I want to take my MR2 drag racing

"way2blu does a rev update" (way2blu)
07/20/2017 at 14:37 • Filed to: I live my life a quarter mile at a time, for those 20 seconds or more, I'm free, Toyota MR2, Drag Racing

Pictured: An MR2 with 5-10x the power and grip of mine

But I just dropped it off for a new paint job. Locally there’s a 1/8th mile drag racing event that runs tomorrow, but the car won’t be ready by then. Any Oppos have experience with drag racing? Is it fun or should I stick to autocross?

DISCUSSION (26)

For Sweden > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:40

Step 1, gotta get the Hoosiers bro

BeaterGT > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:40

You should do both. Drag racing is extremely fun and not as easy as most people assume, especially with a manual. Also, awesome tags.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:41

I say do the drag race, lose badly because Camry engine’d SW20 fatty, but invite as many people there to your local autoX so you can say you can out run drag racers in it stock.

way2blu does a rev update > For Sweden
07/20/2017 at 14:44

I have 140 lb-feet of torque... How much grip would I need to pull a wheelie like that?

Arrivederci > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:47

I think every gearhead should try both, but for me it’s fun for 45-75 seconds versus fun for 10-15 seconds.

way2blu does a rev update > BeaterGT
07/20/2017 at 14:47

Even if my 1/8th of a mile takes longer than most people’s quarter miles, I’m sure the car will still bring me more than 1/8th of a smile. A lot more...

I’ll have to go to the next one, they run the event usually twice a month.

nerd_racing > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:54

all of it!

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:55

What color did you go for? Or are we going to have to wait for the big reveal??

DrDDay > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 14:56

I say do it. There is no reason not to broaden your experience behind the wheel, and a prepared drag strip is unlike anything you’d be able to experience on the road.

The first time you get the launch just right, your eyes will light up.

way2blu does a rev update > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
07/20/2017 at 14:57

Hehe, there’s usually an autocross the very next day at the same location, so that’s not far-fetched at all.

I’m happy with 2nd place though. Intake for the Camry engine is right behind the driver’s seat in my car, so I get the full induction note as I row through the short gearing. And bonus points because I’m hearing my car at WOT for a longer time than the other racer hears his or hers. That’s what it’s about, right? Right?

way2blu does a rev update > DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By
07/20/2017 at 15:00

I’m planning on a slow tease of a color reveal a-la Dodge Challenger Demon

way2blu does a rev update > Arrivederci
07/20/2017 at 15:03

With my car’s 140 lb-feet of torque (even less hp) I’m expecting to enjoy the 1/8th of a mile for a long time each run.

What do you drive that takes that long? A quarter mile time like that tells me “interesting and unique Oppo car” for sure.

way2blu does a rev update > DrDDay
07/20/2017 at 15:06

With a car that brings big smiles even at daily-driving speeds, I can only imagine how awesome a good launch will feel. If the paint job is done early, I’ll try to go tomorrow. If not, then definitely to the next one.

BigBlock440 > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 15:07

It’s fun if you’re in something fast, but kinda boring in the 14-second range. It just feels so slow with the super wide lanes and long shutdown areas, it feels like you’re out there forever.

DucST3-Red-1Liter-Standing-By > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 15:13

oh yes!

**shivers in anticipation**

way2blu does a rev update > BigBlock440
07/20/2017 at 15:18

Mine does it in 16.1 or more according to the internet... still worth going so I can learn to launch it?

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 15:19

Really, you’ll always win at a drag race because you’ll get to spend more time driving an MR2.

Hammerdown > DrDDay
07/20/2017 at 15:33

Exactly. Fuck what we think, go try it out and see what you think of it!

BigBlock440 > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 15:36

Probably worth going at least once, just to get a feel for how slow your car actually is. When you’re out there running 14's and they line you up against somebody that runs 10's, it’s...um...interesting. It’s definitely more fun when you have somebody to race against that’s somewhat evenly matched, that you can brag to when you kick their ass, or have to listen to them brag when you don’t.

Arrivederci > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 15:54

Hah, sorry - I didn’t realize you listed the drag strip as 1/8th, the times I was just listing were generalizations anyway for autocross and quarter mile.

Demon-Xanth knows how to operate a street. > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 16:00

Do bracket racing. Then consistency is the key. If you can nail a 15.50 every time, you got a chance against a guy that runs 12.4-12.6.

way2blu does a rev update > Arrivederci
07/20/2017 at 16:05

Ohh I see, haha no worries. Yeah my autocross times do fall in that range too.

DrDDay > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 16:16

You’ve got a Mr2. Those cars are a blast at any speed. Just be careful of snap oversteer at high speeds.

way2blu does a rev update > DrDDay
07/20/2017 at 16:27

It is a 1991... Definitely fun because of that, but I have to get new shocks before I trust the handling. They seem to be all-original, judging by the way it handles bumps.

DrDDay > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 16:55

I don’t know what your budget is, but last I checked Eibach sells kits with new struts and springs pretty reasonably, and sometimes Tire Rack has the exact kits from Eibach discounted even more.

Bytemite > way2blu does a rev update
07/20/2017 at 18:48

cant you just get launch practice at red lights? It doesnt require a drag strip to drop a clutch.