mr2-digest Monday, 18 December 1995 Volume 01 : Number 066 driving schools cold starts? 14" tire recommendations re: hoosier tires leather cleaner/wax Re: Leaky Roof STICKERS Getting digest in non digest form Re: Paint ??? windshield wipers Mechanic Needed ! Woofer in spare wheel cavity. Re: Ongoing ugly Noise Re: mr2-digest V1 #64 European MR2s ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Chance Harper Date: Fri, 15 Dec 95 08:48:30 EST Subject: driving schools This is all taken out of a book called 'The Ultimate Adventure Source book'. These are only North American Schools (save one). The more *'s, the better. If it mentions you can bring your own car, or if it mentions it's a racing it's a racing school only (no street stuff), I note it: Skip Barber Racing School (East) Route 7 Canaan, CT 06018 (203) 824-0771 Instruction **** Race Training **** Street Skills *** Value ** Equipment *** Facilities *** Has street driving courses but no mention of bringing your own car Skip Barber Racing School (West) Sears Point Int'l Raceway 29355 Arnold Drive Sonoma, CA 95476 (707) 939-8000 Same rating as above. Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving Firebird Raceway P.O. Box 60968 Phoenix, AZ 85082-0968 (800) 842-7223 or (602) 961-1111 Instruction **** Race Training *** Street Skills **** Value *** Equipment *** Facilities **** Offers course where you use your own car Fran-Am Racing School (Elf-Winfield School or France) 1409 S. Wilshire Drive Minnetonka, MN 55343 (612) 541-9461 Fax (612) 541-1380 Instruction *** Race Training **** Street Skills * Value ** Equipment **** Facilities **** Appears to be race only; no street courses Pitaressi Motor Sports Racing School 1940 N. Victory Boulevard Portland, OR 97217 (503) 285-4449 Instruction *** Race Training *** Street Skills ** Value *** Equipment ** Facilities ** Can bring your own car Porsche Precision Driving School with Derek Bell P.O. Box 11912 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33339 (305) 561-2881 Instruction *** Race Training ** Street Skills **** Value ** Equipment * Facilities ** to **** (different locations) Bring your own car (this is geared toward 911 Turbo owners, which might be perfect for MR2 owners as well) Powell Motorsport Advanced Driving School R.R. 1 Blackstock, ONT, Canada, L0B 1B0 (416) 985-9741 Fax (416) 985-0679 Instruction **** Race Training * Street Skills **** Value *** Equipment *** Facilities ** Doesn't mention bringing your own car Road Atlanta Driver Training Center Route 1 Braselton, GA 30517 (404) 881-8233 Instruction *** Race Training *** Street Skills *** Value ** to *** Equipment *** Facilities *** Doesn't mention bringing own car Bertil Roos Driving School P.O. Box 221 Blakeslee, PA 18610 (800) 722-3669 or (717) 646-7227 Instruction **** Race Training **** Street Skills **** Value *** Equipment **** Facilities *** Doesn't mention bringing own car, but an interesting point; passing is allowed at this school (most of them don't let you _compete_ during training) Jim Russell Racing Driver's School 1023 Monterey-Salinas Highway Salinas, CA 93908 (408) 372-7223 or (800) 821-8755 or P.O. Box 119 Mt. Tremblant, QUE, Canada J0T IZ0 (819) 425-2739 Instruction **** Race Training **** Street Skills *** Value *** Equipment **** Facilities *** NOTE: he operates a school in Donington Park in England! Doesn't mention bringing own car SCCA Enterprises National Racing School 7476 South Eagle Street, No. 5 Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 693-2111 Instruction *** Race Training **** Street Skills * Value *** Equipment **** Facilities *** Doesn't mention bringing own car Southard's School of Racing P.O. Box 1810 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32069 (904) 428-3307 or (800) 422-9449 Instruction ** Race Training *** Street Skills ** Value **** Equipment *** Facilities ** Can bring own car and race on asphalt OR dirt! Spenard-David Racing School Rural Rte. 2 Shannonville, ONT, Canada K0K 3A0 (613) 969-0334 Fax (613) 969-0458 Instruction ** Race Training *** Street Skills ** Value *** Equipment *** Facilities ** Doesn't mention bringing own car Willow Springs International Driving School The Driver's Connection Willow Springs International Raceway P.O. Box X Rosamond, CA 93560 (805) 256-2471 Instruction ** Race Training ** Street Skills *** Value *** Equipment ** Facilities ** Doesn't mention bringing own car, but says they use the same race- prepped Toyotas used to teach celebrities in the Long Beach Grand Prix Celebrity Challenge (the book was published in 1992, I don't remember when the 'Celebrity Challenge' with Toyota's was). They also list some specialty schools on drag racing, kart racing, nascar-type racing and winter driving - and they list some books, videos, and some info on getting started in racing (like how much licenses are for various classes). ------------------------------ From: uunet!netrunner.net!hkphoto (howard kuflik) Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 09:04:57 -0500 Subject: cold starts? I have 86 MR-2 Mk-1 that will not idle at all when cold can someone E-me with Diagram of the cold start system if it available? or tell me the sequience to check to find the problem. After it is warm it run great... Thanks Howard ------------------------------ From: uunet!raychem.com!jcolombo Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 11:13:35 -0800 Subject: 14" tire recommendations Having recently purchase a 91 Turbo (in ticket avoiding white), I realize that I will probably be getting very familiar with my tire dealer, as the rears in particular do appear to wear as quickly as has been reported here. While this a a fine compromise in my mind, I am wondering the consensus on 14" tires. A quick look through the Tire Rack or other ads shows slim pickings, with most of the new "performance" tires starting at 15" and heading to 18". I received some other good advice early on that sticking with the 14" wheel makes sense for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is that the tires are less expensive. Currently I have the Yokohama AVS, which work well (and appear to still be available in 14" size). -John jcolombo@raychem.com '91 Turbo White ------------------------------ From: uunet!harvey.carol.net!bob (Robert Rogers) Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 12:41:12 -0500 Subject: re: hoosier tires >The tires on right now are Hoosier's (I dont have the exact model number >with me) >and since I have never used Hoosier tires before could someone please tell >me generally their quality. > >to go in twice a week). Any suggestions on snow tires or decent all-season >tires? > >Also what is the best Wax and Leather cleaner/conditioner? I have to give >the car a complete cleaning while it is still warm enough outside. > they guy who sells me tires says hoosiers are great, but that may be because he wants to sell them... i have hoosier radial gt. if you have these, they are all-season t-rated (89mph) tires. they corner ok if you inflate them 33 front, 29 rear. they aren't good for high speed lane change. they work much better in standing water than the yoko's i used to have. they are much quieter, and offer a softer ride. i think i might get another set of rims, one for these tires for long boring trips on straight roads, and one with performance tires. wax: i like waxes with teflon. 93NA 56,000 miles bob rogers bob@carol.net ------------------------------ From: "Gary Friedman" Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 12:01:41 +0000 Subject: leather cleaner/wax Sanjay- Congrats on your purchase of the finest technology short of an NSX!! As far as leather cleaner goes, Lexol is supposed to be the hands down best 2 step (1) cleaner and (2) conditioner. I couldn't find it locally when I was in one of my "drive all over, gotta have it today to make my car perfect' moods a while back. I finally picked up some Meguiars Leather Cleaner. I was kinda totally amazed at what a good job it did removing dirt from hairline wear marks on the seats. I smeared on a thin coat by hand and then wiped and buffed the leather with soft cotton towels. Does a great job of cleaning/softening/conditioning/protecting. As far as waxing goes... I have given upon doing it myself and am looking for a good detailer that will do a clay wash/polish and wax correctly. Ayone have any ideas in Fort Lauderdale?? ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!KipAnderso Date: Sat, 16 Dec 1995 19:26:51 -0500 Subject: Re: Leaky Roof Marc Summers writes: >Kip says:Leaking is a way of life with T-tops. > >I wouldn't be to sure about that. I could try to defend myself here, but I think my pride in selecting a sunroof model got in my way :-| In general though, often times people don't take good care of the seals on T-top cars. Whether this is a real problem on the MR2 or not, I don't know. I should have reserved comment for those that own them. Kip "I know what I'm talking about . . . yeah sure . . . that's it . . ." Anderson :-) 91 Turbo kipanderso@aol.com ------------------------------ From: uunet!melbpc.org.au!greta (Greta Young) Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 08:01:34 +1100 Subject: STICKERS I have asked this before.... yes and I know it's nearly Christmas...... but what has happened about the stickers????? Greta ------------------------------ From: aly abulkheir Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 01:49:28 -0500 (EST) Subject: Getting digest in non digest form To whom it may concern, I must admit, I really enjoy this MR2 Digest. I would just like to know if there is any way to recieve it in non-digest form like the toyota mods list. I just find it much more convenient to read messages one at a time instead of all together. Thanks, Aly, '85 MR2, Red with All options ------------------------------ From: uunet!illusion.magicno.com!marcus Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 11:08 MST Subject: Re: Paint ??? Scatt had asked about re-painting costs... I had recently had the misfortune of coming out from work and finding that my car (along with 5-6 others) had been keyed. I had thought that parking out along the far side of the parking lot would help prevent door dings, only to succomb to vandalism. Anyhow, to repaing the doors and rear fenders cost $1400. Fortunately it was covered by the insurance and I took it to a place that i knew did good work, but a good paint job over the entire car would probably cost $2-3K if you weren't changing colors drastically (i.e. if you went to a similar red, but not the exact same red you probably wouldn't need to paint jambs, undersides of body panels, etc. If you do some of the work to remove trim and windows you might bring the costs down some, but glass work is somewhat of a specialized skill that I wouldn't really want to learn on my car. marcus hall '94 MR2T Solar Yellow ps: Kip Anderso[n?] writes: >I know. You red MR2 owners are jealous of us Solar Yellow MR2 owners for our >ability to attract the cops :-) >- -Kip >91 "Look at me! Ticket me!" Solar Yellow Turbo I agree totally! :-) Although, I think that the '91-'93 yellow was Signal Yellow. The '94 MR2 and Celica were available in Solar Yellow which seems to have a little less green and more mustard than Signal Yellow. Of course, you could have had yours painted Solar Yellow... ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!Dan22378 Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 17:43:05 -0500 Subject: windshield wipers I have a problem aand hopefully some of you could help me. My 91'mr2 turbo keeps blowing the fuse for the windshield wipers. not only that, when I turn the wipers off they stop in the middle of the windshield rather than returning to their normal non-op position. does anyone have an idea of what's causing this? Also one of my t-tops leak I recently heard someone say you could take off the weather stripping and re-silicone it, but.. how difficult is it? any help would be appreciated thanks. Dan22378@aol.com Probably the youngest MR2 owner on the board. ------------------------------ From: uunet!ix.netcom.com!nazgul (Roderick Mielo ) Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 10:23:56 -0800 Subject: Mechanic Needed ! 1992 Turbo. I'm tired of battling the two dealerships here in Denver(Elway and Burt Toyota) to properly care for my car. Every repair done takes two, three, four trips back to get it done right. After involving Corporate Toyota, the Customer Service Rep, and God, most repairs sre covered at their costs, but still I get nickled and dimed for rental cars, shop parts, etc. WHO KNOWS A MECHANIC IN THE DENVER AREA WHO CAN BE TRUSTED???? Regards. - -- zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Roderick Mielo, alias: nazgul@ix.netcom.com From Castle Rock's "Wolf Shire" Ranch zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz ------------------------------ From: John Rose Date: Mon, 18 Dec 1995 11:45:26 +1000 Subject: Woofer in spare wheel cavity. Hi all, I've started buying the bits to upgrade the stereo in MR2. I'm sure I can put together a great system even in the confines of the small capsule, like so many other peoples recieving this digest. The system I'm looking to put together will have to deliver excellent quality, not just hi sound pressure! Part of the plan is to install a 10" bass driver in the cavity of the spare wheel with ports running into the cabin. Before I do this I was wondering if anyone has tried, and if so was it successful?(quality of sound and overall sound pressure) Also, it may save me some time if someone who has pulled out the stereo system in a MKII can give me some pointers. Thanks! John Rose. '90 Super Red. Lic = TWOCHE. ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!LUKYDUCK Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 21:11:09 -0500 Subject: Re: Ongoing ugly Noise In a message dated 95-12-15 23:20:57 EST, you write: >For quite a while, I've have a bizzare noise occasionaly >when starting the car warm (whether it's warm or cold >outside seems to have little, if anything, to do with it)> >Just as it starts to run, a loud -whoosh- sound that starts >quite loud and then fades in volume over 5 seconds or so >until it's gone. sounds like it's coming from everywhere, >not from any specific location in the car. (yes, the >stereo is off.... :) ) >My only guesses so far are: some sort of bearing noise from >the fuel pump? Air in something? I realyl have no idea. >Power steering pressure coming up maybe? I get the same noise. It is coming from your engine coolant. When the fluid in the radiator and lines cool faster than the engine, and you start the car, the hot coolant flows through the colder lines causing this noise. It is nothing to worry about it is normal. It is the lines expanding and contracting with the change in temperature. LukyDuck '91 MR2 Turbo Lic. 1FASTOY Email: LukyDuck@aol.com PS I notice it most in the summer. ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!MattMR2 Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 23:47:01 -0500 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #64 The cold start problem. At the age of the car both the injector and time switch will have to be replaced. The switch goes for about $120. and th injector about $100. The noise in the front More than likely it is the power steering unit activating. Any input at all to the steering wheel will turn the pump on. It stays on for several minutes, even with no input. Catylitic converters Have been a Parts Manager at a Toyota store, we had very few cat. failures, on any model. To my memory, I don't remember any first generation (Mark 1) or second generation (Mark 2) failures. Unless the cat is physically damaged i.e. it can't be install or has a leak, I would stay with the cat installed. Also federal emission warranties require coverage for five years or 50,000 miles which everycomes first. ------------------------------ From: uunet!bendnet.com!jdshort (John & Diana Short) Date: Sun, 17 Dec 1995 20:59:18 -0800 Subject: European MR2s So do the European MR2 Turbos also have 200 hp and 200 ft/lbs torque as factory specs ??? Happy Notes from the Short Family Frog Farm! ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V1 #66