My 2nd Toyota MR2 Turbo T-bar
Discussion
Morning all,
I waved goodbye to my first MR2 Turbo last weekend, a lovely, well modified Rev 2 tintop. When I bought it, things were not quite right so I spent 11 months sorting it out and then sold it to a good lad from Cornwall. When people talk about cars with character that car was a perfect example. L432 SGW you will be missed.
I only put it up for sale because the previous owner said he wanted it and then got a job abroad, so I thought I will leave the ads up and go for a t-bar if it sells. I put it on ebay at midnight on a Friday and it was sold by Saturday 11am.
I had found a clean Turbo t-bar on carandclassic the week before and test drove it. The car has had a previous respray and is in my favourite colour for MR2's, Steel Mist Grey. It has a thick folder of history including refreshed black Bilsteins.
The only mechanical modifications are the 17" BK alloys, (which I don't like and will be changing for some nice 16's), a Blitz blow off valve which I do like the sound of but really it should be running a recirc valve, so not sure if this will be staying, and the exhaust is a custom made system with Porsche 911 tips apparently...again this will be going for a subtle JDM system. Not looking for loud DB's like the Kakimoto on my last MR2. It also has a Blitz induction cone.
This does mean it still has a factory intercooler which I will be changing ASAP. Everything else will be staying stock (IE boost). It also has what I believe to be rare factory traction control which you annoyingly have to turn off every time you get in the car.
The interior has a nice Sony head unit and uprated door speakers, as well as a screen and dvd player. It has a nasty need for speed style steering wheel which will be changed ASAP, and I immediately ditched the faux Porsche gear knob for my TRD one.
The car drives very well. Cold and hot idle are not quite right so i'll be cleaning out the idle control valve today and that should hopefully sort it. Then tomorrow if the weather is decent I will be cleaning out the arches and seeing what's what. I'm not too worried as the car is very clean!
So, just in time for summer, here is my Turbo T-Bar!
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr
Updates to follow
I waved goodbye to my first MR2 Turbo last weekend, a lovely, well modified Rev 2 tintop. When I bought it, things were not quite right so I spent 11 months sorting it out and then sold it to a good lad from Cornwall. When people talk about cars with character that car was a perfect example. L432 SGW you will be missed.
I only put it up for sale because the previous owner said he wanted it and then got a job abroad, so I thought I will leave the ads up and go for a t-bar if it sells. I put it on ebay at midnight on a Friday and it was sold by Saturday 11am.
I had found a clean Turbo t-bar on carandclassic the week before and test drove it. The car has had a previous respray and is in my favourite colour for MR2's, Steel Mist Grey. It has a thick folder of history including refreshed black Bilsteins.
The only mechanical modifications are the 17" BK alloys, (which I don't like and will be changing for some nice 16's), a Blitz blow off valve which I do like the sound of but really it should be running a recirc valve, so not sure if this will be staying, and the exhaust is a custom made system with Porsche 911 tips apparently...again this will be going for a subtle JDM system. Not looking for loud DB's like the Kakimoto on my last MR2. It also has a Blitz induction cone.
This does mean it still has a factory intercooler which I will be changing ASAP. Everything else will be staying stock (IE boost). It also has what I believe to be rare factory traction control which you annoyingly have to turn off every time you get in the car.
The interior has a nice Sony head unit and uprated door speakers, as well as a screen and dvd player. It has a nasty need for speed style steering wheel which will be changed ASAP, and I immediately ditched the faux Porsche gear knob for my TRD one.
The car drives very well. Cold and hot idle are not quite right so i'll be cleaning out the idle control valve today and that should hopefully sort it. Then tomorrow if the weather is decent I will be cleaning out the arches and seeing what's what. I'm not too worried as the car is very clean!
So, just in time for summer, here is my Turbo T-Bar!
MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on FlickrMR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on FlickrMR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on Flickr MR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on FlickrMR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on FlickrMR2 Turbo T-bar by danjama, on FlickrUpdates to follow
Edited by danjama on Sunday 15th March 12:24
Yes i'd like to keep it as close to stock as possible really. Only changing the intercooler as the factory item is said to be woeful.
I drove it home in the rain and didn't see a drop, however it did leak yesterday when I jet washed it, but i think the window just needs to be adjusted closer to the seals. I hope
I drove it home in the rain and didn't see a drop, however it did leak yesterday when I jet washed it, but i think the window just needs to be adjusted closer to the seals. I hope
I had two actually, both red and both bought from new.... They were company cars, so I had one for 3 years and then changed to another which I had for two years. I don't have pics to hand as this was in the era of film cameras, so there are a ton of pics somewhere in the attic!
I had completely problem-free motoring in them and drove through France in both a couple of times.
Since those days I've had a few faster and more 'exotic' cars, but look back on my MR2's with nothing but affection.
I had completely problem-free motoring in them and drove through France in both a couple of times.
Since those days I've had a few faster and more 'exotic' cars, but look back on my MR2's with nothing but affection.
Thanks for the comments It is good fun to drive even compared to my previous which was modded and boosting at just under a BAR. It also handles better I think thanks to fresher suspension.
I do actually like the alloys they suit the car well, but they're unfortunately the same width and offset on all corners which isn't right for an MR2 - although the tyres are staggered at 205/215. I could add spacers to the rear but that's not the proper way to do it. I don't like the tyre setup either - way too low profile. This does benefit turn in but sacrafices comfort...Either way I'll keep them until something I like comes available...
RE the dump valve, yeah it's definitely affecting fuel consumption (dumping metered air = wasted fuel). It does also stutter on gear changes sometimes. I'll probably buy a decent aftermarket valve with a recirc attachment as the stock valve was much too quiet on my previous car. Priority is an intercooler though really as i'd like to get on track in the summer
It is good fun to drive even compared to my previous which was modded and boosting at just under a BAR. It also handles better I think thanks to fresher suspension.I do actually like the alloys they suit the car well, but they're unfortunately the same width and offset on all corners which isn't right for an MR2 - although the tyres are staggered at 205/215. I could add spacers to the rear but that's not the proper way to do it. I don't like the tyre setup either - way too low profile. This does benefit turn in but sacrafices comfort...Either way I'll keep them until something I like comes available...
RE the dump valve, yeah it's definitely affecting fuel consumption (dumping metered air = wasted fuel). It does also stutter on gear changes sometimes. I'll probably buy a decent aftermarket valve with a recirc attachment as the stock valve was much too quiet on my previous car. Priority is an intercooler though really as i'd like to get on track in the summer
danjama said:
I do actually like the alloys they suit the car well, but they're unfortunately the same width and offset on all corners which isn't right for an MR2 - although the tyres are staggered at 205/215. I could add spacers to the rear but that's not the proper way to do it. I don't like the tyre setup either - way too low profile. This does benefit turn in but sacrafices comfort...Either way I'll keep them until something I like comes available...
Ideally you want at least 20mm difference front to rear (stock is 30mm - 195 - 225). Nothing wrong with spacers as long as you get proper hubcentric ones! Some cars even come with spacers from the factory.Mark, that looks lovely and mint, those OZ wheels really suited it! I do love this colour.
SS, I agree, i've always made sure to have minimum 20mm difference in widths and at one point even had 50mm stagger on 17's. I'd rather not go with spacers if possible. When you start putting wider tyres than intended on 7" width wheels the tyres just look podgy and crap IMO. Proper staggered wheels are the way forward
SS, I agree, i've always made sure to have minimum 20mm difference in widths and at one point even had 50mm stagger on 17's. I'd rather not go with spacers if possible. When you start putting wider tyres than intended on 7" width wheels the tyres just look podgy and crap IMO. Proper staggered wheels are the way forward
)
Spantney glad to see your NA is looking well! You've made me want a Rev 3 rear light conversion again! It really is a bug. I test drove all sorts last month - S14's, E36's, even a Skyline GTST, but I still couldn't look away from the MR2. I suppose i'm just not done with them yet. I won't make this Thursdays one as i'm taking the car over to France for a few days but I will try my best to make the next one. I will be going to the south east gathering though at the end of the month if you fancy joining? Over in Kent...
Medic/Kaveney, grab one while you can. The rate they're being broken/scrapped is scary!
It really is a bug. I test drove all sorts last month - S14's, E36's, even a Skyline GTST, but I still couldn't look away from the MR2. I suppose i'm just not done with them yet. I won't make this Thursdays one as i'm taking the car over to France for a few days but I will try my best to make the next one. I will be going to the south east gathering though at the end of the month if you fancy joining? Over in Kent...Medic/Kaveney, grab one while you can. The rate they're being broken/scrapped is scary!
Edited by danjama on Tuesday 17th March 14:15
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