So its about time I started a journal for my MR2
Quick background, I was a big Ford fan until I drove a BMW and instantly thought I need one!!!
I ended up buying a E36 320, then sold that and bought a E36 323. I had my first winter in a rear wheel drive and wrote it off
This is when I learnt what lift off over steer is
Anyway, not disheartened I bought a E36 328 and thats when I started to spend a lot of money turning it into the car I wanted. Thousands later I ended up with this
I was so proud of this car because it had only ever once seen a mechanic for a clutch change and everything else was done by me (except arch rolling). Really do miss her
At this point I was in my 2nd year of my PhD and had to quit my night shift job (paid really well). Funds were low and BM was costing me a packet and like an idiot I racked up some debt!
Anyway I ended up taking the BM back to standard, sold all the bits off, bought a fiesta 1.25 zetec and started paying off my debt.
This lasted a whole 4 months before I decided I have had enough and wanted something nicer/quicker.....
During my night shift job one of my colleges was Duvva Duvva (IMOC member). His MR2 was so lovely. Packed with goodies; lovely bodykit, defi gauges everywhere, custom seats, loads of mods and Im sure he has a Blitz Nur Spec
Since then Ive always wanted a MR2. Dont get me wrong, I love BMs and as soon as I finish my PhD and get a job Im buying a mint E36 M3 Evo. Got to be a coupe and has to be manual!!
Anyway for now I though a nice Rev 5 sonic shadow is what I want. I though the insurance/petrol wouldnt be too bad and started to look for one.
On 27th August 2011 I bought my first MR2 from Bradford and drove back to London. Its a funny story because the car was for sale on ebay in Hertfordshire, I bidded and lost out. The guy who won was a dealer and made some money on me because I still wanted the car! And here she is:
The bodywork was mint and the alloys didnt have a mark on them. I instantly fell in love with this car. I also thought I would never own a car that you could take the roof off. Unnecessarily heavy and for posers.....Looks like I became a poser and Im loving every minute of it. Taking off the roof any chance I get
Anyway back to the 2. She looked sweet but wasn't running that well. I knew as soon as I drove her she just needed a good service and she would run sweet.
The same day I had to remove that stupid windscreen cover thing. You could hardly see anything!!
Next up was a much needed service:
Plugs
Uprated Leads,
Oil
Oil Filter
Fuel Filter
Dizzy Cap and Rotor Arm
Next up was sorting out the dodgy induction kit:
I went back to standard (Thanks Kayjay for sorting me out a standard box).
Then a few weeks later I ended up winning a Apexi induction kit on ebay She now sounds sweet!!!
Next up was a trip to Luke a Pacific Works. The guy really is a MR2 Jedi!!!
For the 1st time in my life I've found a mechanic who's attention to detail is better than mine. I'm not saying I'm a good mechanic but whenever I gave my car to a mechanic I never found they put as much effort as I would and i always use specialists!!
Anyway I popped down to Luke to get my Cambelt, tensioner, idler, water pump and thermostat changed. They guy was a legend and found loads of non-Toyota bolts and replaced them for the correct ones.
Since then its been a fun ride. Car not needing much apart from some headlight bulbs. I searched the forum and the best ones seemed to be those night breaker ones and you guys were right
Next up was another oil service. Whenever I buy a new car I try to do a few oil serviced quite frequently. Just for peace of mind because you never know what engine oil has been used before and how often its been done.
A few months ago I let my dad borrow my car as his one was in the garage. He only went and curbed the xxxx out of it!!!! Turning my mint set of alloys into crap. To make matters worse he curbed both fronts
So this was the perfect excuse to buy some Sparco NS2s
I also needed these Shank style bolts to hold the nuts in. I got them from rare rims on ebay. I must say they are great. Excellent customer service and really quick delivery:
After reading a few refurb threads I saw that Cardhore gave some feedback on his recent refurb so I have been in contact with him and Next month my Alloys get refurbed.
I have no idea what colour to do but I'm really liking the idea of Shadow Chrome. When I heard the name I thought it was a bit Chavvy but then I googled a few pics and found this
Right time for the good stuff!!!
In Feb I bought a smashed up Rev 3 turbo
The plan was that my 'so-called' mate would let me use his garage, crane and together we would do the conversion.
We would take our time, get the job done properly. He's done a few before since he owned an MR2.
The day I took the interior and rear lights out he told me he want £400 for his help and tools. What a xxxxxx right hand jockey!!!!
Put a total spanner in the works and made me reconsider the whole thing. I don't really have the cash to take the loss of the car but thankfully Luke came to the rescue and the car is now at Pacific Works!!!!!
I will say it again, the guys a legend and hopefully in the next 2 weeks I will be 'turboed-up'.
The car has HKS silent exhaust system, Blitz dump valve and HKS induction kit.
I got a call from Luke today and its good news. The engine has passed the all important compression test and looks to be a solid lump. Thank God
I've also been spending money on ebay.
I bought a tax disc holder (big spender)
A Rhon Gearnob (Thanks Jonny Hizzle) and I ordered the gear/handbrake gaitor from Rhon himself. My ones are knackered!
I also wanted to sort out my sounds. I had a huge set up in my BMW and nothing actually fits in my 2 (apart from the components) .
I won a bass enclosure (the one from here that fits behind the seat) on ebay for £15. I also won a vibe active 10" sub so hopefully I will start fitting everything in soon.
That's about it for now.
Expect an update within the next 2 weeks on the turbo progress and ICE install.
Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Moderators: IMOC Moderators, IMOC Committee Members
Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Last edited by Krish on Tue May 20, 2014 1:57 pm, edited 18 times in total.
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Love the car! Its such a shame your changing the alloys they look great.
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Nice write up!
Thank God you're changing those wheels though, IMO they let the whole car down. The Sparco's will look ace!
Thank God you're changing those wheels though, IMO they let the whole car down. The Sparco's will look ace!
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
JayUK91 wrote:Nice write up!
Thank God you're changing those wheels though, IMO they let the whole car down. The Sparco's will look ace!
lol obviously a bit marmite!!
-
- Posts: 391
- Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:42 pm
- Location: bordon :( or carlisle :)
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
aye that's nice that mate.
also glad you are changing the wheels. they're nice enough like, but not on an mr2, not for me anyway!
stu.
also glad you are changing the wheels. they're nice enough like, but not on an mr2, not for me anyway!
stu.
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Awesome car mate, plans sound
tuned in
tuned in
-
- Posts: 2726
- Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:47 pm
- Location: Coalville, Leics
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Brilliant stuff mate, I`m sure you wont regret going turbo.
Dans Modified MR2 Turbo >>> http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/garage.php ... e&CID=2727
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Cheers guys, I think the alloys look ok but there not staggered and they are really heavy!
Can't wait to get the conversion done. I'm itching to feel some boost!!
I got my gear gaitor and handbreak gaitor today. Not sure what glue to use.
I also need some plywood to mount the amps in the frunk!
Weather looks xxxx this weekend so not sure how much work I can get done!
Can't wait to get the conversion done. I'm itching to feel some boost!!
I got my gear gaitor and handbreak gaitor today. Not sure what glue to use.
I also need some plywood to mount the amps in the frunk!
Weather looks xxxx this weekend so not sure how much work I can get done!
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
cupra curn wrote:Love the car! Its such a shame your changing the alloys they look great.
They should be up for sale soon. You can make me an offer on them
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Right been a nice week of parts deliveries and getting some sounds done. I only worked on the sounds on Friday so not much progress.
Here are a few pics of parts delivered:
Rhon gear and handbrake gaiter and tax disc holder (No glue, not fitted )
Charge Cooler Kit
Need to stop spending money now!!!!!!
Fiat Rad and fan switch
Marine pump
Sounds install:
I bought a vibe sub and amp ready for retrofit. Not sure how its all going to sound but as long as it plays something decent I'm going to be happy.
To be honest I can't really notice the difference between good and great sound systems so hopefully I will be happy. Loads more to install but the car is now with Luke for the next 2 weeks so will have to just be happy with the sound from the exhaust and dump valve
Right the work getting done by Luke:
NA to Turbo Conversion
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Gearbox oil
Fuel filter
Brake Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Coolant
Cam belt
Tensioner
Idler
Water pump
Thermostat
Charge cooler kit
Engine bay bling
Fix ABS problem
Fix Handbrake problem
Fix fuel filter leak
Replace all front studs and nuts
Replace Radiator (the engine one)
Right I shall be back when I get an update from Luke. I'm so glad he's doing the conversion. Just speaking to him for a few minutes about ideas he has lets me know he's the best guy for the job
Here are a few pics of parts delivered:
Rhon gear and handbrake gaiter and tax disc holder (No glue, not fitted )
Charge Cooler Kit
Need to stop spending money now!!!!!!
Fiat Rad and fan switch
Marine pump
Sounds install:
I bought a vibe sub and amp ready for retrofit. Not sure how its all going to sound but as long as it plays something decent I'm going to be happy.
To be honest I can't really notice the difference between good and great sound systems so hopefully I will be happy. Loads more to install but the car is now with Luke for the next 2 weeks so will have to just be happy with the sound from the exhaust and dump valve
Right the work getting done by Luke:
NA to Turbo Conversion
Engine Oil
Oil Filter
Gearbox oil
Fuel filter
Brake Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Coolant
Cam belt
Tensioner
Idler
Water pump
Thermostat
Charge cooler kit
Engine bay bling
Fix ABS problem
Fix Handbrake problem
Fix fuel filter leak
Replace all front studs and nuts
Replace Radiator (the engine one)
Right I shall be back when I get an update from Luke. I'm so glad he's doing the conversion. Just speaking to him for a few minutes about ideas he has lets me know he's the best guy for the job
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Great write up Krish and I do agree the Sparcos are much better.
Thanks for the communications about your old gearbox, I have spoken to Luke and will sort it out with him next week. Good luck, I am sure you'll become addicted to the boost
BTW - what are you doing your PhD in?
Thanks for the communications about your old gearbox, I have spoken to Luke and will sort it out with him next week. Good luck, I am sure you'll become addicted to the boost
BTW - what are you doing your PhD in?
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Torero wrote:Great write up Krish and I do agree the Sparcos are much better.
Thanks for the communications about your old gearbox, I have spoken to Luke and will sort it out with him next week. Good luck, I am sure you'll become addicted to the boost
BTW - what are you doing your PhD in?
Thanks mate, Glad your finally getting the box
Yep, I think the Sparcos will be an improvement in both handling and looks! Although the refurb has been put back a bit since I wanted to get the charge cooler done and costs are spiralling out of control!!!
PhD is in Aerodynamics. Mainly using CFD (Software Simulations) to predict the performance characteristics of wings with some ice build-up. The PhD is sponsored by Airbus so were trying to reduce the weight of all the heavy anti-icing equipment. Its going well and I've had some interesting results so far.
Deadlines in July so really should be focused on that but I'm a bit distracted by the 2
How's you build coming along?
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Got my insurance all sort out today!!!!
I'm with A-plan and my current insurance is £760 FC and the increase in premium for converting to a turbo with all mods declared
is................................................
£55!!!!!!!!!
I'm with A-plan and my current insurance is £760 FC and the increase in premium for converting to a turbo with all mods declared
is................................................
£55!!!!!!!!!
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
More good news people!!!!
My brother-in-law just got a huge tax rebate and is paying for my refurb!!!!!
So next month I can buy the tyres and get them put on. Cant wait!!!!!!
As for colour and tyres its all more confusing!!
After speaking to Luke he gave me a few ideas and now thinking about having a silver centre and black lip.
I really like the idea of it!!!!!
Then there's tyres....
In my BMW I swore by Continental Sport Contact 2s or 3s. I really liked the way the back end stepped out on the BM. It was nice and progressive. I could control it well with the continentals! When I got the MR2 it had Toyo Proxies T1-Rs. I think they are very good as well (Not as good as the contis in the rain though). They are a little soft though. I got through a fresh set in 6 months (No alignment issues at all)
The Toyos come in at £100 cheaper than the Contis.
I'm leaning towards the Toyos purely because of costs!
Lets see what the budget saying next month. This month... I'M BROKE!!!
My brother-in-law just got a huge tax rebate and is paying for my refurb!!!!!
So next month I can buy the tyres and get them put on. Cant wait!!!!!!
As for colour and tyres its all more confusing!!
After speaking to Luke he gave me a few ideas and now thinking about having a silver centre and black lip.
I really like the idea of it!!!!!
Then there's tyres....
In my BMW I swore by Continental Sport Contact 2s or 3s. I really liked the way the back end stepped out on the BM. It was nice and progressive. I could control it well with the continentals! When I got the MR2 it had Toyo Proxies T1-Rs. I think they are very good as well (Not as good as the contis in the rain though). They are a little soft though. I got through a fresh set in 6 months (No alignment issues at all)
The Toyos come in at £100 cheaper than the Contis.
I'm leaning towards the Toyos purely because of costs!
Lets see what the budget saying next month. This month... I'M BROKE!!!
-
- Posts: 2726
- Joined: Mon Jun 25, 2007 9:47 pm
- Location: Coalville, Leics
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
lol, yeah they are moneypits these cars when you get the bug!
Dans Modified MR2 Turbo >>> http://www.imoc.co.uk/forums/garage.php ... e&CID=2727
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
Dan definitely a money pit. I said to myself that I won't go crazy but I think its too late for that now
Browsed your journal the other day. Progress on yours looks good
Luke's working his magic as we speak so not long to go now. I still need to get my alloys done and buy some tyres at the end of the month; I've decided to go Continental. It's costing a lot more but I want them!
Anyway, Luke sent me some pics!!!!!!!!
Browsed your journal the other day. Progress on yours looks good
Luke's working his magic as we speak so not long to go now. I still need to get my alloys done and buy some tyres at the end of the month; I've decided to go Continental. It's costing a lot more but I want them!
Anyway, Luke sent me some pics!!!!!!!!
-
- IMOC Affiliated Company
- Posts: 4928
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:33 am
- Location: 01442 601301
- Contact:
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
The engine is going to look saaaaweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!
A polished airbox would finish it off!
A polished airbox would finish it off!
-
- IMOC Affiliated Company
- Posts: 4928
- Joined: Tue Dec 14, 2004 9:33 am
- Location: 01442 601301
- Contact:
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
:mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:
That looks sweet!!!!! Can't wait to get the car back!!!!!!
The list of things to do is endless. Although a polished airbox sounds good!!!!!! One more thing to add to the list
That looks sweet!!!!! Can't wait to get the car back!!!!!!
The list of things to do is endless. Although a polished airbox sounds good!!!!!! One more thing to add to the list
-
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2011 2:36 pm
- Location: blackpool
Re: Krish's MR2 - CONVERSION FINISHED - LOVING IT - pg5
looking good man , ive just done turbo conversion myself on my drive! nightmare but now i found myself trying to drive the car as much as i can!
even trips to shop round corner!
what sort of power you aiming for pal?
even trips to shop round corner!
what sort of power you aiming for pal?