more work on the alignment and we can see them down abit more.

On the last session at Blyton the car developed a horrible noise from the engine and I thought it was a repeat of the Elise at Cadwell and had done a bottom end....looking under the bonnet I was massively relived to see the Ex manifold had cracked, alot easier fix!

Also noticed the brakes were getting really hot at the front at Blyton, so need to get the ducts from the old bumper transferred over and now have a cracked disc to replace too.

Will get some pictures of the days put up here later.

Just now waiting to get it booked in to have the Cams fitted and ordered a modified 4piston oil pump too give the engine as best chance for longevity up the revs!

Decided to put the ITBs on hold as it sounds great already and I just want to enjoy it without faffing too much, its working well as it is.

Hopefully get these fitted and re-maped in August then book a few more days in Sept/Oct.

Will get the Mx5 out in August too now its back from having a new clutch and some welding for the mot.

On the whole am really pleased with the car now and the BIG decision to sell the Elise and continue the journey with this one.

Seems the Nearly an Elise could actually be better as an all round car to own/drive/enjoy/maintain. ;D

Dan

Pictures as promised;


(https://i.ibb.co/dPn9x3k/2becab19-39d8-4b8a-9696-32ee87926122.jpg) (https://ibb.co/dPn9x3k)

(https://i.ibb.co/64YhVnr/IMG-2096.jpg) (https://ibb.co/64YhVnr)

(https://i.ibb.co/gF4fsJd/IMG-2092.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gF4fsJd)

(https://i.ibb.co/TT8w3mN/IMG-2099.jpg) (https://ibb.co/TT8w3mN)

(https://i.ibb.co/1Zn3zRk/IMG-2016.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1Zn3zRk)

(https://i.ibb.co/kqg1cG7/IMG-2012.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kqg1cG7)

post a photo online (https://imgbb.com/)

Had the opportunity of another Track evening at Cadwell last night so booked on and jumped in.

Was again a fantastic evening and the car also felt great, Only things changed from last time was a new set of Pagid blank discs at the front and had the exhaust manifold welded back up.

Only did 3 short sessions as was starting to get some higher oil temps, sitting at around 130 but rising to 140 once which is too much.

However I did manage to get a PB which I'm really really chuffed with, the car has felt quick but considering it still needs the geo dialling in somewhere with the knowledge, the power is quite conservative for a K (234bhp) and there its not the lightest yet (circa 1000kg) there will be the possibility of a really quick time!

Said Lap - 1.38.13

https://youtu.be/U9BESMDpn1U?si=fIGF1DW-Ktz071C3

Will post some more track pics when they are on the website.

A very happy Dan

Brilliant - I've been lucky of late to watch some great racing from you guys - well done Dan and thank you for sharing. ;D

Mega driving. Car looks so planted.

What final drive do you have?

Quote from: Chilli Girl on August 15, 2024, 15:59Brilliant - I've been lucky of late to watch some great racing from you guys - well done Dan and thank you for sharing. ;D

Pleased your enjoying the updates Chilli Girl....will be plenty more to come!

Quote from: Alex Knight on August 15, 2024, 20:28Mega driving. Car looks so planted.

What final drive do you have?

Thanks Alex, It feels really good at the moment, I thought it may want some stiffer springs but not so sure now!

Its a DC5 gearbox so shorter 4/5/6 gears and a 5.417 FD. Its about perfect on the tracks around me and isn't 'Too Bad' on the road.

Dan

As promised some pictures from the last Cadwell visit.

(https://i.ibb.co/NCZJdHB/IMG-2289.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NCZJdHB) (https://i.ibb.co/N6Vrrrn/IMG-2290.jpg) (https://ibb.co/N6Vrrrn) (https://i.ibb.co/RQ4Hkcr/IMG-2278.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RQ4Hkcr) (https://i.ibb.co/s9JM8Rp/IMG-2269.jpg) (https://ibb.co/s9JM8Rp) (https://i.ibb.co/8Ntr4rJ/IMG-2263.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8Ntr4rJ) (https://i.ibb.co/hypBCpw/IMG-2259.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hypBCpw) (https://i.ibb.co/hg2xRCD/IMG-2232.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hg2xRCD)

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on August  4, 2024, 12:49Decided to put the ITBs on hold as it sounds great already and I just want to enjoy it without faffing too much, its working well as it is.

So the hold came off...  :))

After so much deliberating about them I realised over the years I have now purchased 6 sets of ITBs for the Honda K series engine and and have never fitted them!!!

A ridiculous stat and one I thought I need to amend. I have a weekend off so I went for it, first of all bulkhead cut. Wanted to give as much room as possible around them to work on and then be able to create some good cool air feeds from the side scoops.

So everything cut out, my goodness it makes things so much nicer to work on!

ITBs all mounted up, got them running and idling nicely however it needs tuning before I can really drive it in any fashion.

(https://i.ibb.co/RvHQbFC/IMG-2318.jpg) (https://ibb.co/RvHQbFC)

(https://i.ibb.co/7nJt7XG/B839-D1-F3-E272-4883-B46-F-6-FBBCFE8-E04-D.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7nJt7XG)

I now need to get the cams/springs/retainers fitted on my next weekend off and it's booked to be mapped on the 10th September.

After the mapping I'm then having a firewall re-fabricated with removable panels and then it will be time to make some noises on track again.

I can't wait to drive it again! It felt so good last time, so an extra 20/30hp, some extra revs and even more sound it's going to be a hoot.

Just hope the cams aren't tooooo much of a bastard to fit  :-\

Dan

Update time...Power upgrades Part 1.

So how did the cam fitting go....It was a PITA!

Getting to the cams themselves was fine, but getting to the tensioner and bits to get the cam timing and chain right was pretty tricky. Very little visibility or room to get to it. But we got there.

Used the technique of attaching the chain to the garage door frame to keep tension on so it doesn't slip off the bottom pulley whilst switching cams.

The springs and retainers was actually quite a satisfying job to do especially when you got the hang of it. However had abit of a nightmare with the tool I specifically purchased, I went to do the job one night, unpackaged my new tool to find out it was missing a crucial part! Luckily I found a chap fairly local that I could borrow it from.

So cams/springs/retainers all fitted, next was the 4piston oil pump to allow for a few more revs. Nice and simple to fit and been an uprated oem part just bolted straight up.

Ready for dyno day then....Tested the car up and down the road and allthough not very healthy it was working, the night before I got the car all packed up and thought I'd just check it starts....it didnt.

Tried a few things but to no avail, so its 8;30 pm. Im booked on the Dyno tomorrow and the car isn't running at all, Fudge.

I knew the cam timing was right, car had fuel pressure, was cranking over but just not starting. Tried numerous things but to no ovail. When I whipped out the plugs it was was clear they were soaked, I had fitted the bigger RDX injectors in the ITBS and without changing the map it was just flooding the spark.

Its now half 10, I've been at work all day, im tired and pretty annoyed but I desperately don't want to mess the Dyno people about and haven't got any other spare days for a while. I still have the old inlet manifold and injectors so I decided, Ill put it back to how it was, get a really early start then swap back to the ITBS at the dyno tomorrow.

Nipped to the shops to buy an energy drink and a few mars bars.

Half 1 came round, old inlet was back on, re-wired back to original injectors etc and I gave it a very quick fire up, it started but I didn't want to run it any longer been silly aclock. So tired but now knowing I had a plan and a running car I was also relived!

The early alarm came round very quickly, got all set. Went to start the car and it spluttered and tried to start but wouldn't. Gosh darn it. Checked round a few bits but nothing obvious, whipped the plugs out and they still didn't look great. So I waited for my local part dep to open and luckily they had a set on the shelf ready to go. Back to the car, obviously running way late switched the plugs, car started but was hunting in a ridiculous manner with the EML light on and wouldn't rev up.

At this point I had to make the call, really annoyed to let them down but I had tried everything.

I was absolutely shattered and gutted at this point, locked the car up in the garage and didn't touch it for a few weeks! :))

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/WFDPYCN/IMG-2542.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WFDPYCN) (https://i.ibb.co/3psmtst/IMG-2553.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3psmtst) (https://i.ibb.co/wRkygdW/IMG-2614.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wRkygdW) (https://i.ibb.co/5vkqVDL/IMG-2659.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5vkqVDL) (https://i.ibb.co/Vmtnykt/IMG-2661.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Vmtnykt) (https://i.ibb.co/WzL6dkG/IMG-2664.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WzL6dkG) (https://i.ibb.co/hX9yCX7/IMG-2577.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hX9yCX7) image uploader (https://imgbb.com/)

Shucks man.. Sorry to hear about this.

Hopefully you'll feel better in a while and can try again when there aren't time constraints that rob the fun out of it.

Quote from: jvanzyl on October 11, 2024, 20:11Shucks man.. Sorry to hear about this.

Hopefully you'll feel better in a while and can try again when there aren't time constraints that rob the fun out of it.

Thanks mate...I've been working on cars long enough to know these things happen! There is a part 2 though so its all good  ;D

Power upgrades Part 2.

So after a few weeks of doing anything but work on the car, I opened back up the garage door. Switched the Inlet back over to the ITBS again, switched the injectors etc and started it up. It ran but again I turned it off straight away as I knew that it would only run for a limited time till it flooded the injectors.

I then re-booked the dyno time and organised a transporter to take the car over (Should have just done this the first time).

Last Wednesday was D Day and I was super excited, I have a few track days booked later in the month so just wanted it to go smoothly, I always really worry when I have done anything to the engine, always fear I'll have not tightened something up correctly and it will just go pop on the first run. Not sure if other people feel like this or its just me, Ive had years of working on cars and thankfully never really had many issues so not sure why I feel like this.

Either way its not enough to put me off doing it myself!

It was taken to Street Racers in Leicester and my Dad came long too, so we had a stop at weather for breakfast and made a nice day out of it.

So how did it go....

On the whole really well, it didnt blow up  :)  There wasnt any issues as at all apart from a slight leak from one of the injectors which we quickly fixed and the throttle was very slightly sticking closed so we need to look at that.

The car sounded so good!!

After quite a few runs he was happy with how it was behaving so I was relieved.

Did we get the power I wanted? Unfortunately not so I was a little disappointed, having looked at similar builds I was hoping for 260-270hp and I know the Dyno is a fairly optimistic one too.

The end number was 252bhp 8,900 rpm.

Which to be disappointed by over 250bhp from a NA 4 pot engine is crazy but these engines are just incredible.

Talking with Gordon about any places he thinks it could be limiting the power and the only area we could see is the exhaust manifold, its a PPE manifold however the primaries are really really small. Both him and someone who builds exhaust commented on it when looking in the engine bay and in comparison to the manifold I had on the Elise the difference is huge.

Will it be what's restricting it at higher rpm? Maybe....there's only one way to find out.

I'll be getting a larger bore one built up after the trackdays and then go back to see if there's any difference, would be nice just to find a little more but we shall see.

But chasing numbers in NA is a fools game, and an expensive one so for the time lets just enjoy it. The last map was 234bhp so its still a nice 18bhp more.

Stop talking about that Dan and tell us what it feels and sounds like.....

So the drive home, was interesting! ITBS 40cm behind the drivers seat, no bulkhead whatsoever. It was so so so loud, all the time! The hour and a half journey really took its toll and I really should have had ear plugs in.

I took it fairly steady but opened it up abit more when we was back at local roads I knew and my god it sounds incredible!!!

It felt quick too, it just felt smoother in the delivery and effortless revving higher. Now revving to 9k rpm it really does sing and feel special going through the gears.

I just cant wait to take it back to Cadwell and its first visit to Donny (Albeit Im abit worried about noise there!)

The car is now with a garage who is building up a new firewall with access panels to give some extra room around the ITBS and give lots of access.

Really really really hope its done in time for 19th but we will take the MX5 if not.

Next update will hopefully be on the 20th with some ITB Cadwell footage  ;D

Dan

(https://i.ibb.co/h82qXzp/IMG-2858.jpg) (https://ibb.co/h82qXzp)

(https://i.ibb.co/ZWCHcWz/IMG-2888.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZWCHcWz)

(https://i.ibb.co/cc1Ky83/IMG-2873.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cc1Ky83)

(https://i.ibb.co/whrhW6j/IMG-2885.jpg) (https://ibb.co/whrhW6j)

upload (https://imgbb.com/)

Quote from: Danny Scarbro on October 12, 2024, 09:50Next update will hopefully be on the 20th with some ITB Cadwell footage  ;D

This sentence has not aged well........BIG update time!

Cadwell Park – 19/10/24

So the chap sorting the temp bulkhead didn't a brilliant last minute job finishing it the evening before Cadwell. Made a nice quick solution which give so much more space around the engine and also all panels are removable for access. It will be going back to him over winter to have a frame welded in so the panels are even easier to remove and everything neater.
Quick picture of the set-up;

(https://i.ibb.co/gJzmvTk/MR34.jpg) (https://ibb.co/gJzmvTk)


Cadwell morning arrived and the day was started perfectly, turned up at the track, straight down to noise testing with a lumpy idle and snorts from the ITBS, she said what the heck is in that, I replied a Honda K20. She didn't believe me and thought it was something more exotic. Told her it reved to 9k and she said just give us 4 and abit...Lucky enough as it was 104db. Big grin on the face and super excited.

What was the weather like?

(https://i.ibb.co/vBBH5WT/MR30.jpg) (https://ibb.co/vBBH5WT)

Says it all, wet, cold, slippery and most of all FUN! As always at cadwell there was plenty of running water across the track on both straights but its been a while since we have had a wet day and I'd forgotten how fun it can be as well as challenging.

Car was great fun and was performing faultlessly. It was the first time using the AO52 tyres and we were really really impressed with the grip in such bad conditions. The ITB's sounded absolutely brilliant however are way too loud with the trumpets been 30cm from your ears and a made up firewall. Between 7-9k rpm the noise just feels like it goes straight into your brain and that's with ear plugs and a helmet on!
In the afternoon the track started to dry and out and again we were really impressed with the grip from the tyres, can see why so many people use these as a fit and forget for all weather conditions.

So where did it all go wrong, on probably the last session of the day at half 4 Matt (My bro) was driving and I was watching from near the café. There was a red flag and I waited fingers crossed for a little black MR2 to come back round, but it never did. I shouted to the Marshall and asked what's happened? His reply 'It's a Black MR2 and its on fire at Mansfield.' Probably the worst sentence he could have said! With that I was off, like a greyhound running round to see where and what had happened. I sprinted, panted, nearly fell over on the wet grass and realised why I hate running so much worried and hoping Matt had got out of the car ok and the car wasn't going to be just a ball of flames. I was very relieved to see Matt out the car and ok, and the fire was just about out with just lots of smoke everywhere.

Needless to say not the end of the day we wanted, it was a spectacular engine failure with a hole in the block both sides causing the fire. We were all going for a meal that night so it was left at Cadwell and we went on about the evening.
I was gutted but these things happen, pleased it happened at the end of the day and I had a week off work so plently of time to crack on and get the engine out and taken to pieces. I cleared the garage out on the Sunday ready and me and Dad went and towed the car back on Monday, I then spent the next week taking the engine out, cleaning the foam from the extinguisher (its gets everywhere) and splitting the engine to try and work out went wrong.

Some photos of the car on track before turmoil;

(https://i.ibb.co/LPvvhsL/MR35.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LPvvhsL)

(https://i.ibb.co/09SXDbF/MR36.jpg) (https://ibb.co/09SXDbF)

(https://i.ibb.co/rwN1gMH/MR37.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rwN1gMH)

(https://i.ibb.co/L1vv8DK/MR38.jpg) (https://ibb.co/L1vv8DK)

(https://i.ibb.co/zQBWJS3/MR39.jpg) (https://ibb.co/zQBWJS3)

(https://i.ibb.co/9gZWRK2/MR40.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9gZWRK2)


Photos post turmoil;

(https://i.ibb.co/cwHMfsK/MR31.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cwHMfsK)

(https://i.ibb.co/17Qm1Cn/MR32.jpg) (https://ibb.co/17Qm1Cn)

(https://i.ibb.co/0jxMNhk/MR33.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0jxMNhk)

A week of taking the car to pieces and stripping the engine revealing lots of damage...

(https://i.ibb.co/9GbQFwm/MR41.jpg) (https://ibb.co/9GbQFwm)

(https://i.ibb.co/Nnk4Jm9/MR42.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Nnk4Jm9)

(https://i.ibb.co/5Wj63Vw/MR43.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5Wj63Vw)

(https://i.ibb.co/LpS2rg0/MR44.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LpS2rg0)

(https://i.ibb.co/0BBWffm/MR45.jpg) (https://ibb.co/0BBWffm)

So what happened, honestly I'm not really sure what we have found;
-The mixture colour on the head is all good
-The rods are all still attached to the rod fine which would indicate it wasn't oil starvation
-One rod is snapped in half and there is very little left of the piston

Feels like its just an old engine that's had a hard life that's then been put in the MR2 and had an even harder life, then the tolerances have been lifted again and its just said enough's enough.

Either way there's not much to be salvaged but at least it's the right time of year so I can crack on and get it sorted for next year.
Will be a few more updates with the plan in the next day or so.

Dan

Really sorry to have read this Dan.  At least Matt got out ok and the engine can be replaced ready for the next series of racing ;D

wow man... that's really unfortunate and sad to hear.. best wishes for the rebuild!

Ah, really sorry to hear this.

As you say, it's exactly when you want an engine to fail if it does let go. Pretty spectacular failure mind.

Regarding engine replacement, if it were me, I'd try and get hold of the best possible replacement, and I'd treat it to the full works. Everything. Oil pump, chain, clearances, water pump, thermostat etc.

I'd then make sure I had a proper sump and use the BEST quality oil available. Proper, ester based true synthetic (if you weren't already).

oh no.... it was eventually going so well too!!! all the best with the next phase!!

Ouch! :-\  As ever an issue like this is good excuse for an upgrade though  ;D

Quote from: Alex Knight on November 12, 2024, 10:11Ah, really sorry to hear this.

As you say, it's exactly when you want an engine to fail if it does let go. Pretty spectacular failure mind.

Regarding engine replacement, if it were me, I'd try and get hold of the best possible replacement, and I'd treat it to the full works. Everything. Oil pump, chain, clearances, water pump, thermostat etc.

I'd then make sure I had a proper sump and use the BEST quality oil available. Proper, ester based true synthetic (if you weren't already).

Thanks Alex, we always try and give them the best possible chance; This one had new chain, tensioner, Uprated New 4piston oil pump, Clockwise sump baffle etc and oil's changed every track day with Millers competition oil.

One thing I want to sort before next time is keeping the oil temps down as although that oil is supposedly good at high temps it cant be good long term. Cant re-use the current oil cooler so an excuse to go to a water cooled one like you suggested!

Dan

Quote from: thetyrant on November 12, 2024, 13:48Ouch! :-\  As ever an issue like this is good excuse for an upgrade though  ;D

Exactly my thoughts mate, will write up the plans later as we already have already got the wheels in motion so to speak!

Dan

I hear 2GRs are a bit more robust  8)

So what is the plan for the replacement.

I've decided to switch to a K24 instead of the K20 this time, although I love the revs and feel of the K20 you just have to take the engine to alot higher strain to get a comparable power.

For example with in the Elise, We had a stock K24 with just breathing mods and a set of drop in cams which produced 275bhp.

With the K20 in the MR2 it need more aggressive cams, uprated valvetrain and alot higher rev limit to get to 252bhp on the same dyno.

So I have sourced a K24A JDM spec engine, its the RB3 so has the higher compression ratio as standard.

Fitted the following New Oem Honda Parts;
K20 Oil pump
Tensioner
Timing chain
K20 VTC cam gear

Along with some new Skunk2 Drop in Cams.

This is the exact same set-up I had in the Elise, Theory been if you know it works then why do anything else.

Have sold the uprated cams/valvetrain and ITBS from the old engine.

And going back to the same Skunk2 Ultra Intake manifold I had in the Elise too.

Only things I need to sort now is a new Sump baffle and going to try a different sump too with a larger oil capacity to try and help things.

A few quick pictures of the temp bulkhead;

(https://i.ibb.co/4FKRyQv/MR46.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4FKRyQv)

(https://i.ibb.co/qmCrPFW/MR47.jpg) (https://ibb.co/qmCrPFW)

Have got the engine/interior all cleaned up and luckily have another week off from the 18th so going to paint the interior and engine bay before hopefully getting the engine back in.

(https://i.ibb.co/Kr941XG/MR48.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Kr941XG)

(https://i.ibb.co/pvnftsP/MR49.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pvnftsP)

(https://i.ibb.co/34nYKJR/MR50.jpg) (https://ibb.co/34nYKJR)

How the car sits now, and how the spare garage looks full of all the parts!

Dan

Quote from: BahnStormer on November 12, 2024, 16:17I hear 2GRs are a bit more robust  8)

I did look at these but I've been a Honda man for years and just love these engines. Not to mention the gearbox on the Honda is so so so good, Particularly the one in mine with shorted 4/5/6 and final drive.

I think the experience with a 2GR would be quite underwhelming after the K's. Would be really interested to have a go in one to see though!

Dan

Had a good few weeks getting cracked on with the MR2.

With the engine bay cleaned up I finished cutting back the bulkhead then prep'd and painted the engine bay and surrounding areas. Wanted it all matching with the new exterior panels. I will move onto the interior and front boot area once the engines back up and running.

All painted ready for engine;

(https://i.ibb.co/MCjPJPF/MR51.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MCjPJPF) (https://i.ibb.co/LnsrDNh/MR52.jpg) (https://ibb.co/LnsrDNh)

Engine and box cleaned up and painted;

(https://i.ibb.co/pKPGnNJ/MR53.jpg) (https://ibb.co/pKPGnNJ) (https://i.ibb.co/NWzwgTg/MR54.jpg) (https://ibb.co/NWzwgTg)

Engine back in;

(https://i.ibb.co/1zwtqfJ/MR55.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1zwtqfJ) (https://i.ibb.co/2W7tV7Q/MR56.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2W7tV7Q) (https://i.ibb.co/Zh8grh3/MR57.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Zh8grh3)

Now have the following bits to fit;
Skunk2 Ultra Intake
70MM Tegiwa Throttle Body
Iconic auto design baffled steel sump
Brand new Tegiwa Red wrinkle rocker cover
Acuity Short shifter
Mishimoto Aluminium radiator

Going to put it back together with the current exhaust but then will be taking it to Giz Fabrication for a similar set up with larger primaries on the manifold and larger back box as at 94.7DB it is track friendly but on the edge.

The next challenge is the wiring, I'm hoping I don't need a new loom but need to strip it back and see if there's any damage from the fire. I will however be tidying it all up and taking my time to make a neat job of it whilst I can get around the engine bay easily.

Fingers crossed will have everything done early spring and can get it back on track March time.

In other news we did a day at Donnington and Oulton in the MX5 which was really good fun, forgot how much easy fun that thing is.

Have a day at Blyton on 29th December for Matt's bday too which should be fun.

Dan