Touring/Track day 1MZ-FE VVTI

[Jrichards20]

Since my introduction thread, I haven't really posted anything but I have been lurking a lot! I thought it was about time that I updated my intro thread into a proper build thread!

So after getting my cheapo roadster - http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?23670-4th-MR2-First-Engine-Swap

It passed its MOT after I had done some light maintenance.

Had a problem with the steering not acting how it should. So I replaced the Steering UJ, which helped a little bit.

Next step, put some new rubber on. I had some Team Dynamic wheels with R888s on, but once I fitted them, it really didn't suit the car as they where far too big! So I have decided, once I have recouped a bit of money, I will be getting some Enkei RPF1s. In total, all four wheels will only add up to 9.5KG! 9.65lbs front and 11.3 lbs rear. Should hopefully reduce unsprung weight by a fair bit and really help the car accelerate when the power goes down. But, in the meantime, I put some AD08Rs on the OEM wheels to try and cure the steering problem. Again this helped a lot, but it still wasn't perfect. I also had the car weight, 980KG, so with the heavier engine going in, with new suspension and wheels I plan to keep the car under 1000Kg!

http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2016/02/1.jpeg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/Jrichards202/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsebqybfhm.jpeg.html)



The mk3 steering wheel is massive, so swapped that out for a smaller OMP one, much nicer to drive now, feels a lot more direct.

http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2016/02/2.jpeg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/Jrichards202/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsesquac7o.jpeg.html)


Then next step of the steering problem was to replace the suspension. I bought some BC coilovers, rear ARB and some new droplinks. Fitted them, reduced the ride height and looked a lot better. This has practically cured the steering problem! I still have a few bits to do, replace the PS fluid, new front arb, and bushes and rear traction rods. Then a geo and I have no doubt it will be much better.


http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2016/02/3.jpeg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/Jrichards202/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrdzgbdbb.jpeg.html)

Unfortunately I found this suspension a bit too stiff, even on the soft settings. So back off they came, sold them, and now waiting for a delivery of the new MeisterR ZetaCRD+ coilovers :)

Bought and fitted a hardtop as well, I think it makes them look a lot better.

http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2016/02/19.jpg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/Jrichards202/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image1_zpsyu6kl80s.jpg.html)

Paul is now ready for my car to go up there! So as soon as the new coilovers are delivered and I fit them, off it will go for Pauls magic work!

Hopefully I will keep this updated throughout the engine work.

[Torero]

Very nice and slowly but surely you're getting there. The new 1MZ lump will make a world of difference.

[Jrichards20]

Thanks, yep slowly coming along, got a lot more work to do. But hopefully just the engine and suspension set up correctly it should be worlds different!

I'm a bit concerned about the new coilovers being left uncompressed while the engine work is being done. Maybe someone could shed some light on this? I was going to fit the new ones, but I could buy some spring compressors and fit the OEM back on if it could be a problem for the new ones to be left "hanging" while it is jacked up for a month or two?

[geoffmunt]

Surely they are uncompressed in storage or transit anyhow?

[Jrichards20]

Yes, its not so much being uncompressed, because they are still attached to the hub and wishbone, whether that puts strain on them as it will be pulling them down slightly?

[Phaeton]

Will they? Surely they can only stretch as for add the shock will let them

[Jrichards20]

After doing some more research, no probably not, just me over thinking it. So looks like it shouldn't be a problem. Coil overs are getting delivered today and it goes up Monday. Getting excited now!

[Jrichards20]

See you in a few months! Not sure whether its just because the car has been sitting inactive for a while but there seems to be a bit of grab on the rear right wheel, hopefully its just rust of the disc and not a sticking caliper. May have to look into that when its back.

http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2016/02/4.jpeg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/Jrichards202/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpstzk7hlur.jpeg.html)

[Torero]

See you in a few months! Not sure whether its just because the car has been sitting inactive for a while but there seems to be a bit of grab on the rear right wheel, hopefully its just rust of the disc and not a sticking caliper. May have to look into that when its back.

http://www.twobrutal.co.uk/forum/images/recovered/2016/02/4.jpeg (http://s1342.photobucket.com/user/Jrichards202/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpstzk7hlur.jpeg.html) Check out the handbrake where it attaches to the rear caliper, the lever is contained inside a rubber boot which perishes over time and can let moisture in and seize.

With yours sitting around for some time this could well be the case.