Speed Yellow SW20

[afc2112]

It's funny. I started looking for a 2nd gen MR2 waaaay back in 2006 when I was looking to replace my Miata with a new toy. I even went as far as registering on MR2.com and started asking questions about the car. I remember not being impressed with how heavy it was for a relatively weak n/a engine and I didn't really want to deal with a turbo.

Then I found out how hard it was to find one...I stopped looking.

Fast forward to May 2012 and I start itching for a new toy and I started seriously looking on Craigslist again for 240Z (I actually never stop looking for Zs). For kicks, I started searching for MR2s again and noticed how much they've come down in price. Although the Turbos were still commanding healthy prices.

The main goal was to find a hardtop. Again, all I found were targas or automatics.

About a month into the search, I saw this ad while I was vacationing in Banff.


Factory JDM 3rd 3SGTE engine setup (Ceramic Turbo), JDM 5spd w/TRD LSD, and TRD mounts, no coolant/oil leaks, doesn't burn oil/coolant, manual everything (except side mirrors), and extremely light hardtop model. Electronic Boost Controller, Exhaust Temp Gauge, and Boost Gauge, Cross-Drilled/Slotted Rotors, Ceramic Brakes (90% life on them), Adjustable KYB's and Eibach ProSport Springs. This was intended as a project/road course car that ended up being a daily driver until recent new car purchase. Needs paint and some TLC. No major engine issues. No A/C but I have most of the lines if needed, all interior is in place, headlight motors function correctly, and no seals leak in car. Original JDM cluster that came with engine but converted electronically to mph. Asking 4k OBO.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/180295_10101148553092241_1694233319_n.jpg

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/255291_10101148552433561_361011893_n.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o184/CBartlo24/Project%20Track%20MR2/IMG_20120527_135606.jpg


I wasn't completely sure I would even look at it, thinking I wanted to blow more money on a trip to Rio or Iceland.

On a whim, I answered the ad and arranged a test drive...

The good:
- No leaks
- hardtop
- manual rack, manual windows
- Turbo!!!
- LSD
- 5 way KYBs & Eibach springs

The bad:
- Exhaust leak
- needed tires, bodywork
- Horn is inop
- E-brake is inop
- Diff is loud

Then I drove it...It felt really good. I was hooked, but I wasn't sure I'd buy this one. So, I kept looking and test drove a few n/a models. Each car had a few issues and the n/a ones weren't significantly cheaper.

So, I dug into the history of the car and found the owner previous to the one selling it. Turns out that he is a well respected MR2 specialist and this was his track car, although it sat more than it did any racing. In the end, he sold it to fund a RHD example.

I originally wanted him to check out the car before making an offer, but Tropical Storm Debbie prevented that. I couldn't wait any longer during the storms and threw out an offer.

If he turned it down, no big deal. A day later, he came back with a counter offer only $200 higher than what I offered him. I tentatively agreed...

[concealer404]

Uhhh.... even $4k was a steal for that car.

Priced a 3rd gen 3sgte clip lately? o_O

[afc2112]

The day I picked it up with a friend and fellow Miata enthusiast, we stopped at the Previous POs shop for a brief overall look and piece of mind.

And then it was off to the paint shop. I really despised the multi-color turquoise and chose Porsche's Speedgelb.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/531728_10101148551680071_1580739356_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/556588_10101148551874681_2060125413_n.jpg

[afc2112]

Uhhh.... even $4k was a steal for that car.

Priced a 3rd gen 3sgte clip lately? o_O

Yep. Even if it was just a 2nd gen, it would have still been a pretty good deal. One of the N/As I looked at was priced at $3k and they weren't budging...I got this one for only a several hundred dollars more.


Anyway, here's how she looks today.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/s720x720/8025_10101147825136071_70515020_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/425468_10101142504748171_2061390663_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/293711_10101142513600431_1047036579_n.jpg

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/s720x720/428826_10101142502662351_1954839669_n.jpg

The engine is currently running 14 psi.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/405390_10101191854969931_1696384408_n.jpg

[concealer404]

HAWT.

Would smash.

[iRoadster]

I want it...:mrgreen:

[afc2112]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7587651560_e8251fcdf9_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7587969098_79a28e13b4_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7699646814_ce3f3856e7_b.jpg

Next up is to refurbish the new wheels and get new tires. Here's one of the rears.


https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/s720x720/418388_10101191855543781_1205940176_n.jpg

[Dilly]

That's a clean yellow.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

I love this car, its so damn fast.

[The Driver]

The weather in Tampa better dries up for the week of Sept 2nd til the 7th...

[afc2112]

Thanks for the compliments everyone! It is definitely a work in progress, but it's getting there. Slowly but surely.

Ralph and Gavin, it's a shame you guys won't be in Sebring for Miatober...Speaking of September, Ralph, when are are you going turbo and are you bringing the Miata down here?

Gavin, we'll have to do a fun run sometime...

And I'm not entirely certain yet, but I think I'm seeing 15 psi on the boost gauge.

[The Driver]

Thanks for the compliments everyone! It is definitely a work in progress, but it's getting there. Slowly but surely.

Ralph and Gavin, it's a shame you guys won't be in Sebring for Miatober...Speaking of September, Ralph, when are are you going turbo and are you bringing the Miata down here?

Gavin, we'll have to do a fun run sometime...

And I'm not entirely certain yet, but I think I'm seeing 15 psi on the boost gauge.

According to my financial spreadsheet , the turbo will not be bought/installed until Dec 2013. I will have both the FCM coilovers and the 949 15X8's by the end of August. I will have also ALL the maintenance taken care off by Nov 2012 (t-belts, seals, rollers, WP, hoses, front/rear hubs and maybe the radiator...

By springs next year; AEM, Toyota COPS, FM clutch/flywheel and most likely the FM "budget" Wildwood brakes...

As to when I'll take the Miata back to FL... I have NO IDEA!

[ctrench]

i love this car!!! i drove it and the manual rack feels like PS, and its SOOOOO fast!!

[Conundrum]

SW20's are one of my all time favorite cars. I'd pick one up if I could find one that wasn't all beat up and worked. Nice work. Subb'd

[revlimiter]

Hot damn. Would not turn down if offered.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Gavin, we'll have to do a fun run sometime...




Get some tires on that thing so I don't have to ride on your ass in the corners :teehee:

[theothersawyer]

Wow! This car is gorgeous! It is amazing what some paint can do for a car.

[Willywongka]

I do have a soft spot for yellow cars, wished swapping colors was as easy as changing them on a video game =). Great looking car btw!

[tsingson]

Ive always loved the SW20. But I hated how difficult it was to work on. A buddy of mine had one and I helped him with a couple of regular tune up stuff and after that I said no more.

[concealer404]

Ive always loved the SW20. But I hated how difficult it was to work on. A buddy of mine had one and I helped him with a couple of regular tune up stuff and after that I said no more.

Like what? I've never found them particularly hard to work on... some things might take longer than others, but none of it is "hard," per se. It's just nuts and bolts.

Sorry, that sounded like macho posturing, wasn't the intent. :lol: What'd you find hard? :)

[tsingson]

Just the tight space around the motor. Granted I had an AE92 with a 4AGZE when he had his. I just liked not having to climb over the trunk to work on things. The clutch job we did wasn't fun at all.

[concealer404]

Just the tight space around the motor. Granted I had an AE92 with a 4AGZE when he had his. I just liked not having to climb over the trunk to work on things. The clutch job we did wasn't fun at all.

Yeah, positioning with the storage space behind the motor can suck sometimes... pretty much have to do everything from the side. Beyond that, i find them probably the easiest car to work on that came with that motor. :lol:

The hardest thing with the MR2 is resigning yourself to the idea that you'll probably be pulling the motor more often than your used to to do things like clutches... that said, once you do it a time or two, it doesn't take much time at all. :)

[tsingson]

Yeah but I was just happy being able to work on my AE92 from 3 out of 4 sides. But the SW20 was always a car that I had wanted. Especially with the Wide body TRD kit.

[afc2112]

I do have a soft spot for yellow cars, wished swapping colors was as easy as changing them on a video game =). Great looking car btw!

It's easy when you're paying someone else to change the paint. :)


Yeah, positioning with the storage space behind the motor can suck sometimes... pretty much have to do everything from the side. Beyond that, i find them probably the easiest car to work on that came with that motor. :lol:



Yeah, I hear the Celica All-Trac is harder to work on.

[tsingson]

Yeah, I hear the Celica All-Trac is harder to work on.

I love me some All Trac though. I remember a neighbor of my friend had one and we used to drive by all the time just to look at it. It was white and had some red stickers on it. It may have even been wearing some RPF1s. I do remember the black soot on the rear bumper though.

Great times.

[afc2112]

I suppose it's time for an update.

The good thing is that I finally sold the uber heavy IS300 wheels. I'm definitely glad because I felt that 17s looked too big for the car.

Anyway, I mounted up the R32 wheels in preparation for Sebring.

Here's the Engrish:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8185/8107581636_ef16491395_b.jpg


I love the classic 5 spokes on this type of body shape.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8107579976_675d0ae241_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8107586280_cbb20da9f6_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8050/8107595842_98007d6c96_b.jpg

I also got a set of Ebay fog lights.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8107403378_56d650598c_b.jpg

[afc2112]

After an oil change, transmission fluid change, some racing brake fluid and decent tires...It was time for some fun!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8107566110_d9f45dfd7a_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8107485504_fd8890ff06_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8107407286_0f95b7897b_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8107396481_05838e0869_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8107511150_6f7f87f1c0_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8051/8107398722_6c06faef82_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8107410078_0a31ebb946_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8466/8107536246_932e0a0d1c_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8107452899_b514bc272b_b.jpg

[Phatmiata]

your photos are always so amazing Arvin! Car looks great too! The Yellow was a perfect color for that car!

[I<3flippyheadlights]

your photos are always so amazing Arvin! Car looks great too! The Yellow was a perfect color for that car!

I think Austin took the ones of the track day. None the less, car looks awesome!

[afc2112]

your photos are always so amazing Arvin! Car looks great too! The Yellow was a perfect color for that car!

Thanks. The yellow definitely stands out! Though there are times I wish I went for a brighter yellow like when I'm parked next to a yellow Elise or a Victory Yellow C6. The Porsche Yellow is a tiny bit more subtle.

Then again, I'm happy with it. Yellow MR2s are very rare and the Toyota OEM yellow is kinda blah.


I think Austin took the ones of the track day. None the less, car looks awesome!

Austin took the ones going from right to left and the track photographer took the ones near the start / finish line.

Obviously, I haven't mastered the art of driving the car while simultaneously taking photos trackside. :)

[I<3flippyheadlights]

You mean....
http://i1151.photobucket.com/albums/o623/Iheartmiatas/My%20Green%20Miata%20and%20friends/DSC_0422.jpg

That yellow? Ya it really pops, but I love your yellow. We drive cars that aren't of normal color! :D


edit: In this picture they look really similar....

[tsingson]

That's an awesome picture!

[The Driver]

:drool:

BTW, I know the owner of the blue Mini with the white top. He is my former Pastor's oldest son!

On my next Tampa visit I wouldn't mind a track lap on that yellow beast! :wink:

[afc2112]

On my next Tampa visit I wouldn't mind a track lap on that yellow beast! :wink:

You paying for my next track day?

Muwahahahaha!

[afc2112]

Thanks for all the compliments! Here's some more new pics.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8176318933_867ce6ff52_b.jpg

And here's a new goodie I received from New Zealand.

I also broke out my external flash for these shots and bounced the light on ceiling.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8176315853_0d26029bc9_b.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8176348592_85f335f4a2_b.jpg


I'll get more photos once I get it installed and get rid of my chunky stocker unit.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

I love this car so much. But your lack of a cool interior bothers me. GET THIS WHEEL IN!

[afc2112]

Wheel is in.

And look what I just picked up yesterday.

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/66925_10101643440134641_1771443927_n.jpg

It even came with sliders...I'm assuming they're universal Recaro sliders.

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/486800_10101643443667561_1518200054_n.jpg


https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/5639_10101643440503901_1692878069_n.jpg

SRD w/ crotch b

https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc7/420218_10101643443617661_1042150060_n.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

I've always wanted an MR2 also.

[Agent☣Orange]

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7587651560_e8251fcdf9_b.jpg



http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa375/YellowYata/Humor/Faces/Mustnotfap1_zpse859824e.jpg

[The Driver]

^ I've driven afc's MR2. The car is totally fapable! ;)

[afc2112]

lol thanks!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8527113874_e7303dcf0c_c.jpg

I made a suction cup camera mount for my back window. Still playing around with the settings, but not bad for a quick test shoot.

[SM16RMSM]

^ I've driven afc's MR2. The car is totally fapable! ;)

That was my first Tampa meet when you took it for a test drive. HEHE. It really a nice car in person.

[The Driver]

That was my first Tampa meet when you took it for a test drive. HEHE. It really a nice car in person.

Then I hope I totally faked it and was nice to ya! ;)

[afc2112]

I've always wanted an MR2 also.

Go buy one! :twisted:

https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/60643_10101323191829811_135959623_n.jpg

The white RHD one with the Volks is owned by a former PO of my car.

[psulja]

This thread is making me want to spend money so badly. I have a friend that has a white MR2 that's been sitting in a garage for the past 5 or 6 years that he is willing to sell me for $3000-3500. I've wanted that car so badly for the past couple years but now that my tax return is big enough to buy it I'm having a tough time trying to decide not to boost my NA and buy it instead. Pic of white MR2 here (http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/MR2front-1_zps8ee4aca8.jpg)

Your MR2 is making a really good case for buying that car lol

[WASABI]

lol thanks!

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8527113874_e7303dcf0c_c.jpg

I made a suction cup camera mount for my back window. Still playing around with the settings, but not bad for a quick test shoot.

Damn that looks like a fun cockpit!

[afc2112]

^ Thanks! It will only get better once I get the seats in.



This thread is making me want to spend money so badly. I have a friend that has a white MR2 that's been sitting in a garage for the past 5 or 6 years that he is willing to sell me for $3000-3500. I've wanted that car so badly for the past couple years but now that my tax return is big enough to buy it I'm having a tough time trying to decide not to boost my NA and buy it instead. Pic of white MR2 here (http://i611.photobucket.com/albums/tt194/paulsulja/MR2front-1_zps8ee4aca8.jpg)

Your MR2 is making a really good case for buying that car lol

Does the car run, does it have rust and is it a turbo?

I look at MR2s like I do with FDs, it's my opinion that they look better with the stock body...But if you can get it closer to 3k, that would be pretty tempting. Though I will say it looks even more of a project than the one I got!

[psulja]

Does the car run, does it have rust and is it a turbo?

I look at MR2s like I do with FDs, it's my opinion that they look better with the stock body...But if you can get it closer to 3k, that would be pretty tempting. Though I will say it looks even more of a project than the one I got!

It runs, no rust, and is turbo. So very tempting.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

It runs, no rust, and is turbo. So very tempting.

Do it do it do it do it

[psulja]

Do it do it do it do it

But that means no boost for the Miata.. and also means having 3 summer cars when I'm not even home to drive them during the summers.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Sell a Miata? You won't have boost for the Miata, but you'll have boost for another car.

[afc2112]

I agree with Gavin. Then again I like owning cars with different engine placements. Variety is fun.

Here's some more temptation going your way. lol

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8544179706_206d2daedf_b.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8543100439_15eee5ce60_b.jpg


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8546059280_44fd0fc96f_b.jpg

[Agent☣Orange]

Damn that yellow is sooooo nice.

[afc2112]

Thanks, but we all know you're partial to yellow. :blaugh2:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8387/8588591838_1511f70421_b.jpg

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Those seats are so nice and comfy!

[afc2112]

Those seats are so nice and comfy!

I'm glad you approve since you called out my lack of a cool interior a while back.

Now I have to get the engine bay to look nicer...I want a wrinkle red valve cover!

[WASABI]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8512/8546059280_44fd0fc96f_b.jpg


I have a new appreciation for the MR2. :frantic: Very nice!

[I<3flippyheadlights]

I'm glad you approve since you called out my lack of a cool interior a while back.

Now I have to get the engine bay to look nicer...I want a wrinkle red valve cover!

Your shifter will always bother me

[maharaj]

Damn that yellow is sooooo nice.

I would have never imagined such a comment from you! :D

[afc2112]

Your shifter will always bother me

The shifter is a non-issue at speed. Just ask Chris, Connor, Ben, Andy & Rick.

[afc2112]

The city installed a brand new light post on my street, so naturally, I went out and took a couple of pics. Here's one of the shots from 20 minutes ago:

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8617314976_09de95ec74_b.jpg

[I<3flippyheadlights]

You must teach me, Arvin.

[afc2112]

You must teach me, Arvin.

This one was really easy. I'll bring my laptop and I'll show you in Miatapalooza if we have time.

[afc2112]

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8665328941_6d3863b502_b.jpg





http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8261/8666412010_0022b07eab_b.jpg







http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8690669323_e46269f379_c.jpg




http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/8862747920_395a0e1601_b.jpg


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8863435630_6d9023ebb6_b.jpg

[I<3flippyheadlights]

The last three shots are my favorite. God I love this car.

[atank]

That looks like Ferrari FLY Yellow!!!!!!!

[afc2112]

It's not as bright as Ferrari Fly Yellow...But in some lighting situations it comes close.


The last three shots are my favorite. God I love this car.


I have favorites on page 2, 4 and 5...It's really tough to choose just 3 or 4 faves. That said, I do think my image quality is improving a bit. (hopefully)

[I<3flippyheadlights]

You're pictures are amazing, Arvin. I'm too much of a novice to tell if they are getting better or not.

[afc2112]

Just compare my photos from the first page to the last few I've been posting. Look at the sharpness and the vibrance of the colors.



Anyway, I went on a fun run yesterday...


Here's a teaser video (note, I'm still waiting on footage from a Contour, Iphone and 2 GoPro Black Editions...I also edited this on Movie Maker as opposed to the AVID Media Composer 6 I use at work)

https://vimeo.com/67521363

[I<3flippyheadlights]

Car looks good as always. Where did you go?


Are the photos warm? Or is it just me?

[afc2112]

We went on the Eastern portion of this run...



http://www.2uptouring.com/Motorcycle-Rides/Florida-Motorcycle-Roads-Green-Swamp-Encounter.aspx


And yes, those pics are very much on the warm side. From looking at his website, he has a much warmer treatment than I what I normally go for, but the results are very nice imo.

[I<3flippyheadlights]

It seems proper for a swampy, Florida day

[kulluminati777]

wow that photo under the street light is amazing!!

[afc2112]

wow that photo under the street light is amazing!!

Thanks. I honestly think I could do better. I'll re-do it again once rainy season is over.


http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3729/8953537443_ef035e016d_c.jpg



http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/9188896186_8119808458_b.jpg

[I<3flippyheadlights]

:slayer: