MR2 MK3 track car
Discussion
Brilliant little car.
Had a black ‘W’ reg one which I upgraded a few parts to look like the 03 model. I owned the car for 3 years way back in 2007 - absolutely loved it.
Swapped out the cloth red seats for leather red ones too, and had a hard-top too which think was such a cool accessory to have and decent for winter driving. And spent £500 on a dual exhaust system which added a nice little note.
It was soooooo fun to drive especially with the top down and the 1.8 engine was definitely lively enough - loved driving around country roads on a sunny day It was perfect. You sit very low in the car and there are little compartments behind the seat to chuck a bag or 2 in.
I did have some issues with it though -the clutch went, the o2 sensor needed changing and then had an engine swap completed for around £3/£4K (check your oil regularly ppl 🤦♂️).
I only exchanged it as I wanted my dream car a Toyota supra, which obviously the power difference was immense. I ended up part exchanging the MR2 to own the Supra - I loved the supra but i did underestimate the driving fun of the little MR2 - would love to own both again.
Since then I’ve had a couple of BMWs and looking at hopefully a fast Audi next.
I still toy with the idea of having an MR2 mk3 as a weekend car - but then do I want another Supra instead!.....
Would have to convince the mrs it’s money well spent! 😂
If anyone is looking at these whether to purchase, go drive one with the roof down and part with ur cash 👍they’re a bargain - surprised there’s not more on the roads but they do need care.
Had a black ‘W’ reg one which I upgraded a few parts to look like the 03 model. I owned the car for 3 years way back in 2007 - absolutely loved it.
Swapped out the cloth red seats for leather red ones too, and had a hard-top too which think was such a cool accessory to have and decent for winter driving. And spent £500 on a dual exhaust system which added a nice little note.
It was soooooo fun to drive especially with the top down and the 1.8 engine was definitely lively enough - loved driving around country roads on a sunny day It was perfect. You sit very low in the car and there are little compartments behind the seat to chuck a bag or 2 in.
I did have some issues with it though -the clutch went, the o2 sensor needed changing and then had an engine swap completed for around £3/£4K (check your oil regularly ppl 🤦♂️).
I only exchanged it as I wanted my dream car a Toyota supra, which obviously the power difference was immense. I ended up part exchanging the MR2 to own the Supra - I loved the supra but i did underestimate the driving fun of the little MR2 - would love to own both again.
Since then I’ve had a couple of BMWs and looking at hopefully a fast Audi next.
I still toy with the idea of having an MR2 mk3 as a weekend car - but then do I want another Supra instead!.....
Would have to convince the mrs it’s money well spent! 😂
If anyone is looking at these whether to purchase, go drive one with the roof down and part with ur cash 👍they’re a bargain - surprised there’s not more on the roads but they do need care.
Petrolism said:
If I were doing an engine swap, I'd fit a Type R K-20 & close-ratio box with LSD. 240 bhp & 8,700 rpm rev limit would make it a missile for not a lot more moolah...There would be suspension and braking upgrades to do too.
Good luck finding and fitting a K20 for 'not a lot more moolah'. It would be worth it but expensive. Around 10k in an Elise S1.
Ilovejapcrap said:
Brilliant build.
One thing I would say to people looking at these the standard one ain’t that quick but is a hell of a lot of fun, don’t think without the engine swap it’s no good.
Do what I’ve done get a couple of mates to buy the same standard one as you and race them lol
Thank you!One thing I would say to people looking at these the standard one ain’t that quick but is a hell of a lot of fun, don’t think without the engine swap it’s no good.
Do what I’ve done get a couple of mates to buy the same standard one as you and race them lol
Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed the standard car, really cheap to buy and so much fun to drive. The mid engine rear drive layout certainly makes for different driving characteristics.
I had contemplated going into the mr2 championship before I did the conversion but not realistic with my career at the moment.
It’s been a little while since I’ve updated this but had more track time and entered my first ever sprint event with Javelin. After Cadwell I set my mind on getting the car setup for the sprint series and making sure that I adhered to the regulations, once I was happy with the set up I headed over to Blyton for another track day to test the car and test the front splitter I found time to make. Car performed faultlessly and was very happy with it, felt quick and planted especially through the twisties.
The sprint event was mega, never done one before and now I’m hooked! Such an adrenaline rush and a massive selection of cars entering. Although I had a few issues on my first few runs with loosing 2nd gear I eventually started posting some competitive times and at the end of the day I finished 24th overall out of approx 70, not bad for a little 1.8 na!! Got a few things to change for the next one but really looking forward to it!
The sprint event was mega, never done one before and now I’m hooked! Such an adrenaline rush and a massive selection of cars entering. Although I had a few issues on my first few runs with loosing 2nd gear I eventually started posting some competitive times and at the end of the day I finished 24th overall out of approx 70, not bad for a little 1.8 na!! Got a few things to change for the next one but really looking forward to it!
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