Things to do when you first get your MR2 NA - Page 2

runabout93 · 10-16-2007, 01:06 PM

I've looked for the Ground Control kit for the mr2... I've seen it for the mkI but, not for the mkII.

I'll add a note about the ss brakeline. Goodridge, STOPTECH, Earls, is usually good.

UPDATE: I added a bunch to the suspension section.

UPDATE2: added more to brake section

TomsMR2 · 10-16-2007, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pothiawala786

Like runabout93 mentioned, most people tend to get coilovers for the shock dampening ability, and the fact that you can adjust ride height EXACTLY to your liking, something springs can't do (unless you have adjstable spring perches on your strut).

shock dampening ability is exactly the reason you dont want coilovers. especially a junk coilover like tein basics. megans arent much better.

you get a MUCH higher quality damper by buying a koni. sure its not height adjustable, but any time you touch the height you have to align it. the height adjustment is for corner balancing anyway, something most people dont do.

the only exception for cheap coilovers is the H&R coilovers, they use nice bilstein struts.. but they're not adjustable. a non adjustable h&r coilover is still a better buy than a tein or megan adjustable.

with most coilovers you're actually paying a little more for a lot less

mr2greasemonkey · 10-17-2007, 12:59 AM

how come nobody made the obvious observation of taking stock of how much it's gonna cost you to fix all the problems vs. upgrading the package, hehe.

runabout93 · 10-17-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomsMR2

shock dampening ability is exactly the reason you dont want coilovers. especially a junk coilover like tein basics. megans arent much better. ............ with most coilovers you're actually paying a little more for a lot less

Once again, I am unsure as to what suspension I should get.

But, I definitely appreciate the input. With those words the Koni/TRD combo sounds better and better. I guess, suspension is one of those topics that can be debated over and over with no resolve.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr2greasemonkey

how come nobody made the obvious observation of taking stock of how much it's gonna cost you to fix all the problems vs. upgrading the package, hehe.

Can you elaborate? Not sure what you're referring too?

runabout93 · 10-17-2007, 08:30 AM

Oh yeah... While we are still on suspension. Anyone know of a writeup about the differences between 91-92 and 93+ suspension? And how to convert to 93+ if desired or any thoughts on it?

pothiawala786 · 10-17-2007, 12:40 PM

I could have sworn I saw a sticky somewhere of the 91-92 and 93+ suspension differences on here.

And yea, I agree with you Toms, I'd take a Koni yellow/linear spring combo before getting a cheaper coilover kit, i.e., megan, d2, ksport, etc. I was just pointing out that most people usually see when a Megan full coilover kit costs the same as a Koni/spring combo, and you have the chance to adjust ride height, they go with the Megans.

I've driven with Koni yellows before on a track (with a different car), and loved em. They were nice and smooth on the street, and fun on the track, best of both worlds. I think the Koni's also have 3 spring perches, so in case the springs you buy dont have a staggered drop like you might want (front being a little lower, or have the rear lower than the front and you want them even), you could slightly adjust it.

Gairloch · 10-26-2007, 03:51 AM

Koni's for the MR2 are cartridge inserts. They don't have perches on 'em.

carcrazyguy · 12-21-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runabout93

Oh yeah... While we are still on suspension. Anyone know of a writeup about the differences between 91-92 and 93+ suspension? And how to convert to 93+ if desired or any thoughts on it?

There was an extensive breakdown a few years ago on the IMOC mailing list which even gave every last part number for the conversion.

FWIW however, the general consensus is to stick with the 91-92 suspension if you have an NA, as "snap" didn't really plague these models. It was mainly due the increased power and rear weight bias of the turbo that caused it to exhibit these symptoms.
Look at it this way, the original design is what was intended for the car, and gave the car a "live feel" that is nearly missing with the 93 NA's, as they had "mind numbing understeer" a direct quote from R&T's 93 road test, while C&D basically said the fun was gone, in not those exact words.

Keep in mind that the redesign was done for "lawsuit reasons" - as one might assume it was a pure upgrade, had they not researched it fully. Sure, grip increased marginally (around .02g) but the wheel / tire improvement, or for that matter the stickier compound alone, would account for that, not to mention the increase in spring and damping rates. In other words, there is no reason I can see to spend the bucks on the conversion for your pre-93 NA.

Take it from someone that has owned a few of both styles back to back - hands down the 91-92 NA has more of a "MKI feel" in the curvies. However, if someone is a "dangerous" driver, I am sure the 93 setup will give a little more insurance, at the price of the mild loss of turn-in response, and a chunk out of their wallet.

Jaicvc · 12-21-2007, 07:25 PM

nice write-up....

runabout93 · 12-27-2007, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carcrazyguy

There was an extensive breakdown a few years ago on the IMOC mailing list which even gave every last part number for the conversion.

FWIW however, the general consensus is to stick with the 91-92 suspension if you have an NA, as "snap" didn't really plague these models. It was mainly due the increased power and rear weight bias of the turbo that caused it to exhibit these symptoms.
Look at it this way, the original design is what was intended for the car, and gave the car a "live feel" that is nearly missing with the 93 NA's, as they had "mind numbing understeer" a direct quote from R&T's 93 road test, while C&D basically said the fun was gone, in not those exact words.

Keep in mind that the redesign was done for "lawsuit reasons" - as one might assume it was a pure upgrade, had they not researched it fully. Sure, grip increased marginally (around .02g) but the wheel / tire improvement, or for that matter the stickier compound alone, would account for that, not to mention the increase in spring and damping rates. In other words, there is no reason I can see to spend the bucks on the conversion for your pre-93 NA.

Take it from someone that has owned a few of both styles back to back - hands down the 91-92 NA has more of a "MKI feel" in the curvies. However, if someone is a "dangerous" driver, I am sure the 93 setup will give a little more insurance, at the price of the mild loss of turn-in response, and a chunk out of their wallet.

Nice comment... I added a link to this post under the suspension portion of the first post. Thanks!

baktasht · 01-19-2008, 04:18 PM

You can add us to the list for exhausts. We just started carrying a 5sfe compatible exhaust as well

FS: 5sfe Exhaust for MR2 SW20

runabout93 · 01-21-2008, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baktasht

You can add us to the list for exhausts. We just started carrying a 5sfe compatible exhaust as well

FS: 5sfe Exhaust for MR2 SW20

Good news and great price... I added links to the forum post and your website under that section. Thanks Baktasht!

stassy · 02-05-2008, 04:57 AM

Holy crap!!!
do you guys fill your mr2s up on 87?????
I only fill it up on 95. I tried 91 once and the engine rattled like crazy.
but i guess its because we dont have 87 in NZ at all lol

runabout93 · 02-05-2008, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stassy

Holy crap!!!
do you guys fill your mr2s up on 87?????
I only fill it up on 95. I tried 91 once and the engine rattled like crazy.
but i guess its because we dont have 87 in NZ at all lol

I use 92 around here... I have no idea how this is relevant to this discussion though? Please do not start a gas debate using this thread. Thanks in advance.

...

blumr2 · 02-05-2008, 02:28 PM

Why would you need anything higher than 87? unless you have a turbo

carcrazyguy · 02-05-2008, 04:30 PM

The 4AGE and GTE do because they are engines that don't take to well to newer gasolines haivng 10% ethanol. However, the 5SFE will run on about anything, relatively speaking.

AnthraciteAngel · 03-21-2008, 12:06 AM

I'm very new to the MR2 world, as well as owning cars in general (I live downtown - I take mass transit). I don't have the space or parts to be doing much of anything myself, but still want to take good car of my (upcoming) new 91 NA. The initial guide was fantastic, but frankly over my head.
If I bring this to a real mechanic (ie not me) is it likely they'll be able to get the necessary parts and perform said labor? Or should I just pop it open and start learning in the parking garage? Is there some happy medium to be had?
I apologize for the noobie questions, but I'm eager to learn!

runabout93 · 03-21-2008, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthraciteAngel

I'm very new to the MR2 world, as well as owning cars in general (I live downtown - I take mass transit). I don't have the space or parts to be doing much of anything myself, but still want to take good car of my (upcoming) new 91 NA. The initial guide was fantastic, but frankly over my head.
If I bring this to a real mechanic (ie not me) is it likely they'll be able to get the necessary parts and perform said labor? Or should I just pop it open and start learning in the parking garage? Is there some happy medium to be had?
I apologize for the noobie questions, but I'm eager to learn!

I'm sure there are things you can do in your garage to get aquainted with the MR2. But, it all depends on your comfort zone and how many tools you have. But simple maintenance things like changing oil, spark plugs, cap/rotor, and air filter should get you going. You can even find detailed articles on some slightly harder tasks: like how to change the fuel filter. Again.. it's all about how much you want to get your hands dirty.

Start cleaning up your engine area... this is a really helpful thing to do. Not only does it make your engine look good... but, it gives you a better sense of what's going on. When I first started cleaning mine up... i would find stuff and either go... "oh that's where it is" ... or "I wonder what that is?" Then you can start learning about this magnificant car.

Your eagerness is the key to loving this car. It's not the easiest beginner car. But, it is a fascinating piece of engineering. Sometimes it is a little fr

10-16-2007, 01:06 PM	#21 (permalink)
runabout93 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vermont Posts: 365 Thanks: 25 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	I've looked for the Ground Control kit for the mr2... I've seen it for the mkI but, not for the mkII. I'll add a note about the ss brakeline. Goodridge, STOPTECH, Earls, is usually good. UPDATE: I added a bunch to the suspension section. UPDATE2: added more to brake section Last edited by runabout93; 10-16-2007 at 01:23 PM.

10-26-2007, 03:51 AM	#27 (permalink)
Gairloch Dreaming of apexes Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 4,234 Thanks: 112 Thanked 202 Times in 180 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (7/100% )	Koni's for the MR2 are cartridge inserts. They don't have perches on 'em. __________________ "Inside the car, the world beyond the driver's immediate horizon ceases to exist. Alone with the solitude of his desire, survival sense numbed by the speed, he's outrun the mediocrity of the outside world, slipped the shackles it tries to clamp on us all. He is running free, chased only by a fear of failure, for failure is to risk ejection into the real world." ~Mark Hughes BATracer 1986 Formula 1 Championship - Opened 7/26/08

10-17-2007, 12:59 AM	#23 (permalink)
mr2greasemonkey Mines Bigger Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,131 Thanks: 4 Thanked 33 Times in 22 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	how come nobody made the obvious observation of taking stock of how much it's gonna cost you to fix all the problems vs. upgrading the package, hehe.

10-17-2007, 08:30 AM	#25 (permalink)
runabout93 Cage Fighter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Vermont Posts: 365 Thanks: 25 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/100% )	Oh yeah... While we are still on suspension. Anyone know of a writeup about the differences between 91-92 and 93+ suspension? And how to convert to 93+ if desired or any thoughts on it?

10-17-2007, 12:40 PM	#26 (permalink)
pothiawala786 Some skills Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 390 Thanks: 6 Thanked 22 Times in 22 Posts iTrader Rating: (5/100% )	I could have sworn I saw a sticky somewhere of the 91-92 and 93+ suspension differences on here. And yea, I agree with you Toms, I'd take a Koni yellow/linear spring combo before getting a cheaper coilover kit, i.e., megan, d2, ksport, etc. I was just pointing out that most people usually see when a Megan full coilover kit costs the same as a Koni/spring combo, and you have the chance to adjust ride height, they go with the Megans. I've driven with Koni yellows before on a track (with a different car), and loved em. They were nice and smooth on the street, and fun on the track, best of both worlds. I think the Koni's also have 3 spring perches, so in case the springs you buy dont have a staggered drop like you might want (front being a little lower, or have the rear lower than the front and you want them even), you could slightly adjust it.

12-21-2007, 07:25 PM	#29 (permalink)
Jaicvc Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Frisco Posts: 784 Thanks: 1 Thanked 28 Times in 28 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	nice write-up....

01-19-2008, 04:18 PM	#31 (permalink)
baktasht EMSPowered.com Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,561 Thanks: 15 Thanked 88 Times in 78 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (21/100% )	You can add us to the list for exhausts. We just started carrying a 5sfe compatible exhaust as well FS: 5sfe Exhaust for MR2 SW20

02-05-2008, 04:57 AM	#33 (permalink)
stassy What are skills? Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Auckland, NZ Posts: 21 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Holy crap!!! do you guys fill your mr2s up on 87????? I only fill it up on 95. I tried 91 once and the engine rattled like crazy. but i guess its because we dont have 87 in NZ at all lol

02-05-2008, 02:28 PM	#35 (permalink)
blumr2 Cage Fighter Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 161 Thanks: 27 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	Why would you need anything higher than 87? unless you have a turbo

02-05-2008, 04:30 PM	#36 (permalink)
carcrazyguy Some Skills Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 137 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	The 4AGE and GTE do because they are engines that don't take to well to newer gasolines haivng 10% ethanol. However, the 5SFE will run on about anything, relatively speaking.

03-21-2008, 12:06 AM	#37 (permalink)
AnthraciteAngel Some Skills Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quantico, VA Posts: 90 Thanks: 29 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts iTrader Rating: (3/100% )	I'm very new to the MR2 world, as well as owning cars in general (I live downtown - I take mass transit). I don't have the space or parts to be doing much of anything myself, but still want to take good car of my (upcoming) new 91 NA. The initial guide was fantastic, but frankly over my head. If I bring this to a real mechanic (ie not me) is it likely they'll be able to get the necessary parts and perform said labor? Or should I just pop it open and start learning in the parking garage? Is there some happy medium to be had? I apologize for the noobie questions, but I'm eager to learn!