MR2 GTS as a track car
Discussion
Guys, Im looking at an MR2 GTS (turbo) as a track car. Its a 1991 revision 1 model with 66,000 miles on the clock and looks well prep'd for the track with coilovers a cage etc. Tuning wise it has an induction kit, a decat, a stainless exhaust and an uprated intercooler.
I dont really know much about these cars, what sort of power would this be making and more importantly how reliable are they?
Cheers
Gary
I dont really know much about these cars, what sort of power would this be making and more importantly how reliable are they?
Cheers
Gary
not bad in terms of reliability (its a toyota) but check for mayo in the oil cap, smoke etc anything that indicates a knackered turbo.
is it running raised boost? The rev1 is the weakest engine for this (weaker headgasket and turbo vs later models) but at around stock power it will be fine. if its not been decatted, do it.
should be putting out about 225bhp and similar torque, but its light at about 1150kg, being a rev1 tintop. if it has A/C, dump it - it adds quite a lot of weight. you can strip out quite a lot if it hasnt already been done.
you probably want some polybushes to sharpen the handling and some 15 in alloys if it has the tiny stock 14s for a bit more rubber contact.
I may be recalling wrong but i think rev1s had smaller brakes, too - if this is the case just pick up some used rev3 stoppers for pennies and use some race pads.
is it running raised boost? The rev1 is the weakest engine for this (weaker headgasket and turbo vs later models) but at around stock power it will be fine. if its not been decatted, do it.
should be putting out about 225bhp and similar torque, but its light at about 1150kg, being a rev1 tintop. if it has A/C, dump it - it adds quite a lot of weight. you can strip out quite a lot if it hasnt already been done.
you probably want some polybushes to sharpen the handling and some 15 in alloys if it has the tiny stock 14s for a bit more rubber contact.
I may be recalling wrong but i think rev1s had smaller brakes, too - if this is the case just pick up some used rev3 stoppers for pennies and use some race pads.
Its not got the boost turned up and is de-catted. Discs are brand new and its running EBC yellowstuff pads so that would be good enough for just now. The wheels are sparco lighweight items. Interior is already stripped out. When does the timing belt need changed on these and what sort of lifespan does the clutch have?
garyc3481 said:
Its not got the boost turned up and is de-catted. Discs are brand new and its running EBC yellowstuff pads so that would be good enough for just now. The wheels are sparco lighweight items. Interior is already stripped out. When does the timing belt need changed on these and what sort of lifespan does the clutch have?
timing belt is every 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever is sooner.clutches are pretty strong, and uprated ones are not outrageous. timing belt is definitely worth doing if it hasnt been done recently, but there are plenty of MR2 speicalists who will do it reasonably (Pacific Works near Watford are a good start).
/edit: oh your in Scotland. I'm sure there IS a specialist up there but i would ask on MR2OC.com or IMOC.com
/edit: oh your in Scotland. I'm sure there IS a specialist up there but i would ask on MR2OC.com or IMOC.com
Edited by Wadeski on Friday 4th September 15:14
Cheers guys. I do quite fancy it as a track car but am slightly concerned that it will be expensive to run as such. Other alteratives ive seen for similar money are a 2.1 XE engined corsa complete with cage etc. A CRX Si-r and a CRX with a 2.2 prelude engine conversion. I know these cars wont be as quick as the MR2, or as tune-able but think they might be cheaper long term track toys..........
Any oppinions welcome???
Gary
Any oppinions welcome???
Gary
Pics below of my old mr2 which I used on track, had a cage, coilovers race seats, basic tuning to around 300fly bhp and was very reliable, and you are correct it generally works out cheaper to buy one with some modifications done as stuff like a cage and coilovers are quite expensive. GTS is only a little lighter than the GT so little difference but tin tops are quite a bit lighter than t bars so would be better suited.
Brakes and stuff are getting fairly cheap and running 15” wheels will make tyres fairly reasonable.
Brakes and stuff are getting fairly cheap and running 15” wheels will make tyres fairly reasonable.
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