Long-time MR2 owner (but TN newb) looking for advice
Hi Folks,
I've owned my 1991 MR2 turbo since 1994 when it had only 50k. Over the years it has served me well while withstanding my (sometimes) hard driving. It has not needed anything major except that at about 95k one of the valve seats popped out and they had to send the head out to be repaired (which turned into a fiasco, but that's a LONG story) I'm still on the original turbo and clutch, the latter which I have been babying since about 100k.
But now with it having 155k it feels low on power and it needs attention in several areas. I was considering replacing Mister Two, but have decided that y'know, I really like that car and I'd rather drop a couple thou into it rather than spend 10 ~ 20k+ on some kind replacement. Plus by what I have been reading on this forum, it looks like it wouldn't be all that hard getting some extra power out of it, and it is capable of handling it. I'm not looking to compete with an 05 Vette, but I wouldn't mind getting the RWH in the 200 ~ 250 range.
I try hard to find my answers in past threads before bugging eveyone with my questions, but expect to see some newbie posts from me here and please forgive my ignorance in advance
once u get the head back and fixed...making around 200-250rwhp is easily achievable with simple bolt ons....exhaust/intake and some sort of fuel cut defender and a boost controller to turn up the boost is all you will really need.....the stock turbo is capable....
About a year ago I pulled the intake hose and checked it for oily resedue and metal bits, (as per a suggestion I read somewhere online) and did find oil and what looked like metal filings. This jives with the fact that by the time it needs an oil change, it is about a quart low. I took this to indicate that my turbo was failing, but here I am, a year later and it's still running ok.
Would it be prudent for me to replace the turbo before I'd do any boost-increasing mods? Can turbos get "worn out" where they may not be totally failed, but are not producing boost as efficiently? Or should I just not worry about it unti it fails.
How do you classify failure? When the turbo quits working altogether? Do they seize? Fly apart? Would mine be considered "failed" because of the oil and metal filings?
Where are you in PA? I would gladly look at your car for you.
If your car feels down on power, I would highly recommend getting new TOYOTA cap, rotor wires and plugs. What's the date on your wires? I bet they are old and that will cause a serious lose in horsepower.
You'd come to a total stranger's house and help him with his car? Wow, you are what I call an MR2 diehard enthusiast!
Sure, I'd love to have an MR2 expert look over my car and give me some recommendations....and no doubt critisize me on my care of Mr.2 (I'm picturing that Seinfield episode where Jerry's mechanic takes off in his Saab because he wasn't getting the oil changed every 3k). I live in Catawissa PA which is prolly a 1.5 ~ 2hr drive, some of which is twisty roads (which you may consider a positive, not a negative ).
It has probably been two or three years since it had the cap/rotor/wires replaced, but not much longer than that because I know that when I start having wet-weather-related engine problems that it's time to replace them, and I think that was a few years ago the last time that happened. As for the air filter, I'm not sure but it may be over a year. As for the fuel filter, I'm really not sure on that. I honestly can't remember ever specifically asking to have it replaced although they may've done it 7 yrs ago when I had the cylinder head repaired or during a tune up.
Let me know if you are serious about a visit--that'd be cool. I hope you'd be bringing one of your 2's!
I would recommend getting your cap, rotor, wires and plugs done. I would really recommend doing them once a year. I always do it right before Spring (around March).
I am actually much closer than you think. I work in Reading, but live near Pottsville.
I am famialir with Catawissa out near Knoebels and yes, I am an avid MR2 addict.
We have a couple MR2 owners in Schuylkill County.
You should check out the PA/NJ/NY regional forum on MR2OC.com.
There are a lot of regional events going on.
Myself and some other MR2 owners will be racing in the Giant's Despair Hill Clilmb race the weekend of July 9 & 10. It's just south of Wilkes-Barre (free to spectate).
At any rate, I would be willing to check out your car, but you would be driving to me ... not the other way around
Completely Off-topic...but to be reading posts that are gramatically correct, without spelling errors and well thought out is a very strange feeling. Refreshing, but strange nonetheless.
Are you sure you don't want to come to my house? I have plenty of ice cold Yuengling Lager at my place for us to drink
Oh wait, do Pottsvillians drink Yeungling since it's right there, or do you not drink it since it's right there?
Hey, I'd like to go to that hill climb. Not sure if I can make it but will try. Are you going to be there one or both days? I'd probably only be able to go on one day...
PitBull
PS: BenG -- I'm at work so I'm in business mode. If I post tonight it'll be all "wut up wit u fewl"
I'd prolly come on day 1 (though not coz I don't have confidence in yourr MR2 ). I only hope my struts come soon so I can get them on before I drive up there (my rear driver side totally failed so it's like driving while sitting on a trampoline -- not fun at all)
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Long-time MR2 owner (but TN newb) looking for advice
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