mr2-digest Thursday, 25 January 1996 Volume 01 : Number 095 Re: Fuses. Re: gear oil MK1 MR2 FOR SALE in the UK EVC spiking & performance Questions about power assisted steering... Track event in Holtville, CA Yoko AVS tire wear Re: bad turbo? Ski Racks Re: [NSX] Track event in Holtville, CA radiator fans test post Leather Seats Supercharged MR2 wanted - dead if need be Q & A My totaled MR2 Turbo - update ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: uunet!zeta.org.au!embee (Mark Bosma) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 21:22:18 +1100 Subject: Re: Fuses. In digest #92 I said to Thomas F Wahjudi: Thomas, I hope you and your readers really did pick up on the smiley >:-) >Someone out there might just start trying to fit bigger fuses to an >overloaded electrical system. >Don't do it unless... I figure I must have been off in dodo land... Thomas didn't write the previous thread I quoted... he was being quoted by someone else! My apologies Thomas. I guess that's what happens when you get on your soap box about something... ya get dizzy with the height and screw-up. Better check the currency of my pilot license (on the other hand, perhaps I better not). Life's complicated sometimes! Cheers, Mark Bosma 94 SW20 Bathurst. ------------------------------ From: "Burns, James B." Date: Wed, 24 Jan 96 08:34:00 EST Subject: Re: gear oil >Got my owners manual here. It says: > >Oil type: "GEAR OIL SUPER" transaxle oil or multipurpose gear oil API GL-5 > >Recommended oil viscosity: > Above 0 (deg. F) (-18 deg. C) > SAE 75W-90, 80W-90 or 90 > Below 0 (deg. F) (-18 deg. C) > SAE 75W-90, 80W-90 or 80W > >Hmm, as I typed that, I got the feeling the translation was lacking in the >manual (should be SUPER GEAR OIL and missing the "W" on the "80W-90 or 90" >part...) > >What does your '94 "owners" manual say *exactly*? Exact words from my '94 owners manual are as follows: "Oil Type: Multipurpose gear oil API GL-3 (If it is impossible to get multipurpose gear oil API GL-3 you may use multipurpose gear oil API GL-4 or GL-5.) Recommended oil viscosity: SAE 75W-90" >From this wording it sounds as if they would prefer you to use GL-3 which doesn't make sense since GL-4 or 5 should offer better protection. Brad ------------------------------ From: uunet!mfmail!cpn.UUCP!kes (Kevin Startup) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 96 11:07:39 GMT Subject: MK1 MR2 FOR SALE in the UK With great regret, I must sell my MK1 MR2, as it is to be replaced with a Cosworth. Sorry, but the MR2 is never going to go fast enough! So ... in the unlikely event that someone out there would like to buy it .. 1986(C) Red MK1 MR2 sunroof Immaculate bodywork (recently all been done) 72,000 miles Stereo (not the onle listed on the web site ... that's coming with me unless someone makes me a very good offer for it) MOT/Tax and all that. A few service receipts. Central Locking Alarm/Elec Windows&Mirrors(of course) I want 3000UKP ono for it, so if anyone is interested, please let me know My e-mail address is kes@mfltd.co.uk .. not the one on the header. By the way, in the even more unlikely event that you want to buy a bike, I'm selling my CBR400RR Tri-Arm (Jap Import) too!! Cheerz! Kevin ------------------------------ From: uunet!bendnet.com!jdshort (John & Diana Short) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 12:42:43 -0800 Subject: EVC spiking & performance At least one gentleman on here put in an EVC after a TVVC and found spiking both ways. Now that I think about it, however, he had used the same hoses both ways. That may be part of the problem as the TVVC would have relatively long hoses into the car interior for the control. The EVC requires very short hoses so maybe the long hoses were the problem. I'm just hooking up my EVC III atm and using very short hoses. Will report results. As to the quicker spool up, I'm not sure thats the right term. I've seen several places (probably EVC ads!) stating the EVC equipped cars run 1/2 second faster in the quarter mile because they reach maximum boost quicker. I guess the wastegate is held closed until full boost is hit rather than beginning to open as pressure builds as is the case from the factory and with the TVVC. John Happy Notes from the Short Family Frog Farm! 93T ------------------------------ From: "Marc L. Summers-SysAdmin" Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 10:47:31 PST Subject: Questions about power assisted steering... For those of you that are into keeping your MR2's well maintained, I have a question about the power assisted steering. I have a 1993 MR2 turbo, and I have changed every fluid on the car at least once, execept the power steering fluid. I currently have about 43,000 miles on the car. My question is what is the proper method to go about doing this, and what should be the proper change interval. Thanks for your help. - -- + ------------------------------------------------- + + +++ 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: "Zublin, Bryan (SD-MS)" Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 11:10:00 -0800 (PST) Subject: Track event in Holtville, CA On Saturday, January 27 there will be an all day track event in Holtville, CA. Holtville is near El Centro, about 1.5 hours drive east of San Diego on highway 8. You pay an entrance fee and then are allowed to drive your car on the track (passengers also allowed). I believe that it is on an old airport runway, and the track is delineated with cones. For more details, call Dave Turner Motorsports at (619) 571-3811. Bryan Zublin bzublin@gi.com ------------------------------ From: uunet!touch.micron.caltech.edu!charlesg (Charles Grosjean) Date: 24 Jan 96 20:19:35 GMT Subject: Yoko AVS tire wear And we now interrupt our regular program for a reasonably newbie question =). I've had a pair of Yoko AVSi rears (205-60R14) on my 91T for about 14M now and I've noticed that the rear just doesn't stick anymore. While I've noticed that most people switch rears every 15M, there is still about 1/8" of tread left on the outside, and the wear on the inside is okay even with about a degree of negative camber. So, should I get a new pair soon, or is there a decent amount of fun life left in these tires. Thanks, Charles Grosjean ------------------------------ From: "-danny" Date: Wed, 24 Jan 96 11:56:01 MDT Subject: Re: bad turbo? >From: "Mark A. Shehan" >Date: 23 Jan 96 22:42:55 EST >Subject: Re: Bad turbo? > >Danny- Couple of questions. How many miles are on the turbo? What boost levels >have you been running? Has the oil been changed regularly? Do you use synthetic >oil? Hi, The car just turned 70K miles, its all stock and is driven relatively easy. My x-wife uses it during the week and she gives the turbo proper idle time before shutting it off. I change the oil every 2.5k to 3k miles I didnt use synthetic but Im going to start this next oil change. >If the car has at/near 100 K miles, has been running above stock boost for any >significant length of time, or has been subject to infrequent oil changes will >non-synthetic oil then there is a good possibility that the turbo has gone bad. I have always tried to take care of it but I dint use synthetic oil. > >You should probably remove the intake plumbing to see if there is play in the >impeller shaft of the turbo, significant fresh oil in the intake plumbing and/or >mechanical marks from metal-to-metal contact before deciding to splurge for a >new turbo. I ordered a manual from my toyota dealer about 3 months ago and they keep saying they havent recieved one yet :( > >My turbo began burning significant oil, and making a metal-to-metal noise at >around 120 K hard miles (including running at 15 psi for a number of K miles, >and autocrossing regularly). I replaced the turbo shortly thereafter. > >If you replace the turbo I would recommend buying a remanufactured CT-26 unit >from Turbo City for about a third of what Toyota will charge you for a new one. good idea >Replacing the turbo yourself will take anywhere from a couple of days to a week >(after work hours) with the proper tools, depending on how easy the fasteners in >the exhaust system are to remove. Toyota will charge you an arm and a leg to do >it yourself. > >Hope this helps. Thanks, all of you have been very helpful I hope you read this too Marc Summers (I lost your post). >Mark Shehan >'91 MKII turbo >148 K miles >Ann Arbor, Michigan > > >------------------------------ > >From: uunet!interserv.com!kca >Date: Tue, 23 Jan 1996 21:42:12 -0800 >Subject: Stereo Wiring Harness > >Has anybody out there who's car originally came with the 3-in-1 stereo tried to >wire in an after-market stereo? > >Is there an easy way to replace the deck (i.e. a wiring harness available that >is a direct plug-in)? Or am I pretty much stuck with rewiring the whole car? > >I would like to retain the original wiring if at all possible while using the >stock subwoofer amplifier, but if I have to rewire the car there's no way I'm >not putting something better in. > >I purchased an adapter that's supposed to make a direct connection, but it isn't >anything close to the plug that came out of the back of the 3-in-1. > > >Kip Anderson >kca@interserv.com > >P.S. This really makes me wish I had a manual so I could at least figure out >what wires go where. > >------------------------------ > >From: Charlie Reynolds >Date: 24 Jan 96 00:31:13 EST >Subject: Bike Rack & Red Line Oils > >BIKE RACKS: >Mike Inskeep was looking for bike/ski racks: >I have had great success with an Enflite bike rack that hooks on over the engine >compartment. Its the kind of rack that takes 2 bikes and holds them by the >forks and the rear tire, you're on your own to secure the front tires. I attach >the rack to the front edge of the engine hood (the rack has rubber coated hooks) >and underneath the spoiler to the tow hooks under the bumper. The back of the >rack pokes up and the tires just clear the spoiler (26"x2" mountain bike tires). > >One word of caution, if you have 2 heavy bikes you should be aware that hitting >a large bump may dent the lightweight (is it aluminum?) engine hood and trunk as >this is where the bulk of the bike weight lands (albeit on rubber pads). So far >I have not scratched the paint or dented the car and I've been able to take my >mountain bikes on some great trips. > >The only ski rack I've seen on an MR2 was the suction cup type of rack mounted >to the passenger window. I didn't like it. > >REDLINE OILS: >Ok, like everyone else my transmission is very notchy. So today I reviewed the >MR2 web site and several accumulated digests to determine which oil is right for >a '92 without limited slip. After a lot of reading and a phone call to Redline, >they confirmed that the NS is appropriate for the non-limited slip transaxle. >So next I tried to locate 75W90NS. No one in Nashville stocked the NS, Options >Auto Salon didn't have it, and Millen didn't either. Finally I gave up and >asked Redline to mail me the order direct (800-624-7958) $47.95 (5 quarts just >in case I spill) including shipping. > >Today was expensive, new oil and 2 new AVSs from the Tire Rack. Keep it between >the lines- > >Charlie Reynolds >'92 NA > > >------------------------------ > >From: uunet!aol.com!AstonMrtn >Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 03:51:13 -0500 >Subject: re: bike/ski racks > >> >>I'm looking to buy a bike/ski rack for my '91-T, does anybody >>have any >> > >Do you have t-tops? I assume so, since racks are readily available for >hardtop versions. I looked around a LOT for a rack for my car, and the only >thing I found that was recommend/approved was a trailer hitch mount. A >company makes a trailer hitch that'll bolt onto your MR2 without any >modifications or drilling (if you look on the subframe, there are a number of >holes drilled that it probably attaches to), and then you can buy a trailer >hitch bike rack. For skiis, a friend of mine saw an MR2 with some sort of >skii holder attached to the engine cover. > >I'm designing a mountain bike rack for my MR2 with t-tops, and if there's >enough interest, may even sell it. I'll let everyone know how it turns out >when I finally get around to prototyping it. It'll only hold one bike though >- - but it will be held on top of the car, in a somewhat traditional manner. > > >- -Matt >'91 White NA > > >------------------------------ > >From: uunet!aol.com!AstonMrtn >Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 03:30:39 -0500 >Subject: High idle... > >My '91 MR2 NA recently started idling pretty high on cold start ups. When >first started, it jumps up to about 2250rpm, then quickly settles down to >1750-1900, and slowly lowers as the car warms up. This seems normal, except >for how it shoots up so quickly. While this isn't necessarily cause for >concern, I'm curious as to whether or not it's ok! Also, it started doing >this about 30 miles after I added a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the >tank at fill-up. I'm sure that had something to do with it; maybe my >injectors were just really dirty before (I don't think it ever got above 1500 >rpm when cold - I bought it used). I've since refilled the tank a couple >times and see the same results. > >- -Matt >'91 White NA > >------------------------------ > >End of mr2-digest V1 #94 >************************ > >---- End of mr2-digest ----- ------------------------------ From: "Burns, James B." Date: Wed, 24 Jan 96 14:08:00 EST Subject: Ski Racks I went snowboarding a couple of weeks ago and saw an MR2 with T-tops with a ski rack attached to the T-tops. I don't know what brand it was, but obviously ski racks for T-tops do exist. Brad Burns '94 MR2T (clean and in the garage during the bad weather) '89 Legend coupe (snowboard, bike, and dog transporter; bad weather car) ------------------------------ From: uunet!scp.caltech.edu!bryan (Bryan Chow) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 96 11:31:38 PST Subject: Re: [NSX] Track event in Holtville, CA >On Saturday, January 27 there will be an all day track event in Holtville, >CA. Raymond and I are most likely going. It'll be nice to see some others from the list there. Bryan ------------------------------ From: uunet!netrunner.net!hkphoto (howard kuflik) Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 18:39:57 -0500 Subject: radiator fans Well it's me again with the project car from hell....this time the fans on the radiator dont shut off at all...the code when checked says"11" can you tell me where that is ????? (says A/C switch???is that in the car that controls blower?) I replaced the temp switch in the radiator and they still stay on... So much for warming the engine up... Thanks Howard 1986 MR-2 n/a ------------------------------ From: uunet!nando.net!sbagdon Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 07:57:05 -0500 Subject: test post I wanted to post a test before going 'live'. Thanks for your patience. Steve B. '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo ------------------------------ From: uunet!interserv.com!kca Date: Wed, 24 Jan 1996 21:48:57 -0800 Subject: Leather Seats >>> I was wondering if anyone else is having problems with their leather seats on their Mk II MR2. <<< My driver's seat cushion is ripping along the seam with the left side bolster. I think Toyota could have better designed these. Kip Anderson 91 Turbo kca@interserv.com ------------------------------ From: Steve Camas Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 00:44:00 -0500 (EST) Subject: Supercharged MR2 wanted - dead if need be Greetings, I have two MR2s - one's an '85 and the other is an '87. They now have 140,000 miles on them. They still run well but it really is time to start thinking about putting them to bed - or rebuilding them. The '87 is somewhat sick - some unusual intermittent problem that is driving everyone who tries to fix it mad... The 85 is still going strong... The 85 had it's alternator die the other day... ugg... this is pretty normal for an aging car.... Here's the deal... I have decided to create a rebuilt motor and transmission and drop it into (or is that lift it into?) the '85. I figure if I'm gonna go nuts and create a more powerful motor than original, I would *love* to start with a supercharged engine and transmission. I am looking for someone out there with a crashed or simply old and tired supercharged MR2 that they want to sell... Anyone? Steve ------------------------------ From: uunet!ukonline.co.uk!david.cole Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 13:29:36 GMT Subject: Q & A Greetings All... A couple of things.. 1/ Headlights... I replaced my semi-sealed standard halogen bulbs with 80/100W. The shell is still standard, but visibility is really good! (can actually see where I'm going). Neither bulbs or fuses have blown, so am I correct in thinking that I don't need to make any mods to the wiring? 2/ For you guys in the UK, if you need second-hand spares, give Malcolm @ Emetech Engineering a ring... I've found their service real helpful (01803 55 99 63) and prompt. (I'm not connected to them) 3/ Oil... If an engine has been run on "normal" oil all of it's life (83K miles), will the engine accept a synthetic oil? I seem to remember from my bike days that I was told not to switch? Anyone care to shed any light on this? 4/ Exhaust... with regards to the small silencer at the rear of the car, just behind the main end one, has anyone run the car without it? (It's definetely not a cat). Will this increase torque any? The problem would be getting the pipe-work to bridge the gap... but what if I just took the guts out of the small can? (it's already rusting, so a repair job is neccessary) 5/ Sorry about the MR2 write-off... Dave Mk1 (83K miles) david.cole@ukonline.co.uk ____________________________________________________________ |Reply to: | | | |David Cole david.cole@ukonline.co.uk | |Satellite Times Fax: (0181) 677 8223 | |Radio & Listings Sub-Editor | |23 Mitcham Lane | |Streatham, SW16 6LQ | |____________________________________________________________| ------------------------------ From: Shawn Gordon Date: Thu, 25 Jan 1996 06:28:55 -0800 Subject: My totaled MR2 Turbo - update Well, I finally heard back from the insurance company and the car is most definately totaled. So, I will most definately be looking for another MR2 Turbo to drive. The only difference is that I will look for one with power windows and door locks and the color I'm looking for is black. If anyone in the south central region knows of anything or finds something, would you please let me know. I'm located in Texas and would be willing to travel one state in either direction to find a good replacement for my car. TIA. Shawn shawng@microsoft.com ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V1 #95