MR2 turbo on track - opinions & upgrades?

[Retset]

I'm looking at a selection of second cars. The brief is to have a manual box, handle well, accelerate as well or better than my 540i and be able to deal with a few track days a year. I'm aware of the perils of weight etc. but don't want a stripped out road racer. The Mk2 MR2 Turbo has obviously sprung to mind so ...

Is it good fun on the track?

Does it drift a little when pushed .... or bite?

Apart from the obvious (DOT 5.1, braided hoses, pad upgrade), what mods would be track 'must haves'?

Thanks.

[shadowninja]

It handles very well, but is a dog to drift (ie it is possible but there are much easier cars to drift with).

[_Al_]

It's more a car for going at Banzai speeds under control rather than wagging its' tail all over the pace in big lairy powerslides.

When it does let go you'll need to be fast to catch it, but contrary to popular belief you can catch them.

[Pierscoe1]

the Drift Bible has a section in it when he's driving a TubbyTurbo... seems to have a hard time getting into it, but does end up doing some lovely drifts.....

[shadowninja]

Pierscoe1 said:

the Drift Bible has a section in it when he's driving a TubbyTurbo... seems to have a hard time getting into it, but does end up doing some lovely drifts.....

yes, and he's the drift king so us mere mortals don't stand a chance. unless drifting is re-defined to "spinning off the track backwards in a fiery ball of flames".

[Dakkon]

Once you have looked at the brakes then probaly some adjustable suspension would be the next step, the tubby can be drifted but the LSD is not the best and when the back end doe sgo it is not progressive as with most mid-engined cars.

[MrFlibbles]

Gazboy said:

...possible the Rogue engine lide extractor fans.

I had one on my tubby and Im not sure how much of a benefit they actually offer. Noisy as f*** as well.

[olberj]

www.twobrutal.com

Perfect for your needs. Mk1 with a mk2 turbo engine or a V6.

[Retset]

Thanks guys - I get your drift (poor pun intended) and have realised it is a car to be cornered neatly and cleanly!! Thanks also for the parts guide and the Mk1/2 hybrid info - there's one for sale on PH at the moment.

I'm also considering another (totally different) vehicle. If the MR2 wins out, I'll be back with more questions

[MR2Mike]

Dakkon said:

Once you have looked at the brakes then probaly some adjustable suspension would be the next step, the tubby can be drifted but the LSD is not the best and when the back end doe sgo it is not progressive as with most mid-engined cars.

I'd say most mid engined cars tend not to be very progressive on the limit (compared to front engined, RWD cars), it's a natural consequence of the low polar moment of mid engined configurations.