mr2-digest Friday, 1 December 1995 Volume 01 : Number 047 Re: mr2-digest V1 #45: Sender: owner-mr2 MSD Super Conductor Wires New Spoilers / New MkII MR2s Frozen PArking Brake Cold Start Injector Silencer? trans oil MRJ fog lights model year, car number, large front tires Re: High idle on cold start is normal. Is this rumor correct? :( $ timing belt on MkI and Speedo neddle 86 Ox Sensor Re: mr2-digest V1 #46 Re: '89 on (super) unleaded fuel. OZ Montecarlo Wheels ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: uunet!zeta.org.au!embee (Mark Bosma) Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 19:13:40 +1100 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #45: Sender: owner-mr2 Re: Sender: owner-mr2: >4/ Any suggestions for improving night driving visibility? I'm not to >pleased with the present standard setup. David, Down in here in Australia we can buy what's called "semi-sealed beams" from Toyota. These are headlights without any guts. Toyota also sell 100W halogen globes for these things. On my old '85 AW11 they went straight in, no re-wiring necessary; no sign of voltage drop in the old wiring and no stress. These things lit up the world much better than the old 55W jobs, and lasted me for about two years until I sold the thing (boo hoo). I should have swapped them for the standard ones in my 94 SW20 (sold in Australia as the "Bathurst" model (no radio, no aircon, etc, to keep our enormous import duties down)) or my 90 Celica GT4 (they fit them all). Cheers, Mark Bosma. ------------------------------ From: Thomas F Wahjudi Date: Wed, 29 Nov 1995 13:11:07 -0500 (EST) Subject: MSD Super Conductor Wires First, I'm sorry to bring this topic again, please email me directly if you think this will just plug up the list. My address is : twahjudi@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu. Gerald San Agustin wrote about MSD wire with very low resistance. Well, I found it in my JEG'S catalog and the wire indeed has resistance of only 40-50 ohm/foot. Then, I realized the problem : MSD only makes wire sets for V8s and universals, 16-valve engines need that "special" spark plug boots to go deep into the head. Fearing that I have to use universal set and its universal boots/connectors, I called Magnecore since I remember from the last purchase with them, they told me that they can custom made wire sets. It turned out that they can even do any wire brand supplied by their customers and make them to fit our 16-valve engines with Magnecore boots for a price of $45 (SC MR2 price). I think this is great ! However, Steve (the guy I talked to) told me that in a car like MR2, RFI suppression is very important (which I realize also) and wires like MSD Super Conductor or Accel 300+ will not provide enough suppression. I read MSD ad and it said that the wire will provide enough suppression like 1500-ohm/foot wire and MSD also claims about helically wound wire to suppress RFI. So, I'm wondering if there is anyone who can give me suggestions if MSD wires will work in an MR2 ? I still cling to the principle that the lower the resistance, the bigger the spark which is very true for steady state condition. Will this principle be valid for transient condition ? Anyone want to throw their 2 cents ? Gerald ? TIA ______________________________________________________________________________ Thomas F. Wahjudi 1982 Pink Pearl Toyota Land Cruiser FJ-40... Indonesian RHD, I6, CDI, Downey 270 deg. cam, 190amp alternator, ARB air lockers, PTO, rear full-floating axle, 4.88 gears, Go Rhino! trusses, 4-speed, OEM power steering, fr. disc brakes, 35" BFG MT, custom roll bar and seats. Pictures are at Dean Water's 4x4 Web Page and Ian Staines' Toyota Land Cruiser Homepage : http://www.indirect.com/user/a4x4/4x4.html http://mindlink.net/Ian_Staines/tlc.htm twahjudi@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu TLCA member # 2926, a proud one ! _______________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------ From: "JOSHAUGH.UK.ORACLE.COM" Date: Thu, 30 Nov 95 09:26:09 GMT Subject: New Spoilers / New MkII MR2s The new styled MkII MR2s went on sale in the UK in the middle of 1994 - even though they are the 1995 model! We've got one which was bought in June 1994 and is the new spec. I don't know all the changes but the rear lights are different, different spoiler, engine is the 3S-GE (?) 173bhp NA one out of the Celica (sp?). The more recent ones have new CD players in I believe. I think current prices are about 23,500 GB Pounds (~ US$35,000!!! remember that NOT a turbo). I believe the current UK quota is about 1000 cars. Jamie ------------------------------ From: "Reed, Chuck (HT-MS)" Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 08:50:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Frozen PArking Brake Hi all, As the subject suggests, I have a problem with the parking brake in my 92NA freezing when the temp drops into the the low 20's and beyond. Is this something I can fix myself and if so how? If I have the dealer take a look at it, what can I expect in terms of cost? Thanks for the help Chuck 92NA 50K miles (4 of those miles were with the parking brake frozen!) ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!CybrRacn54 Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 11:03:48 -0500 Subject: Cold Start Injector In a message dated 95-11-30 06:18:55 EST, you write: >This is NORMAL... the engine has a cold start injector which takes over at >cold starts and the >higher revs is ok. There is a time relay that cuts it off a few minutes >later. > > Actually, the cold start injector is used ONLY when the starter is cranking. It is controlled by the Cold Start Injector time switch. When the engine is at normal operating temperature and the car is restarted, this injector is not activated. The motor initially has a fast idle because it requires a slightly richer mixture when cold. This also helps in lighting up the catalytic converter and warming up the oxygen sensor. Gerald San Agustin 88 Twincharger Cyber Racing, So. Cal. ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!CybrRacn54 Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 11:03:54 -0500 Subject: Silencer? In a message dated 95-11-30 06:18:55 EST, you write: >3/ On the standard exhaust system, just behind the rear silencer, there's >another small silencer box. >Firstly mine will need replacing, probably by the end of winter. But I've >just found out that you have to buy the whole system - up to where it bolts >onto the manifold. (excluding the very back silencer box) >a> Does the car really need it? >b> What will happen to the noise level without it? >c> How will it effect torque and performance? > > you might be talking about the catalytic converter. Is it needed.... that depends on your local laws. Noise levels should go up without it, but hardly noticeable. Removing it usually gives another 5 horsepower, usually without any sacrifice in torque Gerald San Agustin 88 Twincharger Cyber Racing, So Cal. ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!CybrRacn54 Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 11:03:53 -0500 Subject: trans oil In a message dated 95-11-30 06:18:55 EST, you write: >Have often thought it would be rather easy to improve on the thing by adding >aftermarket, larger, finned unit. Might also cure the discrepancy between >transaxle lubricant actual capacity and spec capacity. Spec says 4.1 qts; >will >actually hold approx. 3.5 qts when refilled w/ Redline 75W90NS. Can't stuff >any more in there w/out filling thru breather at very top of transaxle. 4 >factory qts came out but 4 Redline would *not* go back in. Why is that? > > try turning the wheels after it tops out. It settles the oil a little better and you might be able to put back all the came out. Gerald San Agustin 88 Twincharger Cyber Racing, So Cal. ------------------------------ From: "Mark Shehan" Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 11:06:45 EST Subject: MRJ I was able to review a 28 minute VHS tape of the '95 Tokyo Auto Show last nightat home. There was a short clip on the MRJ concept car. It is much better looking on the video than I had anticipated. My girlfriend really liked the retractable hard top idea (she prefers convertibles vs. t-tops). I don't like the LED instrument cluster, I much prefer analog gauges.I do like the new clear (non pop-up) headlamp treatment though. Overall we both prefer the MKII. Hopefully they will offer the MRJ for sale here in the U.S. so we can take a test drive. :) Mark '91 MKII turbo t-top red 145 K miles Mark Shehan - Ford EV P/T Engrg.,Village Plaza,23400 Mich. Ave. Suite 225, Dearborn, MI 48124, ph 313 323-2758, fx 810 845-5349 USFMC5WJ@IBMMAIL.COM-- please send Detroit Region SCCA & autox related e-mail to: 103274.3470@CompuServe.com - Thank you ------------------------------ From: Scott McBurney Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 10:38:46 -0600 Subject: fog lights Did anyone ever find a place to get MR2 fog lights cheaper than toyota dealers? I had an accident this morning and will be needing a new fog light and some repainting done. Scott McBurney ------------------------------ From: uunet!harvey.carol.net!bob (Robert Rogers) Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 20:33:24 -0500 Subject: model year, car number, large front tires >From: uunet!bendnet.com!jdshort (John & Diana Short) >Subject: 1994-5 MR2s > >Also, a 1994 MR2 brochure I have here shows the newer tail-lights and one piece rear spoiler. they also eliminate the anti-rock rubber on the rocker panel, and change the tail pipes from brushed stainless to shiny silver. these sound like cost reduction and if they do it to the outside i wonder what they did were you can't see it... > >I'm a little confused on the production numbers vs. the vehicle number. On another MR2 wedsite, many owners have listed their vehicle numbers but none are over 1000 for MKIIs. Does anyone understand those? My 1993 T is number 105 [stuff deleted] where is this number (105) found? if it is the bottom number on the door sticker, my 93NA is no. 058 made in 8/92 perhaps they represent the order in a production run? in the factory the cars are numbered as they go down the line so the workers know which options to put in each car (i visited the toyota plant in lexington). large tires: someone wondered about larger than 215/50R15 on the front of a mkII. i have 215/50 on my front factory rims and the tire guy said it took 3 men with pry bars to get them on and there was no way anything larger would ever go on the rims. bob rogers bob@carol.net 93NA 56k miles ------------------------------ From: Itrat Khan Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 20:42:14 -0500 Subject: Re: High idle on cold start is normal. >> >>This sounds like a problem I've always had that's been very annyoing. >>On cold starts, the engine will jump up in RPM's, stay there for several >>minutes, and slowly work it's way down to idle at about 900 rpm. In > >Itrat Hi, > >This is NORMAL... the engine has a cold start injector which takes over at >cold starts and the >higher revs is ok. There is a time relay that cuts it off a few minutes later. That sounds reasonable. I went to the local dealer and asked about it and he said something about the fuel injection timer being out of synch or (something in the fuel injection) being plugged. He wasn't sure of course, but he didn't give that explanation. I haven't worried about it because I figured it was normal. What do other MKI folks do? Do we all wait five to fifteen minutes to let the car warm up before going anywhere? Kind of inconvenient. Itrat. - -- __________________________________________________________________________ Itrat Khan e-mail: khan@gaul.csd.uwo.ca 4th-year Computer Science London, Ontario University of Western Ontario "MR2 Forever..." ------------------------------ From: TORNADO HAWK SCOTT Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 15:14:00 -0600 (CST) Subject: Is this rumor correct? :( I heard from a friend that the Toyota MR2 will no long be sold here in the U.S. after 1995. I really hope this rumor if false. I have wanted one of these beauties for the past 5 yrs and will finally be graduating college here in May 96 and getting a real job so I can finally afford one of these great cars. So does this mean I will have to buy a used 95??? Is there some way I can buy a 96 and have it shipped over here to the U.S.??? Any help would be great. "Tornado Hawk" Scott University of Kansas ------------------------------ From: "ROBERT C. SHAW" Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 19:27:32 -0600 (CST) Subject: $ timing belt on MkI and Speedo neddle Wondering what a typical timing belt change cost on a MkI? I know it would vary shop to shop, but any input on price and time would be appreciated. Also, my speedo neddle likes to wave instead of point. My Toyota repair manual had a small note about it being a loose cable. I assumed they meant at the back of the instrument panel, anyone had any experience? Bobby 85na ------------------------------ From: "ROBERT C. SHAW" Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 19:22:27 -0600 (CST) Subject: 86 Ox Sensor Be sure it is really the O2 sensor that's fried before you replace it and go on your merry way. But if it's the original on a 140k automobile it very well could be. You need to have the car on a lift to access it easily. The sensor screws into the top of the exhaust (through a opening in the heat shield) where the exhaust is routed down and under the engine. If you look down the exhaust side of the engine you might be able to see it, but I strongly recommend the lift. ------------------------------ From: GTi TwinTurbo Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 16:29:57 -0500 (EST) Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #46 anyone selling MKIIT93 inteh Rhode Island area? please reply thanks ahmad. ------------------------------ From: Itrat Khan Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 20:47:30 -0500 Subject: Re: '89 on (super) unleaded fuel. Well, ya. Of course I've run it on unleaded fuel? The '89 specifically requires premium unleaded (Octane 91 or higher). So I'm not sure what you mean. I did experiment with different gas companies though. I tried a few premium gas brands (91 Octane) and even Sunoco's Ultra 94 gas. Conclusion : no difference at all. I don't think my '89 SC really cared for the extra octane. Somithing like a Corvette might. However I did find better performance sticking to a particular brand (Shell, for those of you in Canada). Hope this helps. Itrat - -- __________________________________________________________________________ Itrat Khan e-mail: khan@gaul.csd.uwo.ca 4th-year Computer Science London, Ontario University of Western Ontario "MR2 Forever..." ------------------------------ From: "Gary Friedman" Date: Thu, 30 Nov 1995 21:00:39 +0000 Subject: OZ Montecarlo Wheels Imay have the opportunity to get 4 15x7 OZ Montecarlo wheels for maybe under 100 a piece. The finish is silver with clearcoat. Caps are silver, not the black kevlar. I saw them after they finished mounting new Dunlop 8000's on my ICW 7 Star wheels. I didn't have the heart to ask them to remount one of them right after they finished a kick ass balancing job.... Does anyone have OZ Montecarlo's on their MR2??-- considered them for their Mk II, or seen them on a Mk II?? I would appreciate any feedback ASAP. Respond to gfriedmn@parsadise.net Thanks Gary ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V1 #47