mr2-digest Thursday, 9 November 1995 Volume 01 : Number 027 mr.2/Ferrari Seat Wear & MR2 Articles rpm Throttle cable Re: mr2-digest V1 #26 Relocating again Cup Holders and cold weather sqeaks Factory Boost Guage toyota motorsports? MKII stuff For Sale Roller Rockers on a 3S-GTE ? MKI front sway bars Accessing MR2 Page Re: mr2-digest V1 #26 Celica All Trac's Turbo Re: Just bought an MR2 Re: Rollcage ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: TODD R CASPELL Date: Thu, 9 Nov 1995 02:34:41 -0800 (PST) Subject: mr.2/Ferrari IMHO the main problem with turning a mr.2 into a Ferrari is it is in verry poor taste. EVERYONE wants T R Caspell mr. Toads wild ride. Todd Royall Caspell RIDE LOTS Tord and sundry (expressed opinions not necessarily of my brain) ------------------------------ From: "Burns, James B." Date: Thu, 09 Nov 95 08:54:00 EST Subject: Seat Wear & MR2 Articles Jamie O'Shaughnessy was asking about the wear on the door side seat bolsters. Yes, this appears to be a common problem on these cars, and I've seen it on the Supras, too. It's very noticeable on the tan leather, not as noticeable on the black. My car has only 5000 miles on it and is already showing some wear in that area. I'm not sure if that part is even real leather or if only the perforated seating surfaces are leather. I'm also interested in recommendations for a good cleaner & treatment for this. Someone once mentioned Lexol leather cleaner, but I haven't been able to find it anywhere. That tan leather is gorgeous, but I think cloth is more comfortable, grippier, and wears better. The January 1996 issue of Turbo magazine is out (why do they do that?), and it has some interesting MR2 stuff in it. There is a little blurb up front bidding farewell to the MR2 -- nothing we don't already know. There is also a stock-looking (except for some lowering) '93T that ran a 12.27 quarter mile. It was the fastest turbocharged import at some drag race. It had an aftermarket turbo and intercooler, but the engine internals were stock. It was running 20 psi of boost, which sounds awfully high for a stock engine. I personally think racing in a straight line is boring, but apparently this car works very well during normal street driving, too. For Gerald San Agustin, I noticed you melted pistons in two 3SGTEs. Does your 88 Twincharger have a 3SGTE in it? Can you give me some more details about it? Brad Burns '94T James.B.Burns@jhuapl.edu ------------------------------ From: uunet!bendnet.com!jdshort (John & Diana Short) Date: Thu, 9 Nov 1995 06:58:30 -0800 Subject: rpm So does the 3SGTE MKII turbo motor have a rev limiter? I hit 7200 once and it promptly threw the altenator belt, knocking off the wires to the oil level sensor in the process. Pretty scary the way the dash lit up and smoke came from the belt rubbing against the pulley. What is extrude honing of a manifold and what does it accomplish? As for the turbo gauge, I'm at 3600 feet. It'll hit 10+ oclock in 1st, top notch in 2nd, and will peg off scale in 3rd, 4th, 5th. Engine is all stock. It only achieved these after bending the gas pedal. I have also noticed that the gauge pegs easier at sea level. Shouldn't it be the opposite in order to have constant hp at all altitudes. The engine has a 'barometric' pressure sensor and enough brains to compensate for altitude like the Porsche 911 Turbo, but practise shows that it doesn't. With 35,000 miles left on the warranty, I hesitate to modify the engine but I'd sure like to get the 200 horses I was promised! John Happy Notes from the Short Family Frog Farm! ------------------------------ From: uunet!arthor.cais.com!scott_maclean (Scott Maclean) Date: 9 Nov 1995 5:00 EST Subject: Throttle cable Reply-To: scott_maclean@arthor.cais.com (Scott Maclean) >>Regarding your boost gage reading 9:00 under wide open throttle, this >>is not normal. At full boost the gage should be pegged high. >>As far a bending the gas pedal to allow full throttle opening, I >>haven't tried this. But I did notice that the throttle cable at the >>engine has some slack in it at idle. It looks like you can adjust >>this slack out by unloosening some lock nuts and turning the cable >>housing end (kind of like adjusting the derailleur on a bicycle). I >>couldn't find a spec in the shop manual for cable slack, so I'd take >>most, but not all, of the slack out so that you don't affect the idle >>setting. Removing this cable slack may have the same effect as bending >>the gas pedal. I noticed this slack as well, and asked the Toyota guys about it the next time I had my car in the shop. He said there should be SOME slack there - do not tighten it up so that there is none. It should not be loose enough that you can pull the cable up and out of the cam wheel on the butterfly valve, but it should be obviously loose between the tension adjustment nuts and the cam wheel itself. Scott MacLean CASMEL-I Artificial Horizons BBS arthor@cais.com Aviation! (301) 417-9341 http://www.cais.com/arthor/www/index.html 300-33,600 bps V.FC/V.34+ * Free Access * Aviation Files * Usenet Newsgroups * CD-ROMs Online * ** Via PMail 2.3h Reg#658976 ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!CybrRacn54 Date: Thu, 9 Nov 1995 10:14:32 -0500 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #26 In a message dated 95-11-09 07:06:53 EST, you write: >I'm thinking of boosting safety. I do a little track driving on weekends >just for fun. Is there a bolt-in roll cage that can be easily be removed >and stuffed in the boot or something? or am I just dreaming the weekend road >warrior's dream... > > I think a folding roll cage is too good too be true. Anyways, I'd be worried about the strength of the cage even if one was available. If you still want a cage, AutoPower has a bolt-on version that can be installed in a day. Gerald San Agustin 88 Twincharger ------------------------------ From: uunet!lds.loral.com!astewart (Allan M Stewart) Date: Wed, 8 Nov 95 16:02:59 EST Subject: Relocating again I'm moving again #8^o) , so I'll be unsubscribing for a while. Sometime next week my red '91T will start the journey from Florida back to sunny California. I be in Santa Barbara most times, San Diego sometimes. Interstate 10 goes all the way from Florida to Los Angeles so I don't think I'll get lost, but Texas is about half the trip! I just got baby paid off last month with 110K miles on her. It's tempting to pick up a fresh one, especially at the prices a couple of guys got their '94's for, but I figure I'd lose at least $10K in the deal. That much money can buy a LOT of mods. Tomorrow is my last day here, then a few days to pack up and hit the road. I'll subcribe again as soon as I get set up in Ca. Hopefully I won't miss too much. SEE YA! Allan M. Stewart astewart@lds.loral.com ------------------------------ From: "Reed, Chuck (HT-MS)" Date: Wed, 08 Nov 1995 08:53:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Cup Holders and cold weather sqeaks I agree with Doug. If it's not tied down, it's in the trunk. I'm suprised at how many people think that I keep my car so clean, when in fact it's just that I don't have anything in it. WRT cold weather noises, several people have tried with varying degrees of success, to stop the noise that you hear when it gets cold. Hopefully, they are still on the list and are willing to re-post their solution. BTW I don't know if it's the cold weather or the engine getting older, but my MkII seems to idle rougher these days. I say rougher, but it may just be louder. I hear more noises (from inside the car) than I did when I first got it. Standing outside the car, I can't tell a difference. Is this just age, a sign that I may need a valve job, or something else? Chuck (who's dredding the switch to snow tires!) 92MR2 49K miles ------------------------------ From: uunet!tcplink.nrel.gov!broderij Date: Thu, 09 Nov 95 08:54:24 mdt Subject: Factory Boost Guage Here is my experience on the factory boost gauge: The gauge reads "absolute pressure". In Los Angeles, California, at sea level, the gauge will display full boost. In Blackhawk, Colorado, at 8500 ft. above sea level, the gauge reads less than 3/4 at full boost. I carry a very accurate, certified boost gauge that is 4 inches in diameter and reads 0 to 15 PSI. This gauge reads "gauge pressure" (PSI above background atmosphere). The boost on this gauge reads no more than 9.2 PSI, regardless of the altitude (that I have driven at). Also of interest, the boost comes on earlier, stronger at sea level. Most people that I have spoken with agree that the factory gauge seems "sticky", in that it does not move at all, and them "jumps" up very rapidly. Kevin Bailey believes this is because the factory gauge is over damped, and by the time boost begins to display on the gauge, it is building at such a rapid rate, that the gauge now "jumps" up. This agrees with my observations of the "gauge pressure" gauge. What are your boost gauge experiences? BTW, I am developing an inexpensive, adjustable mechanical boost controller for the MR2. I Increased my boost to 14.5 PSI "guage" (just before the factory over boost fuel cut occurs at 5200 ft. altitude). HOT DAMN!!! That is just plain fun!!! This is the most gratifying modification I have ever made to a car. You would not believe how strongly the car pulls in third gear!! The factory boost gauge reads above max with this boost level at an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level. Has anyone out there measured the "gauge pressure" that fuel cut occurs at, at sea level? I will keep you posted on development. John Broderick Mr.2 Performance Products mr2@earthnet.net ------------------------------ From: Steve Ashcraft Date: Thu, 9 Nov 95 11:34:06 EDT Subject: toyota motorsports? Does anyone have any information about getting a racer's discount from Toyota on parts. I know at one time there was a toyota motorsports program but I have lost track of it and my local dealer knows nothing. Please respond to sea@mjm.com The return address in this message is fouled up because of our mail system. Thanks Steve ------------------------------ From: Brian Garrett Bok Date: Thu, 9 Nov 95 9:28:56 PST Subject: MKII stuff For Sale For Sale: ========= Having recently sold my MR2, I have the following items for sale for a MKII: Nose Bra - (Genuine Toyota, very good condition, never used often) Car Cover - (Tyvek material by Cover King for the MR2, good condition) $40 for the nose bra and car cover sold together MSW Type 33 Alloy Wheels with Bridegstone Potenza RE71 Z Rated Tires Wheel Specifics: - 3 Spoke Design (you can see them in a Tire Rack ad) - Like New Condition (no scratches or imperfections) - McGuard Wheel Locks included - Wheels Manufactured in Italy Tire Specifics: - Tires in almost new condition (only 3k driven on these), setup as follows: o Front: 205/50-ZR15 o Rear: 225/50-ZR15 I paid $1,200 for the wheel/tire combo from Tire Rack. Tires are mounted and balanced and include lug nuts. This application was a straight bolt and increased handling performance substantially. Very sticky tires, no problems with alignment, noise or uneven wear that some MR2 owners experience with aftermarket wheel and tire combos. $625 for the Wheels and Tires Contact me at Day : 408-427-6746 Eves: 408-479-7817 Email: brianbo@sco.com ------------------------------ From: "Marc L. Summers-SysAdmin" Date: Thu, 09 Nov 1995 10:59:52 PST Subject: Roller Rockers on a 3S-GTE ? I was just wondering if anyone out there had put roller rockers on their 1993 or later MR2 turbo engine? Or if it is even possible, and if so what advantages the roller rockers would give. Thanks in advance. - -- + ------------------------------------------------- + + +++ N E C +++ +++ A M E R I C A +++ + + ------------------------------------------------- + + Marc L. Summers System Administrator + + 3100 N.E. Shute Road Hillsboro Oregon 97124 + + PH: 1-503-681-3338 FAX: 1-503-681-3304 + + Email: marcs@tdd.hbo.nec.com + + ---------- Sic transit gloria mundi. ------------ + + --- "Thus passes away the glory of the world." -- + + ------------------------------------------------- + ------------------------------ From: dean Date: Thu, 09 Nov 95 13:16:38 -0600 Subject: MKI front sway bars Greetings to all Mr.2ers. I'm new to the mr2-digest so by way of introduction, I've got a white '85 MKI with 108K -- it's rough, but I love driving it. Could someone tell me if the '87 and newer or Supercharged MKIs had larger dia. front sway bars that the 85 can use? Also: on Nov 6, 1995 Jack Wheeler wrote: Everyone else was going about 30 to 40 so I gently eased around the first set of cars I encountered, since the plows weren't out yet, saw how easily my MKI was handling in the slush, and proceeded to increase my speed to about 55. Needless to say, many people gave me dirty looks as I went wizzing by them. To those of you cringing at the thought of driving your MR2s in the snow, I say, give it a try some time! It handles great and I can't even keep count of all the 4wds that I see in the ditches as I go crusin' by! Jack Wheeler - -- This was great news to me as, in addition to autocrossing, I intend to use my MR2 for some of the great gravel road rallies ( not PRO rallies, however) we have here in MN. I really enjoy the stability and balance it has on the dirt. If anyone has suggestions on rally setup please reply. Thanks, Dean ------------------------------ From: uunet!melbpc.org.au!greta (Greta Young) Date: Fri, 10 Nov 1995 10:15:03 +1100 Subject: Accessing MR2 Page Has anyone had any trouble accessing the MR2 Page recently?? I keep geting the message >Can't Access Document: http://mr2.com/. > >Reason: Can't locate remote host: mr2.com. I know that one of the guys in Sydney is having problems too! Any more info on the club sticker?????? Are we going to decide a "winner??" Greta ------------------------------ From: uunet!qni.com!rande Date: Thu, 9 Nov 1995 21:37:08 -0600 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #26 > >There's one I've used for years that works great. It's called Spillmaster >and has an adjustable "clamp" for the cup and a sort of tongue that slides >between the passenger seat and back to hold it in place (obviously this would >not be very usefull if you have a passenger in the car). It can also be >mounted to the carpet or dash but, I havent tried that. I got it at Target >but have seen it in other stores as well. It's pretty cheap, too. If you >can't find them let me know and I may be able to get you one. > I've got a Spillmaster also which works great (with no passenger). It's adjustable for various sizes of cups. I got it at Westarn Auto but I have seen them at Venture and KMart. Randy Eickhoff Kansas City, MO |-\ /-||-----\|-----\ rande@qni.com | \/ || |_) /|--) ) '91 MR2T 37k 64 AS | |\/| || _ < __/ /__ '85 MR2 120k current project |_| |_||_| \_\|_______| ``All who have raced there know that the earth is flat and ends in the sand at turn 2. The emotional rewards of driving this turn flat out are just as intense as the physical consequences of blowing it'' -- Bruce MacInnes on Bridgehampton Race Circuit (1957-1995?) ------------------------------ From: Brent Matthew Dye Date: Thu, 9 Nov 1995 12:21:06 -0500 Subject: Celica All Trac's Turbo Hi all! I've been busy lately and haven't had much input on the board, but I remember A LOT of people on here mentioning that the Celica All Trac's engine was the same as the MkII's 3SGTE except that the MR2's turbo was twin entry, but the Celica's was not. I was looking at my copy of the automobile magazine "MR2 meets 348... Again?" and I saw an advertisement for the All Trac that said "twin entry" turbo. Does this confuse anybody else? I was just trying to clear that old subject up. Later. - -- +----------+--------------+ +----------------------------------+ |Brent Dye / Columbus, OH |________________| I race, therefore, I make my | |(Fully Loaded) Super Red 94 Turbo @16.7k | insurance company salesman sweat.| |AKA:Red Sled Lic plate:MISTR 2 | He's the one getting the | |Personal Mail: bd112593@oak.cats.ohiou.edu| $212/month! What's his problem? | +------------------------------------------+----------------------------------+ ------------------------------ From: uunet!softy.softwords.bc.ca!geoff Date: Thu, 9 Nov 95 11:06:35 PST Subject: Re: Just bought an MR2 > Under braking (moderately, I've not tried braking too hard) the car feels as > though it's fighting with you. the front end doesn't feel that stable and it > kicks side to side a little on the stearing. Is this normal? Is it just 'cos > of the stiffness of the front suspension or maybe the ABS. This is most > noticable on a country lane where the surface isn't too good, so I've put it It's the road surface. The steering is highly affected by "gooved" roads were the center is high and the tire tracks are low. I had some scary moments due to this during my drive down to California as some parts of I-5 are _really_ bad... > Before we bought the car we looked at quite a few. One thing I noticed was > the wear on the drivers seat. The door side back support wing on the seat was > worn on every car we saw. Some very badly even after 18000 miles. This seems to be normal (all MkII's I've seen have this). I was able to hide the damage (mostly) by getting a bottle of colored leather shoe scuff repair. Just be careful to get the excess off as it can stain. It basically hid the damage to the left front of the seat, and to a lesser degree, the side bolster. Also, to keep the damage from getting worse, I use Armour All leather care on a regular (at least once a month) basis to replentish the leather's oils. The Armor All product is like a cream as seems to be working well. Geoff '91t, 156,000km ------------------------------ From: uunet!softy.softwords.bc.ca!geoff Date: Thu, 9 Nov 95 11:10:13 PST Subject: Re: Rollcage > I'm thinking of boosting safety. I do a little track driving on weekends > just for fun. Is there a bolt-in roll cage that can be easily be removed > and stuffed in the boot or something? or am I just dreaming the weekend road > warrior's dream... Yes, AutoPower makes bolt-in roll cages for both the MkI/MkII. I doubt it'll fit in the "boot" though... Geoff '91t, 156,000km ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V1 #27