mr2-digest Tuesday, December 30 1997 Volume 02 : Number 035 Re: MR2 tire question MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure MR2 speed vision RIGHT NOW!!! silver state classic MR2 Differentiating Tyre Sizes, fore & aft Re: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure Re: MR2 MkII Suspension/Tires MR2 MKI SC Registry has MOVED!!! MR2 silver state classic...and others lets plan!!! RE: MR2 Differentiating Tyre Sizes, fore & aft Re: MR2 weather and money Re: MR2 MK1 timing belt change Re: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure MR2 MK1 timing belt? Re:87MR2 exhaust/dist condom/ANSA update Re: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure Re: MR2 93T (convertable) PARTS ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 18:51:59 -0800 From: Brian Jackson Subject: Re: MR2 tire question Bill Miller asked: > Anybody on the list have any experience w/ Pirelli P700's? The Tire > Rack has 205/50/VR15's for $68+shipping each and I was thinking about > picking up a set. > > I've never been a big fan of Pirelli's, but I'm willing to try at this > price unless someone can give me a good reason not to. I used P-700Z's on my 92T from the time my first set of RE71's wore out. I liked them a lot. But Pirelli is phasing out the P-700Z in favor of the P7000 "summer" tires. (That's why the price is so good.) I have made the switch to the P7000 and I like them even more. It just costs some bucks every so often :-/ In other words. give them a shot. They're a quality tire. Brian - -- - ------------------------------- Brian Jackson uva uvam vivendo varia fit ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 22:42:45 -0500 From: "Burns, James B." Subject: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure Here's what I think the options were for the '91NA (not guaranteed correct, but I think it is really close): - - Automatic Transmission - - EHPS (power steering) - - ABS - - T-tops (not available with automatic?) - - Sunroof - - Leather (includes 7-way adjustable drivers seat, available only with T-tops, includes leather steering wheel and shift knob) - - Cruise control (includes variable intermittent wipers) - - Automatic illuminated entry/exit fade out system (part of power or leather trim packages - - 3 compartment center console (included with leather package) - - Security system (requires power package) - - Premium cassette with 8 speakers - - 3-in-1 stereo with 8 speakers - - Power package (windows, door locks, auto fade lights, door courtesy lights) - - Aerodynamic rear spoiler Then there were factory "accessories": - - floor mats - - front end mask - - wheel locks - - CD changer - - CD deck (to go with single-din cassette deck) Brad Burns ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 19:51:08 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: MR2 speed vision RIGHT NOW!!! silver state classic silver state classic on right now an speedvision terry paying $1.72 a gal. for this weather - terry ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 97 20:12:36 -0000 From: Subject: MR2 Differentiating Tyre Sizes, fore & aft Dear Digest, >I'm about to put 15 x 7's on my MK1 and was wondering the best size >tire to go with. >I remember someone saying 195/50's in front and 205/50's rear, but I >think that might have been for >15 x 6.5 rims. Also, anybody have an opinion (an opinion on this list? >:)) on the rediculously priced tires on the bottom left page of the >latest Discount Tire Direct ads? I think they're called Nakang, or >something. But the above mentioned sizes are $ 52 and $ 59 respectively. >The tread pattern looks nice, too (big wide blocks). Mathematical phenomena occurs when differentiating front and rear tyre sizes. I like a loose chassis, personally, so I run 195 -50s on all four corners on my 15 inch directional rims (no typo. I've got directional rims). If you want push, then differentiate the rears by increasing to 205s. Ceteris paribus, the greater the differentiation between front and rear, the greater the push. If you do that, and thereafter you want to dial out that push, then soften up your front shocks, and/or stiffen the rears (assuming that you have adjustable inserts). However, shock settings are not the ideal tool to dial out push, exclusively. So, before you buy rims, get your chassis in order. Once your suspension is ready for the dance floor, then experiment... see what you like. Ceteris paribus, it's been my experience that the end result of differentiating fronts and rears in a mid-engined automobile results in increased push (as weight is transfered to the front of the car) in conjunction with a significant reduction in the time horizon when transitioning between maximum tyre adhesion to torsional sideslip insofar as an oversteer condition, as rear tyre sizes are increased. It will be more difficult to catch the rear end once it comes around, and more difficult to maintain a consistent four wheel drift, characteristic of having to throttle compensate for the differences between front and rear contact patches. Theoretically, the car won't change direction as easily. Tyres and rims don't make the car go faster through turns... the driver does. The main reason for increasing to a plus one, plus two, or plus three configuration is to accomodate larger brakes. I see many pimped-out Bimmers and Mercs with 17s and 18s, chromed, but when they roll up to the light I gotta laugh when I peer through their $4,000 spokes to be rewarded with the sight of thier dinky OEM brakes with the 6 inch gap between the topmost part of the caliper and the inside of the rim. These guys spend more money on detailing, sheep-skins and window tinting than brakes. But, I've got to say that 15's are good for the Mk I, although I exert care while tuning the radio station, or I wind up in the next lane. Twichy. I like it that way when I'm fresh, but it can be a real bitch when I'm fatigued, and I'm trying to nurse it home after several hours of aggressive canyon driving. Sammy Joseph, '88 4AGZE PS- I just noticed this: Anyone besides me notice how comfortable that Mk I driver's seat is? The car I had before had recaros, but my Mk I puts those to shame. It rivals the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 20:39:05 -0800 From: Randy Chase Subject: Re: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure Burns, James B. wrote: > > Here's what I think the options were for the '91NA (not guaranteed > correct, but I think it is really close): > - Automatic Transmission > - EHPS (power steering) > - ABS ABS was an option for the N/A? Are you sure Brad? Randy Chase '91 MR2 N/A *wish I had ABS for autox*..uh oh...another thread ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 22:45:13 -0600 From: "Andrew P. Tasi" Subject: Re: MR2 MkII Suspension/Tires Is there a difference in the brand or series of tires between the '93 and '94? Perhaps even a difference in tread depth? - -Andrew P. Tasi Black '88 MR2 T-top - -----Original Message----- >On the recently acquired '94NA, we notice a tendency of the rear end to >"leap" to the right when hitting a pronounced highway bump at speeds over >~45 mph. I swapped the tires/wheels from the '93T (same size!), and it >seemed to reduce it a lot. The tires/wheels from the '94 on the '93 >didn't exhibit the same symptoms. Any thoughts on this? I do know that >before we bought the car, it was aligned at an independent shop. No >evidence of strut leakage, etc. > >'86 223,000+ miles, red ICQ UIN#5198694 >'93T 55,000 miles, white, K&N, PowerCore, Nology wires, NGK plugs, Mr2PP >boost controller, Summers Dist. Cap. >'94NA, 36,000 miles, white ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 23:17:26 -0600 From: "Steve Hoult" Subject: MR2 MKI SC Registry has MOVED!!! For those of you who wondered what happened to the SC Registry, it has moved. The new address is somewhat harder to remember, so get your pens and pencils out. Write it down on a post-it and stick it to your monitor and, oh yeah, bookmark it in your browser...... mr2sc.com I know you'll all have problems remembering such a LONG URL, but once I've completed the changes it should be a much better resource for us SC owners and SC owner wannabes. If you can't seem to get the hang of the above URL, then you can also use.... www.mr2sc.com See you there Steve Hoult '89 SC ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 20:59:17 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: MR2 silver state classic...and others lets plan!!! sorry folks i came in on the program about half way through. this was coverage of "Gamblers Run 200"and not the silver stste classic as i thought. it appears to be just like the SSC though. its held in Elko, Nv. http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/4310/gr200.htm the vette folks got the line on all this killer speed stuff at the grassroots level...ckit http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/4310/Perules.htm http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/4310/pecost.htm enough already- terry ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 23:58:52 EST From: FZZR Subject: RE: MR2 Differentiating Tyre Sizes, fore & aft This is a multi-part message in MIME format. - --part0_883457932_boundary Content-ID: <0_883457932@inet_out.mail.aol.com.1> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII In a message dated 97-12-29 23:58:11 EST, FZZR writes: << << PS- I just noticed this: Anyone besides me notice how comfortable that Mk I driver's seat is? The car I had before had recaros, but my Mk I puts those to shame. It rivals the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. >> I agree. I used to have a Mustang GT and as much as I loved the car the seats sucked. They just weren't designed for someone 5' 7". The MR2 seats on the other hand fit me like a glove. I never feel uncomfortable in them. ****************************************************** Chuck FZZR@AOL.COM 88 MR2 SC (149,000 miles) 89 Yamaha FZR 1000 (for sale) ******************************************************** - --part0_883457932_boundary Content-ID: <0_883457932@inet_out.mail.aol.com.2> Content-type: message/rfc822 Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Content-disposition: inline From: FZZR Return-path: To: asjoseph@as.net Subject: Re: MR2 Differentiating Tyre Sizes, fore & aft Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 23:58:11 EST Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit In a message dated 97-12-29 23:54:39 EST, you write: << PS- I just noticed this: Anyone besides me notice how comfortable that Mk I driver's seat is? The car I had before had recaros, but my Mk I puts those to shame. It rivals the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. >> I agree. I used to have a Mustang GT and as much as I loved the car the seats sucked. They just weren't designed for someone 5' 7". The MR2 seats on the other hand fit me like a glove. I never feel uncomfortable in them. ****************************************************** Chuck FZZR@AOL.COM 88 MR2 SC (149,000 miles) 89 Yamaha FZR 1000 (for sale) ******************************************************** - --part0_883457932_boundary-- ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 23:20:30 -0600 From: "Andrew P. Tasi" Subject: Re: MR2 weather and money David- Thanks for this. I knew there was some benefit to this frozen tundra. Oh, and on my way back from my in-laws place in North Dakota, I bought a tank of 93 octane fuel for $1.16/ gallon. Sweet! - -----Original Message----- >>Randy Chase *supposed to be 78 degrees here tomorrow* >>'91 MR2 NA >>San Diego > >Hey Randy, what's Premium cost in San Diego? $1.70 a >gallon? Enjoy the sun....I'll take favorable boost conditions >and cheap gas any day..... > >50 degrees and I just bought 93 octane for $1.25/gal.... > >David H. otgrouch@twosrus.com >93T FIPK/RMS S.P/RMS MBC >89SC Cupholder >66 Corvair >96 Cannondale R900 Spinergy ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 00:36:55 EST From: Ltraviolnc Subject: Re: MR2 MK1 timing belt change In a message dated 97-12-29 20:49:15 EST, bagdon@rust.net writes: > >SORRY! i didnt realize the 4age was a non-interferance. I know now, but i was > >right if it wasnt a non-inter... > >Mike C > > You said it in the original posting - the 300zx blew a timing *chain*, and > the 4A-GE is a timing *belt*. Uusally (ok, that's entering dangerous > territory), if the engine is interference it has a chain, and if it's > non-interference it has a belt. > > Steve B. Yeah, it's usually more to do with the manufactures' primary design. Most Mitsu, Isuzu, VW, and I think Hon-duh engines are interference while others like Toyota and Chrysler tend not to be. Does'nt make much sense considering the potential damage it does and the fact that some companies designs avoid it. I have personally witnessed turbo Eclipse engines damaged beyond repair (head, pistons, cylinders, valvetrain) due to a broken belt. You would think a little foresight in the design process would'nt be too much to ask....then again, we are talking about auto makers here, so maybe it is too much to ask. Well, at least two out of three of my cars won't drop a valve. Ron 87/\/\R2 Ltraviolnc@aol.com ICQ '98: 3087083 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 01:04:27 EST From: AkTiF8 Subject: Re: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure In a message dated 97-12-30 00:24:10 EST, randyc@pacbell.net writes: << ABS was an option for the N/A? Are you sure Brad? >> yup, i've got it on my 91na ke!th - ---------- .signesia ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 22:13:08 PST From: "Todd klosnick" Subject: MR2 MK1 timing belt? This is a stupid question but I must ask. What belt is the timing belt on the MK1? Is it the lower one of the two belts on the passenger side. How do I tell if it has been changed or not. The bottom belt says DAYCO on it or something. The top belt I didn't look at close enough to see what it said on it. Will spraying belt dressing on the timing belt extend its life? The reason I'm asking is b/c my 87 MR2 has 85,000 miles on it and I bought it with 60,000 in 1994 of a used car dealer. I didn't ask him if the belt has been changed or not so I'm a little concerned. I also have another question regading that stinkin alternator. this is my second alternator. I replaced the 1st one with a rebuilt one. This is the only problem I've had with this car. Another problem just occured this past week again and I think its the rebuilt alternator! Arggg...! The Ebrake,coolant,and the charge lights are coming on the dash. The coolant and charge blink ever so slightly after driving for a few minutes. The lights go dim but never fizzle completly out. Anyway it has to be the alternator. Before I had the same problem but when I popped up the headlights or drove for more than two minutes the car lost all power know its just lossing power ever so slightly. If it is the alternator. Why am I getting this rattling noise coming from a area near or in the alternator? Anyone ever experiance this. The car is always very quiet now its still quiet but I can actually hear that annoying rattling buzzing sound. I hope I didn't break anything!! The guy who fixes my car is know telling me that I should get rid of it b/c of this one problem since its electrical. NO way that is going to happen. Anyone go to the Honda delsol club page with the cop stories? Some have stories of MR2's racing against delsols on the streets. Pretty interesting. Sorry for using up space thanks though. Todd 87 MR2 alternator WOES again... ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 01:15:41 EST From: Ltraviolnc Subject: Re:87MR2 exhaust/dist condom/ANSA update In a message dated 97-12-29 01:29:30 EST, omalley@texas.net writes: > Does anyone know of a good (and somewhat inexpensive) exhaust for an 87 MK1 > na? I do not want it too much louder, but am willing to give a little if I > can get a little. I am leery of trying a custom system by either myself or > someone else. Custom systems can be a problem because they are not tuned to the engine, so you're pulling at straws. I know this far too well from my last attempt at performance on a budget. And small displacement, multivalve, N/A engines do not take well to loss of backpressure, and that's what you usually end up with. (I learned this, too) You're not going to get a noticeable power increase over most of the power range of a 4A with any exhaust and you'll be lucky to not have a loss of the already weak low end, so if the high priced systems are out of the question, I'd go with Steve's idea and use the factory replacement. I've heard of using the S/C exhaust instead, but don't know (doubt) if it's worth anything. An alternative would be the Pacesetter Monza system ($140.00 or so from NOPI). I considered it before I found my ANSA, because it had the same (two tips on each side) configuration, but I was concerned about quality from a US-made-for-a-Japanese-car system after a bad experience with Lightspeed. But for the money, it's worth checking out if you like the look. As a side note and an update, I can report that I am VERY pleased with the ANSA quad tip system I installed several months ago. The car regained all the low end I lost with the Supertrapp, sounds good in a much more peaceful way, and looks great, IMO. I find it to be a tasteful alternative to the 9" cannon barrels everyone is so obsessed with these days. (Why have a 6" tip on a 2" pipe?....reminds me of a padded bra....why fake something you don't have?) Too bad they're no longer being produced. I have a K&N FIPK and Borla systems on my 91 toy truck and > really liked the results of that combination. The cat must remain in place. > It is an automatic, so I am hoping for a little help in the low end. You won't find it with exhaust...see above. I have > the power max filter (very noticeable improvement) and that is about it so > far (any ideas on plugs and wires?). I use NGK platinum plugs and NGK blue wires with no problems, but you won't find any power increases there either. >As I am on the subject, does the rubber > boot over the distributor top actually do anything? Yeah, it prevents unwanted pregnancy....keep it well lubricated for best results 8-) The car is only driven on > "nice" days so rain is not a concern. > > Just wondering.. > Chris O. Ron 87/\/\R2 Ltraviolnc@aol.cum ICQ '98: 3087083 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 29 Dec 1997 22:34:38 PST From: "Sean Boileau" Subject: Re: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure >Automatic illuminated entry/exit fade out system (part of power or >leather trim packages My '91 NA has the illuminated entry feature, with no leather. I think that it came with the windows/locks feature. Sean ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 01:43:33 EST From: Ltraviolnc Subject: Re: MR2 93T (convertable) PARTS In a message dated 97-12-28 23:25:35 EST, rals@ptd.net writes: > So Ron P adn I have started pulling the wreck apart.....*sigh* I must say that Jeff is handling this all very well. My car is over 10 years old and probably worth less than the stereo system in it, but I don't know if I could stand watching it cut up, so I give him credit for that. (BTW, a DeWalt reciprocating saw goes through an MR2 like a hot knife through butter). Now that I've gotten the roof off, I wonder what a MKII would look like as a ragtop. I've seen the MK1's, and they look good if done right. Standing at a distance and trying to imagine if the car was straight and whole, I think it would look really good. (better than the MR-Sissy, anyway). I got more of the front end apart and all the front A/C and heating componants are fine, including the radiator, condenser, reciever/dryer, etc. Contact Jeff for info. Ron 87/\/\R2 Ltraviolnc@aol.com ICQ '98: 3087083 ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V2 #35