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xxxboosted2xxx09-04-2019, 03:17 PMSo this will start as a history of me and MR2 cars
And then we'll move on to the 'build' in a few days.

So on September 21, 2001 I bought a 1993 Turbo MR2 from a local consignment dealer. It was a second owner car, first was a Marine stationed in Germany and it came with all the paperwork of his purchase and services while in Europe. Pretty cool.

https://i.imgur.com/yHXgKNZ.jpg



Here it is pretty stock - here it is with the first set of non-stock wheels, Motegi MR12 (thought it was neat that the name was similar to the car name lol, but I loved the design)

Im in the middle, black shorts and black tee


Here it is just after that picture, on the dyno.

Put down 160/160, stock (again, minus the 17" wheels). Stock crank hp/tq is 200/200

https://i.imgur.com/eTOmKOt.jpg?1


Overtime I added other things - different radio (Pioneer), APEXi intake, APEXi blow-off valve, CRW downpipe and 3" exhaust, no cats.
Two more sets of wheels - Lexus IS300 wheels and Kosei K1
Bumped up psi from 7-8 to 15psi, fuel cut defender, turbo timer etc
Nothing wild, but it should have been closer to 200/200 at the wheels.

Had the car 9 years, sold it in 2010
When I sold it it looked much like this, but different wheels

https://i.imgur.com/YOJu8UU.jpg



I can look back and say that I liked the car for the time. For the time (time being my age as well as the 'tuner' scene of the era (mid 00s) it was a 'cool' car. Not my style now with the fiberglass front end (authentic BOMEX bumper, had to wait a month for it to be shipped from Japan), non-traditional paint scheme etc. But I loved that car.


I sold it because I wasnt driving it much due to my job and it was needing stuff, I just didnt have the money at the time to do it back right. I needed to pay for college, so that money went to pay for going back to school. For that reason, it was wise to sell.
That said, I miss it. I had SO many great times in that car. Took a bunch of road trips, dates, random drives with friends, pulls down the dragstrips (Farmington and Rockingham, mostly), or just a nice country backroad drive.





----------------------------------------

One day I was at Farmington and a guy approached, talked to me about my MR2, asked if I was interested in buying another. I was not. It was cheap - 200 bucks. An auto second gen, same color as mine but auto. Also, not turbo. And it had no transmission.

A year later me and a friend did buy that car, an for 20 bucks more the guy towed it to my friends house who had some spare garage space.
We parted that car out and paid our bills.
Me and my buddy worked for the same photography company and had gotten laid off, we needed cash so we sold those parts.

----------------------------------------
Back in October I started looking at cars again. I wanted to buy a second car, a 'fun' car. I wanted something you didnt see everyday. I wanted something RWD (or AWD would be ok), manual transmission, and something with character.

I kept thinking about E91 BMW 3-series wagons.
And MR2 turbos.



Hopped back onto MR2OC.com and lurked around a while. Made a post on a for sale thread here in NC and then got a random PM - a guy selling a turbo car.
We exchanged some emails and then it was down 80 miles or so to test drive.

The car has good bones, but some work to be done. Not a bad price for what it is and what needs to be done, so I said, "I'll take it...as soon as that title comes in"

We kept in touch the last few weeks and I got a text last night - title is in.
Now what really sucked about that text was that I left work a little early yesterday because I wasnt feeling well. So, of course, I get the 'go ahead' on the day when I feel like garbage, and then have 3 late nights in a row coming up.

This Saturday I'll go pick up my 2nd MR2 Turbo. Third MKII MR2, but second turbo model.

This time things will be different.
My tastes have changed.
I have a career which affords me SOME additional money that i can put into a project.
I have a lot of garage space and tools to devote to tinkering.
And, honestly, as Ive gotten older I appreciate tinkering on a car or motorcycle more. Appreciating garage time.



This wont be an exciting thread by any means. No crazy engine swaps planned, no basketball-sized turbos going on, nothing wild or exciting. But I am excited because it's MY 'build' thread.

Follow along, if you wish, as I get the car and start fixing things and upgrading and updating.
Im ready, hope you enjoy this journey with me too xxxboosted2xxx09-04-2019, 03:23 PMIt's Thursday now.
In my garage Ive already gotten some capacitors from a member to fix the tachometer
Ive already gotten 20 bright white LED bulbs to replace the stock bulbs in the gauge cluster (it'll be out, why not go ahead and upgrade?!)
And Ive ordered a wiring harness so I can put an aftermarket stereo in easily.

I also found an old/new (ordered in 2006! Never installed) set of RockBlocker guards for the foglights, though I may or may not use them as they are yellow tinted. I dont know yet if I'll still find that attractive on the car or not. But I have them in the garage, found them a few nights ago.

Im making deals with various forum members on some random interior bits that will be needed too xxxboosted2xxx09-07-2019, 10:31 AMSo today I go down to pick it up, here are some pics the current owner (for about 5 more hours) sent me

https://i.imgur.com/MThOFHx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/LAKEUaj.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yH0eED9.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/L2p0TvJ.jpg






Last night I had a dream that I got it and it was FAR worse than it was, but I know that's not true. I think it's because Ive hyped it up in my mind over the past three weeks since seeing it.





Thursday I ordered a stereo for it, have wiring harness for stereo too
Picked up a adjustable temp soldering iron for various projects on it, including fixing the tach and soldering the wiring harness, also got a huge set of heat shrink tubing. Amazon rules. It'll be here today and I might even install it tonight.



NC DMV is difficult to deal with, at least in terms of trying to legally buy a car from a private seller on a weekend and having to get it home. They leave you with little options.
But, thankfully, I work in a building with LEO. So yesterday I called a deputy down and asked him some questions and he clarified some things that I'd heard before - Bill of Sale, along with the title and proof of insurance, will allow me a short bit (few days) of driving to get it home and the driving to get title swapped on Monday etc JustinNC09-07-2019, 09:01 PMCongrats! xxxboosted2xxx09-08-2019, 06:01 AMIt's home.

The wiring harness I ordered is NOT correct, even though I called scothe (or whatever) directly and it's what they told me to buy. Bummed!
So still rocking this factory head unit with a cd stuck in it = cant play my own
LCD display is jacked up, so cant see what station Im on. So pick one and stay with it.
And it has a tape deck...a tape deck.

But I started cleaning it up last night. Taking off the dash pieces to replace the radio I spent time cleaning whatever I could with pieces out, cleaning off dirt and dust dating back to 1991 xxxboosted2xxx09-08-2019, 12:03 PMSo here is my 'to-do' list that Ive been putting together over the past three weeks since seeing/driving the car the first time.
Some things will cost nothing to fix, or very very little (few bucks), but will take time.
ie
- stainless steel brake lines, previous owner has them just didnt install
- fix mirrors: a common on early 90s Toyota cars was that the clip that holds the spring in the mirror pops off. It makes the mirrors fold in when under very hard acceleration, and then forward under very hard braking. Again, wont cost anything, but will take time
-mounting the boost controller - I just need to get a small clamp and it'll be done. 2 bucks max.
-struts and springs: new parts came with the car, will just take a weekend to put them on.
Many things are more time than money.

And then some, like Jack/jack stands, soldering iron, oil drain pan etc will be things that I need that will be used for years; good things to have in the garage

Other things, like paint, well, that'll be a lot more


[ ] Paint
[ ] Solder iron
[ ] Jack stands
[ ] Put together a tool kit under seat
[ ] Jack
[ ] Oil drain pan
[ ] Transmission fluid
[ ] Transmission plug washers
[ ] Mount X Brace
[ ] Mount boost controller
[ ] Radio (double DIN, touchscreen, ipod)
[ ] Fix tachometer
[ ] Trunk carpet
[ ] 93+ shifter
[ ] Shift knob
[ ] Shift boot
[ ] 93+ wheels
[ ] Install SS brake lines
[ ] Brake fluid
[ ] Ipod for car
[ ] Ipod cable
[ ] GPS for car
[ ] Engine lid rain deflector
[ ] Adjust Ebrake
[ ] Rock blocker on fogs
[ ] Fix intake
[ ] Shifter surround
[ ] Paint interior bits gloss black or all new pieces
[ ] Clean seats
[ ] Clean carpets
[ ] Change subwoofer
[ ] Clean dash and doors
[ ] Fix mirrors
[ ] LED gauge lights
[ ] LED HVAC lights
[ ] LED dome lights
[ ] H4 headlight conversion
[ ] 93+ lip
[ ] Downpipe
[ ] New struts and springs
[ ] 94+ taillights
[ ] Reupholster seats
[ ] Tint windows
[ ] Brake pads








Previous owner installed the X brace already
Ive already bought the soldering iron and the stereo
Ive bought the LEDs that will be needed for the gauges and HVAC etc, will just need to get in there and start on it
The cleaning has begun, but, dang, it's so hot out today - about 90*F. Im dripping sweat on all the stuff Im trying to clean lol

But that's where Im starting from.
It's a long list, and it'll get longer as time goes. I'll need to get little trim pieces or gaskets etc, but it wont be too bad at all. thx113809-08-2019, 02:21 PMIt never fails to amaze me as what owners do to their cars! europa09-08-2019, 03:55 PMSo still rocking this factory head unit with a cd stuck in it = cant play my own
LCD display is jacked up, so cant see what station Im on. So pick one and stay with it.
And it has a tape deck...a tape deck.

Starts a GoFundMe page for xxxb to buy a kazoo and song book. europa09-08-2019, 05:49 PMLooks like Scosche makes at least three harnesses for the MR2:

https://www.scosche.com/87-ta-pwr-4spk-harness
https://www.scosche.com/1987-up-toyota-car-stereo-connector-with-butt-connectors
https://www.scosche.com/87-ta-pwr-spk-oe-radio xxxboosted2xxx09-08-2019, 08:13 PMLooks like Scosche makes at least three harnesses for the MR2:

https://www.scosche.com/87-ta-pwr-4spk-harness
https://www.scosche.com/1987-up-toyota-car-stereo-connector-with-butt-connectors
https://www.scosche.com/87-ta-pwr-spk-oe-radio


Thanks let me look at those, I just bought what the guy at the company said would work




It never fails to amaze me as what sone owners do to their cars!

How so?

- - - Updated - - -


Looks like Scosche makes at least three harnesses for the MR2:

https://www.scosche.com/87-ta-pwr-4spk-harness
https://www.scosche.com/1987-up-toyota-car-stereo-connector-with-butt-connectors
https://www.scosche.com/87-ta-pwr-spk-oe-radio

ok, first is what I bought - no go.

second looks like the same but with butt connectors on it

third is what is on there now (ie: factory male connector)

I do appreciate you taking your time to look information up, truly. xxxboosted2xxx09-13-2019, 10:18 PMOrdered the 93+ shifter
a stock shift knob for the 93+
unbroken ashtray (mine is missing the flip-open lid
and a little JDM part - it's strut tower spacers to raise the rear bar for a little extra clearance for intercooler piping...probably wont ever need it, but for 25 bucks, toss it in on the order and have something a little different than most 2s

Also, earlier this week I ordered a wiring harness for a subaru. Looking at pictures and seeing the pin number, I think I MIGHT be able to make it work. Or maybe Im out 10 bucks. xxxboosted2xxx09-25-2019, 08:07 PMmirrors have been fixed...sort of. The drivers side was cracked already and when popping the glass out it cracked a lot more. Bummer.
BUT they dont flop around anymore!



And today was parts day! THREE packages waiting on me today
93 shifter, 93 shift knob, ashtray, strut tower pieces, AlexW rainguard eliminator plates, and a harness I'll TRY to make work.



https://i.imgur.com/XoDDpfO.jpg xxxboosted2xxx09-27-2019, 09:08 PMShift boot came in today, I'll adhere it to the trim piece tomorrow when I start wrenching again. Just a cheap ebay piece, black with black stitching. Until I know if I get a red-stitch steering wheel I dont want to spring for a nice Redline boot, this will do for a bit

HOPING to go to a junkyard about 30 minutes away to look for a newer Toyota steering wheel, they have a few possible donor cars (3 Matrix, a couple Corolla S)

I hate I cant post more pics, but the very little Ive done doesnt really deserve pics - just fixing wobbly mirrors and cleaning really



Also - ordered a little fold-up cup holder off of Amazon early this morning, will be here tomorrow. Thinking of trying to figure out a backing plate made of kydex (have SO MUCH of the stuff) to go behind the carpet or maybe even a very deep, narrow U channel so that Im not even close to drilling into the tunnel.
In my head, and I need to see what things are like when I pull the armrest tomorrow, I might be able to make something and rivet the piece to a section of kydex and then mount it somehow stable xxxboosted2xxx09-28-2019, 05:05 PMFinished buttoning up the door panels today, so the mirror fix is completely done now.
Put a battery tender adapter on the battery, got the charger on it now (battery is weak if not driven often/daily)
Inflated the spare tire and put it back in.
Ripped out the wiring a previous owner put in for a small light inside
Took apart the shifter to replace with the 93 model, but stopped when I realized I had no grease here at the house, so I need to get that in the morning and then put it all back together.

Started adhering the new shiftboot to the plastic trim piece, one side left now (pie was taken at the beginning)

93+ lever on the left, stock 91/92 on the right

https://i.imgur.com/mk6ms1N.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/V795i4g.jpg





https://i.imgur.com/8kYHLot.jpg xxxboosted2xxx10-08-2019, 08:23 PMNot too much to add - I JUST got back out to the garage to finish the shifter swap.
Then I started taking a peek at the HVAC unit and figure out how to get it sorted
Pulled stereo...then forgot I had a cassette in, so I'll have to plug it back up for a moment to eject that.

BUT
THE wiring harness I ordered from ENGLAND is one county over, but, because of how USPS works, it'll be two days probably. (Go from large distribution center to my local and then to me).

Got a bunch of small stuff from the Toyota dealership

Cleaning up stuff as I take it off and put it back on etc xxxboosted2xxx11-09-2019, 05:29 PMstarted swapping out the wheels on the MR2 today. Tomorrow I'll likely finish, maybe, because Im also doing front pads and stainless lines. Probably need to pull the rears back off and do those lines the same time. So, yeah, maybe tomorrow.

Top are the original 91/92 14" wheels with a squared set of sumitomo tires, 205 width
Bottom is the 15" 93-97 wheels, here are the rears, 225 on the rear, BFG G-force tires

I'll post the fronts tomorrow, Falken Azenis
This staggered set up should help handling quite a bit and have more options in tires than the original 14"ers

https://i.imgur.com/rziaM3N.jpg






going from an all-season tire to a directional sport tire


https://i.imgur.com/zk51Znd.jpg xxxboosted2xxx11-24-2019, 01:55 PMOk, some quick updates.
My GOAL is to drive this to my parents and my friends for Thanksgiving.

So last night I was a bit tired, but decided to get to the garage anyway and start on the front wheels.
So I removed the stock wheels and started taking the brakes apart.
Only did MOST of the passenger side last night.

https://i.imgur.com/CqxZG3Y.jpg




This afternoon I went back out there for about an hour and finished taking apart the passenger side - removing the brake line, which will be replaced with a stainless braided line, and then, what I didnt plan on, removing the rotor.

When I started feeling the rotor I could feel a bit of waviness as I went from the inside to the outside. Yeah, I didnt want to have to buy rotors, but, hell, why not do it right and do it while it's all apart. I dont know if these are the original rotors or not. Only 93k miles on the car, so quite likely they are the 30 year old rotors. Why not. I'll check for rotors locally in a few.







I ordered some EBC GreenStuff brake pads two weeks ago, so I'll be putting those on this week.

Here are the passenger pads vs the new, replacements.
Pretty much both of the passenger pads equal the thickness, or close to it, of ONE of the new pads.



https://i.imgur.com/xmnWGO7.jpg






https://i.imgur.com/IYUwnzM.jpg









and how it all sits right now.




https://i.imgur.com/rYjMgtK.jpg








While waiting on my lady friend to arrive and get a glue gun, I decided to spend a few minutes with a new polishing wheel I picked up yesterday at harbor freight.

Here is a before of the muffler tip

https://i.imgur.com/2vKSKIP.jpg






And after a few minutes with some polish. Cleaned up a lot, but still needs more time on it, but you can actually see my reflection in it now.

https://i.imgur.com/o37veuD.jpg







I have to leave soon, then I have a hockey game. So Im hoping to hit the garage again tomorrow night.
Im a bit busy on Tuesday, but only a workday on Wednesday, so I can stay up a bit later than normal Tuesday night. And then, lastly, I'll have Wednesday night.

Besides the brakes:
-will have to get a new battery this week, the one in it is real bad. I can charge it for a while and, at this point, it'll do everything...EXCEPT fire the car. It's toast.
-I want to drain and replace the transmission fluid. I picked up some Redline MT90 for it, see if it helps out the grind from 4th to 3rd. xxxboosted2xxx11-30-2019, 08:27 AMTransmission fluid drained and replaced with MT90.
My grind from 4th to 3rd is still there, but not as bad as it once was. And if I rev match it's almost not there at all/usually no grinding at all
But, still, it's there.

Stainless lines all around

EBC Greenstuff pads up front
New rotors up front
DOT4 fluid

But then I realized my rears are squealing some, so I'll order some rear pads this week or next and do those.

got a new battery on Wednesday and installed my new shiftboot from Toyota on Wednesday.
I had ordered the one from ebay, and it didnt fit right, too much material that it bunched up really bad and made shifting a struggle.
Found a stock shiftboot with mount for 40ish on ebay from a dealership. Im far happier with that. xxxboosted2xxx01-11-2020, 06:43 PMLast week I got up with an old acquaintance, one who is into the MKII platform and had a car he was parting out.
Picked up a butchered trunk carpet...better than what I have now, which is nothing.
Got a hydraulic engine prop rod
Got some random interior bits that I need and didnt need

Monday going to a bodyshop to discuss getting a paint job.
Debating on whether or not to do a color change. xxxboosted2xxx03-28-2020, 10:23 PMAs Ive been driving this car more I realize how much I love a cupholder. Ever try to drive a straight drive on a curvy road with a cup of coffee? If freaking sucks.
When I was 20 I didnt care about freaking cup holders, I cared about the speed, the styling... Now Im 37. I care about a cupholder.

So I had an idea a while back, tonight I got to it.
I had ordered from ebay or amazon a cheap little flip up cupholder. It comes with adhesive strips and two screws. Well Im not keen on drilling holes in my carpet or any part of the body for a dang cupholder.

So I took some kydex and made a bracket for the cupholder.

With all/most projects - everything starts with cardboard, a sharpie, and something to cut the cardboard. Tonight some good shears.

Then to trace onto kydex. Cutting with my scroll saw. Used heatgun to form the kydex to fix everything, lots of trial and error.
Busted out the dremel to clean certain parts of it up.

https://i.imgur.com/fBiGSUw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZS61J6T.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mFuEMYN.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zuxdxni.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dDLlDsd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/L0VUzLd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8xS5R3e.jpg RePete03-29-2020, 12:56 AMDon't normally have a hankering to drink in the car, when I do it's the same: bottled water. But it always fit snugly between the seat and the center console near the seat belt. So I never did get the big deal about a cup holder.

Regardless, that's a good idea and well executed. Just wondering if that would bother the legs of whomever is riding shotgun though... xxxboosted2xxx03-29-2020, 08:09 AMDon't normally have a hankering to drink in the car, when I do it's the same: bottled water. But it always fit snugly between the seat and the center console near the seat belt. So I never did get the big deal about a cup holder.

Regardless, that's a good idea and well executed. Just wondering if that would bother the legs of whomever is riding shotgun though...

If it's opened, yes. In the closed position - not at all. It protrudes approximately 1/2" from the tunnel.

Last Wednesday I went out for lunch, which included a tea. Got into car with this 16oz cup, put it between my legs and when I started operating the clutch and gas the cup tipped forward. Fell. Landed upside down.
LUCKILY one drop came out. Since I'd not yet put a straw in the lid, the lid was actually quite sealed off.


Or Friday, when I grabbed a cup of coffee at a local place and had about half left when heading home.

It'll be a nice addition to my car. And, great thing, one bolt holds it in, an existing one, so it can be reversed with no one knowing any different. JustinNC03-29-2020, 09:34 AMI got the same one, though I had no compunctions about popping a couple of self-tapping screws into the body. Works great. Back in the Before Times, one of my favorite things to do was use the MR2 for lunch runs. Not fun or easy shifting gears and going around corners with a drink between your legs. xxxboosted2xxx03-29-2020, 01:16 PMI just cant bring myself to drill holes in the body xxxboosted2xxx04-01-2020, 08:48 PMI picked up a hydraulic prop rod for the car a few months ago from a local guy, decided to put it on tonight.
No longer will I use an arrow to keep my engine lid open! lol




https://i.imgur.com/firdXcs.jpg





Also, buttoned up the dash pieces from doing the stereo. So here is the stereo I put in, a Pioneer unit with bluetooth, cd/dvd, a USB on the back, aux on the back, microphone included etc

And while Im putting it all back together I 'installed' my ashtray. A non-broken one!



https://i.imgur.com/CK96qbn.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/M5y0XVw.jpg xxxboosted2xxx04-13-2020, 04:30 PMWell FINALLY got around to sorting out the drivers side door speaker - it didnt work when I bought it.
So I pulled the harness out and, sure enough, one of the wires for the speaker was broken.
I was going to just replace a short section (narrowed it down to a 6"ish section) but ended up replacing almost the whole thing.
I dont have a repinning tool, or know how to repin a wire into a harness, if I did then I'd have done that.

But anyway, the little 30 year old speaker is working again.

I have a new set of speakers to go in as soon as my adapters arrive, hopefully in the next day or two




Speaking of speakers - I pulled the stock sub enclosure out, had a no-name (that I could see) replacement subwoofer. Also, discovered a ton of acorns underneath the enclosure in the little cubby. So got that cleaned out and put everything back together. Now I know I dont have to worry about getting a replacement subwoofer (they arent much, but still), because Im sure at that size it makes almost zero difference.




Also, ordered a radiator panel from MR2 Chop Shop, just slowly getting it back to at least stock form (upgrading things as I can without getting wild, ie the headunit and speakers etc)

Next up, after the speaker, is sort out my dang horn. I can hear the relay clicking when I hit the horn but the horn itself makes no noises. Maybe disconnected? We'll see. Im guessing the front bumper will have to come off. xxxboosted2xxx04-15-2020, 07:48 AMPioneer 6.5" speakers in the door now thx113804-15-2020, 01:39 PMHad a body/paint shop install hydraulic prop rod support recently as well as "speed flaps" (up front). Prop rod works well. Recommended. xxxboosted2xxx04-15-2020, 03:12 PMHad a body/paint shop install hydraulic prop rod support recently as well as "speed flaps" (up front). Prop rod works well. Recommended.


Do you mean prop rod for the front hood or the engine lid?
I got one for the engine lid recently installed, super easy (4 bolts total) and works great! thx113804-17-2020, 04:02 PMProp rod installed for the rear engine compartment. Made in Canada vis EBAY. Have seen one designed for the front. Do not remember where. xxxboosted2xxx04-17-2020, 04:20 PMI think MR2Prime has some hood hydraulic rods, maybe one day.


I have a 64gig Iphone 6S on the way to keep in this car to have access to thousands of songs at any point. Stoked. xxxboosted2xxx04-22-2020, 01:27 PMWell I now have a set of 94 taillights and trunklid with spoiler.
The trunk lid/spoiler is supposed to be red, so I'll wait a while to put that on.
The center panel for the tails is black - I'll go ahead and put that on when it arrives. xxxboosted2xxx05-25-2020, 05:52 PMSuspension work blows.

One strut removed, another loosened up (trying to only do one at a time).
This blows.

https://i.imgur.com/NXKT6HF.jpg



This look like a normal bearing? lol

https://i.imgur.com/CufsHQ0.jpg xxxboosted2xxx06-03-2020, 06:08 AMThe key to everything is the right tools.

Ok, quick update - the tach is fixed
New struts, 93+ springs, strut mounts, ball joints (front, have to return the rears, they werent right), and tie rod ends.
I did some of the poly Prothane bushings too

Today at 3 Ill get my alignment done

Im currently on the waitlist for an SCCA Track Night in America at Charlotte Motor Speedway for this Friday, fingers crossed! xxxboosted2xxx08-06-2020, 06:34 AMReplaced 7 of the 9 barrel style capacitors on the circuit board for the cruise control. After replacing 5 I took it for a quick drive to see, and it was working.
I then replaced two more before I called it a night and packed it all up/reinstalled. I am going to northern Virginia today and wanted cruise for it.

Also, yesterday, got my r12 'drained' and replaced with r134 (along with the different oil and seal etc)
So I got good AC now. Before it just barely worked.

So two things that no one will see, but makes a big difference in drivability. xxxboosted2xxx08-08-2020, 05:36 AMCruise worked great on the way up...then it didnt work on the way home. I'll do the other two capacitors this week and, hopefully, sort the issue out.
But driving without cruise for 5 hours straight sucks.

5.5 hours each way, car did great. First road trip with it
on the way up I averaged 28mpg with the ac on the whole time and just highway
on the way back I checked at one point when I got gas and was at 26.5, but that was mostly 2 lane backroads, in which I was passing cars in passing zones and hitting boost each time. I passed a LOT of cars. I was trying to get home to see my girl, aint got no time to do 54 in a 55 ha

So Im pretty pleased with it's mpg, honestly, and I 'trust' the car right now even on a longer trip. Plus I did that track day so I know, to a point, how hard I can push it and Im never near that point. Trust is good to have in your vehicle. xxxboosted2xxx09-26-2020, 09:28 AMMostly just ordering random things for it and getting some winter projects lined up.
today I ordered from Twos R Us
-two sets of their T-Top guides
-a set of the reproduction window switches

From Amazon
-some BKR7E spark plugs
-a dual USB 12v port to mount for my GPS, freeing up the cig lighter on the dash

Recently got my repro front lip pieces off of the MR2OC
Got an IS300 gas pedal, going to see if it works, it'll match the aluminum and rubber Celica GTS pedals that I have already. That was from Ebay, under 25 shipped. If it doesnt work, oh well.
At the junkyard I picked up a IS300 deadpedal. It doesnt have the rubber, it's just the aluminum face. Flipped upside down it fits almost perfect over the stock MR2 deadpedal. It costs 2 bucks to get into the yard, they said just take it since it was 60% off day and they wouldnt be charging me much to begin with. This will be, again, just for looks to 'round out' the footwell look.

Will do a little bit of an ignition overhaul soon, as well as an oilchange and start cleaning up and tidying up the engine bay over the winter.

A few weeks ago I put on a red-stitch Corolla S wheel. CC off of it works just fine.

Quick pic

https://i.imgur.com/jNwHCuu.jpg thx113809-26-2020, 12:26 PMWhere did you get the Corolla wheel. Looks great. Did you install solo of course no air bag? At this age of MR2 I would hate to depend on a bag. RePete09-26-2020, 12:32 PMI think the SW20 OEM steering wheel ranks in the top 5 as one of the ugliest and clumsiest wheels in recent sports car history.

That Corolla wheel looks like mine, most excellent! IMO, steering wheel replacement is one of those transformative interior changes as big as LED dash lights, new interior Plexiglas or new/reupholstered seats. Good work! 328FTW09-27-2020, 06:39 AMThey run those wheels on the 2zz powered corollas. Have one in my daily, good wheel. Looks sharp and acceptable feel. As an aside for a daily driving a 2zz powered corolla is a really quick little wagon for not much money.

I'm a tall and big handed guy so have always liked thick wheels I can wrap my fingers around and there are barely any that actually do that well and that rolla wheel is just barely acceptable for my hands. The chunky momo wheels from the 90's fit me well though and as it turns out what was on my first few modded cars. Thought it was normal till later on in life when minimum viable products for the public became more obvious to me, especially with airbag systems. My current daily is a peugeot 407 V6 and much as it shames me the wheel although it looks average is acceptably comfortable which is more than I can say for many modern cars. xxxboosted2xxx09-27-2020, 08:45 PMWheel came from a local junkyard
Ive found several. Sold two. Looking for another for my boy JustiNC
If I find a good one he gets it for whatever I paid for it. JustinNC09-27-2020, 10:12 PMWheel came from a local junkyard
Ive found several. Sold two. Looking for another for my boy JustiNC
If I find a good one he gets it for whatever I paid for it.

*high five*

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I think the SW20 OEM steering wheel ranks in the top 5 as one of the ugliest and clumsiest wheels in recent sports car history.

That Corolla wheel looks like mine, most excellent! IMO, steering wheel replacement is one of those transformative interior changes as big as LED dash lights, new interior Plexiglas or new/reupholstered seats. Good work!

It's the worst. It's like driving with a bean bag chair in your face. And for most of us, the air bag is probably not even functional, what with out broken clocksprings and whatnot. xxxboosted2xxx10-04-2020, 03:53 PM*high five*

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It's the worst. It's like driving with a bean bag chair in your face. And for most of us, the air bag is probably not even functional, what with out broken clocksprings and whatnot.

guess who found a wheel for a duder in Raleigh today... xxxboosted2xxx04-26-2021, 07:47 PMMy SSR Integral A2 wheels came in today! They were supposed to arrive on Thursday but got held up...somewhere.
But they are home and Im thrilled.
Tire shopping, got to buy this week.
Updates coming, pics coming (not just of wheels - I started a 'list' on my white board in the garage yesterday - VIR TRACKDAY IN THREE WEEKS!) xxxboosted2xxx05-04-2021, 03:44 PMFalken RT660 tires going on Friday

I wanted the 615K+, but theyre backordered everywhere (yes, discounttire.com SAYS available, but they arent). Track day in two weeks, cant wait any longer. xxxboosted2xxx05-10-2021, 07:50 PMfreshly mounted Falkens


https://i.imgur.com/24LizYe.jpg




new rears vs old rears

https://i.imgur.com/tdOrLge.jpg



https://i.imgur.com/ofFPqzj.jpg




https://i.imgur.com/tLaZ6o5.jpg xxxboosted2xxx05-26-2021, 07:51 PM43355 Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2026 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.