MkI Engine Rebuild Information

From: Scoota22@aol.com
Date: Tue, 2 Sep 1997 21:28:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: mr2 mkI engine rebuild

    I am writing this because i feel that there is a  great missunderstanding
about repairs on the mr2.  I purchaced a mk1 85 to be exact with a rod
bearing knock. I was a little aprehensive about an engine rebuild with the
memory of a fiero that i did a few years ago but...............toyota is not
general motors. I had little if no problems at all and want to let the web
surfers know that this is not the major project that most will tell you.
Besides all of the plumbing associated with a multi port car this job of an
engine rebuild is cake..... I did it in my garage with only a n engine hoist
and a 10,12,14,17,19 mm sockets and misc. hand tools. The fiero i did was
another story. With a rear engine subframe it was pure hell. Aligning the
frame with the cradle and jut getting it all together was pure hell in a
techs eyes. With real engine mounts and some room the mr2 was as we say
cake........ The cylider walls were worn out and needed boring and 20 over
pistons but for the most part this was ez. I am currently resoring a nissan
300zx to mint condition and let me say it was easier to do the mr2 than the
nissan.  Dont be afraid my freinds rear engine isnt as bad as it sounds. With
alittle patience you will turn your mkI into a beast!!!!!!!!!!! Any questions
please feel free to e mail me at scoota22 at aol.com. I will be happy and
willingto answer. When the time arises, there is so much work so little
time!!!!!!!!!!!mr2s rule!!!!!!!

Geoff , I have a couple of questions for you. First of all any questions
onany mkI please e mail me. I am an ase certified in ny and have a good
background for imported cars. Secondly I need to ask you to search out your
brain somethingfor me that is driving me nuts!!!!!!!! My mr2 has a high idle
problem. At startup 2000 to 3000 rpm and it stays there. The ac kicks down
the idle  to about 1800rpm or so but she is still screaming. I can find no
vacuum leaks as to date the resistance tests to the t.p.s check out ok and
there is a new idle air control valve. I did not notice if the car did this
when I got it, but the machine shops pistons were dished alot more than my
oem. My compression is about 150psi. Everything else is stock.I am clueless
to what is wrong.I have also noticed a great amount of  oversteer on high
speed turns. Its very sudden as if the rear breaks free about 80 mph on mild
turns. I have a stock sring with 120,000 miles and stock rear sway bar and
bushings. I am concered because it will break loose at the rear without
warning and is quite awakening. It always makes me smile but I wonder if the
sway bar is too small andif struts can take the beating. any help would be
appreciated. Mr2s rule no matter what the sales
say..........................scott