1985 Restored Red Mk1a MR2 (now with pics)

[tonigmr2]

That is a very impressive rescue job!

[seankenyon]

Thanks nice to know my efforts are appreciated by enthusiasts of the MR2 of which I am now one I love it

[Paul Cyclops]

Nice one, Sean.

Always heart-warming to see one brought back from the edge of oblivion - and yours was very much on that edge when you rescued it!

[seankenyon]

Thanks Paul, my confidence didn't even fade when we tried to tow it out of its resting/rotting place when we as good as ripped the front bumper off due to the reinforcement bar being rotten

[cartledge_uk]

Thanks Paul, my confidence didn't even fade when we tried to tow it out of its resting/rotting place when we as good as ripped the front bumper off due to the reinforcement bar being rotten

Thats becasue they arent the correct tow hoops

[seankenyon]

Some pics of the engine bay; the K&N fit perfectly that meant i didnt have to remove the airbox assembly i will be tidying up the airbox cover at some point though

Ive also ordered a Jimi bracket which i will spray black and will be fitting a strut brace (sprayed black also), going for the subtle approach

[Lauren]

I think it's alright to put a strut brace in the front, but I honestly woudn't bother putting one in the rear.

[seankenyon]

Thanks for the info. i believe a Mk2 Turbo rear ARB would be better but i was going to do that anyway

Im fitting Fensport lowering springs soon with standard struts though, how were yours with the Koni's?

[Lauren]

Handled very well tbh. Used to run it full stiff on the rear for the track and one turn for the road.

I think it is a good setup.

[seankenyon]

I wont be using it for track days but want to improve the handling from standard so im thinking Fensport springs only, rear ARB and road legal track tyres on the standard 14's, plus braided brake lines etc. and a wheel alignment afterwards

[Lauren]

If you're not going to track it, don't stick track type tyres on it. Just fit a decent road tyre.

Main issue is, not much in the way of tyre choice. C-Drives would be fine though.

[seankenyon]

Are C-Drives replacements for A539's?

[Lauren]

Yes, that's the idea anyway.

Traction in a MK1 isn't a problem, so you probably don't want super sticky tyres. Progression is key with tyres with a mid-engined car.

[seankenyon]

Jimi Bracket painted black

[elbon50]

Never seen a setup like you have behind your battery Sean

Is that an airbox ?

Where does t'other end of the big black pipe end up after it snakes round the battery ?

My intake comes through the rear boot from the grille on the O /S

Peter

[seankenyon]

Peter,

Mine is a UK Mk1a so it has the airbox in the engine bay, the cold air feed goes around the battery to a resonator box below, hope that helps

[Andy137]

Just carried out the K&N today, just removed all the original airbox and fed a tube up from the rear boot to under the filter.

[elbon50]

Peter,

Mine is a UK Mk1a so it has the airbox in the engine bay, the cold air feed goes around the battery to a resonator box below, hope that helps

Every day's a schoolday

Peter

[seankenyon]

Update:

Sourced some 15mm offset TSW Stealth Alloys with 195/50/15 Yokohama Parada / A539 Tyres which works really well, 15mm lowering springs next

[elbon50]

You seem to have a nice empty garage to keep the car in Sean

My car has had to stand outside summer & winter for 15 years

Hasn't done the old girl a power of good I think

Your bodywork & wheels look good. Quite a bit of offset iit seems

I have roadster wheels on mine, which I like

Peter