mr2-digest Monday, August 24 1998 Volume 02 : Number 1352 Re: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? MR2 ALL - Heel Toe Help Re: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? Re: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? MR2 best brake disk & pads? Re: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? MR2 FW: So Cal track event--Holtville MR2 Re: Heel-n-Toe shifting Re: MR2 More 1991 NA questions RE: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? Thinking of a 91 MR2 NA Re: MR2 Spin and win...MKI? Re: Thinking of a 91 MR2 NA RE: MR2 CT-26 Turbo Upgrade from Texas Rebuild MR2 - Little Godzilla, Part I ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 24 Aug 98 19:08:23 +0000 From: kblake@teleport.com Subject: Re: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? None taken-free enterprise at it's best. Mr. Valentine actually worked at Cincinnati Microwave(makers of Passport/Escort) for years before he left to start his own unique company. 1) Yes, you really do care where the signal is coming from-if it's from the side, and there is more than 1 radar source (something else your passport can't tell you) it's likely a false alarm from a supermarket automatic door) 2) It's important to know how many radar sources are transmitting. If you drive by the same false alarm generating banks and supermarkets every day, you are easy game for the clever cop that sets up his radar trap near them. You get the alarm, and are either slow to react, because you are accustomed to receiving an alarm, or never react at all for the same reason. Laser, like radar, can read your speed from either in front, or behind your car. The alarm from the V1 probably won't save you from laser, unless the cop happens to laser a car directly in front of you. There is a license plate cover that claims to reduce the range at which a laser gun gets a "lock" on you. This used in conjunction with a V1 might give you enough reaction time to slow down. Anyone tried this? Ken 91T with lots of "gadgets" > At the risk of offending those Valentine owners..... > > What makes the Valentine better than others? Aside from it's ability to > reject 'false' signals from other detectors or similar non-radar type > equipment, what else? Do I really care where the signal is coming from? > Why would I need a rear laser detection? If laser can only be used from a > stationary vehicle, how could it measure my speed if I'm travelling away > from the source of the laser? > > I, too, have had plenty of detectors including the original Fuzzbuster. All > it had was a single red light and looked like it was right out of Forbidden > Planet. I now have one of the newer Passports and am totally pleased with > its ability to reject false signals. My only ticket in the past 15 years > has been from a laser that picked me out of a group and, yes, the Passport > sensed the signal but I was too slow to react. I had just returned from a > business trip and had the t-tops off, a fresh Arturo Fuente, and, well, you > folks know the rest. Just enjoying myself a little too much and not paying > attention to my defensive gear. > > So what is it that makes this detector better besides more lights and other > seemingly unnecessary doo-dads. Please understand that I am the > gadget-master so I'm really looking for a good reason to add this to my > collection. Anyone looking for a BEL detector with a stand-alone laser > detector that velcros to the top? > > AlexG > > -----Original Message----- > From: Christophe Berchin > To: mr2-interest@mr2.com > Date: Monday, August 24, 1998 12:06 PM > Subject: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? > > > >to: mr2-interest@mr2.com > > > >In response to the question about the Valentine One - YES! It is worth > >every penny. At first you think the detector is a little too sensitive, > >but then you learn how to read it properly and you won't ever want a > >different kind. I have driven a few times with other detectors since > >(high quality ones like old Passport), and I feel like I'm naked. Mine > >has paid for itself at least 12 times over, and mine is one revision old > >(no rear laser, the other radar bands were improved, etc.). While > >the V1 website might seem like BS, I assure you that this is by far the > >best detector out there. Get one. > > > >Christopher T. Berchin > > > > > >Internet: cberchin@ford.com > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 19:19:02 From: Jonathan Kash Subject: MR2 ALL - Heel Toe Help Can someone give an explanation of the heel toe? I remember seeing it at one point but can't find it. Thanks, Jon Kash 93T ____________________________________________________________________ Get free e-mail and a permanent address at http://www.netaddress.com/?N=1 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 14:22:43 -0500 From: "Alex Gibson" Subject: Re: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? I'd say pass on the license plate cover. I have no front license plate on my car so the ticket I received did not use that as the laser reflection point. Can someone explain how laser can be used from behind? If the speed is calculated on the difference in timing between the original and reflected signals, is the calculation simply reversed if measuring a vehicle that is moving away from the laser gun? AlexG - -----Original Message----- From: kblake@teleport.com To: Alex Gibson ; Christophe Berchin ; mr2-interest@mr2.com Date: Monday, August 24, 1998 2:07 PM Subject: Re: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? >None taken-free enterprise at it's best. Mr. Valentine actually worked at >Cincinnati Microwave(makers of Passport/Escort) for years before he left to >start his own unique company. >1) Yes, you really do care where the signal is coming from-if it's from the >side, and there is more than 1 radar source (something else your passport can't >tell you) it's likely a false alarm from a supermarket automatic door) >2) It's important to know how many radar sources are transmitting. If you drive >by the same false alarm generating banks and supermarkets every day, you are >easy game for the clever cop that sets up his radar trap near them. You get the >alarm, and are either slow to react, because you are accustomed to receiving an >alarm, or never react at all for the same reason. >Laser, like radar, can read your speed from either in front, or behind your car. > >The alarm from the V1 probably won't save you from laser, unless the cop happens >to laser a car directly in front of you. There is a license plate cover that >claims to reduce the range at which a laser gun gets a "lock" on you. This used >in conjunction with a V1 might give you enough reaction time to slow down. >Anyone tried this? >Ken >91T with lots of "gadgets" > >> At the risk of offending those Valentine owners..... >> >> What makes the Valentine better than others? Aside from it's ability to >> reject 'false' signals from other detectors or similar non-radar type >> equipment, what else? Do I really care where the signal is coming from? >> Why would I need a rear laser detection? If laser can only be used from a >> stationary vehicle, how could it measure my speed if I'm travelling away >> from the source of the laser? >> >> I, too, have had plenty of detectors including the original Fuzzbuster. All >> it had was a single red light and looked like it was right out of Forbidden >> Planet. I now have one of the newer Passports and am totally pleased with >> its ability to reject false signals. My only ticket in the past 15 years >> has been from a laser that picked me out of a group and, yes, the Passport >> sensed the signal but I was too slow to react. I had just returned from a >> business trip and had the t-tops off, a fresh Arturo Fuente, and, well, you >> folks know the rest. Just enjoying myself a little too much and not paying >> attention to my defensive gear. >> >> So what is it that makes this detector better besides more lights and other >> seemingly unnecessary doo-dads. Please understand that I am the >> gadget-master so I'm really looking for a good reason to add this to my >> collection. Anyone looking for a BEL detector with a stand-alone laser >> detector that velcros to the top? >> >> AlexG >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Christophe Berchin >> To: mr2-interest@mr2.com >> Date: Monday, August 24, 1998 12:06 PM >> Subject: MR2 Rd: Valentine 1 - is it worth it? >> >> >> >to: mr2-interest@mr2.com >> > >> >In response to the question about the Valentine One - YES! It is worth >> >every penny. At first you think the detector is a little too sensitive, >> >but then you learn how to read it properly and you won't ever want a >> >different kind. I have driven a few times with other detectors since >> >(high quality ones like old Passport), and I feel like I'm naked. Mine >> >has paid for itself at least 12 times over, and mine is one revision old >> >(no rear laser, the other radar bands were improved, etc.). While >> >the V1 website might seem like BS, I assure you that this is by far the >> >best detector out there. Get one. >> > >> >Christopher T. Berchin >> > >> > >> >Internet: cberchin@ford.com >> > >> > >> > > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 14:20:52 -0700 From: Steve N Subject: Re: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? Wanted to ask something here. I know the val 1 kicks butt and has tore up all the other detectors in the Car and Driver tests. However, I have heard of faithful Val 1 owners who gave the K-40 a try and said it was just as good if not better. Anyone have experience with both before I buy my Val One next month? Steve N. AW11 Archive: http://www2.msstate.edu/~sgn1/MR2/mkimr2.htm ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 21:30:27 +0200 From: "John Oskam" Subject: MR2 best brake disk & pads? I've just disassembled the (stock) front brakes on my 91T, and saw that I (badly!) need new disks and pads. What is the best choice (for normal driving), just Toyota stock or....? Thanks all, John O. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 15:39:15 -0400 From: Joe Della Barba Subject: Re: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? At 02:20 PM 8/24/98 -0700, Steve N wrote: >Wanted to ask something here. I know the val 1 kicks butt and has tore >up all the other detectors in the Car and Driver tests. However, I have >heard of faithful Val 1 owners who gave the K-40 a try and said it was >just as good if not better. > >Anyone have experience with both before I buy my Val One next month? > >Steve N. >AW11 Archive: http://www2.msstate.edu/~sgn1/MR2/mkimr2.htm > > > > What does a K40 do? Unless it has the bogey counter and directional indicators I wouldn't use it for free. BTW, anyone want to buy my old Bel? Bought it for $190, sell for best offer over $40. Joe Della Barba 93 NA IFLYLO ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 12:50:51 -0800 From: karim.marouf@cancom.com Subject: MR2 FW: So Cal track event--Holtville ---------- From: Karim Marouf To: mr2 post Subject: So Cal track event--Holtville Date: Monday, August 24, 1998 8:49AM I'm going to Holtville raceway this coming Saturday. Anybody care to join me? The track charges $50 per driver. E-mail me for details. ***************************************************** Karim Marouf Canon Communications LLC Tel: 310-392-5509 Fax: 310-392-4920 Internet Address: karim.marouf@cancom.com Home Page: http://www.cancom.com ***************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 14:48:33 -0500 From: "Nathan Dyck" Subject: MR2 Re: Heel-n-Toe shifting When I bought my MR2 (91T) I learned how to HNT. I do it all the time now. It's second nature. However, when I get into my friends 93T the pedal placement seems further apart making it more difficult. I autocross quite a bit and do some track events. I can't imagine driving without HNT on the track. Nathan Dyck 91T >Date: Sun, 23 Aug 1998 22:11:32 -0700 >From: "David Hawkins" >Subject: Re: MR2 Re: toyota gearboxes usage (long) > >> Believe me...once mastered, you will not be able to drive any other way and >> should you have the misfortune to have to drive a car where the pedals aren't >> placed conveniently...you'll curse to no end. > >Ever driven a MKII, Tommy? I can heel and toe fairly well in my 85, but >forget about it in the 93. Pedal covers might help, dunno since I don't >have them. the brakes on the 93 are MUCH more touchy also which results >in a major head bob whenever I try to left foot brake or heel and toe. > >If anyone has mastered the foot dance in a MKII, I'd like to know the >secret. > >David Hawkins ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 12:38:29 -0700 From: Randy Chase Subject: Re: MR2 More 1991 NA questions Here is a simple recipe to create a spin (didn't we cover this a month ago?).... Approach the limits of adhesion on the car in a turn by entering fast (can even be at 70% grip...doesn't take a lot). Yank the steering wheel tighter Lift off the throttle Shift quickly Slam on the brakes Do one of the above and you may spin. Do all of the above and you will spin. Yes, the 91/92 cars tend to do this more easily (less understeer). So did the 85 MKIs, but they didn't have the wierd snap effect that the 91/92 MKIIs have. Randy Chase '91 MR2 NA ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 14:56:12 -0500 From: "Jason Tanin" Subject: RE: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? Anyone have any experience with Gila window film, 20% and Valentine One's? My Bel 840i is doin' just dandy dectecting radar through all of the tinted windows, and was wondering if Valentine One is more sensitive or any different.. Or should you only worry when the window film is metallic like said on V1's web page? Thanks _Jt - -----Original Message----- From: owner-mr2@slapshot.hockey.net [mailto:owner-mr2@slapshot.hockey.net]On Behalf Of Steve N Sent: Monday, August 24, 1998 4:21 PM To: MR2 Subject: Re: MR2 The Valentine 1 really worth it??? ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 12:58:35 -0700 From: kinisky@intergate.bc.ca Subject: Thinking of a 91 MR2 NA
Hey Everyone,

Just wanted your guys' opininon on what is the most important things to watch out for on the 91 MR2 NA as I will be going for a test drive later today. Originally I was going to buy an 86 MR2 NA that was in great shape, but I just seemed to prefer the 91. The only problem is I am wondering if I will be paying more money than I should for a 91. The asking price is $13,900 (Canadian), and its through a dealership. Anyone have any tips to get the price down to $10,000 as I am thinking of getting a loan for $5000 as I can put the other $5000 up front. Anyways..if any of you have suggestions please email me as I would appreciate it.

Cheers,
-------------------------------------------------------------------------= - -----------------------------------------------
Kevin "=DF=C2=A9I<=AE=F8=C2=D0 =AE=C2=A9=A3=AE"= Kinisky=A0=A0 Email: kinisky@intergate.bc.ca
ICQ#: 8394011 =A0 Handle on ICQ: M=CE=A7T=A3=AE M=AE2

Will have either an 86 NA, 88 SC,  or 89SC MR2 in 2-4 months time! Woohoo!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------= - ----------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 16:08:17 -0400 From: John Keller Subject: Re: MR2 Spin and win...MKI? > Simple question regarding snap oversteer. Is this trait more > common on MKII's than MKI's? Yes, much more prevalent in mk2. Lesson from that story was you'd have to be nuts to try to run a MR2 in the winter (at least without a set of dedicated snows). For those of you who do...are you loading the car with some sand bags in the front/rear or what? Driven in SNOW, no problems IF below the front air dam. Driven on ICE, from Annapolis, Md. to Arlington, Va. IN FRONT of the sand trucks! NO problems @ 5-10mph. ON GLARE ICE, the MR2 is the ONLY car I have ever driven go ice AND HAD DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. This IS TRUE. John Keller 88SC ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 16:27:29 EDT From: "Russell Tripp" Subject: Re: Thinking of a 91 MR2 NA I don't know what the current $US-$CN exchange rate is, but the following prices are per Kelly Blue Book in $US - 91 MR2 NA w/79,000 miles 5 speed manual - $8275 add $100 for power windows & door locks add $65 for premium sound system upgrade add $35 for leather interior add $265 for T-bar or add $35 for sunroof add $65 for alloy wheels subtract $825 if mileage is 100k miles basically subtract 2.25 cents (US) per mile after 100k add $400 for automatic transmission (although I would personally pay more for a stick :) >shape, but I just seemed to prefer the 91. The only problem is I am >wondering if I will be paying more money than I should for a 91. The >asking price is $13,900 (Canadian), and its through a dealership. >Anyone >have any tips to get the price down to $10,000 as I am thinking of >getting a loan for $5000 as I can put the other $5000 up front. >Anyways..if any of you have suggestions please email me as I would >appreciate it. >
Russell Tripp 92 NA 106k miles and still purring like a kitten ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 1998 12:40:38 -0800 From: "Bryan" Subject: RE: MR2 CT-26 Turbo Upgrade from Texas Rebuild Go directly to TEC and talk to John I think his name is, he is like the owner/manager, I received the lowest price quote from him(yes it does matter). I got mine done for $560 with about a 2 week turnaround. I was quoted by 2 other guys from there at about 50 bucks more. The quality is outstanding and you can expect about a 30 hp gain with the H3 wheel upgrade as documented by Bryan Carlson. There will be a bit more lag, comes in about 500rpm later but it really kicks once it spools. drive safe Bryan Dave Inskeep wrote on Monday August 24, 1998 at 12:29pm: >Hey all, > >Has anyone heard anything or had any experience with an upgraded CT-26 >turbo from Texas Rebuild, at www.turbochargers.com? They describe it >as having a "modified Garrett compressor wheel, that has a larger >inducer and exducer than the factory wheel." The price is listed as >$795 with trade in, which sounds a lot cheaper than some of the other >turbo upgrades I've read about. Any ideas about what exactly this >would do, i.e. more power with greater lag, similar power with less >lag, etc.? And has anyone dealt with Texas Rebuild for anything else? >They also rebuild turbos to factory specs for about $275 (or more, >depending on how hosed yours is to start). > >tia, >Dave Inskeep >dinskeep@yahoo.com > > > > >_________________________________________________________ >DO YOU YAHOO!? >Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com .... ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 24 Aug 98 14:02:00 -0000 From: Subject: MR2 - Little Godzilla, Part I Dear Digest, Late May. I didn't get my usual straight A's. And, it wasn't worth sitting around watching replacement drivers at Indianapolis. Depressing, knowing you'll never race at Indy. For me, it's either an A or an F. In my mind no rationalization would come clean in the wash insofar as my sub-par performance last semester: not that I worked a full-time cartographic internship, not that El Asso Wipo couldn't get my tranny right, resulting in it breaking down during mid-terms and finals. I must have moped around for the better part of a week whilst detailing my 4AGZE, rationalizations about getting B's on my report card running in and out of my brain. I finally said: "It's summer, Sammy. Treat yourself to a drive, get a burger, fries, and a shake, and you'll feel better." Taking her down off the jack stands, my pre-canyon checklist complete, I cranked her over. It had been two months since I'd driven my 4AGZE. My planned route was on the lengthy side, the grand finale being a blast across my secret test track in California's western high desert. I slowly brought her up to temperature as I traversed the neighborhood in 1st. I entered the Forest, scooting across the blacktop, when I noticed, up ahead, a car that looked like a Mustang. Rare sight: Mustang in the canyons. "I'm liking this," my inner voiced rejoiced, so I put the hammer down, freewheeling, banging downshifts post-apex (don't try this at home, kiddies). As I closed distance to about 300 yards, I could see that it had the Steve Saleen boy-racer spoiler. "I'm reeeally liking this." He was trying but failing to get with the program, but helpless to prevent me from reeling him in. I could see wisps of smoke from the distance coming from his rears. As I then approached the exact spot, I could see black trailers indicative of where he laid-down rubber between shifts. He was putting down 3rd and 4th gear rubber. "All engine; no suspension," I says to myself. First impressions are important. Knowing this, I periodically capitalize on the opportunity to maximize it. Erasing the gap in short order, I arrived at very high velocity, then late braked violently, signaling my arrival to a one car length interval. I then turned off my 130 watt halogens (a courtesy), and flashed my hazards (bravado), allowing them to blink continuously, then awaited his next move. But, what's the guy do? He gleeked me (windshield washers). Moisture hit my windshield and instantaneously evaporated. "Asshole." Sitting there helplessly, a couple car-lengths back at slow speed, I detected a decrease in his velocity, indicative of coasting. No sooner than I adjusted to the differential velocities between us, he stabbed the brakes, hard, brake-testing me, his tail-lights red hot. He then put the hammer down, put some rubber down between his next two upshifts, impressively pulling away. Giving chase, I erased the margin in the next braking zone, and, again, sat patiently under that big rear spoiler, watching him push through the next series of turns. We played cat and mouse for mile, or so. Every time I'd have a look, he'd slam the door, early apexing the turns, coming down over the double yellow to pinch me off, gleeking me with his washers (Mustangs must have a 10 gallon reservoir!). His lengthy braking distances negated his horsepower advantage, and I'd be right back in his mirrors, following him slowly through every turn, my brakes and tyres cool, his hot, and getting hotter as I continued to pressure him. My first attempt to set the guy up, I did him on a long, fast, constant radius left hand 3rd gear downhill sweeper with an irritating bump right in the middle. Hitting that irregularity forced him wide, back over the double yellow, and I did him on the low side whilst he was averting disaster at opposite lock. However, that series of sweepers opens into long passing zone, and he rocketed by. "Damned, that thing's fast." Just before running out of revs and ready to tag 5th, alongside he came. But, he banked prematurely, right across my port side fender, then slammed on the brakes, brake-testing me again, and sending my right side rubber onto the shoulder. He stomped real hard on the brakes, then lit the afterburners again. This was no Sunday drive. This wasn't a friendly speed contest, either. This was war. To him, this was WW II, him in his P-51, me in my Zero. To this dweeb, it was a Chester Nimitz at Midway reenactment. This guy was serious. He wanted to put me in the weeds, soz he could tell his buddies about what he did to this rice boy, later on. However, the Tojo wasn't going to lose 4 flat-tops this time around; not if I had anything to say about it. - -E n d, P a r t O n e ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V2 #1352