Mk1 plans and trackdays.

[SW20Paul]

Hi there I recently got a MK1 after owning a MK2 tubby for a while (forced to sell due to cash)

I absolutly love the MK1 so much more rewarding to drive than the tubby obviously not as quick but i now reasise that this really doesnt matter and chasing HP with a MK1 is sorst of missing the point IMO.

First plans were to spend a few quid tunning and then to a full restoration however after thinking yeah i'll build a SC i thought no im to lazy to do all the fab work and dont want the extra weight then i though i'll do a 1.5 conversion then thought i really dont want the extra weight.

Now i sort of realise its gonna cost a fortune to resore a MK1 however the car is solid as a rock just had new sill's each side and all the arches are solid with a bit of surface rust but no rot. the best bit is the engine its only done 118,000 miles which in my opinion is just run in. I have every bill from new and full toyota SH it really is a peach.

So now I realise instead of planning and thinking what to do with it why not just DRIVE THE GOD DAM THING

I really want to do some trackdays in it im not to far from cadwell (bonus) its just i'm a bit worried I mean we all like to think were the most awsome fast drivers but my ego's not that big to admit that compared to the regulars i'm probably a bit poo
Just wondering what its like for begginers i mean i'm not gonna anger people slowing em down am I ? Is cadwell a good choice.

Just a final thought is there any steel wheels that fit a MK1 thinking 15" to put some decent track tyres on, they should be light aswell ?

Cherrs Paul

[Lauren]

Everyone has to start somewhere and even those of us who are experienced with trackdays and the like, had our first trackday at some point.

You'll be fine, just book with a good organiser, get some instruction and get out there and enjoy it.

Totally agree, don't spend the money on the car, spend it on trackdays. Much more fun.

Don't worry about running 15s, not much point on an NA, it will have more grip than handling.

Run stock tyres and try something like an A539 or C-Drive. You don't want too much grip, you want the car to move around, thats what makes it so much fun. Besides you'll learn more, you'll slide at slower speeds and wear components at a slower rate.

So just keep the stock wheels.

[mr2mk1chick]

So now I realise instead of planning and thinking what to do with it why not just DRIVE THE GOD DAM THING

Absolutely

As for a trackday - it dosen't matter if you are slower than someone else, there will always be a faster car.
Just as long as you use your mirrors and follow good track etiquette, you won't pee anyone off.

As Lauren said -everyone gotta have a first track day. just use a good track company (Like bookatrack) and enjoy driving your car

Keep your eye on threads in the motorsport section for trackdays with other mr2's (imoc and mk1 crowd)

[spudgun]

Good man. I mentioned recently that 4a-ge is still great engine even though a number of people are tearing em out and replacing them with bigger stuff.

I went out with the MR2OC last year on a summer run and everybody was in convoy, like you do. I wasn't the slowest person there, but some were well surprised to hear I was getting around 37-38 to the gallon out of it while running along with them. The turbo boys were getting less than half that.

I'm off out to the 'ring in summer with the MR2 only mag run. Have never even driven in outside the UK before now but should be good.

Once I have done a few laps I'm going to get one of those stickers the show the circuit and stick on the back, and wear it with pride.

[Icsunonove]

.......i now realise that this really doesnt matter and chasing HP with a MK1 is sort of missing the point IMO.

Yep!

So now I realise instead of planning and thinking what to do with it why not just DRIVE THE GOD DAM THING

Yes!

its just i'm a bit worried I mean we all like to think were the most awsome fast drivers but my ego's not that big to admit that compared to the regulars i'm probably a bit poo

Don't worry!

Just wondering what its like for begginers i mean i'm not gonna anger people slowing em down am I ? Is cadwell a good choice.

No, as long as you use your mirrors. There are four safe places at Cadwell where you can yield to faster cars.

Get out there!

[steveybMR2-173]

We had our first track day outing in our project mk1 a couple of weeks back, had an excellent day, our 150,000 mile 4AGE did us proud all day, despite a 2 or 3 over heats which we know what the problem is. Even stock other than a front brake upgrade the car handled brilliantly, even though there were many faster cars passing us, we knew when to indicate and get out of the way. Was funny in the afternoon when it was wet and the more experienced Skinthespin took us on a fast wet lap, and we were passing Porsches and the like in our £400 wonder! The lap with Simon just showed how capable the Mk1 was!

[bikerman90]

what sort of money are we talking about for track days and when's the next one?........i would love to give my little 2 a run around the track...just to see

[Lauren]

what sort of money are we talking about for track days and when's the next one?........i would love to give my little 2 a run around the track...just to see

Roughly it varies between £100-200 per day for a trackday. Average £150ish.

Airfield days are cheaper but not as much fun.

Obviously you have to add consumables and fuel to that price.

In all honesty though an airfield may appear to be cheaper it is often harder on tyres, especially so on concrete airfields adn the surface quality isn't as good so it pounds your suspension a fair bit too. Add the cost of the increased wear which is usually easily double that of a tarmac circuit and you may as well do a proper circuit.

[kirsty]

I did my first track day a few weeks ago at Cadwell with all the guys above . . . was ace.

As they've said above, definitely go for an organised day like Book A Track as the BAT guys give you loads of good advice and there will be a few newbies so it doesn't feel so daunting. They're also very good if you feel someone is intimidating you, they take it seriously and will speak to whoever.

I span the car once, had a little bit hairy moment through the S bend and pulled over to the wrong side at one point which probably annoyed the guy wanting past, but all in for a first day it went pretty well.

If you can go to one with the rest of the mk1 crowd first I would as the advice and support given by everyone was fantastic . .. . . and it's such a laugh to share your experiences when the brakes are cooling.

Keep an eye in the Motorsports & trackdays forum for the track day plans.
Even may be good to come along to the next on and just blag some passenger laps, that way you'll get a good feel for it . . I had planned that for cadwell, but then I went a bit mad! lol