Joels MR2s
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.
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Joels MR2s
Figured it was time for a little post about my MR2s past and present.
I first joined the club way back in 95-96. I was a kid at the time!
I got hooked on MR2s via my Dad who always liked them and he finally got a mint AW around 1994, that we still own today.
I’m now onto my 6th MR2.
Here is a brief history of cars past and present:
1988 AW11 NA
My First MR2. Had super-rare rear skirt that I wish I had kept..
Put some 17” Nippon Racing wheels on it. This car got stolen and was stripped of everything, eventually got recovered and I got it back up to scratch but it never felt the same to me so I ended up selling it to a fellow club member (Paul Green). Last I saw it was in Ngaruwahia years ago.
1999 ZZW DGF891
Moved to Melbourne for a couple of years and bought this when I returned.
Didn’t do much to his other than lowering it and adding the front lip.
Sold it after awhile because being our only car it was not very practical. – ended up getting another AW11 because having a boot = more practical.
1987 AW11 SC FQR942
AW number II. I purchased this sight unseen from Napier – went down and drove it back to Auckland with no problems.
Took it to my mechanic to give it a thorough service and got it up to scratch.
Installed new lowering springs, 15x8 Axis wheels, full prothane bush kit and an Aerotech lip.
Sold this one to help fund house renovations – money didn’t go very far..
1992 Gen II SW20 NA FTB950
After getting by with one car between my wife and I it was time for a second, so naturally I looked for an MR2.
No decent AWs were up sale – they never are when you’re looking.
Figured I would give an SW a try, I’d never been a big fan of the SW.
This was a Gen II, NA Auto so that didn’t help, it would be a different story if it was a Turbo or Gen V..
I didn’t own this for long, was the first and only time I spun out in an MR2 as well – I mostly put that down to average tyres.
1987 AW11 SC RP6919
This is my dads car but we share ownership and expenses. It didn’t get used for awhile so I proposed going halves in the maintenance costs to keep it up to standard.
The car was imported to NZ from Japan in 1992 and bought by an old fulla for $23,995 (I still have the ad from Auto Trader magazine).
Dad bought in 1994 for $10k. It had 23k on it when he bought it and today still only has around 59k.
It is in immaculate condition. The only modifications it has is an overboost pulley and Bridgestone Potenza RE01 tyres.
Because of the condition we will keep it factory standard. It still has all the original accessories and options like Cruise control, Boot liner, targa top bags and all that kind of stuff.
It is an Auto but due to the amazing condition the car is in that doesn’t bother me. As far as auto gearboxes go the AW one is not a bad one at all.
The plan is to simply keep enjoying it. Its very unlikely that it will ever be for sale.
I first joined the club way back in 95-96. I was a kid at the time!
I got hooked on MR2s via my Dad who always liked them and he finally got a mint AW around 1994, that we still own today.
I’m now onto my 6th MR2.
Here is a brief history of cars past and present:
1988 AW11 NA
My First MR2. Had super-rare rear skirt that I wish I had kept..
Put some 17” Nippon Racing wheels on it. This car got stolen and was stripped of everything, eventually got recovered and I got it back up to scratch but it never felt the same to me so I ended up selling it to a fellow club member (Paul Green). Last I saw it was in Ngaruwahia years ago.
1999 ZZW DGF891
Moved to Melbourne for a couple of years and bought this when I returned.
Didn’t do much to his other than lowering it and adding the front lip.
Sold it after awhile because being our only car it was not very practical. – ended up getting another AW11 because having a boot = more practical.
1987 AW11 SC FQR942
AW number II. I purchased this sight unseen from Napier – went down and drove it back to Auckland with no problems.
Took it to my mechanic to give it a thorough service and got it up to scratch.
Installed new lowering springs, 15x8 Axis wheels, full prothane bush kit and an Aerotech lip.
Sold this one to help fund house renovations – money didn’t go very far..
1992 Gen II SW20 NA FTB950
After getting by with one car between my wife and I it was time for a second, so naturally I looked for an MR2.
No decent AWs were up sale – they never are when you’re looking.
Figured I would give an SW a try, I’d never been a big fan of the SW.
This was a Gen II, NA Auto so that didn’t help, it would be a different story if it was a Turbo or Gen V..
I didn’t own this for long, was the first and only time I spun out in an MR2 as well – I mostly put that down to average tyres.
1987 AW11 SC RP6919
This is my dads car but we share ownership and expenses. It didn’t get used for awhile so I proposed going halves in the maintenance costs to keep it up to standard.
The car was imported to NZ from Japan in 1992 and bought by an old fulla for $23,995 (I still have the ad from Auto Trader magazine).
Dad bought in 1994 for $10k. It had 23k on it when he bought it and today still only has around 59k.
It is in immaculate condition. The only modifications it has is an overboost pulley and Bridgestone Potenza RE01 tyres.
Because of the condition we will keep it factory standard. It still has all the original accessories and options like Cruise control, Boot liner, targa top bags and all that kind of stuff.
It is an Auto but due to the amazing condition the car is in that doesn’t bother me. As far as auto gearboxes go the AW one is not a bad one at all.
The plan is to simply keep enjoying it. Its very unlikely that it will ever be for sale.
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
1999 ZZW FMP551
This is my current daily driver.
I know the MR-S isn’t that popular here, but I’ve been doing a few minor tweaks so figured I would start a thread to keep a record.
I’m not particularly mechanical so my work is mainly cosmetic. That is not to say I neglect the mechanical side of things – I just don’t do any of that myself.
It is currently waiting on an engine replacement. I think that is down to the previous owner being slack with maintenance.
My budget and skill level doesn’t allow a 2ZZ so will just be putting in another 1ZZ. There aren’t any decent ones for sale here so am importing one from Japan.
Car came with pink wheels so dealt with that quickly:
Got some clear side markers:
Time for some new wheels. Rota Grid V 16x8. Picked up the wheels and tyres for a good price - tyres not the right size so traded them in for some Nexen SU1 195/45 Front and 215/40 Rear
Made some custom centre caps:
PAINT HEAT SHIELD:
Fitted new strut brace:
Removed all the rusty bolts and changed for new stainless one:
Repainted read bumper and spoiler:
Painted cam cover for the new engine:
This is my current daily driver.
I know the MR-S isn’t that popular here, but I’ve been doing a few minor tweaks so figured I would start a thread to keep a record.
I’m not particularly mechanical so my work is mainly cosmetic. That is not to say I neglect the mechanical side of things – I just don’t do any of that myself.
It is currently waiting on an engine replacement. I think that is down to the previous owner being slack with maintenance.
My budget and skill level doesn’t allow a 2ZZ so will just be putting in another 1ZZ. There aren’t any decent ones for sale here so am importing one from Japan.
Car came with pink wheels so dealt with that quickly:
Got some clear side markers:
Time for some new wheels. Rota Grid V 16x8. Picked up the wheels and tyres for a good price - tyres not the right size so traded them in for some Nexen SU1 195/45 Front and 215/40 Rear
Made some custom centre caps:
PAINT HEAT SHIELD:
Fitted new strut brace:
Removed all the rusty bolts and changed for new stainless one:
Repainted read bumper and spoiler:
Painted cam cover for the new engine:
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
- Statek
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 590
- Joined: Sat Oct 20, 2012 12:56 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: Looking for an MR2
- First name: Kris
Re: Joels MR2s
Very nice Joel. There's some very tidy Mr2s in your history!
1986 Toyota MR2 AW11 20v ST - SOLD
- flying_wedge
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1696
- Joined: Sat Aug 06, 2005 5:07 pm
- Stomping Ground: Christchurch
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Mark
Re: Joels MR2s
Nice
I've always wondered about an MRS myself... one day it would be nice to have my AW and a hardtop ZZW .... both with 2zz's.
You seem to be proof that once you've gone MR2 it's hard to move on
I've always wondered about an MRS myself... one day it would be nice to have my AW and a hardtop ZZW .... both with 2zz's.
You seem to be proof that once you've gone MR2 it's hard to move on
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5739
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: Joels MR2s
Beautiful AW11s you had. I really like the grey one.
The top of your new engine looks great. It's amazing what a decent coat of paint can do.
The top of your new engine looks great. It's amazing what a decent coat of paint can do.
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/
- mickeyduck
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 6144
- Joined: Mon Apr 25, 2005 11:30 am
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: More than one MR2
- First name: Charlie
Re: Joels MR2s
I hadn't realised that your Dad's AW is basically the same as my white one. An 87 auto SC complete with covers for the lids and cruise control. Only difference is your Dad's one has done WAY less km's and I can vouch for its insanely immaculate condition.
I reckon the AW's auto box, when on a Supercharger with its torque, is one of the best auto boxes I've ever driven in any car. Beats a tip-tronic hands down in my estimation, especially if you use in in Manual mode.
And I'll say this again - the wing you have on the back of your ZZW is by far the best kind of wing I've seen on one and totally transforms the appearance of the car. I like it a lot. Whereas without it the ZZW looks too much like a push-me-pull-u, a Boxster, the same both ends. That wing really makes that car in my books mate.
Nice to see this thread Joel. Looking forward to seeing you on some runs again mate.
I reckon the AW's auto box, when on a Supercharger with its torque, is one of the best auto boxes I've ever driven in any car. Beats a tip-tronic hands down in my estimation, especially if you use in in Manual mode.
And I'll say this again - the wing you have on the back of your ZZW is by far the best kind of wing I've seen on one and totally transforms the appearance of the car. I like it a lot. Whereas without it the ZZW looks too much like a push-me-pull-u, a Boxster, the same both ends. That wing really makes that car in my books mate.
Nice to see this thread Joel. Looking forward to seeing you on some runs again mate.
#8^) Charlie the certified Westie
Retired - President 2012 - 2018
Retired - Committee Member 2009 - 2018
Retired - Auckland Area Coordinator 2009 - 2018
Retired - Webmaster, Forum Host & Admin 2010 - 2018 - Now it's mknz
Financial Club Member since 2004 and thanks to *84vvt and co-conspirators, Life Member since April 2017
100+ MR2OCNZ runs and counting... When going hard, good rubber's your best protection against unwanted accidents. Buy good tyres!
When you're nearing the end of the drag-strip and you have no 'chute, you may as well keep your foot to the floor... Live life. There ain't no second pass.
Retired - President 2012 - 2018
Retired - Committee Member 2009 - 2018
Retired - Auckland Area Coordinator 2009 - 2018
Retired - Webmaster, Forum Host & Admin 2010 - 2018 - Now it's mknz
Financial Club Member since 2004 and thanks to *84vvt and co-conspirators, Life Member since April 2017
100+ MR2OCNZ runs and counting... When going hard, good rubber's your best protection against unwanted accidents. Buy good tyres!
When you're nearing the end of the drag-strip and you have no 'chute, you may as well keep your foot to the floor... Live life. There ain't no second pass.
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
That would be a nice combo for sure.flying_wedge wrote:Nice
I've always wondered about an MRS myself... one day it would be nice to have my AW and a hardtop ZZW .... both with 2zz's.
You seem to be proof that once you've gone MR2 it's hard to move on
I have had a few other cars in between but always find my self coming back to the 2!
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
Yeah its quite interesting having a full-fat AW11 with all the heavy options (T-Top, A/C, Cruise control, Auto etc) - a real product of the 80s, especially with the two-tone paint scheme.mickeyduck wrote:I hadn't realised that your Dad's AW is basically the same as my white one. An 87 auto SC complete with covers for the lids and cruise control. Only difference is your Dad's one has done WAY less km's and I can vouch for its insanely immaculate condition.
I reckon the AW's auto box, when on a Supercharger with its torque, is one of the best auto boxes I've ever driven in any car. Beats a tip-tronic hands down in my estimation, especially if you use in in Manual mode.
And I'll say this again - the wing you have on the back of your ZZW is by far the best kind of wing I've seen on one and totally transforms the appearance of the car. I like it a lot. Whereas without it the ZZW looks too much like a push-me-pull-u, a Boxster, the same both ends. That wing really makes that car in my books mate.
Nice to see this thread Joel. Looking forward to seeing you on some runs again mate.
I agree with you about the auto box, and the MR-S spoiler
Will be on another run for sure when the new engine is sorted.
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
Been drawing this up over the past couple of weeks, got it framed and hanging in my lounge now.
Even got the MR2 Club sticker and Braes Illustrious Detailing sticker
Even got the MR2 Club sticker and Braes Illustrious Detailing sticker
Last edited by Joel on Mon Aug 29, 2016 3:34 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
- Gleshlich
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 317
- Joined: Sun May 22, 2016 12:08 am
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Justin
Re: Joels MR2s
Are you in charge of HIVE posters?!! I've always wanted to get one
Current:
1989 V6 Widebody SW
1996 EK Civic Hatch
2007 BMW 335i Touring
1989 V6 Widebody SW
1996 EK Civic Hatch
2007 BMW 335i Touring
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
Yep, thats meGleshlich wrote:Are you in charge of HIVE posters?!! I've always wanted to get one
You should get one
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
- Mr Shiny
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 576
- Joined: Thu Jul 12, 2012 10:28 pm
- Stomping Ground: Manawatu
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Brae
- Contact:
Re: Joels MR2s
Sweet! Saw your MR-S parked up on Sunday, you must have got there early! Only saw yours, mine and a very mint AW.
“If you think the professionals are expensive, you should see what the amateurs can cost you.”
____________________
____________________
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
Nah I got there right on 10 and I think someone must've left so I got that prime spot!Mr Shiny wrote:Sweet! Saw your MR-S parked up on Sunday, you must have got there early! Only saw yours, mine and a very mint AW.
Was a decent turn-out, that AW11 was my dads.
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com
-
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 161
- Joined: Sun Sep 13, 2015 6:03 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: TNR
Re: Joels MR2s
Nice cars, they all seem very nice. The MR-S with Rota Grids looks amazing, it seems super agile and fun just sitting still.
By the way, do you remember what lowering springs you put on your 2nd AW with the 15" wheels, and would you recommend them?
I'm looking for a set of springs for better handling but don't want a slammed look, just a moderate drop.
By the way, do you remember what lowering springs you put on your 2nd AW with the 15" wheels, and would you recommend them?
I'm looking for a set of springs for better handling but don't want a slammed look, just a moderate drop.
- Joel
- Life Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1078
- Joined: Tue Jun 28, 2005 8:37 pm
- Stomping Ground: Auckland
- Prime Mover: AW11
- First name: Joel
Re: Joels MR2s
From memory I am pretty sure they were Cobra Springs (http://cobrasprings.co.nz/catalogue/toyota/mr-2/2595) There is a dealer on TradeMe that sells them.TNR wrote:Nice cars, they all seem very nice. The MR-S with Rota Grids looks amazing, it seems super agile and fun just sitting still.
By the way, do you remember what lowering springs you put on your 2nd AW with the 15" wheels, and would you recommend them?
I'm looking for a set of springs for better handling but don't want a slammed look, just a moderate drop.
I can only compare them to stock. They were ok, they're on the budget end of the scale so you can definitely get better ones.
They were pretty cheap and gave a decent drop in ride height but nothing too crazy for a daily driver.
Cheers
Check out my posters http://www.hiveposters.storenvy.com