mr2-digest Monday, 22 April 1996 Volume 01 : Number 198 Wheels - This time I did it!! Wheels for MR 2 MK II MKII: Specifications for brake lines? Re:Mark 1 5th gear breaks Re: mr2-digest V1 #196 Wanted: Car and Driver, Jan and March 995 Spring Loaded Wind Deflectors Spring-loaded wind deflectors on T-Tops Window rattle MKII taillight removal Greddy Profec Boost controller Re: MKII-HKS Exhaust RE: MKII - manuals for 3S-GE 1986 MKI Electrical problem phone number MKII oil consumption ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Allan M. Stewart" Date: Sat, 20 Apr 1996 21:57:27 -0700 Subject: Wheels - This time I did it!! I must have looked at every wheel in the southern half of California plus a few magazines. Then I found Pam Motorsports here in San Diego. They have a very nice selection of high quality wheels nad lots of other performance goodies like Eibach, HKS, Greddy, etc. (This is a '91 Turbo ....red, of course) I wound up spending a little more than I wanted to, but i *love* the result. The wheels I chose are the RS-Beta by Work. They are a modular wheel with polished rim and silver ummmm spokes. I've got 16x7.5 with Dunlop Sport 8000 in 225/45/16 on front and 16x9 with Dunlop 8000 in 245/45/16 rear. Yes I know they're a bit taller than stock but that's ok with me. Back when the '91 oversteer problem was being discussed the suggested (TRD?) solution was "Get as much rubber on the ground as you can." I did. Of course it feels much better since my old tires were very bald, but so far I love the change. I was thinking seriously about 17" wheels, but I'm glad I didn't. Any interest in pics of this combo? I do not have access to a scanner, so someone else would have to scan them if there is any interest. I thought I had a lot of rubber on the ground until I read Cal's recent post. Is he building an MR2 or a monster truck? My struts need replacing and I want the car lowered (Eiback I guess). This shop wants $950 for struts, springs, and labor. Even though I between contracts now (unemployed), I might have this done if this price is reasonable. I don't have the time or resources to do this work myself. What's the opinions on the polyeurothane bushings? BUT. 8^( That was three days ago. Today I was rear-ended. Not too bad, but the trunk well is pushed in about 3" in one spot. A young kid in his dad's car (mercury Grand Marquis) Plowed into the rear of a Dodge van very hard. The van hit me. I've had a similar accident about 3 years ago. I think it was about $1800 to repair. They had to cut (actually unweld) the rear part of the trunk that includes the muffler cage. A word of caution to all. If you are ever rear-ended (in the car) don't let the other person go because everything looks ok. The soft rubber bumper will pop right back out looking scuffed but normal. There are things behing it that may not be ok. Always assume that there may be damage and have it checked out. The first time I was rear-ended I almost let the guy go because the only visible damage was the muffler cage. Total cost on that one was about $1800. I'm sure glad I didn't let him go. Job prospects look better in Florida right now so I might be doing the cross country ride again. 120K miles and counting. PS. Mark? I may be interested in some Aeroware, but can't do it now. Allan M. Stewart astewart@visdata.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Allan M. Stewart Copyright 1996 - Allan M. Stewart Custom Data Visualizations Permission granted to redistibute only in astewart@visdata.com complete and unedited form. Censorship sucks. I hope someday to meet Bill Gates in person.....so I can knee him in the groin. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ------------------------------ From: uunet!compulink.gr!sv1bt (Kostas G. D. Chryssos ) Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 11:52:15 +0200 Subject: Wheels for MR 2 MK II As I have seen inquires on the wheels that fit an MR2 MK II here is the ones I know. A) Size: 8J x 17 H2 ET 42 or 7,5J 16H2 ET 42 that fit the MR2 MKII are also fitting the following cars with respect to size, mounting holes width and ET except hub hole diameter which may or may NOT fit. (manufacturers provide adapters for proper fit) (You must check the diameter of the center hub as it may not be the same. If the wheels have a larger diameter hub hole an adapter should be used, if the hole is smaller it should be enlarged. Make sure that there is a match as wheels MUST be mounted hub centric. NEVER depend on the mounting screws for proper centering of the wheels. 1) Lexus LS400 SC400 ES250 ES300 2) Camry '92 3) Celsior 4) Soarer 5) Infinity 045 J30 6) Mitsubishi Eclipse 3GT (vers. USA) 7) Chrysler Laser 8) Dodge Stealth 9) Eagle Talon Regards Kostas G.D.Chryssos Ph.D. ELFON Ltd. 30 Ikarias str., Glyfada GR 16675 Athens HELLAS Tel: + 301 9628212 Fax: + 301 9628539 e-mail: sv1bt@compulink.gr ------------------------------ From: uunet!softwords.bc.ca!geoff (Geoff Seeley) Date: Sat, 20 Apr 96 20:14:05 Subject: MKII: Specifications for brake lines? Does anyone know the specifications for the flexible brake line hoses on a MkII? These are the lines that connect from the steel lines in the wheel well to the brake caliper. I need to know the size of the banjo bolt on the caliper end and also the size and gender of the threaded end. If I can determine this information, I may have found a place that can supply pre-assembled braided teflon racing hoses (tested to 3000psi) at a reasonable price... Geoff '91t, 170,400km ------------------------------ From: william l brandt Date: Sat, 20 Apr 1996 10:43:31 -0700 Subject: Re:Mark 1 5th gear breaks The dealer told me why a lot of MR2 5th gears "pop out" on the highway...it's from people going up hills in too low an RPM for too long... My sone-to-be white 86 didn't pass smog - needs "timing switch"...or some device that tells the computer what the timing is...that's another $300 but seller agreed to split the difference....all in all I think I'm getting a good deal. I used to order my parts from the dealer in Deleware - what's Lou Fusz's number? TIA William L. Brandt ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!Daucott Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 10:20:09 -0400 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #196 In a message dated 96-04-20 06:20:44 EDT, you write: >>exhaust tips, to clean my antenna ('93 Turbo), and was >wondering if I'm >alone in doing this. I've never cleaned an >antenna specifically before, but >these are so big and fat, I >could see black buildup on it, > >Umm, correct me if I'm wrong, but that 'black buildup' on it >should be GREASE. I'd leave it on if I were you; it'll make >it easier for the antenna to extend and retract. Of course, >you already cleaned it all of... I'll just add my $0.02 here... >From my experience in the auto industry, most power antennas get "stuck" because of dirt buildup in the sliding pieces of the antenna. This eventually causes the motor to stall, heat up, and fail. I used to oil (ie: WD40) my antenna when I washed the car, and I recall replacing that antenna..... Since that time I was told (by whom I can't remember) not to oil the antenna with ANYTHING. The oil grabs the dirt that passes by in the wind, and then when you cycle the antenna it gets pulled down between the antenna sections. Since then I have never oiled or greased my automatic antennas, and I have NEVER had one fail. I simply wipe it off with a dry cotton towel, and yes, I get lots of black stuff off every time, and it isn't grease, it's dirt. This is particularly important in winter when there is lots on crap on the roads (salt, etc.). Hope this helps. Dave A. daucott@aol.com ------------------------------ From: Keith Jarett Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 12:02:12 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Wanted: Car and Driver, Jan and March 995 If anyone could fax or mail me copies of a couple of articles from Car and Driver magazine, I'd sure appreciate it. Specifically, the 10 best roads from January 1995, and the review of the Honda Odyssey from March 1995. I subscribe to Car and Drivel, but I think I tossed these issues in an office clean-up last fall. BTW, my 89 SC MR2 is still for sale as of today. I will soon have some miscellaneous other MR2 goodies to post, such as a harness kit for putting an aftermarket audio system in the MkI. Keith Jarett ------------------------------ From: Gary Friedman Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 16:32:44 -0700 Subject: Spring Loaded Wind Deflectors Michael- Sorry, no sunroof on my MK II MR2, but am I glad you mentioned deflectors and reminded me to ask this question!! When my T-Tops are out I have been able to find NO BENEFIT from the dual wind deflectors at speeds up to about 70mph. In fact, when I've held either one of them down while driving, I've found that wind noise drops dramatically!! When deflectors= up, they seem to greatly INCREASE wind NOISE-- especially at normal (aka legal, non-Montana) speeds. This occurs with the windows up, down, or whatever. Do the wind deflectors serve any useful purpose as far as cushioning shocks, or as a part of the seal, when the T-tops are in? I can't find a functional purpose for them when the Ts are out unless I am missing something here. Has anyone removed them for noise reasons with no ill effects?? Is it time to get out the duct tape?? Gary ------------------------------ From: "Gary Friedman" Date: Tue, 16 Apr 1996 08:49:41 +0000 Subject: Spring-loaded wind deflectors on T-Tops Michael- Sorry, no sunroof on my MK II MR2, but am I glad you mentioned deflectors and reminded me to ask this question!! When my T-Tops are out I have been able to find NO BENEFIT from the dual wind deflectors at speeds up to about 70mph. In fact, when I've held either one of them down while driving, I've found that wind noise drops dramatically!! When deflectors= up, they seem to greatly INCREASE wind NOISE-- especially at normal (aka legal, non-Montana) speeds. This occurs with the windows up, down, or whatever. Do the wind deflectors serve any useful purpose as far as cushioning shocks, or as a part of the seal, when the T-tops are in? I can't find a functional purpose for them when the Ts are out unless I am missing something here. Has anyone removed them for noise reasons with no ill effects?? Is it time to get out the duct tape?? Gary Green, . Yellow, .. Red, ... Green, Wheeeee!!!!!! MR2T, The Official Pace Car of The Information Superhighway Because, Like in Montana, You Can Go as Fast as You Want in CyberSpace ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!MattMR2 Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 22:04:20 -0400 Subject: Window rattle There is a TSB for window rattles on 91 & 92s. Toyota has a book on NV&H (Noise, vibration and Harshness) which describes how to adjust the window to reduce the noise when the window is lowered an inch or two. It may also be an official TSB too. Matt ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!SamuelsMA Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 19:49:05 -0400 Subject: MKII taillight removal I noticed water behind the lens of my right taillight today. Figuring that there is some sort of leak, I tried to remove the taillight assembly by following the (scant) directions in the manual. After popping out the side marker light and removing 3 screws, the taillight seems to be held in by 2 white plastic fasteners which go through to the inside of the trunk under the carpeting. I can't seem to get these plugs loose, so I can't get the taillight assembly out. Could someone advise me how exactly to remove the taillight assembly? It would be necessary just to replace a bulb, I believe. And why is water in there? Where should I look for the leak? Thanks. Michael Samuels 91 Turbo ------------------------------ From: uunet!ALPHA2.CURTIN.EDU.AU!TBYRNESM Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 09:27:17 WST Subject: Greddy Profec Boost controller HI guys, I installed the Trust(Greddy) Profec boost controller on the 20th of april. It is awesome. I can get 1 bar boost on 1st, 2nd, to 5th gear with no lost as the revs goes up. It has an overtake boost setting with a counter. You can set what level of boost to run and there is an alarm when you overboost. When overboost occurs it drops you back to standard boost. It looks wickedly futuristic as well. I had it installed because I was going to the dragstrip on sunday 21st. Spent only 1 hour installing the boost controller, it was so easy. Because of the increased boost levels, I could not get a good launch as I was wheel spinning all over the place ( No LSD, not yet anyway) but I managed to pull some high 13s. With a better track i.e. stickier ( it rained the day before) a lot stickier tires, I think my MR2 was capable of a flat 13s or high 12s. Zowie ! can't wait till next month. BUT my wallet was seriously deflated again. Anyway cheers everybody, thanks for letting me express my euphoria! Sean Byrne MKII turbo Perth W.A. ------------------------------ From: uunet!touch.micron.caltech.edu!charlesg (Charles Grosjean) Date: 22 Apr 96 00:47:13 GMT Subject: Re: MKII-HKS Exhaust Kerry Woods writes: >Brad Burns writes: >>>It had the HKS exhaust on it. The mechanic said that the quality was poor >>>and he had just finished a weld repair on it. The tips look really nice, >>>but I don't think you can beat the stock stainless unit for quality. >frt. & tax - the HKS is, IMHO, a rip. It is, however, much freer flowing than >the stock unit due to inner configuration and larger pipe diameter. Also, >produces much better sound than stock, When I was looking for an exhaust, I took a look at HKS, Trust, etc. Both AEM and RPS were recommending a Walker DynoMax UltraFlo 3" exhaust which is 18" long, stainless, and fairly light. The muffler is less than $100, two pieces of mandrel bent stainless tubing (2.5" U and 3" L) were $100, and installation (heli-arc welding of tubing and muffler using stainless rod) was another $100 for a grand total of $300. (If you're in So. CA, I can recommend a shop) It has been on for more than a year and there is no rust except for the steel brackets holding it on which is to be expected. The welding is superb. If you like dual tips, I think the stock exhaust looks the best, but that's my humble opinion. There's been a bit of talk about springs lately. The Eibach and Tokico are rated about the same as far as drop, but my experience with Eibach on other cars is that you get a bit more drop than specified. If you want to slam the car, cut ST race springs should do the job with 3" or more... Charles ------------------------------ From: Adrienne Mora Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 14:09:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: RE: MKII - manuals for 3S-GE > Does someone out there have a set of repair manuals for the NA 91MR2 (with > 3S-GE engine) for sale? - Or could tell me where I can get them? Well, I know the 3SGE was sold in japan, NZ and aussie. I'm in one of those (NZ) so if you want me to find out how much they are .. just email me directly. Ade '86 SC T-Top MR2 ... "M1STR 2" AdeM@wairc.govt.nz New Zealand ------------------------------ From: John Andrew Berton or someone who knows where he is Date: Sun, 21 Apr 1996 21:59:45 -0700 Subject: 1986 MKI Electrical problem Hi guys! It's been awhile since I've kept up with this list. Quite a few changes! The Web site is tres chic! So, anyway, I've got this problem... 1986 MkI. No major problems so far, about 98K miles. The other night I drive home about 40 miles, mostly freeway. Nothing unusual occurs. Next morning, no start. Turn the key and everything goes black. Starter does not crank. After releasing the ignition to "on", the panel comes up dim and the radiator fans start turning. Weird. I shut down, key back to on, same dim idiot lights, same whir. I touch the brakes...wham! Everything black. Key off, key on. Everything comes up like Christmas! Full Power restored, Captain! I touch the brakes..wham! Black. Then dim and that fan again. I'm having a hard time tracking what makes the power return. Any major electrical switch sends the system south, (radio, wipers, starter) although it withstands the door light and the lighter. Fiddling with things like the brakes or the door light seems to bring it back, and on some occasions, it just goes down as I wait trying to figure out what to test next, which seems to me like a circuit breaker reseting somewhere. Here's what I checked: Battery - tests 12v on DC voltmeter, corroborated by dash meter (when it's working.) All ignition wires are tightly attached. All fuses and fusible links are OK. (Engine box, Driver's kick, front box) Circuit breaker in panel under driver is OK and does not appear to be reseting or breaking current. Starter relay, Main relay and headlight relay (front compartment) all check out for function and continuity. I suspect the ignition switch, but didn't have the energy to tear apart the dash to see...yet. So...any ideas? Am I doomed to spend my days searching for a short somewhere, (or paying someone else to :-()? John Andrew Berton, Jr. ------------------------------ From: uunet!tron.nl!gerritja (Gerrit_Jan_Hamerslag) Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 11:03:45 +0200 (MET DST) Subject: phone number Hello, Can anyone tell me Toyota's phonenumber in the US where I can order those nice green workshop namuals ?? I can't use 800 numbers from Europe ! Thanks, GerritJan ------------------------------ From: Steve Miller Date: Mon, 22 Apr 1996 07:17:58 -0500 Subject: MKII oil consumption I just purchased a 1993 MKII (non-turbo) with 40K. Rides great. It is using about 1qt. of oil every 1700-2000 miles. I read once where oil usage in MKs can be high. Is this your experience? I haven't seen any oil leaks. If usage seems high what is the most likely cause. (I am not any kind of mechanic.) The car is in good shape and had a thoughtful owner before me. Thanks for the help in advance. ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V1 #198