Mushi 虫 - the MR2

[Ardent]

Perhaps copy n paste and start a car for sale thread.

Likely to get more views.

[JayPee404]

Perhaps copy n paste and start a car for sale thread.

Likely to get more views.

Thank you mate I will do, just need to get some pictures before I do!

[JayPee404]

Well, the idea of selling her was short-lived. I did advertise elsewhere and had a buyer lined-up but while test-driving other cars I realised that I simply don't want to get rid of her. Currently looking at how hard it'd be to take her with me to Portugal if/when I do move.

Meanwhile I dumped some love on her and had the header gasket replaced and engine steam-cleaned. Really curious how that'll affect the burning oil issue as I always assumed it was due to the piston rings and essentially unsolvable without replacing those. Also bought a new downpipe and cat and have to do a wheel-bearing, but hopefully by the end of this week she'll be in good shape to enjoy the rest of the summer. I also need to clean the roof drains as she's starting to store water after rain. The sloshing sound really ruins the ride.

Next in line is the clutch simply because I think after 100k miles it probably wouldn't be a bad idea to replace. I have the Exedy clutch kit ready to go but I kind of want a lighter flywheel than stock. Is the Clutch Competition Light Flywheel still the go-to part or is there a better alternative?

[Alex Knight]

It depends what you mean by "better". What is better to you?

[Gaz mr-s]

I also need to clean the roof drains as she's starting to store water after rain. The sloshing sound really ruins the ride.

If the water sloshing is under the bins, yes the drains need attended to, but also the 'secondary drains'.  If they were ok the car wouldn't 'flood.  The following is from a Facebook file that I wrote.

The car can get flooded if the water drains aren't clear, but even if the main drain gets blocked, there are two secondary drains underneath the bins which should prevent flooding.  Underneath the plastic bins are two round rubber pieces that look like grommets, one either side. They are short pipes, & so narrow in diameter that they silt-up & get blocked. They can either be cleaned out with a cable tie, or hauled out & thrown away. No side-effects. Getting rid of them will also allow the area to clear of water more easily.

There's a good chance the water will have surged forward & got under the carpet. You won't be able to feel it as it has non-permeable lining.  Take the passenger seat out  & lift out the sill plastics to get access. There is a wad of sound-deadening under the seat which might be sodden.

Look for a dry-weather week.

[JayPee404]

If the water sloshing is under the bins, yes the drains need attended to, but also the 'secondary drains'.  If they were ok the car wouldn't 'flood.  The following is from a Facebook file that I wrote.

The car can get flooded if the water drains aren't clear, but even if the main drain gets blocked, there are two secondary drains underneath the bins which should prevent flooding.  Underneath the plastic bins are two round rubber pieces that look like grommets, one either side. They are short pipes, & so narrow in diameter that they silt-up & get blocked. They can either be cleaned out with a cable tie, or hauled out & thrown away. No side-effects. Getting rid of them will also allow the area to clear of water more easily.

There's a good chance the water will have surged forward & got under the carpet. You won't be able to feel it as it has non-permeable lining.  Take the passenger seat out  & lift out the sill plastics to get access. There is a wad of sound-deadening under the seat which might be sodden.

Look for a dry-weather week.

Thank you mate that's a great overview of it. The water is not getting inside the cab for the time being just sloshing behind me after rain. I'll have to have a proper look and see what the deal is but I haven't cleaned them at all since getting the car 2 years ago so it's long overdue!

It depends what you mean by "better". What is better to you?

Frankly I don't know. The car is still my daily and strictly sees some spirited road use, and overall the car is pretty much stock. I want something that gives it a bit of a quicker throttle response and generally improves the feel of the car which also works under normal usage (ie traffic). Reading around the clutch competition flywheel is supposed to be pretty good for what I want, but it also seems pretty hard to find the light version of it and much easier to get an ultra light which would be too much for me. So was wondering if there are any good alternatives, tried and tested by members here

[jvanzyl]

Here's a link to one of many vendors selling the flywheel. The 2ZZ and 1ZZ are the same, you'll need new studs from ARP to go with it.

https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/comp-clutch-ultra-lightweight-flywheel-2zz
Whilst you're in there, it would make sense to make a call on whether to replace your clutch or not.

I have the CC flywheel, definitely makes a difference and there's not much of a learning curve to get used to driving with it. I don't think there's any difference in version other than 5 or 6 speed compatibility.

This can be supported with doing something like the MAF mod which will slightly increase the torque of the car. You should note that you will need to ensure your primary O2 sensors are in good shape otherwise you'll suffer from extended cranking for engine start.

The overall car will really benefit from refreshed bushings and bracing. Don't do poly unless you really have to.

[Gaz mr-s]

Here's a link to one of many vendors selling the flywheel. The 2ZZ and 1ZZ are the same, you'll need new studs from ARP to go with it.

The 1zz & 2zz flywheels are different bolt-mountings. Clutches fit either, but not the flywheel.

[jvanzyl]

Shucks sorry, it was the bolts that were the same wasn't it? Please disregard my earlier comment?!

Here's the proper 1zz flywheel
https://gt4-play.co.uk/shop/comp-clutch-ultra-lightweight-flywheel-2zz-1

I know the link has 2zz in the URL but when you get to the page it's for the 1zz.

[Alex Knight]

Frankly I don't know. The car is still my daily and strictly sees some spirited road use, and overall the car is pretty much stock. I want something that gives it a bit of a quicker throttle response and generally improves the feel of the car which also works under normal usage (ie traffic). Reading around the clutch competition flywheel is supposed to be pretty good for what I want, but it also seems pretty hard to find the light version of it and much easier to get an ultra light which would be too much for me. So was wondering if there are any good alternatives, tried and tested by members here

It's a little difficult to answer your question if you don't know yourself what you want, don't you think?

FWIW, I have almost certainly the lightest available 2ZZ flywheel in my car; Fidanza. It's very drivable, and I don't even think about it, even in stop-start traffic. Whatever you pick, you'll be fine.

[Petrus]

Frankly I don't know. The car is still my daily and strictly sees some spirited road use, and overall the car is pretty much stock. I want something that gives it a bit of a quicker throttle response and generally improves the feel of the car which also works under normal usage (ie traffic). Reading around the clutch competition flywheel is supposed to be pretty good for what I want, but it also seems pretty hard to find the light version of it and much easier to get an ultra light which would be too much for me. So was wondering if there are any good alternatives, tried and tested by members here

MAF mod is just a bit more crisp.
Competition clutch makes ´best´ vfm
Fill the gaps in the mounting rubbers with PU from a tube. Firmer without bothersome vibes.
For the rest deleting bits and bobs costs nothing and adds up to a quicker responding car.
Lastly read up on deleting the power steering. For mé it made/makes a positive world of difference but it is also an effective anti theft as for anyone unfamiliar the steering does not turn at standstill.

[JayPee404]

Thanks a lot for the input guys. I know it's a bit dumb to ask a question like this when I'm not sure what I want myself, but I have never driven a non-stock car! What I want is a more responsive car and to delete weight where possible. If the ultra-light doesn't make a big deal in every-day driving then I probably will go for that. I will also certainly change the clutch at the same time considering it has 100k-ish miles on it. Could do with a refresh even though it's not giving me issues at all.

I'll have to look up the MAF mod. Once I've done the clutch flywheel I'll definitely be looking at prius front calipers and fresh oem for the back. And should probably look at the suspension in general as it's old and according to the MOT, ever so slightly corroded. And I need to address a slight bit of corrosion on the rear o/s wing before it becomes unmanageable.

I also really wanna look at the little storage behind the seats and find ways to free up space. Planning a few trips around the country and trying to figure out how to fit a slight bit more luggage in her.

[Joesson]

@JayPee404 said:

I also really wanna look at the little storage behind the seats and find ways to free up space. Planning a few trips around the country and trying to figure out how to fit a slight bit more luggage in her.


You may or may not be aware that the extreme ends of the cubbies can be removed to allow longer items across the width of the car.
I have also used clothes hanging bags, via a simple loop of cord around the top / back of the seats. This works unless you have long legs and the seats are back.
Seldom mentioned on here is the rear "parcel shelf", With the hood up there is space in that area but , of course you wouldn't want to be travelling with the hood up!

[Ardent]

Once I've done the clutch flywheel I'll definitely be looking at prius front calipers and fresh oem for the back.

+1 on the prius calipers.
Such an easy win.