3SGTE Roadster - update 13.2 @ 108mph 1/4 mile

[Lee H]

Put the first 60 miles on since the engine swap and all seems ok. Not much boost as still working through the tank of regular unleaded.

[Lee H]

400 miles down and quite a few teething issues. Fixed some of them however the engine bay temps aren't so easy.

Planning to move the alternator back to the mk2 location to free up a bit of breathing space around the bulkhead and manifold. Have also removed the rain tray which has made a difference.

Had an issue with the coolant boiling over 5 mins after turning the car off rather than the normal localised boiling. Pressure cap would hiss and dump all the coolant in the overflow bottle and then the floor. Filler neck was all corroded on inspection so the cap wasn't sealing and holding the correct pressure. Hasn't boiled over since but keep expecting the worst every time I turn it off.

Also need a new exhaust, this is killing the power and seems to drop off boost quite quickly on gear changes, had to turn duty right up on AVCR just to make 1 bar.

Some pics from the other night.

[synXero]

Love the idea of a 3S-GTE roadster, shame that you're having some issues.

[Magic Beans]

If I were to have a Mk3 this is what it would look like, lovely car

[Lee H]

Update

Put about 1000 miles on the car so far but found the exhaust is restricting the boost to 0.9 bar as it's too small diameter and too long. Had a few ridiculous quotes for a custom system and lost interest a little bit to be honest.

Bought this:



Put a 2ZZ in this (waste of time):



Then decided to revisit this car and make it a little more civilised and sell the 2ZZ one. Will then attempt to use this for this years Europe trip and also as a daily driver.

First task was to remove the paddle clutch and lightened flywheel and return to stock as that's my biggest hatred of this car in traffic. Also going to bite the bullet and get an exhaust made with the proceeds from the 2ZZ Roadster so I can run full boost.

Clutch was done with the help of YVS, another job I've found can be done without removing the engine, was surprisingly straight forward except the gear linkage brackets.

So much more pleasant to drive now with a standard LUK unit in, just hope it can take the abuse but can't see why it wouldn't at just over stock power.

Have also started the mods for the new exhaust.



Will be having the old cut out in the splitter smoothed as well.

[outrun]

911 looks very nice, Lee. GT2?

[Lee H]

911 looks very nice, Lee. GT2?

Sadly not, they are doing £70k+ now. Its a 3.6 Carrera 2 with GT3 bumper, skirts and wing.

Used to belong to Keith Robinson of Nova turbo fame.

[outrun]

911 looks very nice, Lee. GT2?

Sadly not, they are doing £70k+ now. Its a 3.6 Carrera 2 with GT3 bumper, skirts and wing.

Used to belong to Keith Robinson of Nova turbo fame.

Jesus christ! Had no idea they would be commanding that kind of money.
Canny lad to buy a car from, I bet it's clean lol.

[JD]

So glad this is back - definitely one of my favourite build threads on here. I really fancy the idea of a 3S-GTE W30.

[Lee H]

911 looks very nice, Lee. GT2?

Sadly not, they are doing £70k+ now. Its a 3.6 Carrera 2 with GT3 bumper, skirts and wing.

Used to belong to Keith Robinson of Nova turbo fame.

Jesus christ! Had no idea they would be commanding that kind of money.
Canny lad to buy a car from, I bet it's clean lol.

Its been well cared for, usual stone chips but it was used quite a lot by Keith (unlike the Nova).

[Lee H]

So glad this is back - definitely one of my favourite build threads on here. I really fancy the idea of a 3S-GTE W30.

Thanks, think its swayed a few mk2 owners now.

Had a 70 mile blast out last weekend and even at 0.9 bar its quick (quicker than the 911 I think). Just want that extra 0.3 bar and I'll hopefully crack 12's on the 1/4 mile this year.

[slipping clutch]

Not tempted to turbo the 2zz?

[Lee H]

Not tempted to turbo the 2zz?

Nah, 3SGTE is a far better engine IMO. Wish I'd done a Honda K20 instead of the 2ZZ, might have liked it better then.

[slipping clutch]

Not tempted to turbo the 2zz?

Nah, 3SGTE is a far better engine IMO. Wish I'd done a Honda K20 instead of the 2ZZ, might have liked it better then.

hmm thats interesting as a while back I posted up a video of a turboed 2zz mk3 and it looked like a good set up and Patrick of Rogue fame put in a positive review of the 2zz with a turbo - I have been thinking of getting a mk3 and doing the conversion BUT a half finished mk2 project in my garage for the past few years is proof that my imagination outstrips my mechanical skills. A friend of mine fitted the Honda K20 into an MG TF - I didn't like the car full stop and I felt the motor was way over the top for the car but that K20 is certainly a lively motor and sounds like a thousand angry bees!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eclSr3bIBiM
Edited to add video link

[craig]

Love that 911.

[Lee H]

Took it to York a few months ago but it wasn't running quite right and holding back over 5k revs. Wideband was doing some weird things as well. Only managed a 13.7 @ 103mph.

Diagnosed a dodgy lambda sensor so replaced that and wideband seems happier now at idle. Not really done much more on it as I went and bought this for our European holiday and just want to drive it all the time.



Hoping to bring the MR2 to JAE although I'm still no closer to getting an exhaust. Who would have thought it would be so difficult to give people money.

Starting fitting the Recaros that had been in my spare room for over a year. Far more comfy and supportive than the stock leathers.

[shane34]

Shame you wasnt close lee, i would have had a look at fabricating you an exhuast.

I did see a nice mk3 local to me,Yellow. it wasnt in its origonal form, and here i am reading this thread lol.

never thought about a mk3 before but i could see the appeal now with this engine in it.

[Lee H]

Both seats now fitted.

[Lee H]

So I got totally messed about on the exhaust again. Turned up on the day of the appointment for fitting with the missus in her car to give me a lift home and they didn't turn up or have the courtesy to call me later. Stuck a negative comment on their Facebook page and they deleted it immediately. Avoid RNR Autosport at all costs.

This put the MR2 back to the back of the drive and lost interest again. Even contemplated selling it as people on Facebook will have seen.

Bought this unseen and promptly sold it when I saw the bodywork. Fitted the polybushes off it to my decent car and had the geo done.



But the bullet and changed the handbrake cables. Fiddly to say the least as someone had ran the chargecooler pipes under the fuel tank.



Hadn't driven it since until I decided to take it for a drive yesterday. Seats were lovely and mouldy but was nice to stay dry as the S2000 roof leaks like a sieve.

So I'm at the point of not knowing what to do next. Have had 5 different exhaust "specialists" mess me about now and I'm fed up of driving it round for quotes. Think I'm going to have to dig deep and try and find someone with a really good reputation.

[craig]

Exhausts uk Sheffield are fantastic. Used them 3 times now. Great service every time. Recommended.

They fabricated an evo 5 HKS exhaust onto my current mr2. Pics in my member profile thread if interested. They've done a great job, and their fabrication skills are second to none.