Snappy & Friends

[wrapture]

I'll start with the background, I wanted a first car with a manual transmission, reasonably priced, and I preferred power options. I was mostly looking a Tacomas, but after my dad got an SW20 I decided to look at MR2 prices. I came across an '89 MR2 S/C listed for $2,000 with an unknown engine problem. After a month of trying to go see the car, we got the chance to. It was in way better condition than we thought, very few things needed to be fixed. After the test drive, my dad was sure it was a fuel problem. Turns out my dad knows the mechanic that has worked on the car for the last 3-4 owners (he is the go to guy for MR2s down here). After finding out almost everything in the engine compartment had been replaced or rebuilt, we weren't so confident. He did let us know the the fuel pump might have been a used fuel pump, that was the selling point. We decided on $1,000 with no argument. After a month of trying to see the car, we weren't going to wait another month of trying to get the car. We were able to get a local notary to open on a sunday and do a double title transfer. It was brought home and sat there for a week before anything happened to it.

Previous owner's photos:

My random photos:

Update 3/16/13

Fuel pump and fuel filter changed and replaced the wipers. Took 8 hours and three trips to the store. Finished at 10:30pm. Fixed the fuel problem. Car now runs like it should. Most would do this on a lift but we didn't have one available.
Pics:

Update 3/17/13

Going to try and install an alarm system, mostly for the remote door locks. I found a Code Alarm RKE-1 from my dads alarm/audio days (mid '90s). Im hoping to have it done tonight.

Update 4/14/13

I tried to do the CF headlight surrounds like GDII but I quickly found out how different they were. For now I did one and if a ton of people like it I will do the other. They were a complete pain, I had started atleast a month ago but gave up and finally finished it this weekend.

I also wanted to see what the T-Tops looked like in white. I just did the driver's side to compare. I had used a bunch of 4-5" strips of unprinted window perf, if I decide it should stay I will use a single piece for each T-Top.

Update 6/10/13

It's been a while since I've posted in this thread so I will start where I ended.

My dad ended up buying the '91. He decided to keep the '93 to swap the goodies to the '91. Then the '93 will be sold. Pic of the cars I snapped at work:

Now on to my car. I had to buy a new battery because the old one was completely shot:

I also bought a new left and right parking brake cable. I had found some for ~$50 a piece but went to Toyota and got a genuine cable for ~$65 a piece.

Old:

New:

New:

I also found out my rear Tokico shocks wont fit my car. Deciding to sell them. Go to Tokico's website and find out if they will fit your car. Part #'s are TOHZ1085 for the front and TOHZ3099 for the rear.

I'm also going to add my bike to the thread on this post. She's a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R. Was the last year of the 636cc engine until 2013. Anyways I just got new rubber put on. Michelin Pilot Power 3CTs:

Update 8/20/13

Update 5/3/14

A couple of things have changed since that ^^ post. I decided a Ducati 848 wouldn't be the best bike for me I ended up keeping the car. It got a plate recently and I have been taking it on small errands.

Update on the bike:

I said good bye to my first bike last night. It hasn't hit me yet but I'm sure it will soon She treated me well in the year and a half that I had her and I hope her new owner gets the same treatment.

If all goes well I might have a new bike by the end of this weekend

Update 5/10/14

After a while of thought, between the electrical upgrades and valves (they fail on every bike that hasn't had them replaced), I could easily end up putting $1500-2000 more in to it and only increase the value by $500-1000. Im going to sell it.

I test rode a 2010 Husky SMS 630 today. Simply magnificent. It has a freshly rebuilt engine (It has 90 miles on the rebuild, all but 30 are mine ), the mirrors are rock solid , the electrical system doesn't need anything, and its way more streetable (it has electric start and a 3.17 gallon tank). My dad and I rode the 630 and the 450, respectively, to his friend's house. When it was time to leave I had to kick start the 450. Ill just say I don't want to spend that much time in the sun, fully geared up, backpack on, kick starting a high-compression four-stroke. Anyways, I know posts can be boring without pictures:

Update 8/27/14

I recently got many sets of tires and rims for cheap. 6 sets (4 brand new with new tires) for about $700. Three sets are the exact same tires and rims, 195/50r15. One set is a slightly larger set that I'd love to fit on Snappy, 205/50r16. One set of used 195/50r15s and the final set is the original "Teardrop" set for the supercharged models. The teardrops don't have tires, but that makes them a great candidate for a restoration project I also got tons of parts, interior and exterior, and a full gze with wiring harness, computers and an automatic transmission I don't have pictures of most of the stuff yet, but I will be getting some this weekend.

Yesterday I saw a video that really inspired me. Skip to about 36:40 to see what I'm interested in

Embedded media from this media site is no longer available

Here is a picture of my goal if you don't want to watch the video

So, I picked up a new metal wire wheel and polishing items to begin polishing the rims and car. Here are the rims in the state I got them.

I started by giving them a well needed wash

Next up is removing the worn surface. I used a metal grinding wheel on a battery powered drill, just about any will work.

Before on the right, after on the left.

Before

After

I didn't have much time to work on them and I wont until this weekend. I was only able to get through resurfacing one rim today.

Planned Upgrades (latest update in Italics) :

• Tokico shocks w/ Ground Control spring perch & Eibach springs
• Scion TC Seats w/ 4 Point Harness seat heaters
• NRG Steering Wheel w/ Quick Release
• Fix Minor Interior Things
• New Tires With TPS Now have a set for almost every day of the week.
• Prothane Bushing kit

 

[Wolfe]

Wow, that's a stunning catch for $1000. Congrats on the new car, I'm jealous.

 

[GDII]

That's a tidy car for a great price. Looks like fun.

I took the fuel tank out of my SW20 the same way. Up on axle stands by myself. Only problem was it still had 40 litres in it.

 

[wrapture]

Wow, that's a stunning catch for $1000. Congrats on the new car, I'm jealous.

Thanks, I was surprised he still had it while it was listed at $2,000.

That's a tidy car for a great price. Looks like fun.

I took the fuel tank out of my SW20 the same way. Up on axle stands by myself. Only problem was it still had 40 litres in it.

It was hard enough empty, I couldn't imagine doing it with a full tank...

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

Fantastic little cars. I've never driven one, but I sure would like to. 5 valve swap!

 

[wrapture]

Fantastic little cars. I've never driven one, but I sure would like to. 5 valve swap!

I have driven this one and my dads SW20, his is why I got one. If I do a swap, its going to be a heavily modded 3S-GTE, MK1.5.

 

[oopssorryy]

Or..... 1MZ FE v6 with a supercharger!

 

[JrDarknes]

Nice dude, love these things. They remind me of a go kart for some reason.

 

[wrapture]

Or..... 1MZ FE v6 with a supercharger!

I don't see how the 3S fits in there, let alone a V6...

Nice dude, love these things. They remind me of a go kart for some reason.

It does feel alot like a go kart, turn the wheel and it will turn.

 

[GDII]

3S fit, 1/2MZ fit, 2GR fit. I say keep it 4 cylinder. Or even stay with the current motor. The car is pretty rare there now.

 

[Anna+Reece]

Nice nice nice nice nice.

I would do a 3S swap.

They do fit, if I am correct some 1989 MR2 had the 3S actually. Unless it was the '90. I don't quite remember. Anyway. The car may oversteer a little with a 3S, but it would be worth it. Or keep the 4AGZE.

 

[Anathema]

Why so many fisheye pictures?

Nice steal, though.

 

[GDII]

Nice nice nice nice nice.

I would do a 3S swap.

They do fit, if I am correct some 1989 MR2 had the 3S actually. Unless it was the '90. I don't quite remember. Anyway. The car may oversteer a little with a 3S, but it would be worth it. Or keep the 4AGZE.

Toyota released the SW20 in late 1989 so that's where you got that info from.

I don't know if this link works for non members but here is an AW11 with a 3S-GTE in it. http://mr2.org.nz/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=8046

 

[wrapture]

3S fit, 1/2MZ fit, 2GR fit. I say keep it 4 cylinder. Or even stay with the current motor. The car is pretty rare there now.

I do like the 4A-GZE, but I want a bad track car by the time I'm out of high school. The current engine will stay for atleast 2 years.

Nice nice nice nice nice.

I would do a 3S swap.

They do fit, if I am correct some 1989 MR2 had the 3S actually. Unless it was the '90. I don't quite remember. Anyway. The car may oversteer a little with a 3S, but it would be worth it. Or keep the 4AGZE.

I agree, a little oversteer is worth it. As I said before, 4A-GZE will stay for atleast 2 years.

Why so many fisheye pictures?

Nice steal, though.

My GoPro was the only camera I had access to. And thanks.

 

[GDII]

You should add Fortune Auto coilovers, SW20 sway bars and a cage. Then you'd have a pretty good track car. Make it handle and stop better before adding more power. Good brake pads and good fluid will help too. Your current engine should be reliable with all the new bits from trying to find the running fault.

 

[Punknoodle]

This is a really cool little car. I'll be following this.

Agree with GDII on upgrading the handling / braking components first. Make the most of the power you have before it becomes an issue, then go hunting for more ponies.

When that time comes, seen as its a light car and you don't need a lot of power to have fun I reckon I would throw in a naturally aspirated 20V 4AGE. ITBs, stacks, cams and head work, light flywheel and have a beautiful sounding screamer that revs its tits off and is brutally responsive 👍

 

[Fazerfan]

Thats cheap as butter. Good choice!

 

[Eunos_Cosmo]

This is a really cool little car. I'll be following this.

Agree with GDII on upgrading the handling / braking components first. Make the most of the power you have before it becomes an issue, then go hunting for more ponies.

When that time comes, seen as its a light car and you don't need a lot of power to have fun I reckon I would throw in a naturally aspirated 20V 4AGE. ITBs, stacks, cams and head work, light flywheel and have a beautiful sounding screamer that revs its tits off and is brutally responsive 👍

I agree. N/A is also easier to do for track work. Less need for upgrading auxiliary, namely cooling.

 

[wrapture]

Any suggestions for cosmetic/handling upgrades? I'll start a list of the ones I like.

You should add Fortune Auto coilovers, SW20 sway bars and a cage. Then you'd have a pretty good track car. Make it handle and stop better before adding more power. Good brake pads and good fluid will help too. Your current engine should be reliable with all the new bits from trying to find the running fault.

I got a pair of Tokico shocks free with the car, SW20 swaybars is tempting, and no cage because it is a road car, although seats and a 4 point harness are in the future. I haven't thought about handling yet, I will do some research. When I change the shocks I want to change the brake pads, brake fluid, and maybe tires if I can afford it. The engine is in great shape, 110,000 miles with a complete rebuild less than 10,000 miles ago, all we did was new spark plugs with the correct gap and a new fuel pump.

This is a really cool little car. I'll be following this.

Agree with GDII on upgrading the handling / braking components first. Make the most of the power you have before it becomes an issue, then go hunting for more ponies.

When that time comes, seen as its a light car and you don't need a lot of power to have fun I reckon I would throw in a naturally aspirated 20V 4AGE. ITBs, stacks, cams and head work, light flywheel and have a beautiful sounding screamer that revs its tits off and is brutally responsive 👍

Thank you, I really appreciate anyone that follows it.

If I'm going to do a swap I'm getting a 3S-GTE. Nothing can change my mind. I love how they sound and it seems like the easiest swap except to a 4A-GE.

Thats cheap as butter. Good choice!

Thanks, I could probably sell it for 2-3x what I paid!

I agree. N/A is also easier to do for track work. Less need for upgrading auxiliary, namely cooling.

Sorry, I'm already set on a 3S-GTE. Shouldn't be too hard as it already has paths for cooling elements.

 

[Punknoodle]

Well that's cool then. If that time comes let me know, I have come to know quite a lot about the 3SGTE and all if its different generations from modifying mine so if you need advice let me know

 

[wrapture]

Update 4/14/13
I tried to do the CF headlight surrounds like GDII but I quickly found out how different they were. For now I did one and if a ton of people like it I will do the other. They were a complete pain, I had started atleast a month ago but gave up and finally finished it this weekend.

I also wanted to see what the T-Tops looked like in white. I just did the driver's side to compare. I had used a bunch of 4-5" strips of unprinted window perf, if I decide it should stay I will use a single piece for each T-Top.

 

[GDII]

Looking good. I say do the other light surround. But of course i would say that. The AW11 lights look way harder to do than SW20. You did a good job though.

You could do the T-tops in carbon. I was thinking of doing that but it might be a bit much plus I like the glass roof.

The damage to the door isn't too bad. The side skirt is a bit broken though.

Have you had a chance to drive it much? Mine is cooped up in the garage now.

 

[wrapture]

Looking good. I say do the other light surround. But of course i would say that. The AW11 lights look way harder to do than SW20. You did a good job though.

You could do the T-tops in carbon. I was thinking of doing that but it might be a bit much plus I like the glass roof.

The damage to the door isn't too bad. The side skirt is a bit broken though.

Have you had a chance to drive it much? Mine is cooped up in the garage now.

I also wanted to keep the glass roof which is why I used window perf, you can still see out.

I am still looking for a door. It's not high on my priority list. The side skirt should be ordered in a week or two along with some interior pieces.

That is one thing I like about living in the south. I have taken it out for a couple of small drives. I want to take it to my local track soon. I want to use their "Skip Pad" to see what the limits of the car are (locking brakes, low speed turns, ect.).

 

[toymdngn]

www.mr2oc.com

www.twosrus.com

I've got an 89 N/A MR2 myself and wanted to do the MK1.5 swap for a long time, though I have decided that I am going to do a 3mz swap instead after seeing many many MKII turbo guys going V6 for reliability and comparable power.

Looks like you got a great deal on the car! Look for me on MR2OC, user name Beau Corso.

Edit: I just noticed it's got the early MKIa (85-86 model years) seats in it. The MKIb adjustable seats were pretty much the same, just 1 color cloth or leather instead of the 2-tone of the early ones.

 

[wrapture]

www.mr2oc.com

www.twosrus.com

I've got an 89 N/A MR2 myself and wanted to do the MK1.5 swap for a long time, though I have decided that I am going to do a 3mz swap instead after seeing many many MKII turbo guys going V6 for reliability and comparable power.

Looks like you got a great deal on the car! Look for me on MR2OC, user name Beau Corso.

Edit: I just noticed it's got the early MKIa (85-86 model years) seats in it. The MKIb adjustable seats were pretty much the same, just 1 color cloth or leather instead of the 2-tone of the early ones.

The only reason I like the V6 is well because its a V6. I've seen what a 3S will do in a MKII, and I would love to see the same power in mine.

Thanks! I haven't signed up for MR2OC yet but will soon. I have been on MR2.com, user name NDog65.

I thought they were but I didn't know for sure. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[toymdngn]

MR2.com is a decent forum but a lot of the knowledge has left the site. Lots and lots of questions in the MKI section, not many answers.

One of the guys on the OC has a 549hp 3S-GTE in his MKI... I can't even imagine!

www.speed-source.net has the MKI conversion kit you'll probably want to use. http://speed-source.net/wordpress/?wpsc-product=3sgte-mk-1-5-swap

 

[wrapture]

MR2.com is a decent forum but a lot of the knowledge has left the site. Lots and lots of questions in the MKI section, not many answers.

One of the guys on the OC has a 549hp 3S-GTE in his MKI... I can't even imagine!

www.speed-source.net has the MKI conversion kit you'll probably want to use. http://speed-source.net/wordpress/?wpsc-product=3sgte-mk-1-5-swap

My dad is looking at trading his '93 for a '91 with about 500-550hp. It will pull the front wheels off the ground from a stand still.

I'll look at the conversion kit. I'm far from the swap but that would help.

 

[wrapture]

Update 6/10/13

It's been a while since I've posted in this thread so I will start where I ended.

My dad ended up buying the '91. He decided to keep the '93 to swap the goodies to the '91. Then the '93 will be sold. Pic of the cars I snapped at work:

Now on to my car. I had to buy a new battery because the old one was completely shot:

I also bought a new left and right parking brake cable. I had found some for ~$50 a piece but went to Toyota and got a genuine cable for ~$65 a piece.

Old:

New:

New:

I also found out my rear Tokico shocks wont fit my car. Deciding to sell them. Go to Tokico's website and find out if they will fit your car. Part #'s are TOHZ1085 for the front and TOHZ3099 for the rear.

I'm also going to add my bike to the thread on this post. She's a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R. Was the last year of the 636cc engine until 2013. Anyways I just got new rubber put on. Michelin Pilot Power 2CTs:

 

[Thatman]

^that rear tire says Dunlop....

 

[wrapture]

^that rear tire says Dunlop....

We decided on tires in December. I thought we decided on 2CTs and my dad doesn't remember what we decided. I will check when I get to work.

Edit: They are Dunlop Sportmax RoadSmart on front and rear.