4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
Moderator: Moderators
Forum rules
This section of the forum is a great resource if you're looking for ideas, and it's a cool way of obtaining technical information that may otherwise not have been posted. (Members can use the Search functionality at top right of the forum to speed up finding things) Please respect others' contributions and don't diss anyone - keep comments helpful, factual, positive and polite. One thread per vehicle or owner please - don't start lots of threads about just one car. And if you need assistance with your car and want to host a spanner day, please use the appropriate section of the forum: http://mr2.org.nz/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=35 Thank you.
This section of the forum is a great resource if you're looking for ideas, and it's a cool way of obtaining technical information that may otherwise not have been posted. (Members can use the Search functionality at top right of the forum to speed up finding things) Please respect others' contributions and don't diss anyone - keep comments helpful, factual, positive and polite. One thread per vehicle or owner please - don't start lots of threads about just one car. And if you need assistance with your car and want to host a spanner day, please use the appropriate section of the forum: http://mr2.org.nz/phpbb3/viewforum.php?f=35 Thank you.
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
Whew! It's been a while since my last post, between working and lurking the forums I haven't done too much to my two apart from keeping her nice and shiny! I even took the 2 for a camping trip and managed to fit two people's entire gear in it! What I intend to do this month is look into getting some lowering springs, probably some cobras. Does anyone have any experience with that brand, especially with being NZ made and all? I was thinking about coilovers but that'll be something I'll do when I get some more cash.
Here's the car in present state anyways.
Here's the car in present state anyways.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
So many shiny. Looks great.
These cars have a surprising amount of luggage space. I've done 2 holiday trips starting from Wellington, heading down through Christchurch to Dunedin then over to Alexandra, Queenstown and Wanaka then back past Lake Tekapo. 2,250km of driving. Enough space for my stuff and the wife's large bag plus Christmas presents for the families.
I've not used Cobra springs in a stock car, but when I did have some cobra springs in a car is was for one night. They were in an SR20DE swapped KP61 rally car, far too soft and as a result too low but this was due to the much heavier engine and gearbox combination. I wouldn't think there is anything wrong with them for the SW20 but I don't know how the quality would compare to TRD (can't buy new) or Eibach springs. There seems to be a lot of TEIN S TECH springs floating around but they are very low and as a result very stiff. They would probably give your car a 40mm drop which can introduce bump steer. Coilovers would be a good option for setting a height you like but they can be stiff if you go for cheaper brands plus they require a cert which is an additional $600+ on top the initial cost of purchasing coilovers.
Lowering your car might make it impossible to get from the slope on your driveway to the flat.
These cars have a surprising amount of luggage space. I've done 2 holiday trips starting from Wellington, heading down through Christchurch to Dunedin then over to Alexandra, Queenstown and Wanaka then back past Lake Tekapo. 2,250km of driving. Enough space for my stuff and the wife's large bag plus Christmas presents for the families.
I've not used Cobra springs in a stock car, but when I did have some cobra springs in a car is was for one night. They were in an SR20DE swapped KP61 rally car, far too soft and as a result too low but this was due to the much heavier engine and gearbox combination. I wouldn't think there is anything wrong with them for the SW20 but I don't know how the quality would compare to TRD (can't buy new) or Eibach springs. There seems to be a lot of TEIN S TECH springs floating around but they are very low and as a result very stiff. They would probably give your car a 40mm drop which can introduce bump steer. Coilovers would be a good option for setting a height you like but they can be stiff if you go for cheaper brands plus they require a cert which is an additional $600+ on top the initial cost of purchasing coilovers.
Lowering your car might make it impossible to get from the slope on your driveway to the flat.
1990 SW20 MR2 G-Limited (GEN4 3SGTE Installed)
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
Thanks for that advice there, it's given me a bit to think about for sure. I was originally going to get larger rims but I figured that a lower height would give me the look I was after anyways. I'm a bit worried about the driveway too, it is definitely quite steep, my dads car scrapes on it alreadyGDII wrote: I've not used Cobra springs in a stock car, but when I did have some cobra springs in a car is was for one night. They were in an SR20DE swapped KP61 rally car, far too soft and as a result too low but this was due to the much heavier engine and gearbox combination. I wouldn't think there is anything wrong with them for the SW20 but I don't know how the quality would compare to TRD (can't buy new) or Eibach springs. There seems to be a lot of TEIN S TECH springs floating around but they are very low and as a result very stiff. They would probably give your car a 40mm drop which can introduce bump steer. Coilovers would be a good option for setting a height you like but they can be stiff if you go for cheaper brands plus they require a cert which is an additional $600+ on top the initial cost of purchasing coilovers.
Lowering your car might make it impossible to get from the slope on your driveway to the flat.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
The last picture looks like you are close and with a 25mm drop you will probably hit it.
Larger rims would look different but I have seen some nice looking lowered SW20s on the stock 14s. It's not very common so might be a unique change.
The only issue is getting tyres for them, you can get some still be not many and they are all economy tyres which are no good on an MR2.
Larger rims would look different but I have seen some nice looking lowered SW20s on the stock 14s. It's not very common so might be a unique change.
The only issue is getting tyres for them, you can get some still be not many and they are all economy tyres which are no good on an MR2.
1990 SW20 MR2 G-Limited (GEN4 3SGTE Installed)
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
The economy tyres part is very true, quick searches don't show up too much for 14'' tyres which would be even close to suitable on a 2. I was thinking about going the common route and either going for 15'' oem rims or some kind of 3 piece wheel which seem to suit these cars a lot. I'm definitely going to have a bigger look at springs and coilovers, adjustable height may be a better way to go in the longer run.
- Swampy
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 703
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2015 10:37 am
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: James
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
I was bored at work so was checking tyre prices/availability and on Hyper Drive they have many in 195/60/14. Suppose that's a good size for the front, but nothing for the rears. I have 225/60/14 on rear and I think there's only 2 offered in a slightly smaller profile or diameter, being Toyo R888s and some other semi slick type. I think the 14s are good as a spare pair for winter/gravel etc just a bit sad how our options are limited
In the shed: 91 MR2 G-Limited, 95 Subaru Impreza WRX
In the front of the shed: 95 Corolla
In the driveway: 00 Subaru Legacy Lancaster
In the rear view: 87 Honda Prelude, 94 Nissan Serena, 04 Swift
~ 4 Runs ~
In the front of the shed: 95 Corolla
In the driveway: 00 Subaru Legacy Lancaster
In the rear view: 87 Honda Prelude, 94 Nissan Serena, 04 Swift
~ 4 Runs ~
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
That sounds about right! That's why I'm thinking of a move to a larger wheel so that I can actually get suiting tyres for it. That move will probably come at the earliest next month anyways, the tyres i've on at the moment have plenty of life left in them.Swampy wrote:I was bored at work so was checking tyre prices/availability and on Hyper Drive they have many in 195/60/14. Suppose that's a good size for the front, but nothing for the rears. I have 225/60/14 on rear and I think there's only 2 offered in a slightly smaller profile or diameter, being Toyo R888s and some other semi slick type. I think the 14s are good as a spare pair for winter/gravel etc just a bit sad how our options are limited
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
So today I took a trip down to BnT and picked up some NGK platinum plugs and some Redline MT-90 for my gearbox. The branch manager Ant was very helpful and I managed to pick up the lot for $228. The Redline oil definitely makes a difference, my notchy 1st - 2nd shift is gone completely! Amazing stuff.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
That's awesome, what's the code on the plugs?
I've been using Castrol VMX80 and still have a notchy 1st and 2nd. Might have to try MT90 when I can afford it.
Some people say some gearbox oil isn't good for certain boxes but it's a mixed result thing.
I've been using Castrol VMX80 and still have a notchy 1st and 2nd. Might have to try MT90 when I can afford it.
Some people say some gearbox oil isn't good for certain boxes but it's a mixed result thing.
1990 SW20 MR2 G-Limited (GEN4 3SGTE Installed)
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
The code for the plugs were ngk bkr6ep-8. I did a 0.8mm gap and that seems to work fine for the two (plus the old plugs measured 0.8 too).GDII wrote:That's awesome, what's the code on the plugs?
Apparently different additives in different oils can have some interesting results. I'm no mechanic however. Search up gl4 vs gl5 and see what I mean . I've heard enough about redline MT products to take the plunge and i'm happy that I did.GDII wrote:I've been using Castrol VMX80 and still have a notchy 1st and 2nd. Might have to try MT90 when I can afford it.
Some people say some gearbox oil isn't good for certain boxes but it's a mixed result thing.
- Benckj
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 7148
- Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:44 pm
- Stomping Ground: Otago
- Prime Mover: More than one MR2
- First name: Jim
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
0.8 or 0.032" is fine for stock boost but its recommended you close it up at tad to 0.028" if increasing boost pressure beyond stock levels. This keeps the spark active at higher compression ratio's (boost above 15psi) with a lower risk of detonation.The code for the plugs were ngk bkr6ep-8. I did a 0.8mm gap and that seems to work fine for the two (plus the old plugs measured 0.8 too).
On the g'box oil comments;
Given the complex synthetic oils these days I'd be very careful about playing Chemist and pouring additives into the vital fluids. Using a high spec fluid from the start removes the risk and expense of additives. Redline makes some of the best fluids for gearbox's and gong with MT90 or LWSP is a well proven solution. In my experience MT90 does work very well in a E153 but tends to wear out after a year or so. LWSP, although not recommended by manufacture works the best and lasts for many years. Plenty of discussion on the US forums regarding oil so I'll leave it at that.
Jim Benck
90 rev 1 parts car
98 rev 5 GT- all the mods
90 rev 1 parts car
98 rev 5 GT- all the mods
-
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 128
- Joined: Tue Apr 14, 2015 11:59 am
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Sonik
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
Saw a good example of this the other day. Clear coat and paint was peeling really badly.Benckj wrote:Dats cause it's green. Keep it polished as the colour is known to suffer from UV damage like the Reds & yellows.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
Ah Jim, this isn't turbo. but good advice for turbo owners I guess.Benckj wrote:0.8 or 0.032" is fine for stock boost but its recommended you close it up at tad to 0.028" if increasing boost pressure beyond stock levels. This keeps the spark active at higher compression ratio's (boost above 15psi) with a lower risk of detonation.The code for the plugs were ngk bkr6ep-8. I did a 0.8mm gap and that seems to work fine for the two (plus the old plugs measured 0.8 too).
1990 SW20 MR2 G-Limited (GEN4 3SGTE Installed)
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
2000 AE111R Corolla Wagon NZ New Daily
1996 AE101R Corolla Sprint NZ New Selling Soon
1990 EP81 Starlet XL (Sold)
1990 EE90 Corolla XL (Sold)
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sw20glimited/
- 4CylinderSpecial
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2015 8:30 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Levi
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
So have I! I'm keeping the car waxed and polished weekly, so no worries there .sMeYeF wrote:Saw a good example of this the other day. Clear coat and paint was peeling really badly.
Good advice indeed! Maybe changing the gap and wishing will change my car to a turbo anyways?GDII wrote:Ah Jim, this isn't turbo. but good advice for turbo owners I guess.
- Benckj
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 7148
- Joined: Thu Nov 24, 2005 12:44 pm
- Stomping Ground: Otago
- Prime Mover: More than one MR2
- First name: Jim
Re: 4Cyl's 1990 G-Limited
Sorry me bad as I had forced induction on my mind. My apologies.
Jim Benck
90 rev 1 parts car
98 rev 5 GT- all the mods
90 rev 1 parts car
98 rev 5 GT- all the mods