mr2-digest Sunday, 28 January 1996 Volume 01 : Number 097 Drag starts and Shifting parting out '85? all fans are on? leather seat cover stock-replacements V8 MR2? EVC Connections RE: Drag starts and Shifting Awesome car for sale Re: Strut Replacement Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 WeatherTech mats, car cover Throttle Body questions 91 Turbo for sale Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 TURBO????? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Daniel Barnes Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 23:55:32 -0800 (PST) Subject: Drag starts and Shifting I seem to remember an article a few years ago, back when the magazines did this sort of thing, that concluded the best way to choose shift points was to drop yourself onto peak torque on the next gear. If that meant redlining it, OK, but that it is generally unnecessary. Dan Under the Smog ------------------------------ From: uunet!nando.net!sbagdon Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 06:59:22 -0500 Subject: parting out '85? I picked up my '91 Turbo yesterday, paid cash and loan after the dealer offered me $600 as a trade-in on the '85. I am trying to decide between 3 options - selling the car as-is, fixing the car up and selling it, or parting it out. Selling as-is I should get a lot more then the dealer offered me, fixing it up and selling it concerns me that I won't get back what I put into it after figuring what I would have gotten NOT fixing it up, and parting it out is a concern because I don't want a hulk lying around my back yard for the next year. So, anyone out there have any suggestions? What is a clean (in and out) '85 with 169k miles and a broken a/c and emergency brake worth? What would it be worth if I fixed it? Has anyone parted out an MR2? Is there a large enough market to justify me stripping the car down, selling the shell to a junk-yard, and keeping the garage cluttered with car parts until I sold off the pieces? Thanks in advance for any helpful suggestions. Steve B. sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo ------------------------------ From: uunet!nando.net!sbagdon Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 07:18:30 -0500 Subject: all fans are on? >From: uunet!netrunner.net!hkphoto (howard kuflik) >Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 19:02:36 -0500 >Subject: all fans are on? > >Last Post???? > >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 I understand your frustration. I had this same problem with my '85. When the water temperature get's too high (idling in hot weather), the air temperature around the water radiator (and hence the a/c condensor) get's high enough to make the cooling process for freon inefficient. So when the water temp gets high enough, the sensor tells the computer to turn on the second condensor) fan. My '88 manual (the '85 manual is in the '85 car, and I live in Detroit, I am NOT going out there at 6:15am), says that the passenger side fan is the radiator fan motor, and the driver's side fan is the condensor fan motor. Page AC-32 says that the fan will stay off as long as the water temp is below 90 degrees C (194 degrees F). But page AC-33 says that there is an A/C Fan Relay No. 2, A/C Fan Relay No 3., Radiator Fan Relay, and Fan Main Relay. That's a lot of relays, and that's just in the front compartment (not including the interior, engine bay, and trunk areas. I suggest that you take the car by a Toyota dealership, and pay them the 1/2 hour charge to do the electrical diagnotics, to find out exactly which relay and/or sensor is blown. I never do any of my own diagnotics - that's what Toyota school is for, and it is worth the $27 to find out from a pro. I DO do all of my own repairs - I'll pay for them to tell me which switch is broken, but not to replace the broken switch. Once you know which is blown, I have a box (yes, a BOX), of old MR2 switches, relays, sensors, etc. If it is a blown relay, they start at $60-$80, and up. Give me the part number and the number on the switch, and I probably have a working replacement. Steve B. sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo ------------------------------ From: uunet!nando.net!sbagdon Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 07:20:15 -0500 Subject: leather seat cover stock-replacements >>From: uunet!idirect.com!mrtwo (Bill Chen) >>Date: Tue, 23 Jan 1996 20:25:56 -0500 >>Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #93 >> >> I was wondering if anyone else is having problems with their leather >>seats on their Mk II MR2. Aside from the fading black leather, I now have to >>remove the seats of my stored MR2 and have the seats repaired. It seams the >>stitching on the seat part has come out at two places. The stitch in between >>is coming out which will soon leave me with a six inch rip. I'm looking at >>about two hours multiplied by $50. > >Then you purchase stock replacements and work them top to bottom in reverse >using ty-wraps instead of the wire rings. The ty-wraps tie down better and >everything looks pro. Cut the ty-wrap ends flush after pulling them tight. >You will have to remove the seats of course. Both seats took me an afternoon >each. Costs much less too. I would not recommend to re-do the rips...seems >the material does not hold much. Do you have parts numbers and general costs for this? I've seen people do this before, but haven't done it myself. If it is reasonable, might do it to my car. Steve B. sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo ------------------------------ From: uunet!nando.net!sbagdon Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 07:21:26 -0500 Subject: V8 MR2? >Race Car Engineering (V5N3) had an article about the 24 hrs of >LeMans...someone entered an MR2 in the GT-1 class (to compete against cars >like the McLaren F1)...but this was no ordinary MR2...it had a longitudinally >mounted 4.0L Lexus V-8 putting out 600hp at 6100rpm!!! :0 In an old bull-sessions, we discussed the possibility of getting a V6 Camry engine in an MR2 (since it's a front-engine/drive, should be easy enough!), but the problem was that the V6 didn't have DOHC(?), and had no real power capabilities. Then the Lexus engine came out, and the problem was finding a transverse transmission. Has anyone heard of anyone doing this, by someone with way too much money on their hands? Steve B. sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo sbagdon@nando.net '85 MR2 n/a '91 MR2 Turbo ------------------------------ From: uunet!bendnet.com!jdshort (John & Diana Short) Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 07:43:10 -0800 Subject: EVC Connections It sounds like the instructions received with Geoff's Greddy EVC were no better than what I received with the HKS unit. Geoff mentioned that he had to 'block the second line from the wastegate to the turbo pressure sensor'. Is this something I missed? Here's how I hooked it up: Pressure signal Wastegate from turbo Actuater | | | | |__________ ____________| | | ___________ Plenum Signal | | | | | | _______|_________|__________|___ | | | HKS Valves | |_______________________________| I did NOT change any of the connections from the 'Turbocharging Pressure VSV' to the wastegate actuater as I assume that's what causes the cold temperature boost limit (I realize now I should have paid more attention to the discussions). Is there something else I'm supposed to do here? Am I supposed to defeat the Turbocharging VSV? Overboost limit does not seem to work other than to sound the alarm and boost is eradic. Thanks, John Happy Notes from the Short Family Frog Farm! 93T ------------------------------ From: uunet!qni.com!rande Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 11:18:22 -0600 Subject: RE: Drag starts and Shifting >Here's something else to think about. In our work on 1st to 2nd shifts, we >found that >a fast shift didn't make that much difference if you really wound the >engine out, >and had the Rs up somewhat when you dropped it into 2nd. It was more >important to >keep a good torque thing happening than it was to shift quickly. This is >something >that I've found most Solo drivers don't pay much attention to. I have found that, generally, in autocross, trying to shift to second before the I get to the start timer has good results. This way you get the shift (and the possibility to blow it) and the time lag from shifting over with before your times starts counting. On some starts the RPM's won't be as high but should still be enough boost to pull through. The time lag from shifting may only be one quarter to one half second (average) but I would rather get it done off the clock. Races have been won or lost by less time than that. With a very short start this may not be possible. Randy Eickhoff _/_/ _/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/ rande@qni.com _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ '91 MR2T 37k 24/64 AS _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/ '85 MR2 122k current project _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ Kansas City Region SCCA _/ _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/_/ Crown Autocross Club of Kansas City Anything else is just transportation ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!Dan22378 Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 13:06:16 -0500 Subject: Awesome car for sale I know this is a bit off subject, but since many of you are import enthusiasts, not just MR2 enthusiasts, I figuired I'd post this. My brother is selling his 87' Mitsubishi Starion ESI-R. This car has had extensive modifications done which include: EIBACH Racing springs Tokico Gas shocks New Hybrid Racing Turbo (built special for the car by RPS) A complete race rebuild of the motor and head also by Rob at RPS racing The rebuild included extrude honing the entire block and head, titanium valves, custom aluminum, low silicon pistons. Shot peened rods and crank, among many other mods. MSD Coil with 10mm silicone ignition wires Grex tower brace new suspension bushings throughout the entire car Trust Exhaust system with main cat hollowed out Theres too much to list all of it, the body is in perfect condition no dents or scratches horespower is estimated at 300+ by RPS. The car is red w/black leather interior which is also in excellent condition. If you are interested, the car is in the Southern California Area. for more info E-mail me at Dan22378@AOL.com ------------------------------ From: uunet!qni.com!rande Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 11:18:32 -0600 Subject: Re: Strut Replacement >Has anyone on this list done their own strut replacement? If so, can you >tell me how difficult it was and which special tools you need? I've read >the procedure in the service manual and I think I can handle it. I'll need >to rent or buy a spring compressor, but other than that I think that large >wrenches and vice grips can be used in place of the special service tools >listed in the book. Anyone got any advice on this? Wasn't very difficult. It took about an afternoon. Probably could have done it in less but I took my time. I borrowed a spring compressor from a friend but I have seen them in the J.C. Whitney catalog for about $15-30. The manual says to drain the brake fluid and remove the hose. It's possible to skip this if you are careful. There are two methods. #1. Remove the clip (or lock nut) that connects the brake line to the strut housing so the hose has some play in it. If your careful and don't pull to hard on the brake line you won't have to drain the fluid. Or #2. After removing the clip take a hack saw and cut a slot in the end of the tab the brake line runs through. This will allow the brake line to come free, but when reinstalled the clip will still hold the line in place. I chose option #1 when I changed mine. I installed the Tokico cartridge into the original housing. If I need to work on them again I will try option #2. Be carefull when you remove the top of the cartridge from the original struts. There will be an incredibly bad odor from the oil and gas inside. It won't hurt you, it just STINKS. Randy Eickhoff _/_/ _/_/ _/_/_/ _/_/ rande@qni.com _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ '91 MR2T 37k 24/64 AS _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/ _/ '85 MR2 122k current project _/ _/ _/ _/ _/ Kansas City Region SCCA _/ _/ _/ _/ _/_/_/_/ Crown Autocross Club of Kansas City Anything else is just transportation ------------------------------ From: "Kostas G. D. Chryssos " Date: Wed, 01 Nov 1995 19:12:29 +0200 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 > > >From: "Burns, James B." >Date: Thu, 25 Jan 96 10:18:00 EST >Subject: Strut Replacement Questions > >Has anyone on this list done their own strut replacement? If so, can you >tell me how difficult it was and which special tools you need? I've read >the procedure in the service manual and I think I can handle it. I'll need >to rent or buy a spring compressor, but other than that I think that large >wrenches and vice grips can be used in place of the special service tools >listed in the book. Anyone got any advice on this? > >Brad Burns There is another special tool apart from the compressor (try renting one for it seems to be a rather expensive tool, at least the original TOY one). This is the tool that is used to release the top nut/flange of the strut. I think that it is required. It looks like a rather flat one with special cuts to make fit. Have a good torque wrench as the bottom bolts are torqued at ratings higher to the common torque tools. ___________ ________________ ________ __ ___/__ | / /__< /___ __ )___ __/ _____ \ __ | / / __ / __ __ |__ / ____/ / __ |/ / _ / _ /_/ / _ / /____/ _____/ /_/ /_____/ /_/ (Kostas G. D. Chryssos Ph.D.) 30,Ikarias str. Glyfada GR16675, Athens, Hellas Tel: xx-301 9628212, Fax: xx-301 9628539 ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!Jage3 Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 18:25:00 -0500 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 In a message dated 96-01-27 02:11:28 EST, you write: >From: uunet!netrunner.net!hkphoto (howard kuflik) >Date: Fri, 26 Jan 1996 19:02:36 -0500 >Subject: all fans are on? > >Last Post???? >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 It sounds like the only thing that you have not check are the fan relays. Maybe they are sticking. I know that my 94 NA has 4 fan relays. Hope that helps. Jonathan Jacoby Jage3@aol.com ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!SamuelsMA Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 15:08:02 -0500 Subject: WeatherTech mats, car cover Has any of you tried WeatherTech floor mats, manufactured by Cannon and sold by McNeil? Are they any good and do they fit well? Second question: I would like to buy a used car cover in good condition which would fit my 91 Turbo. It must be water resistant, fit snugly, and have a soft inner lining which will not scratch the car's finish. If you have one, please E-mail me at Samuels MA@AOL.com. Thanks a lot! Michael Samuels ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!COMMANDOE Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 13:32:56 -0500 Subject: Throttle Body questions My 88 SC MR2 has been modified with HKS componets to stage III. This includes: exhaust, powerflow, Twin Power Ignition, and oversized supercharger pulley. With the upgrades I am happy with the mid to upper power range increase but not the low end. My question is can I increase response at the low end without entering the block. Would a bigger throttle body or Header really make any difference. The car is already quite fast (the marks on my license will attest to that) but I yearn for a little more takeoff................ If throttle body is an answer, is it expensive, easy to change etc. THANX STEVE 88 SC MR2.......... who could ask for anything more?......... ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!SamuelsMA Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 15:14:40 -0500 Subject: 91 Turbo for sale Sorry to clog the digest with a for-sale ad, but my ad seems to be taking a long time to get into the classified web page section. In any case, my 91 turbo with 57K miles is for sale. It is in excellent shape, without any mechanical or body defects. It has all options and a transferrable factory warranty. Please e-mail me at Samuels MA@AOL.com or call at (216) 247-0302 if you are interested. The asking price is $11,000. It is red. ------------------------------ From: uunet!aol.com!Jage3 Date: Sat, 27 Jan 1996 18:25:01 -0500 Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 In a message dated 96-01-27 02:11:28 EST, you write: > Since tire and wheel combinations seem to be rocket science (and since I > >don't seem to be a rocket scientist, despite all my trips to the web site), > >have any of you considered installing Bridgestone Potenza S-02's on a '93T > >or later MkII? Or have you considered Michelin MXX3? I have no personal experience with the specific tires you mention, but I can supply you with some general information... My 94 TT NA came with Yokohama A022 and I find it hard to believe that you are going to get significantly (significantly being the key word) better performance tires than those. The BS Potenza S02 have a higher treadwear number than the A022 and therefore should last longer (180 vs 120. approx 50% more miles). While not the only factor, one of the main factors in determing the treadwear number is compound softness. Therefore, in general, the lower the number, the softer [and stickier] the compound. The MXX3 fall in with a 140 treadwear rating. Believe it or not, the old-trustworthy BS RE71 have a lower treadwear number than the S02 (140 vs 180) and are available in a much larger selection of sizes. Again, lower treadwear rating does not translate directly to better handling, but with little else to go on, it is a safe guideline. I believe that the S02's are available with a 30-day test drive policy. I am not sure of the details, but If you don't like them you may be able to return them. Hope this helpful Jonathan Jacoby Jage3@aol.com 94 NA TT Red ------------------------------ From: richard seiji shinsako Date: Sun, 28 Jan 96 0:49:45 CST Subject: Re: mr2-digest V1 #96 ------------------------------ From: richard seiji shinsako Date: Sun, 28 Jan 96 1:17:50 CST Subject: TURBO????? Hello, Last year, I purchased a NA 91 MR2 w/ 19K miles on it. The only thing I have done so far is change to sunthetic oil; however, I have been greatly interested in making as best a car as possible. Primarily, I am interested in anyone who has added turbo to a NA MR2. Clearly, if I am to do anything, this would be the best first step since it will nullify any other mods I make. Thanks for your help. Rich Shinsako 91 MR2 NA White ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V1 #97