[MR2] Compression ratio results + stuff

[Aaron Willis]

Compression looks good already, but I'd still suggest checking the valve
clearance just because you can and should.  It doesn't cost anything to
measure the lash, other than maybe a new valve cover gasket and spark
plug tube seals, which are dirt cheap with the discount we give MR2
owners.  If valve lash is in spec, move on, and if not, correct those
that are out.

If the plugs are in good shape (not worn) and are the correct ND or NGK
items, leave them alone.  Nevermind the light color - tuning by spark
plug color is a technique that is only used at WOT.  They're going to
look very light after puttering around at light throttle in a modern EFI
engine running on modern fuel, so nothing you have seen is any
indication of fuel system failure.  A better way to spend money on the
fuel system is to send the injectors off to WitchHunter -
http://www.witchhunter.com/ - to get them cleaned and analyzed at
something like $18 each.  Who knows how cruddy they are by now?  May as
well clean them and get a before and after flow report so that you know
they are performing as they should.

Fenders and bumpers aren't cheap, period - nor should they be, but I'll
get to that in a moment.  I never like to turn away business, but the
cost of shipping and likelihood of damage make some bumpers and fenders
impractical to sell.  MkII bumpers in particular are one of a few parts
we prefer not to ship, period, because we can't provide a deep enough
discount to cover the exorbitant cost of shipping.  Fenders aren't quite
so costly to ship, but they are vulnerable and still fairly bulky, so to
pack and ship them properly does cost some money.  Realistically, both
parts will have to be painted by a body shop anyway.  With that in mind,
you may be better off negotiating with your painter to see if they will
buy the parts locally from their preferred dealer and let you pay their
wholesale cost.

Unless you have your heart set on a different look, go with OEM body
parts.  I have seen some seriously wonky body panels, and it's not worth
saving a few bucks to get a part that's almost correct.  If cheaper
aftermarket crash parts even exist for these cars, I wouldn't want to be
the one to try them.  

One last point, and I say this knowing up front that it may come across
a little harsh.  Much of the stuff you see on eBay is there because eBay
shoppers are looking for the *lowest price* they can find.  To that end,
many of the products for sale are the very cheapest things known to man,
because they are specifically built to sell at the *lowest price*
possible.  Think about that for a moment.  Cheap parts are cheap for a
reason!

Toyota built your car to a high standard of quality; you're not driving
an eBay MR2.  Keep it that way!


On Sat, 2 Jan 2010 00:06:36 -0500, "J Treadwell"
<DBSS_Gohan at hotmail.com> said:
> Alright, I havent gotten the valve adjustments done yet, I'm onto that
> next. I wondered how the valve adjustments could offset these compression
> numbers, because I just did my first oil change, compression check, and
> tightened the E-brake cable so it works again.
> The numbers from the test are as follows
> 
> Cylinder 
> 1: 160
> 2: 170
> 3: 163
> 4: 165
> 
> I havent opened up the valve cover yet, but I'll start looking for these
> parts so I can do my valve adjustments. 
> I am pretty satisfied with the readings, but would still like to see them
> after valve adjustments, does anyone have anything to comment on this? By
> the way, My car is a 93 2.2 5AFE, It's not an MK1, though I do love MK1s,
> I just noticed several people mentioning shim possibilities for the MK1,
> and I was wondering if the same was available for the MK2. 
> 
> Another question I have pertains to the airbox. I've been considering
> replacing the airbox with a high quality cone air filter I have, but have
> noticed a single wire lead running to the box. Does anyone have any
> information on changing intakes, and if it is a good idea, if there are
> any benefits, besides the thing that I would be most interested in,
> cleaning up some space to reach around in the engine bay. 
> 
> Another issue, that does not entirely concern me, but almost does is, my
> plugs are all very white. Cylinder 1 and 2 were pretty white, Number 3
> and 4 were not as white, but whitish. I am concerned about the fuel
> system. Current plan would be to replace the fuel filter, and hope that
> fixes it, and pray the fuel pump is ok. In the MK2, Is there an overhead
> access for the fuel pump? Or must you do the dreaded dropping of the Fuel
> tank to replace the fuel pump? (And then cut an access door if you ever
> want to change your fuel pump again...)
> 
> And does anyone have a good place to source Fenders and bumpers cheap?
> Ebay seems to be cheapest right now, I'm going to try Certifit, but It
> doesn't look like they carry MR2 parts. 
> 
> So what does everyone think of the compression numbers? Good to go? Or
> worry about the valves and then re-check?
> 
> Thank you,
> --John
-- 
Aaron Willis - '85 AW11 7A-GE, MSnS-Extra, E85, etc
Club discount on OEM Toyota parts - email me at work! awillis at lithia.com