Discussion
After 2 weeks of viewing dozens of rusty mx5s online and in person i started looking around for other rwd alternatives within a 3k budget or so.
Typically:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Ive had toyotas before and altho parts prices were horrendous they were fairly reliable and not rusty (Gt4 celica st205)
Anyone using a vvti type mr2 as opposed to an older turbo ? Are they any good on track (thinking stripping some weight also) and can you have fun? I know the older ones had a reputation for lift off oversteer type action but are these any good for some controllable action?
At the minute I'm losing the will to live with rotten mx5s or ones that havent been looked after
Typically:
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
Ive had toyotas before and altho parts prices were horrendous they were fairly reliable and not rusty (Gt4 celica st205)
Anyone using a vvti type mr2 as opposed to an older turbo ? Are they any good on track (thinking stripping some weight also) and can you have fun? I know the older ones had a reputation for lift off oversteer type action but are these any good for some controllable action?
At the minute I'm losing the will to live with rotten mx5s or ones that havent been looked after
Craikeybaby said:
I've tracked both my MR2 Roadster and my previous mk1 MX-5.
I find that the limits on the MR2 are higher, but when you reach the limit it is too late, where as the MX-5 is more playful on the limit. So it really depends on what you want. Personally I prefer the MR2.
what yr/model is the mr2 please?I find that the limits on the MR2 are higher, but when you reach the limit it is too late, where as the MX-5 is more playful on the limit. So it really depends on what you want. Personally I prefer the MR2.
i'd seen a few nice cheap cars such as this one and was pondering thats all.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/t...
I used to use a MK1 MX5 and it was great fun on track and very reliable. It did rust but getting it sorted wasn't too expensive to be honest. As said above you could really throw it around and let it slide into corners under braking etc. and indeed letting it get a bit ragged seemed the fastest way round the track. MR2 Roadster probably requires a bit more respect and precision so it's a question of preference for driving style. Both excellent choices, in fact for me they would be the only 2 choices for a trackcar for that sort of money (on the basis I wouldn't want FWD). Cheap, light and RWD...perfect.
Craikeybaby said:
It is probably wise if you will be running semi slicks. I run road tyres on mine & haven't bothered.
No, road tyres it is and probably something non too grippy tbh for a bit of fun. Having read so many positive things I'm off to view one sunday.Old mx5 was only 1.6 and 115bhp but had some fsb trackdays in it. Winter and wet trackdays looming and i want to be out there!
Don't know how much help I can be. But I tracked a mk2 MR2 Turbo a few times, Anglesey mostly. The grip is enormous, especially when running used slick tyres! But when you come to the limit, it can catch you out quite easily! With the engine behind you, it starts to act like a pendulum and can spin you around 180 degrees before you know it! Amateur mistake most will say, but we all start somewhere 
Not driven an mx5 on the track, but had a mk2 mx5 on the road and seemed much more controllable!
Not driven an mx5 on the track, but had a mk2 mx5 on the road and seemed much more controllable!
Dion20vt said:
Don't know how much help I can be. But I tracked a mk2 MR2 Turbo a few times, Anglesey mostly. The grip is enormous, especially when running used slick tyres! But when you come to the limit, it can catch you out quite easily! With the engine behind you, it starts to act like a pendulum and can spin you around 180 degrees before you know it! Amateur mistake most will say, but we all start somewhere
Not driven an mx5 on the track, but had a mk2 mx5 on the road and seemed much more controllable!
I've just sold a mid engined 500bhp V8 Lola replica that would donut for fun and also lift off oversteer at will when pushed hard if you backed out of the throttle, and before that had a nice mx5 mk1 with coilovers that was a hoot to driftNot driven an mx5 on the track, but had a mk2 mx5 on the road and seemed much more controllable!
if i get an mr2 i envisaged non sticky tyres and having some safe fun, learning its limits. ok it wont be the fastest on track but i've been there with the T70 replica which was extremely fast at all points.
I met a chap with one today at Brands and I asked it if was tricky at the limit and he said it was fine. He had fitted a Honda type R engine rather than the standard 1.8 toyota lump so had more power. he had Yokohama Neova's as well to compliment it and it went quivkly on track before he got black flagged for drive by noise
Here is a driver drifting an MR2 about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc3iseEd5fA
Looks like you need good skills, but shows that the right driver can do it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc3iseEd5fA
Looks like you need good skills, but shows that the right driver can do it.
james_gt3rs said:
Here is a driver drifting an MR2 about:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc3iseEd5fA
Looks like you need good skills, but shows that the right driver can do it.
Yes looks fairly lively!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yc3iseEd5fA
Looks like you need good skills, but shows that the right driver can do it.
Is there much adjustment available on the mr2 suspension alignment in std form does anyone know ?
Mk3 mr2's are great on track. I race in the mr2 championship and we run 888's on them with no baffled sump (regs won't allow it). Brakes are more than up to the job with decent pads and fluid.
Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything as I could type for ages!
I actually have a 2004 car that we were going to use but have no need for if you were looking for one - other than the steering wheel it is an original car with 60,000 miles.
Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything as I could type for ages!
I actually have a 2004 car that we were going to use but have no need for if you were looking for one - other than the steering wheel it is an original car with 60,000 miles.
200Plus Club said:
Yes looks fairly lively!
Is there much adjustment available on the mr2 suspension alignment in std form does anyone know ?
As standard rear toe is the only adjustment. Coilovers typically provide front camber adjustment (BC's a popular option) Rear camber can be via crash bolts or you can purchase adjustable rear arms for full adjustability, mine are Battleversion arms with the added benefit of looking quite nice...Is there much adjustment available on the mr2 suspension alignment in std form does anyone know ?
smiles1 said:
Mk3 mr2's are great on track. I race in the mr2 championship and we run 888's on them with no baffled sump (regs won't allow it). Brakes are more than up to the job with decent pads and fluid.
Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything as I could type for ages!
I actually have a 2004 car that we were going to use but have no need for if you were looking for one - other than the steering wheel it is an original car with 60,000 miles.
Very interested if price is right lol! Email on its way.Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything as I could type for ages!
I actually have a 2004 car that we were going to use but have no need for if you were looking for one - other than the steering wheel it is an original car with 60,000 miles.
Lack of baffled sump is good news then, I've been running a dry sumped ls6 and never had to worry about oil pressure. Also good to hear brakes upto job etc.
Thanks and will pick your brains off forum
TiM3 said:
As standard rear toe is the only adjustment. Coilovers typically provide front camber adjustment (BC's a popular option) Rear camber can be via crash bolts or you can purchase adjustable rear arms for full adjustability, mine are Battleversion arms with the added benefit of looking quite nice...
That does look very good and its great that track kit is available. My other concern being a long 6ft2 is a roll over bar or hoop but something that allows hard top or soft top use as opposed to a racing type cagesmiles1 said:
Mk3 mr2's are great on track. I race in the mr2 championship and we run 888's on them with no baffled sump (regs won't allow it). Brakes are more than up to the job with decent pads and fluid.
Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything as I could type for ages!
I actually have a 2004 car that we were going to use but have no need for if you were looking for one - other than the steering wheel it is an original car with 60,000 miles.
What pads and fluid do you use? I find the brakes need bleeding after each track day, even with new fluid. Feel free to drop me an email if you want to know anything as I could type for ages!
I actually have a 2004 car that we were going to use but have no need for if you were looking for one - other than the steering wheel it is an original car with 60,000 miles.
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