so i got a rev1 and non staggered wheels, never slid or skidded!

[g.lewarne]

so im not sure whats going on here, but all these reports about the mk2's, in partiucular the rev1s being very tail happy - cant say it has ever happened to me.

I have non staggered 17s, completely stock suspension and even if i try i cant get it to step out of line unless im really, really stupid about it and I have to try really hard.

Got a corner i go around every day from work, its about 100 degrees over maybe 100 yards, cambered too. i go round this at 40 (the limit) whether its wet or dry, never even a hint of letting go.

dont have problems with roundabouts, slip roads, cambered roads, anythying really.

Even if its absolutely chucking down it feels the same as when its dry!

so what gives with the reputation? anybody elses similar?

[loudandproud205]

Turbo!

[g.lewarne]

Turbo!

does it really just come down to the amount of torque going to the rears?

im not a slow driver, but i keep within the limits.

[loudandproud205]

As a new to mid engine RWD turbo car they are deadly for those that don't treat them with respect or are not 100% sure of whats happening.

I was unlucky with mine in the November monsoons in 2009 and managed to loose the back end in to a barrier on the A1, I was not 100% alert as traffic was only just above 50mph and hit massive standing water, add that to not having the car long equals mess and bad rep (all driver error).

Mine sticks right enough, its more the balance between where its 'safe' and when it lets go, push them hard and things happen very fast

The car will only do what the driver inputs so in reality the car is as safe as the person driving it, but yes I would say turbo model is alot less forgiving than it's N/A counterpart.

[cvega666]

i've spun out my rev3 NA twice, on std. 15inch staggered wheels, once on a wet road (doesnt really count), but once in the dry going reeeally fast around a very bumpy roundabout. That second one was quite scary as i definately didnt expect it.

conclusion : i think you're going too slow!


incidentally, i have yet to spin my turbo out..

[g.lewarne]

interesting responses guys!

lol @ going too slow

[leenjenna]

Glad this has been brought up, im looking at getting some new wheels for my 2 soon and most are non staggered and was getting a little worried. But seeing as I have the slowest N/A going looks like ill be ok.

Cheers

Lee

[craig]

I had a rev1 MR2 with 7x17 BK wheels with 205/40/17 tyres all round. The back loved to step out of that thing

Went round a roundabout in the wet, normal speed and went sideways massive

Ran staggered with correct tyre sizes since

[leenjenna]

So is it under normal driving conditions it will do it or only if your giving it a bit of welly?

[g.lewarne]

So is it under normal driving conditions it will do it or only if your giving it a bit of welly?

doesnt seem to matter on mine, stays where i put it whatever the road conditions. perhaps im lucky, dont really know.

my specs:


7j ET38 rims all round
205/40/17 front
215/40/17 rear
all tyres are Avon ZZ3, all same age and same mileage
geometry done to standard toyota specs

All standard suspension components with new
- 4x Ebay drop links
- 4x stock toyota ARB bushes
- 4x motor factor balljoints
- Recon steering rack + new motor factor track rod ends
- 2x stock toyota front top mounts

springs / shocks all original from factory

*disclaimer* this is my experience only, no gurantees or legal liabilities for my comments or experiences applied to other vehicles!

[James MR2 Turbo]

I think the LSD makes a huge difference, if I want to get the ar$e out on my Rev2 Turbo its fairly easy (and I only drive it in the dry) and as far I know its fitted with the standard LSD.

[vmaxnick]

A kiddie was right on top of my spoiler in a focus RS last autumn, I waited until we just passed the end of speed restriction signs, then planted my boot into the Axminster. As I accelerated through a lightly wooded area, the car started to slew left on the leafy road, I just lightly lifted and the rear snapped right. More from fear than skill, I planted my foot back down and it straightened out. We carried on a little dust up for a few miles, until I pulled into my drive. The lad pulled up behind me and thanked me for the very entertaining spectacle.
LSD is on my shopping list when I've a few more pennies!

[JohnnyC]

You have to be an idiot to spin any car.

I span mine after 8 years of ownership

[loudandproud205]

I see that you are running staggered tyre set up thou.

205 Front
215 Rear

[leenjenna]

I span my front wheel drive civic on my first day of driving, im still nervy of roundabout now!

It was a diesel soaked roundabout and was raining. Thats my excuse anyway.

[g.lewarne]

I see that you are running staggered tyre set up thou.

205 Front
215 Rear

Only 1 cm though, and since all wheels are same offstet the front track is actually a little wider than rear!

[cvega666]

im running non staggered BK wheels +5mm spacers in the rear, but staggered tyre setup (215 front, 235 rear).

[HighwayStar]

I've a 20 mm tyre stagger, 205/50 and 225/50 but on non staggered 7" rims. Spacing the rears each 15mm made the car feel loads better and look much better too. The thing to consider is when it does let go how quickly it all happens and what experience you have... oversteer is a different beastie to understeer for those used to fwd.
I've spun mine once when I'd had it a few months or so and didn't know about staggered rubber.... bought it with 225s all round! Can still get the ar$e out if I want and it's wet. It's just throttle and lock...

R.

[axgizmo]

My old MR2
Mk2, Rev 1, N/A UK 3SFE - Non staggered wheels
Shocking on the handling! Slightest bit of damp and she was off course!

My Current MR2
MK2, Rev 1, N/A 3SGE - Staggered wheels
Perfect, handles spot on but kicks out when I give it the chance

[SonicSW20]

Rev4, NA stock wheels, stock suspension, Advan A022's rear, Toyo T1R's front.

I put it into a tree, granted not knowing the roads and the conditions were the deciding factors here, learnt my lesson and only came out of it with some dodgy toe out at the back, buckled front wheels and a couple of bent (or destroyed) panels - suspension, steering, chassis etc were all OK. New wing, new front wheels and two laser alignments later, and everything is well.

I think with the MR2, people new to MR cars don't really realise how little leeway you have on the limit compared to an FF or FR car. Saying that though, look at some of the TVR wedge horror stories - somehow finding yourself pointing the wrong way in the middle of the highstreet