NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it
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@UpCreekwithShitPaddle these are excellent! It looks like this one has a bigger wheel size than the stock 14" wheels, so it shouldn't be tough to find tires at all. I just got 15s on mine and had a multitude of options.
A couple of considerations:
- find out if the new engine included fresh motor mount bushings (or just fresh mounts in general!) as part of the replacement. MR2s have lots of straight-line grip due to the rear weight bias, so motor mounts get worn out fast.
- chassis bracing is going to be your best friend if you want to do track-y stuff in a car like this. Lots of options exist on the market.
- check all the plastic parts, like the wiper fluid reservoir, coolant overflow tank, etc. since it's very old.
When I got mine a few years ago, the shocks were busted so I got a set of BC Racing coilovers for it. There are lots of suspension options on the market, and even a high-end rally setup if you ever go that route.
Barring any severe damage or other weird issues, I say DO IT!
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@theturbomrt said in NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it:
@UpCreekwithShitPaddle In all likelihood, it doesn't even have ABS, and one airbag
curious as to why you say that. mine is JDM, but it does have ABS and does not have an airbag.
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@UpCreekwithShitPaddle said in NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it:
@Nauraushaun Good intel. I've heard the very rewarding comment before. But until today, the only thing I knew about MR2's were that, mid-engine'd, and can be had in a manual transmission.
well in that case, to be clear. the MR2s, particularly those built pre-1992, are known for very tricky handling at the limit and snap oversteer. they made changes to address these concerns which made the cars less agile, but many people say the concerns are ill-founded.
just treat it with a bit of respect until you learn what it's about, and it won't kill you. but that's true of any car. mustangs don't do snap oversteer, but they're obviously just as dangerous if you're careless.
'90 Toyota MR2 (NA, t-top)
Targa top enthusiast
Tag me in your 300ZX posts -
@Nauraushaun said in NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it:
@theturbomrt said in NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it:
@UpCreekwithShitPaddle In all likelihood, it doesn't even have ABS, and one airbag
curious as to why you say that. mine is JDM, but it does have ABS and does not have an airbag.
I have a USDM '91 Turbo and it does not have ABS and has only the drivers airbag. Passenger added in '94. ABS was an option
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@theturbomrt nice. i can't comment on USDM cars
not just because mine isn't USDM, but because i don't live in the USDM. -
@Nauraushaun Fat rear tires significantly help with this tendency to oversteer. the early ones actually have more "racecar" handling, the later ones were kinda neutered to go toe-in under all circumstances to help out. Wilheim has a great write up on it from the technical side
https://wilhelmraceworks.com/blog/suspension-analysisBiggest takeaway though:
It is a source of endless debate whether the early or later suspension is better for performance purposes, but in my experience a car that is easier to drive and more confidence inspiring will be faster for almost anyone. I have certainly found this to be the case for me. -
@UpCreekwithShitPaddle don't think just do it
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@UpCreekwithShitPaddle
Like others have said, the MR2 is a very fun car to drive. Light, agile, rear wheel drive, in that order make it good. I haven't driven the 2nd generation, so I can't comment on its tendencies at the limit, but it should be more practical than the 3rd generation. -
@Nauraushaun said in NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it:
mustangs don't do snap oversteer, but they're obviously just as dangerous if you're careless
they thirst for the blood of pedestrians
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while wiring always kinda scares me, one huge advantage will be community & aftermarket support. There's going to be vendors making most of the important stuff (whether stock or performance upgrade) for a while. Finding stuff for pedestrian cars is a lot harder.
Not saying there's anywhere near the support you'd see for Mustangs or Miatas, for example, but it should be a good bit easier than for some other stuff.
For <$5000 could be fun!
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@UpCreekwithShitPaddle said in NPCP: I have a bad idea, but it's not bad enough for me to pass on, so talk me out of it:
Is this a good idea?
LOL, Geez I wonder what Oppo will have to say?
Of COURSE you should buy it!!
"What are you gonna do, stab me?"
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Four dollars. Does that seem right?*
*I have no idea what I'm doing.
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@WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAthenGTInowA4 that's why I came here. I knew my crowd haha
