CJs SW20
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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.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: CJs SW20
It's not as big of a change as you might think Charlie. You can set the rear bar to the soft setting and it behaves similar to the stock bar, the car is just more stable. If you set it both to medium the car becomes stiffer in corners and you do lose a bit of rear end grip on tight off camber corners due to the suspension becoming less independent but because they are both set the same you balance the car out rather than inducing oversteer.
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/
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
I have taken it out of the frunk. Gonna be a bit down the list as projects though.
Need to throw a couple g's at the suspension.
Those covers from supercheap are mint. Really impressed at their softness and a perfect fit. Youd think they measured the sw when making them.
Need to throw a couple g's at the suspension.
Those covers from supercheap are mint. Really impressed at their softness and a perfect fit. Youd think they measured the sw when making them.
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
So, I got around to pulling out the suspension arms.
I popped the old bushes out.
Barely seem that worn actually. If they are original, they have done really well. The product of keeping it in the garage and not driving in the mud/rain too much i guess.
If anyone is thinking of doing the bushes, you will honestly want a gear/bearing puller. Absolutely brilliant for popping these out.
I sprayed them with a little rust penetrant/spray and then tighten the puller up. Wait 10 seconds, retighten, repeat....
Cleaned up and painted the control and strut arm.
Nice new bushes from TWOSRUS.
Re-connected the arms back up.
I didnt like the look of the photo i took under the car in my parts request..(still need those by the way, anyone..)
So, got a little carried away and replaced about 60 bolts under the car and in the engine bay.
Re-painted a bunch of brackets or cleaned them up.
Takes a fair bit of time. Using rust converter on the parts. Sanding or using a dremel to polish them up.
I cleaned up and gave the subframe a re-paint.
Should be able to get around to re-assembling next weekend.
I popped the old bushes out.
Barely seem that worn actually. If they are original, they have done really well. The product of keeping it in the garage and not driving in the mud/rain too much i guess.
If anyone is thinking of doing the bushes, you will honestly want a gear/bearing puller. Absolutely brilliant for popping these out.
I sprayed them with a little rust penetrant/spray and then tighten the puller up. Wait 10 seconds, retighten, repeat....
Cleaned up and painted the control and strut arm.
Nice new bushes from TWOSRUS.
Re-connected the arms back up.
I didnt like the look of the photo i took under the car in my parts request..(still need those by the way, anyone..)
So, got a little carried away and replaced about 60 bolts under the car and in the engine bay.
Re-painted a bunch of brackets or cleaned them up.
Takes a fair bit of time. Using rust converter on the parts. Sanding or using a dremel to polish them up.
I cleaned up and gave the subframe a re-paint.
Should be able to get around to re-assembling next weekend.
Last edited by CJ on Sat Sep 02, 2017 11:48 am, edited 1 time in total.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: CJs SW20
I wouldn't call that getting carried away. I'd call that pure awesomeness! Where you get the bolts from? It looks so good.
I was surprised how good my bushes were when I did the same thing. They are just a bit soft for the handling characteristics I was after.
I know I have some of those engine bay braces but I took mine off coz they were rusty. I replaced mine with nicer ones. I'll see what I can find and grab some photos when I get a chance. They might not be up to your standards.
I was surprised how good my bushes were when I did the same thing. They are just a bit soft for the handling characteristics I was after.
I know I have some of those engine bay braces but I took mine off coz they were rusty. I replaced mine with nicer ones. I'll see what I can find and grab some photos when I get a chance. They might not be up to your standards.
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/
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
Yeah, thats just a sample photo. Took all bolts and brackets off the hard brake lines, heat shields, fuel line, earth wiring.GDII wrote:I wouldn't call that getting carried away. I'd call that pure awesomeness! Where you get the bolts from? It looks so good.
I was surprised how good my bushes were when I did the same thing. They are just a bit soft for the handling characteristics I was after.
I know I have some of those engine bay braces but I took mine off coz they were rusty. I replaced mine with nicer ones. I'll see what I can find and grab some photos when I get a chance. They might not be up to your standards.
Everything below the rocker cover height replaced with zinc bolts. Most of the dress up bolts above the rocker cover have been replaced with 306 stainless hex drive. Its an ongoing process...
It is getting carried away a bit.
Initial plan was. Buy new bushes for the front and rear. Replace front shocks and bumpstops...thats it...yeah, got bored waiting for the parts from japan.
Im pretty sure Nick at NST rubs his hands together when i email him.
I see stuff i dont like and figure, well, the cars up in the air at the moment.
I really want to take the brake rotors off and replace, but im still on the fence about upgrading to 92+ rotors.
Rear rotors are the same size though arent they? Maybe i could just machine those ones up.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: CJs SW20
Front and rear rotors are bigger in diameter and thickness for 92+ over the 89-91. The rear pads are the same from 89-99 though as are the fixing clips. The calipers are bigger as is the piston size. To upgrade to the larger rotors you need the bigger calipers front and rear. Also the master cylinder so you keep your pedal feel.
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/
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
mmm. not worth it really at the moment.
Might machine or replace the rotors.
Might machine or replace the rotors.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: CJs SW20
If it's just a road car then the smaller brakes work fine. If it's used on track more often then the larger ones will be better to have to reduce or even eliminate brake fade if not driven stupid hard. I still need to buy rotors and pads plus front fitting clips for my larger brakes. It's just money now.
I'm sure I've said to myself, I'll just do this and this then done. But it never stops. There is always something to do or want on these cars.
What parts are coming from Japan if you don't mind me asking?
I'm sure I've said to myself, I'll just do this and this then done. But it never stops. There is always something to do or want on these cars.
What parts are coming from Japan if you don't mind me asking?
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/
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: CJs SW20
Ah yes. But that's usually only a 3 week wait max. I think I've replaced all my suspension parts that can wear except my top hats and bump stops due to price. I want to get the 93+ top hats as they have longer studs in the rear I think. I'll get them later on as they are a little worn.
Replacing all these parts seems expensive but the steering response you get in the end is worth it. You'll love it.
Replacing all these parts seems expensive but the steering response you get in the end is worth it. You'll love it.
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/
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
I am confident to say the number of people who have spent more on their MR2 would be a small list.GDII wrote:Ah yes. But that's usually only a 3 week wait max. I think I've replaced all my suspension parts that can wear except my top hats and bump stops due to price. I want to get the 93+ top hats as they have longer studs in the rear I think. I'll get them later on as they are a little worn.
Replacing all these parts seems expensive but the steering response you get in the end is worth it. You'll love it.
I stopped counting my receipts.
- chief1eye
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Sun Mar 20, 2016 2:33 pm
- Stomping Ground: Bay Of Plenty
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Ross
Re: CJs SW20 (56k no go!)
EssDub wrote:Slacker.CJ wrote:i will do. nothing happens with runs anymore down here.
Come on some of our runs
Hi CJ
Me and Josh are definitely starters for a run ex Hamilton. Might even get some of those Akl boys down who want to get away from the traffic!
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
While it was out, i showed my subframe a little love. Scrubbed it down, Rustkill and repainted it.
While everything was stripped out, I felt the wheel wells needed recoating in the stone guard. It was looking pretty dated.
So, cleaned them all out and re-coated in rubber stone guard/sound proofing.
Thought it came out pretty good. Its quite durable once it dries. (do NOT get this in your hair......)
Did the area under the boot while the exhaust was off.
Wasnt on there initially, but the look seemed to flow well. It will stop it from rusting too.
I wasnt initially going to....but pulled of the hub and carrier. Stripped it, cleaned it all up and repainted that too.
Bearing was fine cause i only just replaced it a little while ago.
Gave the transmission case a good clean down while under there.
Having cleaned down and repainted the engine mount, put that back on.
Got the hub back on. De-rusted. (getting the nuts back on was a lot easier)
Gave the exhaust system a bit of a clean up with wire brushing. Put that back on.
Sway bar back on. Subframe on with new bolts. Tie rods back on.
Ended up buying some new rotors. Thought about soaking the old ones in cider vinegar but couldnt wait the 4 days or so it takes.
While the cars off the road, thought id get around to replacing the panel bolts around the car. Going to replace them in the frunk, boot, license plate and a few in the engine bay.
(old ones)
New ones about to go on.
While everything was stripped out, I felt the wheel wells needed recoating in the stone guard. It was looking pretty dated.
So, cleaned them all out and re-coated in rubber stone guard/sound proofing.
Thought it came out pretty good. Its quite durable once it dries. (do NOT get this in your hair......)
Did the area under the boot while the exhaust was off.
Wasnt on there initially, but the look seemed to flow well. It will stop it from rusting too.
I wasnt initially going to....but pulled of the hub and carrier. Stripped it, cleaned it all up and repainted that too.
Bearing was fine cause i only just replaced it a little while ago.
Gave the transmission case a good clean down while under there.
Having cleaned down and repainted the engine mount, put that back on.
Got the hub back on. De-rusted. (getting the nuts back on was a lot easier)
Gave the exhaust system a bit of a clean up with wire brushing. Put that back on.
Sway bar back on. Subframe on with new bolts. Tie rods back on.
Ended up buying some new rotors. Thought about soaking the old ones in cider vinegar but couldnt wait the 4 days or so it takes.
While the cars off the road, thought id get around to replacing the panel bolts around the car. Going to replace them in the frunk, boot, license plate and a few in the engine bay.
(old ones)
New ones about to go on.
Last edited by CJ on Sat Sep 02, 2017 11:51 am, edited 2 times in total.
- GDII
- Forum Moderator - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 5719
- Joined: Sun Jul 10, 2011 5:13 pm
- Stomping Ground: Wellington
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: Phill
Re: CJs SW20
That is epic. I love the attention to detail you are doing. Looks almost like a new car.
I have always disliked the grey underbody from all the road dirt but as adding more underbody protection will add much more weight I can't see myself doing that as I'll just make it dirty again. It looks great though.
I have always disliked the grey underbody from all the road dirt but as adding more underbody protection will add much more weight I can't see myself doing that as I'll just make it dirty again. It looks great though.
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/
- CJ
- Club Member - MR2OCNZ
- Posts: 1400
- Joined: Wed Aug 17, 2005 6:55 pm
- Stomping Ground: Waikato
- Prime Mover: SW20
- First name: CJ
Re: CJs SW20
Fair enough, its a road/show car though. If it was a track car, id be stripping weight off it. Half a second here or there in a 1/4 mile doesnt bother me.GDII wrote:That is epic. I love the attention to detail you are doing. Looks almost like a new car.
I have always disliked the grey underbody from all the road dirt but as adding more underbody protection will add much more weight I can't see myself doing that as I'll just make it dirty again. It looks great though.