Discussion
lozzzzzz said:
Are you in the Worcester area MrTwisty or were you passing through? I think the Mk2 has aged really well, its a shape that still looks at home among much younger cars.
Nope I was just passing through. Let us know if you're taking it to any shows (as transport) - I'd love to have a goosey at it.
Thanks bearman68 
I had a Mk1 MR2 a few years back and thought I was a drift hero on a roundabout in the wet, I hit a lamp post to be honest I've always been a bit slow in the wet since then. I totally agree that the mid engine car is much harder to save if you've lost the back end, front engine rear drive is much easier to control in oversteer
I don't think I'll be pushing it too hard in the wet any time soon, cheap tires and the early rear suspension suggest it might be a bad idea.
MrTwisty, I'll post up on here if I do
Thanks Yonex, it's always nice to read comments like this.
More to come
I had a Mk1 MR2 a few years back and thought I was a drift hero on a roundabout in the wet, I hit a lamp post
to be honest I've always been a bit slow in the wet since then. I totally agree that the mid engine car is much harder to save if you've lost the back end, front engine rear drive is much easier to control in oversteer I don't think I'll be pushing it too hard in the wet any time soon, cheap tires and the early rear suspension suggest it might be a bad idea.
MrTwisty, I'll post up on here if I do
Thanks Yonex, it's always nice to read comments like this.
More to come
I've not written an update for a while and I've done a few bits over the weeks.
I've been driving in a much more normal way now (not lorry chasing). Like fury early on Sunday mornings and at least matching motorway traffic speeds on my long daily commute. The average figure over a few thousand miles has been 54.2mpg. I guess I was hoping for a little more but that has included a lot of of revving and "pressing on" so not too bad.
I've got a list of very small niggles that I've been working through and have recently tackled the one I considered to be the trickiest. The heater light was flashing on the dash board which suggests a the brake pedal switch problem and would not allow the cruise control to work. After much forum reading and head scratching I've finally stopped it and cleared the fault by connecting the MR2 brake lights through the TDI pedal switch. This means when the pedal is not pushed the ECU detects earth via the brake light bulbs and is now happy.
This means THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS Very pleased I've yet to mount the switch properly but the tricky bit is done
I've fitted some speakers and a crappy radio for now, so it's been nice having the radio for the daily commute.
I've mounted some mini push switches for the MFA to work, it turns out it's still over estimating the MPG by 10% but all the other function are great.
I've had a play with the "tuning box" and found it's a 2K resistor (which expains why it didn't do much), this is way to much! so I've been messing about with a 69p 1k variable resistor and it seems to work all the way down to 500 ohms. It transforms the performance, in fact I would go as far as to say it makes the 110hp engine in the MR2 at least match the performance of the Fabia VRS which was my target for this car. I'd still like to drag race it and find out the difference with and without the resistor and it would be very interesting to get it on a rolling road and find out the numbers too.
I've "adjusted" the leverage ratio of the throttle pedal to accommodate the TDI throttle pot more suitably. The pedal required quite a bit of force to push and had very little travel. It's funny how much this has transformed the driving experience, I'm very pleased I pursued it and will be trying various things to improve the gear shift next
I've now driven the car several thousand miles and I'm still besotted with it! Its a joy to drive. With current fuel prices at around 1.10p locally and my fuel being 28.5p, the car is doing a cost equivalent of 209mpg. Can't complain really
More to come
I've been driving in a much more normal way now (not lorry chasing). Like fury early on Sunday mornings
and at least matching motorway traffic speeds on my long daily commute. The average figure over a few thousand miles has been 54.2mpg. I guess I was hoping for a little more but that has included a lot of of revving and "pressing on" so not too bad. I've got a list of very small niggles that I've been working through and have recently tackled the one I considered to be the trickiest. The heater light was flashing on the dash board which suggests a the brake pedal switch problem and would not allow the cruise control to work. After much forum reading and head scratching I've finally stopped it and cleared the fault by connecting the MR2 brake lights through the TDI pedal switch. This means when the pedal is not pushed the ECU detects earth via the brake light bulbs and is now happy.
This means THE CRUISE CONTROL WORKS
Very pleased I've yet to mount the switch properly but the tricky bit is done I've fitted some speakers and a crappy radio for now, so it's been nice having the radio for the daily commute.
I've mounted some mini push switches for the MFA to work, it turns out it's still over estimating the MPG by 10% but all the other function are great.
I've had a play with the "tuning box" and found it's a 2K resistor (which expains why it didn't do much), this is way to much! so I've been messing about with a 69p 1k variable resistor and it seems to work all the way down to 500 ohms. It transforms the performance, in fact I would go as far as to say it makes the 110hp engine in the MR2 at least match the performance of the Fabia VRS which was my target for this car. I'd still like to drag race it and find out the difference with and without the resistor and it would be very interesting to get it on a rolling road and find out the numbers too.
I've "adjusted" the leverage ratio of the throttle pedal to accommodate the TDI throttle pot more suitably. The pedal required quite a bit of force to push and had very little travel. It's funny how much this has transformed the driving experience, I'm very pleased I pursued it and will be trying various things to improve the gear shift next
I've now driven the car several thousand miles and I'm still besotted with it! Its a joy to drive. With current fuel prices at around 1.10p locally and my fuel being 28.5p, the car is doing a cost equivalent of 209mpg. Can't complain really
More to come
After a frustrating morning (set about fixing the missus brakes only to find the locking wheel nut key was missing), I went and fetched Mr Two and had a go at improving the gear shift. On the way back in the MR2 something went wrong for the first time 
One of the gear change cables broke (at my weld). So I repaired and reinforced that then set about improving the gear shift feel.
I've just moved the point at which the gear change cable attached to the gear stick, and it has improved the feel infinitely, I had sort of resigned myself to the fact it would not be a particularly nice shift feel as it was a 'mish-mash' of two different OEMs parts and as the gearbox lever had a big counter-weight mounted on it (that's now gone). But it's lovely, sideways movement is ok, still a little tricky to find 1st and 2nd for a new driver, but forwards and backwards movement is fantastic! A really nice click into gear!
It seems to take a long time cranking over before starting when the engine is up to temperature, from reading about a bit it seems others have had similar problems on the 110hp engines. I had thought that this might be something to do with the EGR and intake throttle solenoids being disconnected (it shows a fault in VAGCom). I connected them up again and they are now sat on the passenger seat clicking away I cleared the fault codes and warmed the car up with a spirited drive. I've only started it hot a few times, but 'fingers crossed' I think it is starting normally now. I might get a couple of resistors to replace the redundant solenoids and keep the ECU happy.
More to come
One of the gear change cables broke (at my weld). So I repaired and reinforced that then set about improving the gear shift feel. I've just moved the point at which the gear change cable attached to the gear stick, and it has improved the feel infinitely, I had sort of resigned myself to the fact it would not be a particularly nice shift feel as it was a 'mish-mash' of two different OEMs parts and as the gearbox lever had a big counter-weight mounted on it (that's now gone). But it's lovely, sideways movement is ok, still a little tricky to find 1st and 2nd for a new driver, but forwards and backwards movement is fantastic! A really nice click into gear!
It seems to take a long time cranking over before starting when the engine is up to temperature, from reading about a bit it seems others have had similar problems on the 110hp engines. I had thought that this might be something to do with the EGR and intake throttle solenoids being disconnected (it shows a fault in VAGCom). I connected them up again and they are now sat on the passenger seat clicking away
I cleared the fault codes and warmed the car up with a spirited drive. I've only started it hot a few times, but 'fingers crossed' I think it is starting normally now. I might get a couple of resistors to replace the redundant solenoids and keep the ECU happy. More to come
After spending several hours fixing the bio machine I finally got round to making some more adjustments to Mr Two. This one is to make the car a little more "get in and drive" when someone else uses it, rather than spending 10 minutes explaining the little nuances of the car.
I wanted the gearshift to work a little like the BMW I used to own. Push left for 1st and 2nd, push hard left for reverse. As it is, it can be difficult to decern between 1st and reverse. So I made this.
And welded it on to the base plate by the gear lever (note that when the gear lever is moved left or right, the lever in the left of the photo moves forwards and backwards).
Then finally got round to reducing the diameter of the Toledo gear stick top, and gluing it into the MR2 gear nob.
The finally test was to lend the car to the missus and see if she could find all the gears with no issues, and...... she can Although "it is a bit hard to get reverse"..... I can't b****y win!!!
More to come
I wanted the gearshift to work a little like the BMW I used to own. Push left for 1st and 2nd, push hard left for reverse. As it is, it can be difficult to decern between 1st and reverse. So I made this.
And welded it on to the base plate by the gear lever (note that when the gear lever is moved left or right, the lever in the left of the photo moves forwards and backwards).
Then finally got round to reducing the diameter of the Toledo gear stick top, and gluing it into the MR2 gear nob.
The finally test was to lend the car to the missus and see if she could find all the gears with no issues, and...... she can
Although "it is a bit hard to get reverse"..... I can't b****y win!!! More to come
Thanks Fastbike72, V8A*ndy and ZX10RNIN, you've very kind
Hi folks its been a while, I've done about 12000 miles in Mr Two now and its going very well. I have recently done a few little jobs to try and get it up to scratch.
Firstly I've painted up and cut the holes in spare MR2 dash that someone kindly gave me That's now fitted and doesn't have a huge crack across it
The sump plug seemed pretty loose last time I changed this oil, so this time I took it off and tapped an M15 thread in there and fitted an oversize plug. I cleaned it out too although I was very pleased to see how clean it was.
It seems to be smoking a little when cold, all clear after a mile or less but idling from fresh cold there is a fair bit of blue smoke. In addition the VNT seems to be getting pretty clogged and producing over-boost limp mode (nearly all the time recently). I took the Turbo off and cleaned it up. I attacked the VNT with oven cleaner then a little time in the ultrasonic cleaner at work, its now totally free. I replace the turbo cartridge with a new one and checked the oil supply.
I also replaced the heaters for cold starting and took the injector nozzles off and ultrasonically cleaned them too.
Finally got it all back together yesterday which was nice as my crappy 106 has given up and the Scimitar still waits patiently for Pre MOT prep in a few months.
Has it cured it.....
It seems not. I just went out to cold start it again and its still smoking away. Oh well, its got lots of new bits and works.
More to come.
Hi folks its been a while, I've done about 12000 miles in Mr Two now and its going very well. I have recently done a few little jobs to try and get it up to scratch.
Firstly I've painted up and cut the holes in spare MR2 dash that someone kindly gave me
That's now fitted and doesn't have a huge crack across it 
The sump plug seemed pretty loose last time I changed this oil, so this time I took it off and tapped an M15 thread in there and fitted an oversize plug. I cleaned it out too although I was very pleased to see how clean it was.
It seems to be smoking a little when cold, all clear after a mile or less but idling from fresh cold there is a fair bit of blue smoke. In addition the VNT seems to be getting pretty clogged and producing over-boost limp mode (nearly all the time recently). I took the Turbo off and cleaned it up. I attacked the VNT with oven cleaner then a little time in the ultrasonic cleaner at work, its now totally free. I replace the turbo cartridge with a new one and checked the oil supply.
I also replaced the heaters for cold starting and took the injector nozzles off and ultrasonically cleaned them too.
Finally got it all back together yesterday which was nice as my crappy 106 has given up and the Scimitar still waits patiently for Pre MOT prep in a few months.
Has it cured it.....
It seems not. I just went out to cold start it again and its still smoking away. Oh well, its got lots of new bits and works.
More to come.
lozzzzzz said:
Thanks Fastbike72, V8A*ndy and ZX10RNIN, you've very kind
Hi folks its been a while, I've done about 12000 miles in Mr Two now and its going very well. I have recently done a few little jobs to try and get it up to scratch.
Firstly I've painted up and cut the holes in spare MR2 dash that someone kindly gave me That's now fitted and doesn't have a huge crack across it
The sump plug seemed pretty loose last time I changed this oil, so this time I took it off and tapped an M15 thread in there and fitted an oversize plug. I cleaned it out too although I was very pleased to see how clean it was.
It seems to be smoking a little when cold, all clear after a mile or less but idling from fresh cold there is a fair bit of blue smoke. In addition the VNT seems to be getting pretty clogged and producing over-boost limp mode (nearly all the time recently). I took the Turbo off and cleaned it up. I attacked the VNT with oven cleaner then a little time in the ultrasonic cleaner at work, its now totally free. I replace the turbo cartridge with a new one and checked the oil supply.
I also replaced the heaters for cold starting and took the injector nozzles off and ultrasonically cleaned them too.
Finally got it all back together yesterday which was nice as my crappy 106 has given up and the Scimitar still waits patiently for Pre MOT prep in a few months.
Has it cured it.....
It seems not. I just went out to cold start it again and its still smoking away. Oh well, its got lots of new bits and works.
More to come.
Hi Lozz.Hi folks its been a while, I've done about 12000 miles in Mr Two now and its going very well. I have recently done a few little jobs to try and get it up to scratch.
Firstly I've painted up and cut the holes in spare MR2 dash that someone kindly gave me
That's now fitted and doesn't have a huge crack across it The sump plug seemed pretty loose last time I changed this oil, so this time I took it off and tapped an M15 thread in there and fitted an oversize plug. I cleaned it out too although I was very pleased to see how clean it was.
It seems to be smoking a little when cold, all clear after a mile or less but idling from fresh cold there is a fair bit of blue smoke. In addition the VNT seems to be getting pretty clogged and producing over-boost limp mode (nearly all the time recently). I took the Turbo off and cleaned it up. I attacked the VNT with oven cleaner then a little time in the ultrasonic cleaner at work, its now totally free. I replace the turbo cartridge with a new one and checked the oil supply.
I also replaced the heaters for cold starting and took the injector nozzles off and ultrasonically cleaned them too.
Finally got it all back together yesterday which was nice as my crappy 106 has given up and the Scimitar still waits patiently for Pre MOT prep in a few months.
Has it cured it.....
It seems not. I just went out to cold start it again and its still smoking away. Oh well, its got lots of new bits and works.
More to come.
Continue to follow this thread with interest. I wonder if the smoke on cold start is related to the resistor in the intake. I can imagine this is screwing up the fueling at cold, and over fueling.
How did you manage with insurance on this beast?
Cheers
Hi everybody.
I’ve done 55000 trouble free miles in the car now. And it seems the time has come for another project. I would like to go electric next, short range but serious acceleration for a nice little commute to work car. The MR2 is an ideal candidate......
However to start this project on my MR2 would mean undoing all of the work I have done turning into this quite unique Toyota/VAG MR2 TDI. As much as I’d love to keep it and add it to the museum of my projects I don’t have the room of time to keep another car. So my options are sell it or convert it to electric.
I’m writing on here to see if there is anyone interested in buying my White MR2 TDI. It will come with a fresh MOT, a full service including cambelt and water pump (stuff I won’t be doing if it is to become electric) and the knowledge that it’s done 55000 reliable miles in its current form.
It is a very well sorted car, I have relied on it as my only insured car for a few years, it’s been very reliable, fun and easy to live with much like an OEM car (Toyota should have made one). I should probably mention at this point that the smoke issue (in my last post) was due to my home made fuel. Anyone interested in the car will be able to see that it doesn’t smoke at all on pump diesel.
Rot free examples of these car’s are beginning to go up in value and the bodywork is in excellent, rust free condition! It’s a good example of early mk2, with a solid VAG TDI engine, it will be fully serviced, ready to be driven or tuned. It has featured in Practical Performance Car magazine and will come with a copy of that issue. I am looking for offers in the region of £3000. I am in a position to wait and see, and will simply start the electric conversion next year if there is no interest. If you are interested you’re welcome to come and view the car, we can go for a drive as it’s insured and taxed for another month or so. If someone wants to secure the car, I will need a non refundable deposit to cover the expense of the service work that I will carry out.
At this point I’m just looking to see if there is any interest. Thanks folks
I’ve done 55000 trouble free miles in the car now. And it seems the time has come for another project. I would like to go electric next, short range but serious acceleration for a nice little commute to work car. The MR2 is an ideal candidate......
However to start this project on my MR2 would mean undoing all of the work I have done turning into this quite unique Toyota/VAG MR2 TDI. As much as I’d love to keep it and add it to the museum of my projects I don’t have the room of time to keep another car. So my options are sell it or convert it to electric.
I’m writing on here to see if there is anyone interested in buying my White MR2 TDI. It will come with a fresh MOT, a full service including cambelt and water pump (stuff I won’t be doing if it is to become electric) and the knowledge that it’s done 55000 reliable miles in its current form.
It is a very well sorted car, I have relied on it as my only insured car for a few years, it’s been very reliable, fun and easy to live with much like an OEM car (Toyota should have made one). I should probably mention at this point that the smoke issue (in my last post) was due to my home made fuel. Anyone interested in the car will be able to see that it doesn’t smoke at all on pump diesel.
Rot free examples of these car’s are beginning to go up in value and the bodywork is in excellent, rust free condition! It’s a good example of early mk2, with a solid VAG TDI engine, it will be fully serviced, ready to be driven or tuned. It has featured in Practical Performance Car magazine and will come with a copy of that issue. I am looking for offers in the region of £3000. I am in a position to wait and see, and will simply start the electric conversion next year if there is no interest. If you are interested you’re welcome to come and view the car, we can go for a drive as it’s insured and taxed for another month or so. If someone wants to secure the car, I will need a non refundable deposit to cover the expense of the service work that I will carry out.
At this point I’m just looking to see if there is any interest. Thanks folks
Great project - just read through it and reminds me of some demonstrators we built at Ricardo - Fiat/GM 1.9 JTD into a pair of Opel Speedsters (VX220s). Was tricky even with OEM support and some of the best control and calibration engineers working on it. Kudos to you for doing it single handed and without support!
Given the issue you had with a battery exploding in your face, are you sure an electric car is a good idea?
Given the issue you had with a battery exploding in your face, are you sure an electric car is a good idea?
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