mr2-digest Friday, January 2 1998 Volume 02 : Number 049 MR2 instrumentation RE: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) Re: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) Re: MR2 New member intro./MKII NA modifications? MR2 91T Rear Brake Upgrade MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure MR2 powder keg city Re: MR2 MKII: Two sets of '93 repair manuals? RE: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) Re: MR2 aeroware MR2 FS: MKII distributor cap, wires, and plugs MR2 RE: aeroware and scanners Re: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) MR2 Re: Instrumentation MR2 Insurance Rates NEW MR2 Style Wing. MR2 MKI SC trans/clutch questions MR2 aeroware scoop, BGB, EGR, timer, more mr2 people Re: MR2 MKI SC trans/clutch questions ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 09:26:56 -0800 From: "David Hawkins" Subject: MR2 instrumentation > Don't you think it odd that a > car that is built with such sporty aspirations doesn't have full > instrumentation? In today's computer driven age, no....if the sensor that works the trouble lamps in the dash fails, it wouldn't send to a guage either. Of course, you'd see the gauge fail... > Where is the oil pressure gauge? It's that little light that looks like an oil can... > The Volts? It's in the NA....and it's that little light that looks like a battery. > Why just speedo, tach, temp, fuel? Realistically, although it would be nice to monitor the entire engine (hey, I fly airplanes for a living....wanna talk about gauge overkill?), These are the only items that the driver really has to interface with to perform his job properly. Low oil? lamp. Low oil pressure? lamp. Bad output from the alternator? lamp. Personally, I'd rather have the two huge gauges that we got than try to cram fifteen little gauges into the cluster. I'd love to have an oil temp and oil pressure gauge, but where are you going to put them?? In the HyperRev, there are some people who mounted them in the dash pad, and this looks really tacky IMHO. While we can put gauges in the ashtray location, no major corporation is going to do that.... With the ECU monitoring everything and changing engine response accordingly, multiple gauges are just niceties anymore. YMMV. David H. otgrouch@twosrus.com 93T FIPK/RMS S.P/RMS MBC 89SC Cupholder 66 Corvair 96 Cannondale R900 Spinergy ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 09:29:46 -0800 From: "AVERY DINAUER" Subject: RE: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) I had to use the spacers in with the new struts on my 91T. After removing all the old strut parts from the housing there was too much space for the new Tokicos to move up and down. I set the Tokicos to the softest setting(5?) to start. They were super stiff at first, after about 2-3 weeks they softened up and I currently have them set to 3 for street. I do have to face fairly good sized bumps around my area. I have the stock 14" rims. Avery- 91T Eibachs/Tokicos/ST bars ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 02 Jan 1998 09:51:37 -0800 From: Mike Chou Subject: Re: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) About the suspension changes, is there any reason to get the entire struts vs. the inserts? Mikec ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 02 Jan 1998 09:54:28 -0800 From: Mike Chou Subject: Re: MR2 New member intro./MKII NA modifications? Mr2toy726 wrote: > Hi all. I am pretty new to the MR2 world, I bought a 91 emerald green MR2 a > couple of days ago. So far I love the car. It does have a couple of minor > flaws, however: > > 1. The CD player doesn't have any bass. Apparently the car oroginally came > with just the mid-level tape deck with 6 speakers, no CD, no anti-theft, no > sub. But then someone added a Toyota CD player to the car. The radio and > cassette sound great, but CD's play at a much lower level and have no bass. > Any ideas? It sounds like it may be some sort of connection problem between > the tape/radio deck and the CD deck. Is it possible for the CD player to be > connected to the tape/radio deck, but not be connected to the power amp? > > 2. The passenger side door speaker buzzes pretty bad. Any recommendations on > what speakersto replace them/it with? Is it difficult to get the door off and > replace the speaker? > > 3. What can I do to get more power out of the 5SFE motor? I have been > searching the net for mods, but everything I find is for a turbo MR2. I would > have bought a turbo, but the insurance was much, much higher. So far my only > plan for modifications is a good tune up, and replacing the complicated air > filter assembly with a straighter pipe and a K&N cone type air filter, I plan > to put the K&N as close to the driver side air intake as possible. (Is this > wise? and will I see much more power?) What else casn I do? Obviously > aftermarket exhaust, but the car is already pretty loud.... How much power > can a stock 2.2 engine take? Are there any aftermarket turbo kits or > superchargers available? What about nitrous oxide? > > Thanks in advance. Oh, BTW my nabe is Aaron, I live in Denton, TX (Just > north of Dallas), I am 23, engaged, and I work as a market rep for BOSE (the > speaker company). My last car was a 350 hp 85 Corvette with a 406 and just > about every bolt on part made for GM TPI motors. I am still fond of Vettes, > but the quality of the Toyota is really winning me over..... > > Thanks, > > Aaron > 91 no turbo :( Well only good options I know of are a turbo kit from Toyomoto and one from Altered Performance, both in Florida somewhere. Altered performance won't sell just the kit either, and I haven't called Toyomoto in awhile. But I plan to since their turbo kit uses the TD06, I am wondering if I just get the kit and buy a used CT26, I wonder if it'll bolt on..Other than that I guess nitrous and there's a buncha 5SFE owners that wanna make a supercharger. Oh yeah and I heard new cams would help a bit. I am looking to get new cams relatively soon so I'll post the results here when I do. Mike c ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 02 Jan 1998 12:03:20 -0600 From: Kory Yingling Subject: MR2 91T Rear Brake Upgrade My rear brakes MUST be replaced. In the process, I plan on at least upgrading rotors to Slotted or at least cross drilled versions. I'm wondering do the 93 rear clalipers bolt up to the 91 strut housings? I'm looking at the info on the IMOC site about it, and didnt see the rotors listed? Has anyone done this? about what kind of cost am I looking at for the rear calipers? Anyone have a set of rear calipers they cant stand looking at any more? Can any suggest another aftermarket upgrade for the rear brakes? Brembo? Wilwood? Stillen? TRD? I would like to take a 93 upgrade and apply it to my car for much improved braking. Thanks, Kory ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 02 Jan 1998 14:13:00 EST From: bluemr2@juno.com Subject: MR2 Re: '91NA Brochure I don't know about Brad, but I do know that my '91 NA has ABS. Brian '91 MR2 NA w/ ABS AND good synchros ___________________________________ 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: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 15:45:23 -0800 From: "David Hawkins" Subject: MR2 powder keg city Glad you like your new toy. It's a shame you weren't on the digest three weeks ago for the whole "what can I do to get more power out of the 5S-FE" string. The answer you will see the most is "sell it and get a turbo." There isn't a lot of stuff out there for that engine....period. don't expect a power increase from the cone filter either....just some really cool noises. You had an 85 Vette and the Turbo had insurance prices that were too high?? did you shop around? I insure both my 93T (full coverage) and my 89SC (all but collision) for around $1300/year. Please register your MKII! David H. otgrouch@twosrus.com 93T FIPK/RMS S.P/RMS MBC 89SC Cupholder 66 Corvair 96 Cannondale R900 Spinergy ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 98 13:35:09 From: gseeley@island.net (Geoff Seeley) Subject: Re: MR2 MKII: Two sets of '93 repair manuals? Hi Byron (Byron), in <34AD2163.96EDFA3E@sj.bigger.net> on Jan 02 you wrote: > What I have found when contacting Toyota pubs is that the manual RM308U1 > is not available. I ordered both 308 manuals in Dec 92 and got a RM285U1 > and RM308U2. I have inquired numerous times, including today, and have > always been told that RM308U1 is not being printed or available. Seems > kind of strange, but they always assure me that the older version is > correct. Interesting, thanks for the info. My dealer hasn't phoned back (yet) so we'll see... I wonder why the "older" manual is regarded as "correct"??? Bueller?, Bueller?, Anyone?, Anyone? Geoff '91t, 226,450km ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 98 13:40:44 From: gseeley@island.net (Geoff Seeley) Subject: RE: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) Hi AVERY (AVERY DINAUER), in <01BD1761.035F84A0@sts07714.NAMC.COM> on Jan 2 you wrote: > I had to use the spacers in with the new struts on my 91T. After > removing all the old strut parts from the housing there was too > much space for the new Tokicos to move up and down. Interesting. Any idea on the space between the top of the gland nut and the top of the strut housing with your set up? I initially used the spacer but in measuring this distance (step #5 on the Tokico sheet) I found it was too large so I removed the spacer.. Geoff '91t, 226,450km ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 98 13:49:45 From: gseeley@island.net (Geoff Seeley) Subject: Re: MR2 aeroware > Date: Thu, 1 Jan 1998 22:50:40 -0008 > From: TerrySaltzman@home.com > > ive have the opportunity to pick up the aeroware side scoops for $90. > this is the only cosmetic enhancement i like to date. is > this a good price? the whole kit is available too but im not into Well, the original Aeroware price is $65 per scoop so it's not bad... Geoff '91t, 226,450km ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 02 Jan 1998 17:59:00 -0500 From: Phil Cutajar Subject: MR2 FS: MKII distributor cap, wires, and plugs Greetings folks, I have a set of OEM platinum spark plugs, plug wires, and a distributor cap for sale. All have just under 5000 miles on them. If anyone is interested in buying them please make me a reasonable offer. They'll be available in about 1 week, as soon as I get my new ones from Marc Summers. Please respond directly to me so it won't clutter the list. Thanks. BTW... my spark plugs have a sort of brownish tinge to them. They don't appear fouled or wet. I can't recall if this is normal. Does anyone remember what this means? - -- Phil Cutajar '93 MR2-Turbo, Super White, 75k miles K&N FIPK, MR2-PP MBC mailto:Solo2_MR2@ibm.net my web page:http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/6213/index.htm ICQ #6032611 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 15:12:52 -0800 From: Troy Pummill Subject: MR2 RE: aeroware and scanners Hi Terry... >two things: > >#1) >ive have the opportunity to pick up the aeroware side scoops for $90. >this is the only cosmetic enhancement i like to date. is >this a good price? Seems like a good price to me.... > >#2) >i was at radio shack and they have the newest model scanner on sale. >it has 300 channels, 800mhz, and "trunk lock?" is this a good radio ? >what is this "trunk" thingy, and is the 800mhz the "new gotta have" >scanner? well, if you live in an area that uses trunking, I guess you'd need a trunking scanner. I'll be truthful, I know what trunking is, but I haven't followed scanning closely enough lately to be informed about trunk following scanners. Otherwise, RS scanners are usually pretty good radios... I'd suggest a post to rec.radio.scanner.? > Please let me know if you have any more questions.... Troy ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 18:42:37 EST From: FZZR Subject: Re: MR2 MkII: The new suspension is installed... (2/2) In a message dated 98-01-02 12:36:49 EST, you write: << They were super stiff at first, after about 2-3 weeks they softened up and I currently have them set to 3 for street. I do have to face fairly good sized bumps around my area. I have the stock 14" rims. >> I myself noticed this. I thought it was just my imagination. I have the non adjustable Tokicos and I swear and a month or two they seam to not be as stiff as they where when they where new. ****************************************************** Chuck FZZR@AOL.COM 88 MR2 SC (149,000 miles) 89 Yamaha FZR 1000 (40,000) ******************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 16:43:50 -0800 From: "T. Guy" Subject: MR2 Re: Instrumentation Hey! You ask, "where would you put them?" (Full instrumentation), Take a look at the dash of a newer 4Runner. I have a 95 and it has the gas, temp, volt, and oil pressure gauge clustered around the tach and speedo. Great design. I don't like the idiot lights. They go on when somethings wrong! If you monitor your gauges (getting familier with the ranges during various conditions) you know when something isn't 100% BEFORE you have a problem. I don't really think this is a big deal, I just think that at least an oil pressure gauge should be included in a SPORTS car. c y a - -----Original Message----- From: David Hawkins To: gafus@intercomm.com Cc: mr2-digest@mr2.com Date: Friday, January 02, 1998 7:26 AM Subject: instrumentation >> Don't you think it odd that a >> car that is built with such sporty aspirations doesn't have full >> instrumentation? > >In today's computer driven age, no....if the sensor that works the >trouble lamps in the dash fails, it wouldn't send to a guage either. Of >course, you'd see the gauge fail... > >> Where is the oil pressure gauge? > >It's that little light that looks like an oil can... > >> The Volts? > >It's in the NA....and it's that little light that looks like a battery. > >> Why just speedo, tach, temp, fuel? > >Realistically, although it would be nice to monitor the entire engine (hey, >I fly airplanes for a living....wanna talk about gauge overkill?), These >are >the only items that the driver really has to interface with to perform his >job properly. Low oil? lamp. Low oil pressure? lamp. Bad output from >the alternator? lamp. Personally, I'd rather have the two huge gauges >that >we got than try to cram fifteen little gauges into the cluster. I'd love >to have >an oil temp and oil pressure gauge, but where are you going to put them?? >In the HyperRev, there are some people who mounted them in the dash pad, >and this looks really tacky IMHO. While we can put gauges in the ashtray >location, no major corporation is going to do that.... > >With the ECU monitoring everything and changing engine response >accordingly, multiple gauges are just niceties anymore. > >YMMV. > >David H. otgrouch@twosrus.com >93T FIPK/RMS S.P/RMS MBC >89SC Cupholder >66 Corvair >96 Cannondale R900 Spinergy > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 16:50:23 -0800 From: "T. Guy" Subject: MR2 Insurance Rates Olga e kay pasta David H.'s response to the 'new member' regarding their comment about high insurance for a MR2 Turbo got me wondering about rates around the country. What are you all paying per year? What model and year MR2? Full coverage? Location? T.Guy 93 Teal Turbo $1200/year Full coverage Reno, NV P.S. What in the world is 'trunking'? ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 19:03:53 -0700 From: "McQuillin, Gordon" Subject: NEW MR2 Style Wing. For all those interested in the new style of wing on the 98' MR2 (or is it 97' ?), If you look in the Feb Sports Compact Car issue on page 128 there is an ad for TC Spoilers and the bottem left picture shows what I am sure is a silver colored MKII with what they call the "New Universal GTR Style Wing" which looks like the new MR2's wing. Their phone number is 626/527-6998, and if anyone calls them I'd love to know how much they want for the wing, although I am already planning on the Aeroware wing. Hope this info is of use to someone. Have a great weekend. Gordon McQuillin 91'T Black ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 21:43:03 -0500 From: Chris Conlon Subject: MR2 MKI SC trans/clutch questions Hi, I'm planning to upgrade my engine and I'm trying to pick out a clutch that'll work well at the new power level. (200-225 crank HP) So far the only real candidates seem to be the TRD 9 puck kevlar, and whatever Centerforce is offering. Does anyone have experience, suggestions or price/supplier tips to share? I need a streetable clutch, and I've heard the TRD has a lighter than stock pedal feel with strong yet streetable grip. So far this *sounds* ideal to me. At the same time I guess I need to have my (E-51) transaxle rebuilt, due to the usual losing synchros. Is this the proper way to fix the problem, and will it be possible/easy to change the gear ratios at that time? I'm not quite happy with them now, and if it's a simple gear swap or the like, it seems like a good time to address the problem. Oh oops, one last question. Are any of the higher boost pulley setups (beyond the common HKS 10psi one) real enough to actually *buy*? Seems like lots of smoke but no fire... who do I call, what do they have and how much $$$? Thank you for your collective indulgance, Chris C. p.s. Happy New Year :) ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 18:59:42 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: MR2 aeroware scoop, BGB, EGR, timer, more mr2 people lots of stuff happening today: Aeroware scoop- thanx for all the replies looks like ill just pick up the scooops new with the hardware. i did not know you could buy the scoops separate. i thought you had to purchase the whole kit. cool. BGB- ordered the two BGBs for my 92turbo total cost $71.23. got them now, cuz the parts person said the new cd-roms are coming and sometimes the pricing changes. so i struck, so i wouldn't get stuck. EGR- picked up my 2nd EGR tube at the dealer too. $45.79. Greddy timer- picked up the greddy timer and harness (they have been selling like mad) the guy at PannAutosport told me you can hook it up to the E-brake for cutoff (greddy harness) as well as the aftermarket alarm. this will be done by a professional. timer&harness $100.00. install ~$40.00. is there anything that the installer needs to know that will help him with the install? like i said, i have the greddy harness and will interface with the e-brake and VSE alarm system. good things came out of all this money spent at the dealer& Pann: met 2 mr2 owners one has 91t SMG with lot of mods (intercooler, MBC, wrapped intake, BOV, lowered, 17", short shifter, filter...many more) and aeroware scoops and wing. god! does that look sweet in SMG. just the wing and scoops...gotta get em and lowered...the other guy (Jim)... 94t (filter,exhaust, timer,17", lowered, forest? green) nice carz and nice guyz. added em to the rally list (IMOC) one already belongs ones a virgin...love em virgins. get out there, get yackin, get em movin- terry btw- neither of these guyz had the egr or manifold problems...hhuuummm... ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 19:11:44 -0008 From: TerrySaltzman@home.com Subject: Re: MR2 MKI SC trans/clutch questions > Hi, > > I'm planning to upgrade my engine and I'm trying to pick out a clutch that'll > work well at the new power level. (200-225 crank HP) So far the only real > candidates seem to be the TRD 9 puck kevlar, and whatever Centerforce is > offering. Does anyone have experience, suggestions or price/supplier tips to > share? I need a streetable clutch, and I've heard the TRD has a lighter > than stock pedal feel with strong yet streetable grip. So far this *sounds* > ideal to me. yur right, it is "ideal." ive got one and its...well....BITCHIN! tends to have a moderate amount of chatter, but this is overcome by more throttle and not slipping the clutch (dump it). it seems to get even more "grabby" as the clutch heats up .the pedal action is VERY light and i REALLY like this. makes easy work of shifting. some folks like back pressure not me, im all for it being EASY! cabe toyota, in long beach, ca. mention "the mr2 digest" and subtract ~30% i think its around $270 cost? this is a good deal. good product. austin has one. i have one. who else? cabe toyota: 1.562.595.7411 contact- jeff barton (parts manager) rots-o-ruck terry ------------------------------ End of mr2-digest V2 #49