Discussion
I've been having some trouble with my BMW daily driver, so I managed to convince my wife that we should take the MR2 for our annual jaunt to Devon. With Baby Craik on the way it could well be our last chance for a trip away in the MR2 together for a while!
As we were in the MR2 we decided to come off the M5 early and take the A39 over Exmoor - one of my favourite roads. We managed to hit it at a good time, the rain had just stopped as we got to the top of Porlock Hill, so I pulled in to drop the hood and let the traffic clear. The run down in to Lynmouth was one of the best blats I've had in a long time. After a quick lunch in Lynmouth we carried on towards Croyde, roof up again as there were a few flakes on snow! With the diversion it was about 200 miles door to door and we both didn't feel any worse for it.
The next day we decided to take a day trip to Dartmouth, via Dartmoor. I'd only ever skirted round Dartmoor previously, but open moorland roads are my favourite. The detour didn't disappoint, even if we were up in the clouds crossing the moors. At Dartmouth we took one of the small ferries across the estuary - ferry is really a glorification, it was a raft big enough for 6 cars, towed across by a tug boat. We took the A377 back to Croyde. the road looks wiggly on the map, but it was better in real life, driving along an empty, awesome road, with pine forests on one side and a wide, shallow fast flowing river on the other I felt like I could have been in the Scottish Highlands. This was another 200 mile day in the car.
After a day where the MR2 was only used for a fish and chip run to the next village, we spent the next few days heading home, via Glastonbury, Bath and the Cotswolds. The MR2 worked better as a GT car than I'd expected, we are used to travelling light from backpacking days, and the seats were surprisingly comfortable. But when the roads got interesting, the lightweight nature of the car and feedback through the seats and steering meant I could make the most of it. I was falling in love with the MR2 all over again.
At Bibury, 550 miles into the 600 mile trip:
MR2 in Bibury by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
After all that driving I took the MR2 to my local(ish) MR2 specialist for a service and to get the squeaky rear brakes looked at. Even though the car hasn't reached 54,000 miles this was to be the 100,000 mile service, along with a brake fluid change, as the pedal has been soft after my Donington track day last year, even after bleeding the brakes.
The front callipers were rebuilt, without anti squeal shims, as the could have added to the pedal softness. The discs have probably only got one more track day in them, so they were reused and I'll change discs and pads after my next track day.
At the rear, the cause of the squealing brakes was traced to irregular wear on the inner face of both brake discs, probably due to poor adjustment of the handbrake mechanism. So the discs and pads were replaced with OEM items and the callipers were rebuilt and adjusted correctly.
They also identified a small oil leak from the drive shaft gaiter, so that was replaced.
The bill was £700, but the car is driving so much better, especially on the brakes, the pedal is firm and the brakes seem much more efficient. Slowing down from 50mph for the first right turn after the workshop I nearly headbutted the windscreen. Now to get a track day booked to see how they hold out...
As we were in the MR2 we decided to come off the M5 early and take the A39 over Exmoor - one of my favourite roads. We managed to hit it at a good time, the rain had just stopped as we got to the top of Porlock Hill, so I pulled in to drop the hood and let the traffic clear. The run down in to Lynmouth was one of the best blats I've had in a long time. After a quick lunch in Lynmouth we carried on towards Croyde, roof up again as there were a few flakes on snow! With the diversion it was about 200 miles door to door and we both didn't feel any worse for it.
The next day we decided to take a day trip to Dartmouth, via Dartmoor. I'd only ever skirted round Dartmoor previously, but open moorland roads are my favourite. The detour didn't disappoint, even if we were up in the clouds crossing the moors. At Dartmouth we took one of the small ferries across the estuary - ferry is really a glorification, it was a raft big enough for 6 cars, towed across by a tug boat. We took the A377 back to Croyde. the road looks wiggly on the map, but it was better in real life, driving along an empty, awesome road, with pine forests on one side and a wide, shallow fast flowing river on the other I felt like I could have been in the Scottish Highlands. This was another 200 mile day in the car.
After a day where the MR2 was only used for a fish and chip run to the next village, we spent the next few days heading home, via Glastonbury, Bath and the Cotswolds. The MR2 worked better as a GT car than I'd expected, we are used to travelling light from backpacking days, and the seats were surprisingly comfortable. But when the roads got interesting, the lightweight nature of the car and feedback through the seats and steering meant I could make the most of it. I was falling in love with the MR2 all over again.
At Bibury, 550 miles into the 600 mile trip:
MR2 in Bibury by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
After all that driving I took the MR2 to my local(ish) MR2 specialist for a service and to get the squeaky rear brakes looked at. Even though the car hasn't reached 54,000 miles this was to be the 100,000 mile service, along with a brake fluid change, as the pedal has been soft after my Donington track day last year, even after bleeding the brakes.
The front callipers were rebuilt, without anti squeal shims, as the could have added to the pedal softness. The discs have probably only got one more track day in them, so they were reused and I'll change discs and pads after my next track day.
At the rear, the cause of the squealing brakes was traced to irregular wear on the inner face of both brake discs, probably due to poor adjustment of the handbrake mechanism. So the discs and pads were replaced with OEM items and the callipers were rebuilt and adjusted correctly.
They also identified a small oil leak from the drive shaft gaiter, so that was replaced.
The bill was £700, but the car is driving so much better, especially on the brakes, the pedal is firm and the brakes seem much more efficient. Slowing down from 50mph for the first right turn after the workshop I nearly headbutted the windscreen. Now to get a track day booked to see how they hold out...
With the nice weather recently I've been having a lot of fun in the MR2!
Over the weekend we went to stay with some friends in Stockport, rather than taking one of the boring cars and driving up the M6, I took the opportunity to take the MR2 through the Peak District. We came home via Bakewell, which meant another run through the Peak District, including the Cat & Fiddle pass. It was perfect convertible weather, warm enough not to wrap up too much but not too sunny that my Scottish skin got burnt to a crisp.
Then yesterday I did a trackday at Donington Park, I'd had put off booking as I didn't fancy a trackday in the rain, but my calendar was looking bust for all the alternative dates, so I had to go for yesterday. In the end it worked out really well, with the track pretty wet to start with a lot of the race cars stayed in the pits and the speed differential between the MR2, which in my hands is usually the slowest car on track, and the faster cars seemed lower. The lack of power probably helped me to stay out of trouble.
In the afternoon the rain stopped and the track dried out the MR2 was still going really well, I felt like I was going faster than the trackday I did at Donington last year. I was able to lap with other cars too which was fun, notably an Austin A30 race car. Just like last time I was there, about 15 minutes before the end of the day the rain started again, last year I pulled into the pits and went home, but with my new-found confidence from the morning, I pulled into the pits, put the roof up and went out for a few more laps! The car had been moving under me all day, especially at Redgate and Coppice, but on my penultimate lap I had a bit of a tankslapper coming out of McLeans, fortunately there weren't any other cars around and I managed to keep it on the black stuff.
I was happy with the 185 miles I clocked up on track, I was doing 15 mins on/15 mins off with no trouble from the car. I had a few people come up to me and say how the MR2 is so underrated. Like my last few track days the brakes have taken a battering, the pedal is now quite soft. When I had the car serviced last month I'd been advised that the front disks only had 1 track day left on them, so I'll bleed the brakes properly when I do the disks and pads. Do any of the (ex)MR2 owners reading have any recommendations for brake pads?
After the last month of drag strip, road trips and a track day I really need to treat the MR2 to a good wash!
Donington Park track day by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Over the weekend we went to stay with some friends in Stockport, rather than taking one of the boring cars and driving up the M6, I took the opportunity to take the MR2 through the Peak District. We came home via Bakewell, which meant another run through the Peak District, including the Cat & Fiddle pass. It was perfect convertible weather, warm enough not to wrap up too much but not too sunny that my Scottish skin got burnt to a crisp.
Then yesterday I did a trackday at Donington Park, I'd had put off booking as I didn't fancy a trackday in the rain, but my calendar was looking bust for all the alternative dates, so I had to go for yesterday. In the end it worked out really well, with the track pretty wet to start with a lot of the race cars stayed in the pits and the speed differential between the MR2, which in my hands is usually the slowest car on track, and the faster cars seemed lower. The lack of power probably helped me to stay out of trouble.
In the afternoon the rain stopped and the track dried out the MR2 was still going really well, I felt like I was going faster than the trackday I did at Donington last year. I was able to lap with other cars too which was fun, notably an Austin A30 race car. Just like last time I was there, about 15 minutes before the end of the day the rain started again, last year I pulled into the pits and went home, but with my new-found confidence from the morning, I pulled into the pits, put the roof up and went out for a few more laps! The car had been moving under me all day, especially at Redgate and Coppice, but on my penultimate lap I had a bit of a tankslapper coming out of McLeans, fortunately there weren't any other cars around and I managed to keep it on the black stuff.
I was happy with the 185 miles I clocked up on track, I was doing 15 mins on/15 mins off with no trouble from the car. I had a few people come up to me and say how the MR2 is so underrated. Like my last few track days the brakes have taken a battering, the pedal is now quite soft. When I had the car serviced last month I'd been advised that the front disks only had 1 track day left on them, so I'll bleed the brakes properly when I do the disks and pads. Do any of the (ex)MR2 owners reading have any recommendations for brake pads?
After the last month of drag strip, road trips and a track day I really need to treat the MR2 to a good wash!
Donington Park track day by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I've got some of the official photos from Donington, all from the morning which was wet:
Donington Park Trackday Official Photo by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Donington Park Trackday Official Photo by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Donington Park Trackday Official Photo by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I got back from Donington and left the MR2 in the garage, unfortunately it hasn't moved since, the brakes needed bleeding, so I jacked it up and removed the rear wheels, then got a bit bored waiting for someone to press the pedal for me and ending up giving the rear wheels a thorough clean/wax.
Not overly dirty to begin with, probably because the brakes weren't properly adjusted:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Snow foam to get most of the dirt off:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Looking better already:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
But still more contaminants to remove:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
On to the bench for some deep cleaner, 3x sealant and 2x tyre shine:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
A lot cleaner than the front wheels:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The fronts had this treatment last year, so should only need a snow foam and maybe another coat of wheel sealant to be looking as good as the rears.
I managed to get my heavily pregnant wife to help me bleed the brakes, but her waters broke the next day and my son arrived 6 weeks early, so I have been spending my days in the hospital with them and haven't been able to get the fronts done. At least the baby will attract lots of visitors to the house so should have a helper sooner rather than later. It also means that the MR2 is going to be pressed into daily driver duty for me when I go back to work after paternity leave - I'm hoping the weather stays nice!
Donington Park Trackday Official Photo by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Donington Park Trackday Official Photo by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Donington Park Trackday Official Photo by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I got back from Donington and left the MR2 in the garage, unfortunately it hasn't moved since, the brakes needed bleeding, so I jacked it up and removed the rear wheels, then got a bit bored waiting for someone to press the pedal for me and ending up giving the rear wheels a thorough clean/wax.
Not overly dirty to begin with, probably because the brakes weren't properly adjusted:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Snow foam to get most of the dirt off:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Looking better already:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
But still more contaminants to remove:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
On to the bench for some deep cleaner, 3x sealant and 2x tyre shine:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
A lot cleaner than the front wheels:
MR2 wheel clean by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The fronts had this treatment last year, so should only need a snow foam and maybe another coat of wheel sealant to be looking as good as the rears.
I managed to get my heavily pregnant wife to help me bleed the brakes, but her waters broke the next day and my son arrived 6 weeks early, so I have been spending my days in the hospital with them and haven't been able to get the fronts done. At least the baby will attract lots of visitors to the house so should have a helper sooner rather than later. It also means that the MR2 is going to be pressed into daily driver duty for me when I go back to work after paternity leave - I'm hoping the weather stays nice!
Edited by Craikeybaby on Saturday 18th June 12:01
I must be pretty in tune with the MR2 - this morning I thought that I should probably put the MR2 on the battery charger, after it has been sat in the garage for a few weeks. I went to hook up the charger this evening and the battery was totally flat.
I've got my Dad coming round to help me bleed the brakes tomorrow, then from Monday the MR2 will be on daily driver duty for the rest of the summer!
I've got my Dad coming round to help me bleed the brakes tomorrow, then from Monday the MR2 will be on daily driver duty for the rest of the summer!
After a busy spring, the MR2 had a 7 week rest in the garage, but now it is back on the road!
Yesterday evening was one of those perfect sports car evening, not too sunny, but warm enough for short sleeves with the roof/windows down. I too the MR2 for a blast around my favourite local B road loop as a shakedown and was reminded just how good the car is. Even better, it has been moved in to the daily driver role until the roads start to get salty.
Yesterday evening was one of those perfect sports car evening, not too sunny, but warm enough for short sleeves with the roof/windows down. I too the MR2 for a blast around my favourite local B road loop as a shakedown and was reminded just how good the car is. Even better, it has been moved in to the daily driver role until the roads start to get salty.
Sunday morning was one of those days where the MR2 made so much sense.
I met some Midlands PHers to convoy down to the PHSS near Bicester, the MR2 wasn't great on the motorway, but when we got onto the twisties I was able to keep up with the Lamborghinis, Porches and Golf R and really enjoyed the drive. I also had a great drive back, through the Cotswolds and South Warwickshire. Over 100 miles of totally pointless, yet thoroughly enjoyable driving.
Now the MR2 is back on daily driver duties.
I met some Midlands PHers to convoy down to the PHSS near Bicester, the MR2 wasn't great on the motorway, but when we got onto the twisties I was able to keep up with the Lamborghinis, Porches and Golf R and really enjoyed the drive. I also had a great drive back, through the Cotswolds and South Warwickshire. Over 100 miles of totally pointless, yet thoroughly enjoyable driving.
Now the MR2 is back on daily driver duties.
After only having used the MR2 for short commutes I got a chance to take it out for a good hoon last Sunday. I packed my camera too, aware that I still hadn't taken any good shots of the MR2 - it is just a shame I didn't have a chance to wash it beforehand. Anyway, 60 miles, to get petrol, take some photos and pick up an order from Screwfix, was good use of a Sunday morning in my book!
MR2 Sunday Drive by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 Sunday Drive by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 Sunday Drive by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 Sunday Drive by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
MR2 by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Edited by Craikeybaby on Friday 11th November 21:33
Edited by Craikeybaby on Thursday 18th April 17:31
I've had a good autumn in the MR2, starting with a 100 mile round trip to Prescott for breakfast. As the weather was so nice I continued to use it as my daily - fortunately it was parked at work when my neighbour had scaffolding erected, blocking the access to my garage. I'm still annoyed that I can't park the MR2 in the garage, but would have been even more annoyed if it had been blocked in!
The next big day out was the PHSS at Silverstone. I joined the midlands forum convoy, the MR2 can't keep up with the supercars on the motorways, but can hold its own in the twisties. I made a time-lapse of the drive to Silverstone.
The main event was the track time, the MR2 didn't feel as slow as it had done at the event previously, as I haven't changed anything on the car, I'm hoping it is me that is improving. Towards the end of the session I pretty much had the track to myself. I've uploaded a lap to YouTube. The brakes were a bit soft after the 30 minute session, which I've grown accustomed to. Whilst letting the brakes cool down I was approached by a couple of PHers to talk about the car - I never experienced that when I drove an MX-5.
From Silverstone I followed my Dad, in his Boxster, on the cross country route to my parent's house, it has been a long time since we've been for a drive together in separate cars. Following my Dad through the Cotswolds, with his Boxster kicking up the autumn leaves was just as enjoyable as driving on the track.
In all I did 170 miles and due to the garage situation the MR2 was pressed back in to daily driver duty the next day. I had a large package to bring back from work, so swapped cars with my wife - I think it was the first time she had driven the MR2 on her own - progress from last summer when she was scared to drive it at all! I'm not too impressed at having to drive it on the gritted roads, so as soon as I can get it back in the garage and crack on with the winter jobs I've got lined up.
The next big day out was the PHSS at Silverstone. I joined the midlands forum convoy, the MR2 can't keep up with the supercars on the motorways, but can hold its own in the twisties. I made a time-lapse of the drive to Silverstone.
The main event was the track time, the MR2 didn't feel as slow as it had done at the event previously, as I haven't changed anything on the car, I'm hoping it is me that is improving. Towards the end of the session I pretty much had the track to myself. I've uploaded a lap to YouTube. The brakes were a bit soft after the 30 minute session, which I've grown accustomed to. Whilst letting the brakes cool down I was approached by a couple of PHers to talk about the car - I never experienced that when I drove an MX-5.
From Silverstone I followed my Dad, in his Boxster, on the cross country route to my parent's house, it has been a long time since we've been for a drive together in separate cars. Following my Dad through the Cotswolds, with his Boxster kicking up the autumn leaves was just as enjoyable as driving on the track.
In all I did 170 miles and due to the garage situation the MR2 was pressed back in to daily driver duty the next day. I had a large package to bring back from work, so swapped cars with my wife - I think it was the first time she had driven the MR2 on her own - progress from last summer when she was scared to drive it at all! I'm not too impressed at having to drive it on the gritted roads, so as soon as I can get it back in the garage and crack on with the winter jobs I've got lined up.
My MR2 made it into the Carpool
Other than that there was a few days of excitement, when I swapped the headunit for a pre-production double din model with wireless CarPlay. The headunit had been sat on my desk at work for a few months, so I decided that my colleagues must have forgotten about it and fitted it into the MR2. It lasted 3 days before the email arrived asking for the headunit back.
At least I got my old headunit installed again with the wires tidied up.
Other than that there was a few days of excitement, when I swapped the headunit for a pre-production double din model with wireless CarPlay. The headunit had been sat on my desk at work for a few months, so I decided that my colleagues must have forgotten about it and fitted it into the MR2. It lasted 3 days before the email arrived asking for the headunit back.
At least I got my old headunit installed again with the wires tidied up.I wasn't planning on driving the MR2 over the winter, especially not when there was salt on the roads, but a few of the guys from the Midlands forum organised a hoon through the Peak District yesterday. So I took the MR2 for a blast - 150 miles, all roof down and absolutely loved it!
MR2 & Friends by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Will need to give it a good wash before tucking it back into the garage and doing the brakes next month.
MR2 & Friends by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Will need to give it a good wash before tucking it back into the garage and doing the brakes next month.
Edited by Craikeybaby on Thursday 18th April 17:33
I removed all the roadsalt from the hoon earlier in the week, including trying out the Karcher chassis cleaner I got for Christmas.
MR2 snow foam by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The MR2 is tucked away in the garage now, I've got a few jobs I want to do on it before the good weather comes back and I'll be driving it more.
MR2 snow foam by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The MR2 is tucked away in the garage now, I've got a few jobs I want to do on it before the good weather comes back and I'll be driving it more.
I think undersealing may be a good idea - I had the car up on axle stands recently and there was a lot of surface rust on the suspension components. I'm not sure if it is because the roads were particularly salty last time I drove it, or because I cleaned away the dirt that was hiding the rust.
I fitted yellowstuff pads and pagid discs to the front - once the brakes are warm they feel stronger than the old set up. It has only been a week/100 miles, but the discs aren't rusty yet. The same couldn't be said of the Toyota discs I had fitted last year.
After 6 weeks mainly driving my wife's Fiat 500 it is so good being back in the MR2. I even pressed it in to commuter duties earlier in the week and took it for a fun lunchtime hoon.
I've got some track time booked at the Silverstone Sunday Service in a few weeks, looking forward to testing the brakes thoroughly.
I fitted yellowstuff pads and pagid discs to the front - once the brakes are warm they feel stronger than the old set up. It has only been a week/100 miles, but the discs aren't rusty yet. The same couldn't be said of the Toyota discs I had fitted last year.
After 6 weeks mainly driving my wife's Fiat 500 it is so good being back in the MR2. I even pressed it in to commuter duties earlier in the week and took it for a fun lunchtime hoon.
I've got some track time booked at the Silverstone Sunday Service in a few weeks, looking forward to testing the brakes thoroughly.
Today was an important day! My little boy had his first ride in the MR2 - I think he was suitably impressed!
Owen enjoying the MR2 by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Owen enjoying the MR2 by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
Owen likes the MR2 with the roof down too:
Roof down in the MR2 with Owen by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I've been on parental leave the last few weeks, so we've been getting out in the MR2 a fair bit. I was proud when we pulled up in the parent and child spaces at the supermarket and the little boy in the next car pointed at the MR2 and loudly exclaimed to his dad that it was a cool car.
The MR2 passed its MOT, but with advisories about corrosion on the springs, and a suggestion from the tester that I probably shouldn't do any more track days until replacing them. Not what I wanted to hear the day after a £1,100 bill on my daily driver. So I think I am going to have to keep an eye on them and go for a suspension overhaul next winter. That should also give me a chance to work out what I am going to fit - I'll probably take the opportunity to upgrade. I need to sort out a service at Rogue Motorsport next month, so will discuss options with them.
It probably also means that I won't be doing any more track days this year, so the PH session I did in March will be the only one. Here's one of my better laps from Silverstone.
Roof down in the MR2 with Owen by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I've been on parental leave the last few weeks, so we've been getting out in the MR2 a fair bit. I was proud when we pulled up in the parent and child spaces at the supermarket and the little boy in the next car pointed at the MR2 and loudly exclaimed to his dad that it was a cool car.
The MR2 passed its MOT, but with advisories about corrosion on the springs, and a suggestion from the tester that I probably shouldn't do any more track days until replacing them. Not what I wanted to hear the day after a £1,100 bill on my daily driver. So I think I am going to have to keep an eye on them and go for a suspension overhaul next winter. That should also give me a chance to work out what I am going to fit - I'll probably take the opportunity to upgrade. I need to sort out a service at Rogue Motorsport next month, so will discuss options with them.
It probably also means that I won't be doing any more track days this year, so the PH session I did in March will be the only one. Here's one of my better laps from Silverstone.
I collected the MR2 from Rogue Motorsport who had it for its annual service. It was just a simple service, the only extra being an auxiliary belt.
They must have also tweaked the brakes slightly as the pedal felt better and they no longer squeal.
They must have also tweaked the brakes slightly as the pedal felt better and they no longer squeal.
Escy said:
I wouldn't let corrosion on the coil springs stop you from doing trackdays.
That was pretty much what Rogue Motorsport said, although they suggested that some coilovers would be a worthwhile replacement.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff