Toyota MR2 '86
Discussion
Been on the blower last night (with a few other people too 
) with Toyota. I decided to test what I had read about parts availability. You can certainly get the service parts straight from toyota directly. You certainly can't get anything like interior parts. Hey It was worth asking. They will do a newly cut key too but they didn't seem to know which one I wanted. There is two part numbers with no description as to which is which.
I'll be calling in tomorrow to try figure it out. For now, pub
) with Toyota. I decided to test what I had read about parts availability. You can certainly get the service parts straight from toyota directly. You certainly can't get anything like interior parts. Hey It was worth asking. They will do a newly cut key too but they didn't seem to know which one I wanted. There is two part numbers with no description as to which is which.I'll be calling in tomorrow to try figure it out. For now, pub
Hi, I used to work for Toyota in the early to mid 90's, just after these were current. They were still coming in for servicing then, and I remember driving them, but I was into Corolla GTIs back then, and the MR2 wasn't on the radar. Fast forward to Feb this year, I'd been thinking about one for a while, and came across a small, badly written ad. I ended up buying the car, the 5th I'd looked at. Waxoiled from new, 59k miles, no rust, 9 stamps in the book, every MOT from new, completely standard. Dead lucky find. Helios blue T-bar with black leather. Bought from an elderly guy, whose family insisted on him selling it because of the onset of dementia. He didn't know it had an electric aerial because he'd never turned the radio on. In 9 years! I felt so bad for him I didn't haggle and paid the asking price. He stood in the street and watched me drive out of sight. Very sad thing to see.
So far, I've addressed similar issues to yourself........I swapped the camcovers for some refurbed ones, had the alloys done, 5 new Uniroyals, all new fixings for the splashguards and skirts, etc, etc. I also managed to source and fit the slightly later, but still period radio cassette and matching single slot cd player that was so sought after back then. Be prepared to change the speakers if you haven't already, they'll turn to dust the minute they receive any volume. Electric aerials also pack up regularly.
Mine has the not unusual oil leak from the distributor seal to sort out, and a major service due. The leather on the drivers seat needs minor attention, but the car is generally in superb condition, and could teach a lot of modern stuff something about how a car should ride a bumpy road.
With regard to the petrol smell, if you look into the bottom left hand front corner of the engine bay, you'll see a white plastic non-return valve..........take the exit pipe off that, and put on a much longer one, and route it out towards the back of the car along the chassis rail with cable ties. That should stop the fuel smell. The other thing to look out for is water getting through the engine lid vent, and destroying the alternator bearings. Not uncommon.
Hope you continue to enjoy yours, I'm smitten with mine, and it's the cheapest and least exotic thing I own. By the way, if you need parts or advice, talk to Tony Froude at T and N Toyota spares, he's a great guy, and very helpful.
So far, I've addressed similar issues to yourself........I swapped the camcovers for some refurbed ones, had the alloys done, 5 new Uniroyals, all new fixings for the splashguards and skirts, etc, etc. I also managed to source and fit the slightly later, but still period radio cassette and matching single slot cd player that was so sought after back then. Be prepared to change the speakers if you haven't already, they'll turn to dust the minute they receive any volume. Electric aerials also pack up regularly.
Mine has the not unusual oil leak from the distributor seal to sort out, and a major service due. The leather on the drivers seat needs minor attention, but the car is generally in superb condition, and could teach a lot of modern stuff something about how a car should ride a bumpy road.
With regard to the petrol smell, if you look into the bottom left hand front corner of the engine bay, you'll see a white plastic non-return valve..........take the exit pipe off that, and put on a much longer one, and route it out towards the back of the car along the chassis rail with cable ties. That should stop the fuel smell. The other thing to look out for is water getting through the engine lid vent, and destroying the alternator bearings. Not uncommon.
Hope you continue to enjoy yours, I'm smitten with mine, and it's the cheapest and least exotic thing I own. By the way, if you need parts or advice, talk to Tony Froude at T and N Toyota spares, he's a great guy, and very helpful.
Edited by Heaveho on Thursday 8th September 20:29
Edited by Heaveho on Friday 9th September 09:02
Edited by Heaveho on Friday 9th September 09:05
Hi there Heaveho.
That is a pretty sad story, hopefully you'll keep it tip top and enjoy for the guy.
I've yet to tackle most of the small issues. Last night I did manage to change the air filter and swap the plugs, they were looking pretty rotten. I'll do the oil sometime this weekend.
Where did you source the period cassette deck? I've had my eye on vintage Alpine decks as I think it would suit the car better with period correct mods. The speakers do sounds poor but this is the 80s, makes you appreciate modern amenities
might change them down the line.
How are you finding the Uniroyal tyres? I looked into the rainsport version before deciding the Continentals. I still don't actually have them fitted yet, I have only just received the two missing tyres from my order about 2 hours ago. I have fallen out with the supplier who was utterly useless and just lied to me all week. Their name being a very popular online retailer with awards from Whatcar. Never using them again.
I totally agree on the ride quality, sporty but compliant. Setup the damping on a modern hot hatch like this and on our crappy B roads it would leave everything behind. My Civic just hops over road bumps rather than gently ironing them out.
I'm aware of the alternator problem but its kept inside and would only be out in the rain if I got caught out. I'll check out that pipe later on and figure what your saying.
It's not that fast but it delivers superior driving feel. Pure fun. I'll be needing spares so I'll go check Tony out later on tonight.
That is a pretty sad story, hopefully you'll keep it tip top and enjoy for the guy.
I've yet to tackle most of the small issues. Last night I did manage to change the air filter and swap the plugs, they were looking pretty rotten. I'll do the oil sometime this weekend.
Where did you source the period cassette deck? I've had my eye on vintage Alpine decks as I think it would suit the car better with period correct mods. The speakers do sounds poor but this is the 80s, makes you appreciate modern amenities
might change them down the line.How are you finding the Uniroyal tyres? I looked into the rainsport version before deciding the Continentals. I still don't actually have them fitted yet, I have only just received the two missing tyres from my order about 2 hours ago. I have fallen out with the supplier who was utterly useless and just lied to me all week. Their name being a very popular online retailer with awards from Whatcar. Never using them again.
I totally agree on the ride quality, sporty but compliant. Setup the damping on a modern hot hatch like this and on our crappy B roads it would leave everything behind. My Civic just hops over road bumps rather than gently ironing them out.
I'm aware of the alternator problem but its kept inside and would only be out in the rain if I got caught out. I'll check out that pipe later on and figure what your saying.
It's not that fast but it delivers superior driving feel. Pure fun. I'll be needing spares so I'll go check Tony out later on tonight.
I got the tyres and rad/cass/cd player from ebay. They were standard fit in things like '90-'91 Corolla GTIs, so they're Toyota badged, and look like they're meant to be there, which is what I wanted. Sadly, mainly because of a house move, I've driven the car very little, and I doubt the tyres are even scrubbed in properly yet, so can't really vouch for them as such. I wanted a decent make, and I got them off ebay delivered for about £170 for the 5 which I thought was cheap enough.
I supposedly bought the car with one eye on resale, but I've got to the point with it where I'm happy to spend the money to get it mint, and keep it. I like it way more than I thought i would.
I supposedly bought the car with one eye on resale, but I've got to the point with it where I'm happy to spend the money to get it mint, and keep it. I like it way more than I thought i would.
Tyres arrived. Fetched from my mates workshop round the corner
Good thing there was only two
Finally got the fitter out this afternoon and here we are
If weather picks up tomorrow I'll be getting out to bed them in and get some decent photos
Another thing for the winter job list, I need front and back pads. Whos knows how old they are and there getting low. Front discs are a scored but would be fine. For the sake of it I'll just replace the lot.
I forgot to mention a while back I got a new engine cover prop. For some reason it was missing. Something in the service history says it was missing about ten years ago, strange. I ordered a replacement one from http://www.mr2mk1toyotaspares.com/ Pual was really helpful and shipping very promt. I reccommend.
Good thing there was only two
Finally got the fitter out this afternoon and here we are
If weather picks up tomorrow I'll be getting out to bed them in and get some decent photos
Another thing for the winter job list, I need front and back pads. Whos knows how old they are and there getting low. Front discs are a scored but would be fine. For the sake of it I'll just replace the lot.
I forgot to mention a while back I got a new engine cover prop. For some reason it was missing. Something in the service history says it was missing about ten years ago, strange. I ordered a replacement one from http://www.mr2mk1toyotaspares.com/ Pual was really helpful and shipping very promt. I reccommend.
Edited by Sillyhatday on Tuesday 4th July 18:01
Red Devil said:
ETA: sorry OP for cluttering your thread! Original mk1a triangles look a million times better
Edited by BenWRXSEi on Saturday 10th September 23:35
Sillyhatday said:
Oh wingless. I normally would think it looks a little strange. Look ok, really clean look.
Off to drive mine right now
Have a nice drive Off to drive mine right now
I ran mine for about 6 months with the rear wing removed and red race tape over the bolt holes, while I made up my mind.
I decided I preferred the clean look, so had the bolt holes filled when the bodywork was done.
I also removed all the Toyota decals before painting : it has the eagle bonnet badge, and I redid the reflective "MR2" on the rear mudflaps, but that's it. Several people have asked me what it is, and who makes it
When I next feel like buying non-essentials, it is getting JDM wheel centre caps for the mk3 wheels :
It's been a good day today. Must have done 80 miles around my favourite B roads.
The car grips better than ever! The previous wheels were wider with a lower profile tyre, but the best ditch finders were ruining the way it drives. Nangkang tyres, how about no? With the narrower wheels and higher profile tyres, it drives with much lighter steering and a touch less feedback. Though absolute grip is leagues above and actually inspires confidence with the driver. It really does feel how Toyota intended 30 years ago.
I've never driven a car as fun as this, never lusting more for more horses and just wrapping yourself up in chassis performance. All the while unable to forget about its engine placement, giving way to balance like the best supercars out there. You turn in with light power allowing the rear to move around, while the front dives toward the apex. Clip the mid point and ease the throttle towards the carpet, the chassis tightens up, it just follows your instruction back towards the next corner entry. All without fuss.
Cars of today need to look towards their ancestors. Toyota has made the GT86 which was built for fun and not speed, but why not use that platform to put that boxer engine in the middle?
I've really gotten to know the MR2 today, Returning to factory spec is something I like doing. Experience as was intended by the engineers. Those engineers really knew what they were doing, it's perfect out the box. I'm only young, not driven many great, or even good, cars. I don't see how you can improve from here. Todays travels about the place has earnt me; approving nods from bikers, children looking perplexed, children waving as a maniac would, approving dad faces and many stares from all folk.
The value for money is off the charts, you'd need to stitch some A3 paper together for an accurate representation. As a car it can drive like a true sports car, take you up even open roads like a modern day warm hatch, yet rides compliant and settles down into a great cruiser. I can easily see myself slipping through French roads, only stopping for a shortage of land mass. Twirling round the alps to get lost like all the best adventures.
It's amazing what emotions cars can stir up isn't it? So just one photo off the side of one of the best chain of B roads around here.
This ones a keeper I think
The car grips better than ever! The previous wheels were wider with a lower profile tyre, but the best ditch finders were ruining the way it drives. Nangkang tyres, how about no? With the narrower wheels and higher profile tyres, it drives with much lighter steering and a touch less feedback. Though absolute grip is leagues above and actually inspires confidence with the driver. It really does feel how Toyota intended 30 years ago.
I've never driven a car as fun as this, never lusting more for more horses and just wrapping yourself up in chassis performance. All the while unable to forget about its engine placement, giving way to balance like the best supercars out there. You turn in with light power allowing the rear to move around, while the front dives toward the apex. Clip the mid point and ease the throttle towards the carpet, the chassis tightens up, it just follows your instruction back towards the next corner entry. All without fuss.
Cars of today need to look towards their ancestors. Toyota has made the GT86 which was built for fun and not speed, but why not use that platform to put that boxer engine in the middle?
I've really gotten to know the MR2 today, Returning to factory spec is something I like doing. Experience as was intended by the engineers. Those engineers really knew what they were doing, it's perfect out the box. I'm only young, not driven many great, or even good, cars. I don't see how you can improve from here. Todays travels about the place has earnt me; approving nods from bikers, children looking perplexed, children waving as a maniac would, approving dad faces and many stares from all folk.
The value for money is off the charts, you'd need to stitch some A3 paper together for an accurate representation. As a car it can drive like a true sports car, take you up even open roads like a modern day warm hatch, yet rides compliant and settles down into a great cruiser. I can easily see myself slipping through French roads, only stopping for a shortage of land mass. Twirling round the alps to get lost like all the best adventures.
It's amazing what emotions cars can stir up isn't it? So just one photo off the side of one of the best chain of B roads around here.
This ones a keeper I think
AW111 said:
Have a nice drive
I ran mine for about 6 months with the rear wing removed and red race tape over the bolt holes, while I made up my mind.
I decided I preferred the clean look, so had the bolt holes filled when the bodywork was done.
I also removed all the Toyota decals before painting : it has the eagle bonnet badge, and I redid the reflective "MR2" on the rear mudflaps, but that's it. Several people have asked me what it is, and who makes it
When I next feel like buying non-essentials, it is getting JDM wheel centre caps for the mk3 wheels :
Those wheel centres look sweet. The MK3 wheels look great on these. I feel it would have too much grip for the car though with that much tyre? Do you have your own thread on here I could follow?I ran mine for about 6 months with the rear wing removed and red race tape over the bolt holes, while I made up my mind.
I decided I preferred the clean look, so had the bolt holes filled when the bodywork was done.
I also removed all the Toyota decals before painting : it has the eagle bonnet badge, and I redid the reflective "MR2" on the rear mudflaps, but that's it. Several people have asked me what it is, and who makes it
When I next feel like buying non-essentials, it is getting JDM wheel centre caps for the mk3 wheels :
Sillyhatday said:
Those wheel centres look sweet. The MK3 wheels look great on these. I feel it would have too much grip for the car though with that much tyre? Do you have your own thread on here I could follow?
The (front) wheels are only 15x6", so similar to the originals - I currently have 185x55 tyres on them, so not too wide. I ended up buying two sets of wheels, to get matching sizes, and will fit either 185x55 or 195x50 all round.
Thanks to you, I updated my thread.
Heaveho said:
I saw that car up for sale for a few weeks on end, and hoped it would find a buyer. Looks much better on the standard alloys and tyre size combo. Really need to drive mine, it's been laid up for a few weeks now, reading this and missing it.
Well I'm certainly looking after it. I've really grown attached to it over the weekend, so it'll be staying with me indefinitely.Unless British weather is good for another weekend or two, this will be going into winter rest. I'll be missing it then.
Top stuff OP.
At the risk of being cheeky, I thought I'd join in the pic sharing both to alleviate the drudgery of still being in the office and in celebration of less obvious colour schemes:
My 1985 Mk1a, before conversion (brisk, revvy, pointy):
And after (I belive that the apposite term of art is "bats
t insane"):
Have fun with yours - looks to be a beaut and worth keeping original / "OEM+"!
At the risk of being cheeky, I thought I'd join in the pic sharing both to alleviate the drudgery of still being in the office and in celebration of less obvious colour schemes:
My 1985 Mk1a, before conversion (brisk, revvy, pointy):
And after (I belive that the apposite term of art is "bats
t insane"):Have fun with yours - looks to be a beaut and worth keeping original / "OEM+"!
Sillyhatday said:
I've really gotten to know the MR2 today, Returning to factory spec is something I like doing. Experience as was intended by the engineers. Those engineers really knew what they were doing, it's perfect out the box.
This is so true for most cars. I've never got my head round idiots who imagine that despite the finest brains at Toyota or wherever testing a car in a wind tunnel, and working on it's development for years, spending fortunes on it and thousands of engineering hours, they can improve it with a few boxes of plastic crap from Halfords. This is one of the best cars I've seen on Readers' Cars. I'd f
king love to own this, and I'm 53. If you ever sell it, message me.
Sillyhatday said:
No worries, if its Mk1 related its welcome. I like seeing everyone's cars 
Whats the story behind this picture above?
If you mean the grid at Goodwood? It was a Japanese car meet at Goodwood several years ago for an early breakfast club (I think it must have been around 2007??) There were a few of us in Mk1s tucked at the end and we all had a lovely time.Whats the story behind this picture above?
As people started to leave, a guy called Ben (different one from above posted but who is on PH) managed to persuade the marshals to let us park up on the grid and then he organised us aesthetically according to colour (and to hide the other Ben's rover wheels
). And then we took loads of photos. we were not allowed to race or even pretend to start to race but it was incredible experience, and possibly my favourite memory of a car meet.
TwigtheWonderkid said:
This is so true for most cars. I've never got my head round idiots who imagine that despite the finest brains at Toyota or wherever testing a car in a wind tunnel, and working on it's development for years, spending fortunes on it and thousands of engineering hours, they can improve it with a few boxes of plastic crap from Halfords.
This is one of the best cars I've seen on Readers' Cars. I'd fking love to own this, and I'm 53.
If you ever sell it, message me.
Yeah, I agree. the daily I have mildly messed with though I can't face doing anything to this. I plan for a louder exhaust and changing the dash speakers but that's about all she wrote. These can be easily put back if needed.This is one of the best cars I've seen on Readers' Cars. I'd f
king love to own this, and I'm 53. If you ever sell it, message me.
Thanks but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's one of the best. It's no XJ220
I'll keep you in mind, though it's not going anywhere for some years.
tali1 said:
Stuff was said
I should get some photos of the brochure up here 
Kateg28 said:
f you mean the grid at Goodwood? It was a Japanese car meet at Goodwood several years ago for an early breakfast club (I think it must have been around 2007??) There were a few of us in Mk1s tucked at the end and we all had a lovely time.
As people started to leave, a guy called Ben (different one from above posted but who is on PH) managed to persuade the marshals to let us park up on the grid and then he organised us aesthetically according to colour (and to hide the other Ben's rover wheels).
And then we took loads of photos. we were not allowed to race or even pretend to start to race but it was incredible experience, and possibly my favourite memory of a car meet.
Great stuff, I wasn't quite old enough to drive at that point. Can't believe how long ago it was.Hope to have some of experiances like that of my own. Thanks As people started to leave, a guy called Ben (different one from above posted but who is on PH) managed to persuade the marshals to let us park up on the grid and then he organised us aesthetically according to colour (and to hide the other Ben's rover wheels
). And then we took loads of photos. we were not allowed to race or even pretend to start to race but it was incredible experience, and possibly my favourite memory of a car meet.
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