frazman wrote:Hi all great site.
I have recently aquired a mk2 mr2 NA and have taken to an airfield track day and had a brilliant time.
So i've got the bug.
Would like to get some advice from the experts.
I took the car in completely standard trim and was suprised how well it handled/went.
However when really pushing on i lost the back end a few times!
So i'm wanting to make soemthing that's resonably tasty without spending a fortune
- max budget is 1
- 1.5 k.
**Can anyone recommend the best
£/gain modifcations i can do with my budget?? I'm looking at the following so far
1,So first plan is strip the car of some wieght- is there a
'how to guide' anywhere on what can be removed and how to do it?
Best bet is to get as much weight out of the back end as possible, but depends how far you are prepared to go! I would suggest:
- skin the boot lid
- boot lock mechanism
- boot release
- all boot trim, carpet etc
- aerial
& motor
- under boot heat shields
- lightweight exhaust if funds allow- the standard is HEAVY
- decat pipe
Engine:
- air conditioning
- bypass the heater pipes to the cabin
- bulk head in front of engine- sound deadening and heat shields
Interior of car:
- ALL trim
- sound deadening
- dashboard
- radio
- heater matrix
- heater controls
- pipes from hell
- air con ecu
- security system
- the rear bulk head is double
/ triple skinned- you can remove the interior skin, but it is useful to keep the strength for harness anchor points)
Doors:
- ALL trim
- electric window motors
- de-lock the doors
- side impact bars if you are fitting a roll cage with side bars
- you could go perspex with the windows
Frunk:
- ALL trim
- bonnet release and catch mechanism
- skin the bonnet
(or use a fibre glass one if funds allow)- a lot of racers leave the bonnet as is, they have a minimum weight to keep to and the front end is a useful place to have weight)
- fog lights
- air con radiator
- one of the fans on the radiator
(you don't need two)
frazman wrote:2,Would like to get some upgraded suspension possibly coilover but not sure on a decent budget set up?
On your budget you need to be looking second hand I reckon, so probably a case of whatever you can find.
.
.coilovers would be ideal, but beware of second hand items that may be leaking, or have shot top mounts.
Definately look at adjustable ARBs, you can then tweak how your car corners.
Definatley poly bush your suspension all round, and consider doing your front and rear engine mounts as well.
If funds allow consider a pair of adjustable front tension rods so you can adjust your castor angle.
After market upper strut braces are a good idea, but expensive.
.
.at the least make sure you have one of the rear cross braces.
Camber crash bolts are another very worthy, but cheap mod.
frazman wrote:3,need some half decent rubber for the rears at least
- have some nasty tyres on at present.
Is it possible/advisable to put a lower profile on the rears? currently have standard wheels with 245 profile from memory
R888's are ideal, but will blow your budget- they've become stupid expensive.
.
.if you are sticking with stock wheels, then I would stay with stock wheel size/ profiles.
If not then get the lightest 16 inch alloys you can find,, have a search on here for ideal offsets and widths.
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frazman wrote:4, radiator
- i took a stone impact to the radiator on the day and need to replace
- any suggestions on a decent radiator
(if this is a worthwhile area to spend) and a means of protecting the new radiator.
Standard rad is fine on an NA, you could go for a turbo radiator which I think is thicker, but you'd be carrying more weight in coolant.
Definately mesh the front grill- will protect your radiator when you go into the gravel!
frazman wrote:5, car got very hot going round
- i'm not sure if the side vent fan are working or not
- is there a way to test these? any other good cooling mods
If you unplug the engine bay temp sensor the fan should come on- easy test.
.
.
If your engine and cooling system are well serviced and good condition then heat management should not be an issue on an NA- I've never had any issues in my NA.
frazman wrote:6, brakes and/or just decent brake pads.
Brake fluid upgrade?
Standard brakes are fine as long as they are in A1 condition, so fully inspect all calipers and slide pins, make sure they are not seized and service them frequently.
In my opinion
(and it is subjective) stick with standard disc's, and use Carbotech pads.
Braided brake lines are a must, and replace your brake fluid with Super dot 4.
You can also remove the dust covers from the back of the hubs to increase air flow around the brakes, and you can run vents from the fron bumper where the fog lights were to duct air onto the front brakes.
frazman wrote:7, exhaust system/ remove cat?
As light as possible, but also capable of passing track noise limits.
Definately use a decat, but keep your cat for MOT time.
frazman wrote:8, short shift kit or mod
Don't assume you need this- it can make gear changes harder.
.
.I would save this a mod for a later day, and concentrat on basics first.
frazman wrote:9, harnesses and/or racing seat
You will save weight with bucket seats, and makes you feel more
'at one' with the car.
In my opinion do not fit bucket seats and harnesses unless you have a roll cage though.
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.I know's it's an extreme example, but if you do roll over and smash your roof in with no roll cage, a harness will prevent you ducking down out of the way.
I would stick with standard seats/ harnesses until you can afford a roll cage.
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frazman wrote:10, finally i'd like to fit a smaller steering wheel but would have to sacrifice the airbags i asssume?
Agreed.
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.but to be honest you don't really want an airbag in a dedicated track car with cage and harnesses anyway.
frazman wrote:Does anyone know any good mechanics or enthusiasts who know there way round an mr2 in the south west?
Have a search on here and make your own choice.
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.don't run to the first guys you find, take note of other people's feedback for traders, and have a good look through the Affiliates and Trader feedback section on here.
Consider doing as much of it as you can yourself.
.
.
.have a read of my track car thread, I've had a ball doing the car myself, and have learnt loads in the process.
It's incredibly rewarding tweaking your own car and feeling the difference it makes!
And feel free to ask any questions- you'll get loads of help on here.
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.most importantly: enjoy!
