MR2 owner 1 week and counting w/ pictures

[emtee33]

Hi guys

Like most of the threads I've read, buying the MR2 wasn't in my plans and the decision was pretty quick. I originally went to the dealer to see a '99 Miata as a commuter car but when he opened the garage, the first thing I saw was a yellow MR2 and the damn miata was tucked away in a corner somewhere. Overall the MR2 was in better condition and the style still looks good even after 17 years. It was almost a no brainer.

My roommate's bro asked if that was a Ferrari just a day after I bought it. Awesome! Here's some info on it. Maybe you guys can chime in since I don't know what I have.

1991 NA manual T-Top
Clean title via AutoCheck
stock Signal Yellow
~170,400miles
Alpine mp3 stereo
Bazooka and MTX Thunder 302 amp (is that good?)
17" ADR Wheels (looks good I must say)
Front tires are Pirelli 205/45R17
Rear tires are BFGoodrich 235/45R17
Paid around 4,900

My mechanic friend checked out the car before I decided to get it. The engine, frame, brake, clutch are all in good shape. So far I had to replace one brake light and added Bosch excel+ wipers. I still need to finish buffering the car and the wheels needs to be aligned.

The sound system and wheels came with the car. i'm not sure if they're good stuff or not. I do know that the wheels look good though. What sucks even more is that the sound system's not working. I was told the fuse might be out.


This for and website has tons of useful info. The more I know about the MR2 the more questions I have.

-What are the best tires for the wheel sizes I have for daily driving? Checked out the Gordaen's website but have no idea what i'm looking at.
-How/Where can I learn to improve my driving? I checked out Infineon's driving school, they're damn expensive.
-Where can I meet other MR2 Norcal members? The Norcal forum here seems dead.
-Is it normal that the RPM goes up when I turn on the AC?
-Can I use regular unleaded octane instead of 91 octane on the NA MR2?

I've learned that people here like to see pictures so here it is. Picture phone quality








Lastly, I still have subscription to AutoCheck so if you want me to check your auto history, PM me your VIN or post in the thread. This is available until AutoCheck gets piss and stop letting me. If anyone has CarFax, I'd love it if you can help me check the VIN through there.

[baktasht]

Nice looking car. Looks like a pretty clean engine bay. I bet with a few coats of wax and some engine detailing that thing will be spotless.

[Dance_Business]

nice.

[PHOENIX]

First off, Welcome to the Board :Wavey:

Glad you posted some pictures, WE LOVE PICTURES!

Okay, to answer your questions....

-What are the best tires for the wheel sizes I have for daily driving? Checked out the Gordaen's website but have no idea what i'm looking at.

I think you will find that most of us use 17" rims on our MR2's. With the right offset and tire size, they tuck in nicely under our wheel wells. As far as tires, lots of people have different opinions on tires. My opinion is to have a nice year round tire. I personally like Dunlops.

-How/Where can I learn to improve my driving? I checked out Infineon's driving school, they're damn expensive.

The best way is to find some track days going on in your area. In northern Cali, im sure you will have no problems finding some, but the winter is coming quick, so you might have to wait till next spring. During track days, unexperienced drivers have the luxury of having an experienced driver in the car with you giving you advice, tips, and driving techniques. This, in my opinion, is the best way to learn to drive your car to the fullest. Also, check out your local autocross club, those guys always welcome new drivers and thats another great way to learn your car. Track days can be expensive, Anywhere from $100 to $175 for a days worth of driving. Autocross roughly goes around the $20 - $30 range for a couple hours of driving.

-Where can I meet other MR2 Norcal members? The Norcal forum here seems dead.

We really don't like those guys from Norcal.

kidding..... actually, Norcal has a huge members base. If you find that the Cali section on this board is dead, start it up!

-Is it normal that the RPM goes up when I turn on the AC?

Yes, this is normal. I think its roughly 300rpms that it will go up when you turn on your A/C. Your A/C pump is connected via a belt to your crank pulley. When it turns on, it puts a little damper on the ol hp, which is why most people don't use A/C when racing or Dynoing (Jeff ).

-Can I use regular unleaded octane instead of 91 octane on the NA MR2?

Hell yeah, you won't see any difference.

[Sylvan]

Welcome to the boards!
A word of caution, I got pulled over twice in one week for no front license plate. I don't think the cops like my MR2 for some reason. The second one that pulled me over acted like he was pulling over OJ.. hand on his gun, creeping up like I was gonna try something. It kinda freaked me out.

Anyway, for a good learning experience, checked out Hooked on Driving. (..:: Hooked On Driving ::..). They have a lot of track days up at Thunderhill. It's $265 for the day, and although it's not technically a school, I did have a really good coach sit in with me on my runs and I learned a lot from him.

[PHOENIX]

$265! Ouch

But, if its a full day, and you had a good coach, sounds like it was worth it. Best thing to do is keep up with the local clubs, even if they are not toyota. most clubs will have a track day atleast once a year, and in most cases, towards the last few days before the event, will open it up to any vehicle to help cover costs.

[PnOyGTS]

not bad at all

[PearlJammzz]

Dave (phoenix), you'll find that most places are 250-ish for an open track day. I believe here in Utah MMP is somewhere in the 250-300 range.

Maybe if you didn't ditch us to be a tokyo drifter and chase asian women, you'd know this... .

I can't see the pics of the car since I am at work, but I like the 2 in Yellow, one of the more rare colors! Are you sure that you are running a 205/45/r17 and not a 205/40/r17? I would think a 45 would rub :-\.

Gratz on the purchase, you now will be bored/unsatisfied with most every other vehicle you drive, haha.

[emtee33]

Thanks for welcoming me guys.

Thanks for all the info Phoenix. Awesome, now I can save money on gas to go to the tracks.

A word of caution, I got pulled over twice in one week for no front license plate.

Yeah the dealer told me the same. i'm just procrastinating since I'm not motivated to make the 2 uglier by putting a plate in front. Also doesn't help that I heard it's a cop magnet. O well, yellow is rare, that's what I like about it.

$265! Ouch

Compared to the $1000-$3000 Infineon was charging on its website, it's not too bad.

Are you sure that you are running a 205/45/r17 and not a 205/40/r17? I would think a 45 would rub :-\.

That's the info I was looking for! they're 45. The deal was the dealer was going to replace the front tires for me if I buy, so I took the offer. It had Kumho 205/40/zr17 before but the inside was about to go. The rear tires are fine right?

[schmiddr2]

I like the yellow too...I haven't seen it a lot. The stereo must be somewhat good to have component crossovers behind the seat. Bass tubes make a dull sound in my opinion. I would imagine yellow 2 door with loud music might get you pulled over more than other cars/colors. Anyway very nice car.

[emtee33]

thanks schmiddr2. With the music up, windows down, and t-top out, i'm sure it'll grab both wanted and unwanted attention. Still it doesn't compare to the senior members here, who's 2's are all decked out. Your red 2 isn't that far behind either once you fix everything.

[Gairloch]

You might want to check out the NASA region in your area. You should be able to find a link to their site here: Welcome to NASAProRacing.com!

NASA has an excellent driver development program and it's about $300 for a weekend depending on which track it's at.

Great looking car!

Feel free to hollar at me if you have any more questions about tracking an NA MR2.

[MarKill]

Nice!!! I just recently got mine too!...its also 91, T-top but mine is red....
i got 110K on it...soo yeah...I'll post sum pics as soon as I get a digital Camera