**UPDATED** 1991 Rev 1 (Beastly V6 1MZ-FE VVTI) **UPDATED**

[craig]

Nice work mate, love this thread

Tuned in for more updates

[MR2O12]

Front looks so much sleeker without the oversized fogs on most mr2s

[jack-p]

awesome work Karl, you can actually see the drop on the front.

[KarlBristol]

Fair play mate. The break overhall looks like great work. Its very high up on my list. Like you I am just going to try new calipers and Hoses. Hope I dont need to do the lines.

Cheers mate it's slowly getting there, I am well chuffed with the results though.

The upgraded brakes makes a huge difference in the feel of the car - it actually stops now. You will definitely notice a change.

Tbh once youve got all the kit running in new brake lines isn't too bad a job and it really future proofs the car. Plus the braking system will only be as strong as its weakest component - hopefully this will sort it out a bit.

I've got loads and loads of spares for the brake lines (probably enough for another 3 cars with what I've currently got). I'm more than happy to lend a hand and do this to other peoples cars if they so desire

The mot is on the 31st, so thats my next main priority. My rear calipers are officially on order on the 1st, so I'm hoping to redo all of the brakes and suspension at the rear before the end of next month

I also need to fit my x2 new bezel suspension cups to the front suspension as well, which will probably come first tbh, just so that the fronts are fully finished before I start the rears.

Nice work mate, love this thread

Tuned in for more updates

Cheers mate. Always nice to get positive comments.

Hoping that updates will be rolling in as steadily as every - despite the complaints of my partner and the bank manager! Lol

Front looks so much sleeker without the oversized fogs on most mr2s

Cheers mate. I agree that the rev1 3sfe bumper definately is the best of the stock ones. When I've finished with this round of major mechanical parts I will be getting the front bumper properly debated and resprayed. The number plate will then be relocated to the grill recess. Should look even sleeker then

Just a matter of time and money... Mainly time ATM! Lol. Seem to be working too much for my liking recently. Time to change job methinks, lol.

awesome work Karl, you can actually see the drop on the front.

It is noticeable isn't it. It makes a difference to the drive as well, it seems to stick better in corners now as well

We just need to finish of the fronts quickly so that we can crack on and fit the rears it's going to look immense

When we've done that we need to sort out your brakes mate... Car weekend soon?

[Magic Beans]

She's looking superb

Doing any other shows this year? It would be good to see it in person and meet the creator

[KarlBristol]

Well only a mini update before work today

My knackered, cracked 23 year old screen was replaced today

Here he is working on the car:



And a few shots of the shiny, new, umblemished windscreen







It makes a suprising difference to the overall apperance/tidyness of the car

Well chuffed!!

[Glenn_k]

I'm really enjoying your thoroughness and high-quality work. Great way of setting an example there!

[KarlBristol]

I'm really enjoying your thoroughness and high-quality work. Great way of setting an example there!

Thanks mate - I am trying. I just wish there were more hours in the day and more money in the bank sometimes! Lol.

This time next year it should be cosmetically where I want it to be... But then I have more mechanics to do. My eventual aim is to basically have a brand new rev1 which is OEM+

Slowly but surely...

[Magic Beans]

You could get a turbo conversion

[KarlBristol]

She's looking superb

Doing any other shows this year? It would be good to see it in person and meet the creator

Hi mate - thanks

Not sure about any other shows - mainly because of my shifts. Would like to turn out to more - just need another job before i can! Lol

Going to try and get to jae. There's a classic car event in yate, bristol in July which I will probably turn out to. Not too sure about Japfest2 yet (which if memory serves correct is at Santa pod??) we shall see...

Most importantly I'm going to the meet I've organised in Bristol on the 07/07/12 which is already up to 20 mr2s attending

Would be good to meet you mate - we shall have to organise something...

[KarlBristol]

You could get a turbo conversion

Lol - not yet

If the engine gets dropped it would be for a v6, v8, or possibly if finances allow a v12 just after a nice solid car first to act as a good base and the review the situation in the future ...

Not a massive fan on tubs tbh. There's lag and no immediate power, plus they aren't as reliable and I'd be spending all my time worrying it would break down. Now a v12 on the other hand would simply own absolutely everything it came up against and could still be a reliable daily runner when the misses steals my other car(s)! Lol

[craig]

[ There's lag and no immediate power, plus they aren't as reliable and I'd be spending all my time worrying it would break down. Now a v12 on the other hand would simply own absolutely everything it came up against and could still be a reliable daily runner when the misses steals my other car(s)! Lol

MR2 Turbos aint laggy at all, have you ever driven an MR2 Turbo? No immediate power? Boost comes on strong from 3K RPM all the way to the redline on a rev3. Aren't as reliable as an NA? Where do you draw your conclusions from on that?

V12 MK2? Best sell your house for that conversion!!

[KarlBristol]

[ There's lag and no immediate power, plus they aren't as reliable and I'd be spending all my time worrying it would break down. Now a v12 on the other hand would simply own absolutely everything it came up against and could still be a reliable daily runner when the misses steals my other car(s)! Lol

MR2 Turbos aint laggy at all, have you ever driven an MR2 Turbo? No immediate power? Boost comes on strong from 3K RPM all the way to the redline on a rev3. Aren't as reliable as an NA? Where do you draw your conclusions from on that?

V12 MK2? Best sell your house for that conversion!!

I'm just basing the turbo lag on a few posts I've read and previous turbos that I've owned (although they weren't mr2s). I meant when your on a 1-1.5k idle and then floor the car it takes a while to kick in as opposed to the immediate power you'd get with an na.

This says it all regarding turbo lag:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turbocharger

I've always been told that nas are more reliable than turbos and that there is less to go wrong. I would tend to agree with this in my experience of cars (having now owned 23 vehicles) although to be fair I've owned some sheds of turbos compared to some new na's. I might be wrong? I appreciate that a lot of the reliability issues on most cars are drawn from poor ownership and maintenance

I've always got a car savings pot on the go for a v12 conversion ... Besides I'm trying to sell my place now anyway Lol

[KarlBristol]

A v12 db7 engine at a decent price ...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aston-Martin- ... _500wt_922

But how much would a conversion cost

Flicks through yellow pages for numbers... Lol


That's the plan anyway, but probably in about 3-4 years when everything else is new and replaced on the mr2 and I've moved house again

Or it might stay standard...

[riot68]

I think a 3.5 V6 would do stick in the TRD supercharger and woosh haha.

Good work too on the car, never cease to be amazed at the amount of stuff you get done.

BTW Japfest2 is at Donnington, I should be going, Japshow is at Santa Pod on 17th June. Japfest2 8th July I think...

[DAN_REV1_TURBO]

plus they aren't as reliable and I'd be spending all my time worrying it would break down

Mate my MR2 Turbo has NEVER let me down. Niggles yes, breakdowns = Zero. Keep them maintained and replace parts as necessary the same as any motor and they are very reliable.

it takes a while to kick in as opposed to the immediate power you'd get with an na.

Someone needs to give you a ride in an MR2 Turbo! Immediate power! Oh, and then the turbo kicks in.

[Magic Beans]

She's looking superb

Doing any other shows this year? It would be good to see it in person and meet the creator

Hi mate - thanks

Not sure about any other shows - mainly because of my shifts. Would like to turn out to more - just need another job before i can! Lol

Going to try and get to jae. There's a classic car event in yate, bristol in July which I will probably turn out to. Not too sure about Japfest2 yet (which if memory serves correct is at Santa pod??) we shall see...

Most importantly I'm going to the meet I've organised in Bristol on the 07/07/12 which is already up to 20 mr2s attending

Would be good to meet you mate - we shall have to organise something...

Japshow is at Santa Pod next month (17th I believe). There's a healthy group starting to form who are all going. Come with if you're free

[les85]

V12 in an MR2 can be done, how much it will set you back tho is a different matter lol

[KarlBristol]

I'm in a very bad mood today following the MOT!!!!

I took my car to an uber cheap MOT centre that do the test whilst you wait centre. (I will disclose the name if asked!!) Worst mistake I have ever made!!!


The car failed its MOT on the following issues:

1) Windscreen wipers not clearing screen
I fitted brand new wipers 2 weeks ago and a new screen the other day

2) The n/s front brake hose wasn't clipped back
This was to be expected as the retaining clips are on order and haven't been delivered yet

3) The o/s front brake hose wasn't clipped back
As above! lol

4) Rust on n/s rear sill

5) Rust on o/s rear sill

6) Split to o/s rear sill

As you all know through my thread I have had one of the sills completly cut out and replaced. The other sill was in very good condition - all of this work was completed by a classic car specialist

7) Suspension bolt on n/s front is loose

Pretty sure it isn't - but thats a 2 minute job anyway



Well I fell out with the MOT tester regarding the first point, the second and third point I accept fully (I did a last minute trip to all local car shops yesterday and nowhere had them! lol)

In relation to the rust I had a full blown argument with the MOT tester and centre manager that eventually resulted in me being told to leave the centre, or as they put it "F**K OFF OUT OF HERE AND DON'T COME BACK"

Needless to say I was fuming!!!!

I got back home and looked at the sills - it would appear that the garage has incorrectly jacked the car and crushed both rear sills (bowing the offside one aswell). Having then crushed these sills the weight of the car has caused a crack further along the sill!!! So the garage has failed my car primarily on extensive damage that they have caused

Talk about incompetance!!!!

Having already complained and being told where to go I feel its pointless returning to them to complain again. Instead I thought I'd leave the car with people I trust.

So I took a trip over to my car bodyshop who is friendly with an MOT tester....

I have been assured fully that they will pass the car, and do all relevant work to do so. Having had a chat with the tester here's what happening:

I've now found brake hose clips and so they will fit those. They will also tighten any loose suspension bolts (literally a 2 second job)

The local MOT tester looked at the windscreen wipers and just could not understand how they failed it at all

In relation to the sills he was in awe, and couldn't believe the extent of damage that had been caused!! He said that there was no rust there and would happily pass them as they were in relation to that. He said that he would put the sills down as an advisory as they stand due to the shape of them.

Following the mot the car is being taken by my classic car restorer from the garage. Having agreed a huge bill with him the following work is going to be completed (will take about a month)

1 ) Rear o/s sill will be cut out, a new one custom manufactured and fitted
2 ) Rear n/s sill will be cut out, a new one custom manufactured and fitted
3 ) Bonnet will be resprayed
4 ) Windscreen surround will be resprayed
5 ) Headlight covers will be resprayed
6 ) Front bumper will be properly debadged and smoothed
7 ) Front number plate will be relocated to the set back grill area below where it currently is. This will protect the radiator more and will also look a lot smoother
8 ) Front bumper respray
9 ) A few minor touch in cosmetic works around the car
10) Both front wings resprayed and then blended into the doors

All new bolts, screws, fixings etc will be used to secure the car back together

Needless to say my repair/repray/custom work bill is literally in the £1000's!!!!

However cosmetically it will be nearly where I want it to be. It should look near perfect following all this work


I will upload pics of the damage shortly....


Guess the V12 conversion is definately a pipe dream now

[KarlBristol]

Pretty rubbish photos as I only took them quickly before deserting my car

Buckled and warped sill caused by the mot test station
God knows how they can state that this sill has rust!!!





I didn't manage to grab a photo of the properly crushed sill - its literally non existant now. You get the idea as to what it looks like

Here is the split in the sill that they have caused



This is really gutting given the amount of money that I'm throwing at the car!!!!

Fingers crossed it looks like a new car when I get it back