Toyota MR2 GTS Revision 2
Discussion
Bit of an update. Done about 1500 miles since purchase.
The May SE gathering was a bit of a disappointment with just a fraction of the expected turnout, probably due to terrible rain clouds all day. The irony was the weather was gorgeous when we were all there. Anyway, still got to enjoy some nice cars and brought along a friend who I am attempting to convert in to a pistonhead and he really enjoyed it!
Car is currently in with my mechanic as found the gasket between manifold and turbo to be blowing so new OEM gaskets will be installed for the turbo assembly. I'm tempted to email the previous owner and tell him not to be such a cheap skate in the future! These ebay gaskets are crap!
Unfortunately still got these crappy wheels on, just haven't had the cash for the refurb yet on my Sparcos. But with the sunshine comes cleaning season and i've been out cleaning and polishing once or twice a week. Very therapeutic after work.
I have a set of decals to replace the faded ones on at the moment. Once it's back from the mechanic i'm going to spank it to a few meets this month!
The May SE gathering was a bit of a disappointment with just a fraction of the expected turnout, probably due to terrible rain clouds all day. The irony was the weather was gorgeous when we were all there. Anyway, still got to enjoy some nice cars and brought along a friend who I am attempting to convert in to a pistonhead and he really enjoyed it!
Car is currently in with my mechanic as found the gasket between manifold and turbo to be blowing so new OEM gaskets will be installed for the turbo assembly. I'm tempted to email the previous owner and tell him not to be such a cheap skate in the future! These ebay gaskets are crap!
Unfortunately still got these crappy wheels on, just haven't had the cash for the refurb yet on my Sparcos. But with the sunshine comes cleaning season and i've been out cleaning and polishing once or twice a week. Very therapeutic after work.
I have a set of decals to replace the faded ones on at the moment. Once it's back from the mechanic i'm going to spank it to a few meets this month!
Another small update.
Been doing lots of driving going to meets all over the place. Myself and the car relocated from East London to Essex where the driving is much, much more enjoyable.
Car has been running great since I had all the turbo gaskets replaced with OEM items. Only other problem in this time is I noticed brake dust building faster on a nearside front caliper that was partially seized. So I cleaned that and regreased the pistons and sliders and hopefully it will be good for a few more months. Been good for a couple of weeks now. Common problem with all mr2's and I had the same thing on my NA.
Most recently I went to the South East Gathering at Redhill on 19th August where Matt snapped this nice picture!
Photo not by me! by danjama, on Flickr
I also saw these two Jap motors looking grand in the evening sun
Sorry for crap phone pics.
Evo VI TME
IMAG0093 by danjama, on Flickr
Subaru Impreza WRX Sti (I think)
IMAG0091 by danjama, on Flickr
The day after that I decided to paint these hateful alloys Gold, as I do like gold and red! Will make me feel better until i find the right set of alloys to put on. Looking for good wide 16" wheels with an aggressive offset.
I can't stand the 'stance' with these wheels, so once i have the right alloys I will also be buying coilovers as one of my Bilsteins is leaking.
This was my first time painting alloys and i think it's a 100% improvement and not a bad result for £45 and about 8 hours of work. Only disappointed with a bit of overspray on the tyres which I frankly can't be bothered to sand off!
IMAG0102 by danjama, on Flickr
IMAG0104 by danjama, on Flickr
IMAG0105 by danjama, on Flickr
IMAG0107 by danjama, on Flickr
OH! I've also been running around with the exhaust bung OUT lately - the Kakimoto exhaust makes a delicious noise when it's not restricted. Although louder it's much more kind to the ear. A really nice tone! Maybe sets off a few alarms in multi stories too
Plans - as said, suspension and a service in September/October.
Been doing lots of driving going to meets all over the place. Myself and the car relocated from East London to Essex where the driving is much, much more enjoyable.
Car has been running great since I had all the turbo gaskets replaced with OEM items. Only other problem in this time is I noticed brake dust building faster on a nearside front caliper that was partially seized. So I cleaned that and regreased the pistons and sliders and hopefully it will be good for a few more months. Been good for a couple of weeks now. Common problem with all mr2's and I had the same thing on my NA.
Most recently I went to the South East Gathering at Redhill on 19th August where Matt snapped this nice picture!
Photo not by me! by danjama, on FlickrI also saw these two Jap motors looking grand in the evening sun
Sorry for crap phone pics.Evo VI TME
IMAG0093 by danjama, on FlickrSubaru Impreza WRX Sti (I think)
IMAG0091 by danjama, on FlickrThe day after that I decided to paint these hateful alloys Gold, as I do like gold and red! Will make me feel better until i find the right set of alloys to put on. Looking for good wide 16" wheels with an aggressive offset.
I can't stand the 'stance' with these wheels, so once i have the right alloys I will also be buying coilovers as one of my Bilsteins is leaking.
This was my first time painting alloys and i think it's a 100% improvement and not a bad result for £45 and about 8 hours of work. Only disappointed with a bit of overspray on the tyres which I frankly can't be bothered to sand off!
IMAG0102 by danjama, on FlickrIMAG0104 by danjama, on FlickrIMAG0105 by danjama, on FlickrIMAG0107 by danjama, on FlickrOH! I've also been running around with the exhaust bung OUT lately - the Kakimoto exhaust makes a delicious noise when it's not restricted. Although louder it's much more kind to the ear. A really nice tone! Maybe sets off a few alarms in multi stories too
Plans - as said, suspension and a service in September/October.
Well, time for a little update as it has just failed the MOT on a few things but nothing too surprising, rear brake discs are past their best and front inner rod ends are worn and a front o/s top mount is nackered. So these bits will be fitted once they arrive. The annoying thing is i was going to order coilovers which would have removed the need to replace a top mount but the coilovers i want are sold out 
Anyway, the MR2 has been as reliable as I could hope for with loads of long journeys. Since the last update I have serviced it and installed a boost gauge and MBC. That said, the reason i installed the MBC was not to run big boost but because i found the previous owner had disabled the tvsv, which is the factory boost controller. This meant I was only getting 7psi boost when warmed up. Now with the MBC installed I have a nice reliable 10psi, which is plenty in these winter months.
I'm now running a mismatched pair of alloys, but I quite like the look, and it's properly staggered with 7j et34 at the front and 8j et38 at the rear. I've just wrapped the rears in 225/45/16 FK452's which should be nice and sticky once they're worn in.
Plans for the future - coilovers and maybe a respray or wrap. Sort the alloys - want to source a nice staggered Japanese set.
Here is the car as it stands now -
DSC_0453 by danjama, on Flickr
DSC_0456 by danjama, on Flickr
And a photo of it that I like -
DSC_0318 by danjama, on Flickr
And I was also snapped at a sunday service
DSC_0258 by danjama, on Flickr
Anyway, the MR2 has been as reliable as I could hope for with loads of long journeys. Since the last update I have serviced it and installed a boost gauge and MBC. That said, the reason i installed the MBC was not to run big boost but because i found the previous owner had disabled the tvsv, which is the factory boost controller. This meant I was only getting 7psi boost when warmed up. Now with the MBC installed I have a nice reliable 10psi, which is plenty in these winter months.
I'm now running a mismatched pair of alloys, but I quite like the look, and it's properly staggered with 7j et34 at the front and 8j et38 at the rear. I've just wrapped the rears in 225/45/16 FK452's which should be nice and sticky once they're worn in.
Plans for the future - coilovers and maybe a respray or wrap. Sort the alloys - want to source a nice staggered Japanese set.
Here is the car as it stands now -
DSC_0453 by danjama, on FlickrDSC_0456 by danjama, on FlickrAnd a photo of it that I like -
DSC_0318 by danjama, on FlickrAnd I was also snapped at a sunday service
DSC_0258 by danjama, on FlickrI love this car, in this horrible weather it is even more brilliant to drive. It's also unbelievable how reliable a 20 year old turbo Toyota can be. As a sign of my satisfaction, I got a 30th anniversary of the mr2 sticker for the front bumper in place of the badge, and I sourced some fluffy Man in Dandism floor mats.
Coilovers will have to wait until after Christmas now, but the new track rods and front mounts have really tightened the front end feel. And the rear brakes are at their best again.
Here's a picture with my mates Scooby after a run!
DSC_0539 by danjama, on Flickr
Coilovers will have to wait until after Christmas now, but the new track rods and front mounts have really tightened the front end feel. And the rear brakes are at their best again.
Here's a picture with my mates Scooby after a run!
DSC_0539 by danjama, on FlickrEdited by danjama on Monday 24th November 19:00
No replies but who cares
I nearly sold/swapped the car in January but quickly changed my mind and took a few photos to celebrate!
MR2 Turbo by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo by danjama, on Flickr
Thinking coilovers, a plastidip or vinyl wrap before the summer, as well as a special set of alloys. I think i'm missing the Rev 3 rear end that I used to enjoy as well, so looking for a set to convert it.
But before then I want to get a track day booked, maybe a Brands Hatch evening in May.
I nearly sold/swapped the car in January but quickly changed my mind and took a few photos to celebrate!
MR2 Turbo by danjama, on FlickrMR2 Turbo by danjama, on FlickrMR2 Turbo by danjama, on FlickrThinking coilovers, a plastidip or vinyl wrap before the summer, as well as a special set of alloys. I think i'm missing the Rev 3 rear end that I used to enjoy as well, so looking for a set to convert it.
But before then I want to get a track day booked, maybe a Brands Hatch evening in May.
Thanks Ben!
Well, a couple of twists of fate and the car is now sold. I miss it already, but I can say proudly that it was a much better performing MR2 thanks to me. The new owner is a young lad from Cornwall who was very enthusiastic and plans to tinker and keep it for a long time to come. He seemed genuine so i have high hopes. Like many MR2's it is worth 2 times it's value in parts but it was rust free so no reason for it to be broken. I hope he enjoys it.
I'm collecting my new car tonight and feel like a child again
Let's just say it's not too different.
Well, a couple of twists of fate and the car is now sold. I miss it already, but I can say proudly that it was a much better performing MR2 thanks to me. The new owner is a young lad from Cornwall who was very enthusiastic and plans to tinker and keep it for a long time to come. He seemed genuine so i have high hopes. Like many MR2's it is worth 2 times it's value in parts but it was rust free so no reason for it to be broken. I hope he enjoys it.
I'm collecting my new car tonight and feel like a child again
Let's just say it's not too different.
Love MK2 MR2s - I had four during my early twenties.
I also moved from an NA to a turbo and the difference in power was astonishing as you have also experienced. My first turbo was quite heavily modified and at the expense of losing man-points, scared the bejesus out of me at first!
I still have turbos on my eBay watch list and hope to buy another as a toy at some point.
They are getting rare now too as most have been chavved to death, which is sad to see. Mint, unravaged ones are starting to creep up in value.
Glad you are enjoying yours. My turbos made me feel excited every time I got in the driving seat - amazing cars and so much bang for your buck.
I also moved from an NA to a turbo and the difference in power was astonishing as you have also experienced. My first turbo was quite heavily modified and at the expense of losing man-points, scared the bejesus out of me at first!
I still have turbos on my eBay watch list and hope to buy another as a toy at some point.
They are getting rare now too as most have been chavved to death, which is sad to see. Mint, unravaged ones are starting to creep up in value.
Glad you are enjoying yours. My turbos made me feel excited every time I got in the driving seat - amazing cars and so much bang for your buck.
Alfa159Ti said:
Love MK2 MR2s - I had four during my early twenties.
I also moved from an NA to a turbo and the difference in power was astonishing as you have also experienced. My first turbo was quite heavily modified and at the expense of losing man-points, scared the bejesus out of me at first!
I still have turbos on my eBay watch list and hope to buy another as a toy at some point.
They are getting rare now too as most have been chavved to death, which is sad to see. Mint, unravaged ones are starting to creep up in value.
Glad you are enjoying yours. My turbos made me feel excited every time I got in the driving seat - amazing cars and so much bang for your buck.
It's funny, these are cars you find yourself watching on ebay even whilst owning one! They just get under your skin. The boost is very addictive with the sudden surge it gives, and the noise behind your ear! As you say exciting every time!I also moved from an NA to a turbo and the difference in power was astonishing as you have also experienced. My first turbo was quite heavily modified and at the expense of losing man-points, scared the bejesus out of me at first!
I still have turbos on my eBay watch list and hope to buy another as a toy at some point.
They are getting rare now too as most have been chavved to death, which is sad to see. Mint, unravaged ones are starting to creep up in value.
Glad you are enjoying yours. My turbos made me feel excited every time I got in the driving seat - amazing cars and so much bang for your buck.
Unfortunately i've just sold my one featured in this thread, but I have bought something quite similar which i will start a thread on as soon as I get it washed and get some good pics!
You buys like old Toyotas then keep an eye out
kinda feel sad that i dont get to drive her as much as i want, now she's mine. So glad to have this build log though, not had the time or money to do much, just a new stereo...... and wiring, not going to ask about the reason the loom was cut right at the plugs :P Also I've fallen in love with the Exhaust, sorry man not looking to resell it.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff