AW11 MR2 Ownership Experience

"MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig" (MR2_FTW) 01/17/2015 at 12:34 • Filed to: Toyota, MR2, AW11, MK1

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Someone asked me to write this piece in a comment on one of my previous posts, so here you go!

When I bought my car it had 135,000 miles, good paint in a very rare color, mint interior, with very little rust, a few high-dollar tasteful modifications, and was in excellent mechanical condition for something in the mid-$4k range. These days you will struggle to find a supercharged model in similar condition for less than $4500 or so, but a good NA model can be had for $2-3k. If you aren't afraid to turn a wrench, one with some simple easy fixes can be had for just a few hundred bucks. As far as fun-for-the-buck value, these cars are very difficult to beat.

Repair Cost/Difficulty/Common Issues

One of the best things about the AW11 is the Toyota parts bin nature of its construction. Mechanical parts are usually easy to find, but MR2-specific parts (especially Supercharged-specific) can be a real challenge to find, due to the fact that the 4A-GZE engine was only available for two years in one model. Being an old car, most of these will be needing some maintenance and repair. Luckily parts are not usually terribly expensive, and because it's a Toyota you won't usually have to fix things twice. Because the engine is mounted in the middle of the car, it does make things a bit harder to work on sometimes, but I've found that it's no harder than working on any transverse-mounted front-wheel-drive car. I think the worst thing I've done is dropping the transmission while keeping the engine in the car. Trying to re- install it like that is not fun, and it would be so much simpler to just drop the whole thing. Common issues vary from model to model, but the number one thing to look for is rust, but that's typical of any Japanese car this old.

Aftermarket support/Modifications

The AW11 has nowhere near as huge of an aftermarket as it's newer brothers, but there are all kinds of things you can do if you know where to look. I could list all of the things I've done on this car but it wouldn't be very interesting to read. With the right modifications, these cars can go from a fun, tossable runabout to a serious corner carving machine very easily. The 4A-G engines still have a huge following, and have over a quarter century worth of knowledge built up over the years that you can tap into on various online forums. Pretty much everything that can be done has been done with these cars, so the know-how is out there, you just have to dig for it sometimes!

Driving Impressions

The first thing I noticed about driving an AW11 was the steering feel. The lack of power steering (no AW11 has power steering) combined with the fact that there is no heavy engine up front to steer around means this car has the best steering feel of any car I've ever driven. Adding a quick-ratio rack and pinion and an aggressive alignment only makes it better. The eagerness to change direction is fantastic as well, thanks to a chassis that Toyota decided to make stiff and solid, rather than flimsy and light.

This car is also not for the faint of heart. A few months after I bought the car, 19-year-old me tried to drift it in the rain and quickly found out that once it slides, the rear end comes back. Hard. And wants to keep going the other way, spinning you into the opposite direction, and in my case, a curb. Don't treat this car lightly, it's not like a front-engined car where you can slide it around care free all day. This car was designed for grip, and while you can slide it, you have to really know what you're doing, and know the car.

Daily Driver?

It is also a surprisingly practical car. It has a good-sized trunk out back, and a usable frunk up front as well. Interior space is great as long as you are under 6 feet tall. All the controls are very driver-focused and within short reach of the steering wheel. Visibility is excellent, with the hood sloping so sharply it feels like you're looking straight down at the road, giving the AW11 interior a very cockpit-like feel. Fuel economy is high 20's city to mid 30's highway for the NA models, and mid 20's city, around 30 highway for the supercharged cars.

Many cars these days claim go-kart-like handling, but often it's just a marketing gimmick. If you've never driven a well-kept AW11, you owe it to yourself to experience a true street-legal kart.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/17/2015 at 13:16

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Beautiful. I have pondering whether to get a Celica or an MR2 as my next car.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/17/2015 at 13:20

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The only Celica's I would say would be worth your time is the RWD ones, the AWD turbo ones, or the last GTS with the 2ZZ-GE engine, and only the AWD turbo will be anywhere near as fun as an MR2.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/17/2015 at 13:39

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In terms of availabitlity, Celicas are still more common unfortunately... But the All-Trac Celicas here go for $6k in good condition. I would obviously love an old one with the 20R, but if I find an MR2 in good condition, I probably won't pass it up.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/17/2015 at 14:22

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I'd like to talk a bit about the rust. While you should look for rust, the chances of finding a truly rust free example are pretty slim to none, so don't write one off if it has one. My car was a Florida car. This is how much sheet metal was used to cover the holes on the driver's side.

Despite all of that, there is no major rust on any structural part. The sheet metal on the floorboard, in the bottom of the frunk, and in the trunk dissolves like tissue paper, so rust isn't necessarily a deal-breaker, but there is one spot you definitely need to check. Behind the front wheel well, crap tends to accumulate, so this is usually the first place serious problem rust tends to pop up. You can usually spot it on the front bottom part of the front door sill. If you see bad rust there, it probably ate through from the part behind the wheel well.

Great writeup, man!

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/17/2015 at 14:30

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Mine has rust in the middle of the right rear arch, behind the left rear arch, in front of the right rear arch, and a little bubble over the windshield. Other than that completely rust free. Floors, frunk, all that is just fine.

Sn210 > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/17/2015 at 14:34

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Awesome write up, you're making me miss mine. Spring time needs to get here soon so I can start enjoying it again. I only had it for about a month before I put it away in my father's garage for the winter, but for that short time, I fell completely in love. It's so low, so simple, and really fun to drive.

PG; the scalpel wielder > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 05:30

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the only car that beats me at autocross!

Bunty Brown > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:35

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Awesome write-up. Thanks for this!

Justin Hughes > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:39

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I 100% agree with you! I loved my rusty 87, and the 85 I helped a friend fix up and autocross. I've had some fun cars, but the AW11 was one of my favorites.

I used to love bringing my groceries out to the car, popping the "hood," dropping them in, and watching the confused looks I got from people.

Sw20615 > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:39

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Great write. I love my SW20. Wouldn't mind owning the AW11.

damnthisburnershitsux > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:40

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Interior space is great as long as you are under 6 feet tall.

FerrousJackal > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:41

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Damn. I've been seriously considering buying an AW11 recently and this is putting some spark to the kindling. Only problems are I can't drive stick (want to learn), I drive a 06 Audi A3 2.0t (space for daaaays) and I've never driven RWD, much less mid engine. Still, I could launch my car, have 3-4k left over to go to coilovers, overfenders, different wheels and tires, quick rack-and-pinoin, and a LSD. And still have plenty of capital to take care of any rust issues. Even typing this up makes it sound like a great idea but I've yet to have someone convince me that I sould just can it and whip out my wallet and sell the VAGon. Wrackin my brain man.

cnessel27 > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:46

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I had an 86 mr2, I miss it so. It fit me like a glove, and I'm 6'3". With the seat all the way back my feet touched the pedals just right (heal-toe) and my hands rested easily on the steering wheel.

My favorite part about mine was the removable sun roof that you stored in the fr-unk when you wanted to feel extra breezy.

Must get my hands on another, get mega-squirt PNP engine management system and ad a turbo.

Hardbaloney > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:49

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My first car was an '85 MR2 that I autocrossed and generally drove to death as a teenager. I adored that car. Also, I'm over six feet and maintain that Mister Two was one of the most comfortable cars I've ever owned. I miss the hell out of that thing.

Dolemite > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:51

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" that once it slides, the rear end comes back. Hard". I experienced this quite a few times in my old 88 supercharged MR2. Hell, I once did a 180 in a bank parking lot doing about 8 mph when I happened to hit a puddle. It's like once the engine swings around, it drags the rest of the car behind it, like tossing a ball and chain.

cnessel27 > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:54

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Mine had rust in all those places then got ran into on the high way and ended its life. Had I not been in school across the country from family, and had garage/storage/money I would have kept it but I didn't. Felt like putting down a family pet, as it was originally bought by my step dad brand new, and ended up being driven by every body in my family. My heart hurts thinking about it now.

Hoy! Lip buddy pawnch! > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 09:58

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I'm disappointed FTW. No mention of the stock stick shift handle? It's the best knob (heh) on a stock car.

I'd only suggest for progressive shoppers/owners to either have the space, tools and patience or extra money for repairs/maintenance/modifications. The car is simple but it does take some prep work to get at certain things. If you've been bitten by the bug though you will not find a better price point car (besides *yawn* Miata).

Long live the former MR2OC!

Hoy! Lip buddy pawnch! > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/19/2015 at 10:01

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Get both. There are a few people who own both MR2 and Alltrac. Mad people if you ask me. :D

If you can work on an MR2 then you can work on an Alltrac.

JStorm > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/19/2015 at 10:01

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celicas are fun I had a one as my first car (1992), it was an st though and about a year and a half later the gas tank rusted through. Unfortunately I couldn't find a replacement and jb welding didn't fix it. So thanks to mn rust it's sat for a while. But it was a great car, and although tthe 1.6 l wasn't exactly fast it wound up nice and it handled extremely good

505 - morphine not found > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 10:02

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Heh, feel like i must chime in on this, though i have already said all i can , but there is one important point i would love to have here too, not just back in that old review. If my research serves me right, the snap oversteer issue is an USDM special, as after 1986 those cars came without a rear anti-roll bar for some reason. European and Japanese models had this installed, and with this the car is gradual to let go, and you can control the slide. It still isn't a drift weapon, no old-school MR cars are, but even though i drove my car a lot at 8-9/10 of my personal envelope, i never spun, either on the open road, or on track. I even drove it in the snow, and had very good experiences, it was very controllable in the white stuff - so much so, that for snow-drifts it just isn't that well suited.

So if you have a US car, it's probably worth it installing a rear sway bar. Add good tires and the MR2 will handle like an angel on the limit.

Brumos59-2 > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 10:03

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My first car was a 1986 MR2 Sunroof and I do miss it dearly even though it was a $1,100 turd when I bought in in 1995. Things to look out for? I had a clutch slave cylinder go bad on mine. Changing it wasn't too difficult. My dad was working a ton of hours at the time so my mom helped me do it in two evenings after work. The water pump went bad on mine and the main issue with that became getting the entire cooling system properly bled. IIRC, there were 3 locations to bleed it from since the radiator is in the front and the engine is in the back and therefore the lines are fairly long. The only other major issue with mine is that the bushings were already shot at around 100k and that resulted in dynamic rear toe. It certainly gets your attention when the car toes out and wants to rear steer every time you transfer weight to the front as when lifting or braking. That could have a lot to do with yours being so difficult to maintain a drift. It can be done but I would start with replacing all of the rubber bushings that you can get your hands on if they are still available.

AntiLag > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/19/2015 at 10:27

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What craigslist are you on?? I've only found one all-trac in 3 years and it's been modded and engine swapped beyond return. Dude also wants almost 5 grand for it.

RetroSpeed > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 10:28

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1988 MR2 Chassis + 2ZZ-GE = more fun than you can shake a stick at

Just Joshing > FerrousJackal 01/19/2015 at 10:30

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You'll learn stick in an afternoon and be completely comfortable within a week - just make sure you buy the car at a time when you'll have time to practice, you don't want to be learning the clutch on your commute.

Regular Car Reviews > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 10:42

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Someday you will be mine!

kenhitch > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 10:46

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Good read! You could... Say what modifications you've done to it here though... If you wanted.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Regular Car Reviews 01/19/2015 at 10:52

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If you're ever in VA you're welcome to drive it around and see how the supercharger compares to the NA you did.

Dsscats > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 11:03

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Found tg is the other day.....its so tempting

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/cto/4824587237…

K24_AW11 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 11:18

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I spent the weekend under my 2 cleaning up and sealing any surface rust I found, mine is a New England car and rust is at a minimum, no idea how. My T-Tops do leak though, well one still leaks, and I'll be pulling up some of the carpet to run some of the wiring for my swap this week and I'm a little terrified of what I might find.

Quinten McKracken > Dsscats 01/19/2015 at 11:28

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Well if you feel like waiting a month or two, you can buy my '88 NA T-Top. I'm moving back to Missouri and can't take it with me.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > 505 - morphine not found 01/19/2015 at 11:28

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"Snap oversteer" isn't really a thing. It's just how MR and RR cars behave when they let go, and cheap cars like this are accesible to anyone, so it gets more public eye. If you know how to drive the car and are paying attention, it's not an issue at all.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Dsscats 01/19/2015 at 11:29

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10 seems a little steep, but a MK1.5 is a Ferrari-beater on the track.

glemon > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 11:29

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Another car that shows handling and performance isn't all about the numbers, I have driven small and light cars for most of my driving life, starting with an Austin Healey Sprite in high school, followed by various MGs and Triumphs. When I was ready to expand beyond the creaky old British car world I looked at a BMW 2002 (already an older car by that time, but I have always driven older cars) as well as a 1st generation RX-7 and a 1st gen MR2. I wasn't quite ready to buy when I looked at the BMW, but it was really close between the RX and the Toyota.

The Toyota is a little go kart, and great fun to drive, the Mazda was not quite as nimble, but still plenty fun, and the smooth power it produced was intoxicating. nothing like it. I ended up going with the RX because it was going to be my only car, and the practicality of the hatch won over the somewhat limited space in the mid engine car. But yes, wish quick steering on the MR2, with no mass to resist turn in. The only cars I have ever driven like it are an early 911 and the later MR2 spyder.

Right now I am looking or an Autocross rat, and I am looking at the same cars, MR2, RX7 and Fiat x1/9, decisions, decisions.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > K24_AW11 01/19/2015 at 11:32

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Nice! I bet it will be a blast with a K24. I think that mine might have been flooded at one point because for the most part, it looked like it rusted from the top down on my floorboard. There are two spots where it looked like it came in from outside, though. One is the forward crossmember that goes under the gas tank and guides the e-brake lines. The point where this mounts was rusted out on both sides for me. The crossmember itself was fine, it was just the metal it was attached to. The other spot was on the outside edge of the footwell at the lowest and farthest forward point. That area gets pummeled by everything that gets kicked up by the tires.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Regular Car Reviews 01/19/2015 at 11:42

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If you're ever in South Florida, I can show you a scarily ugly one that seems to have an unlimited amount of grip right up until the point that it tries to kill you! His name is Charlie, and he's surprisingly similar to Charlie Kelly from Always Sunny. Also, these things pop up for stupid cheap all of the times. May I suggest Regular Project Cars? ;)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > 505 - morphine not found 01/19/2015 at 11:50

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Having driven with and without a rear sway bar and having tried the various factory alignments, I don't think that the snap oversteer issue is all that it's made out to be. An '84 ('85 USDM) alignment with sway bars is pretty tail happy and extremely prone to lift-off oversteer. This was kind of sketchy for a car coming off the lot, so they changed the alignment settings and pulled the rear sway bar. This was a universal change, not just USDM, though they did add the sway bar for the '89 supercharged models. This gives the back more grip, but at the expense of the front, and the default behavior of the car in most circumstances and with imprecise input is to push. It's still possible to make the back go out, but you need to load it correctly, and is less likely to happen during an emergency maneuver. It's harder to get the back out with the later alignment and no sway bar, but once it does go, it's going to be a mess.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > AntiLag 01/19/2015 at 11:53

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Seattle. I maybe see one listed every 6 months, if I'm lucky.

505 - morphine not found > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 11:53

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I always thought snap oversteer is the one when you're not sliding at all in one moment, then spinning in the next - ie it gives you little warning and even less time to counter-steer. I have driven my car countless times in a way that made the rear wheels slide just a wee bit, but not yet spinning round - that's exactly what i would call "warning". And if it happens like that, you have enough time to counter-steer and hold the slide - i know i did quite a few times already, in the rain, in my own AW11. I'm no driving god, so it must be the car handling a bit more friendly on the limit.

Of course, if you're 19 and don't know what will happen next, you might spin, as illustrated once on a photo-shoot with my and two other red AW11s. I stepped out the rear in a 90° turn on a wet road easily, only for the almost identical AW11 following me wanting to copy, and spinning on sight.

Oh and there's one more thing: a supercharged AW11 has more power, which makes breaking traction easier, but keeping it in check maybe harder.... I wish i could try :-)

And btw. great write-up, and i am still all-envy on your car, having that much power and an LSD.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > FerrousJackal 01/19/2015 at 11:54

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Do it! I bought mine kind of as an impulse buy. I was sort of thinking about it, but fell in love with the engine when I pulled it to red-line. It just has so much character!

K24_AW11 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 11:55

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It should be something, that's for sure, fits well though http://imgur.com/wZpbF7V

Sounds like flooding is a possibility by the way it rusted considering I drove mine last winter without the fuel tank covers and nothing is really too bad underneath. I'm going to have to double check my footwells now just to be safe, looks like you did a pretty solid job patching things up though.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > K24_AW11 01/19/2015 at 12:05

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Thanks! It was my first weld ever. Bought a crappy $70 arc welder from Harbor Freight and a couple of sheets of mild steel from Home Depot, and it was a piece of cake. The welder I used was the wrong type, so I had to be careful to prevent burning holes in the floor, but it beat having to buy a real welder. I wish I had some before pics of how bad it was before. It's pretty ugly, and it still has holes in it, but the holes are no longer growing larger, and they're not big enough for anything to get through, so I'm just going to leave them. So much water gets in mine that some extra drainage won't hurt.

505 - morphine not found > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 12:06

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I have an 1986 swiss car (=German market setup), and it has a factory installed sway bar in the back - as do all European models i think.

That said, your post highlights a key issue mere mortals like me know little about - alignment. It could happen that this is the key change here, as under the limit my car behaves exactly like you described, it's not as easy to turn in at speed, and really hard to get the end in play. But once the ass does get on the move, it's very easy to control - at least i always thought so, after having done a couple thousand kilometers of hard driving in mine without spinning. I even use lift-off oversteer to turn in, like in a fast-but-light FWD car, because it's just a little nudge, and then it sticks again, just what i need to get the nose pointing where i want quicker.

505 - morphine not found > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 12:07

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btw, do you have a source for the different alignments? I would love to set mine up a bit more tail-happy, now that i'm not at all new to it....

FerrousJackal > Dsscats 01/19/2015 at 12:10

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Holy shit is that clean.

HoodaLabooda > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 12:13

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Reminds me of my old car, a 1982 Corolla SR-5. A 74-hp 5 speed stick RWD Yoda! Triple black on black, factory alloy wheels, sunroof with two "caps" (one metal, one glass). I got the motor to make another 35 hp by porting the heafs, installing a pair of Webers and intake etc and that car was scary fast and handled like a sports car. There were only three imported SR-5 Corolla s imported that year. I had it for about two months before getting totalled out after getting rear - ended by a junkie lady with AIDS who had nodded out at the wheel of her full sized Ford van. I never even got a proper picture of the car.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > 505 - morphine not found 01/19/2015 at 12:15

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You're right, my bad. It was just a USDM cut. I thought it was universal because my strut housing didn't include the tabs to attach a sway bar and I wasn't able to find any post '85 ones with them. Seems weird that they would make two different strut housings for different markets. I mean, how much could Toyota have possibly saved by not adding the tab for only certain cars?

505 - morphine not found > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 12:23

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That is really weird. My strut is so off-the-shelf, it even has steering links, just connected to the body, and not a rack. It is an FWD driveline put back there after all.....

K24_AW11 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 12:28

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That's really the only thing I don't like about my 2, I'd probably get less wet if I took the motorcycle when it rained , damn t-tops. Looks good enough for your first time welding, function over form has been the motto for my swap, as long as it works I don't care haha.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > 505 - morphine not found 01/19/2015 at 12:37

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I'm having trouble finding the older information because I'm at work, but I wouldn't use any of the factory settings personally. I maxed out my camber recently which also had the by-product of giving it a ton of toe-out on the front. This made the front ridiculously sharp, but also made it very tricky on the edge. If you're looking for more turn-in, I'd say max out your camber and caster then take it to a shop, and give it a little more toe than factory. IIRC, factory toe is zero toe up front. Give it 1/16"-1/8' of toe out and see if you like that.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > K24_AW11 01/19/2015 at 12:41

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Yep, my motto with everything on mine as well. It just makes it that much more fun when I show up at autocross because people who don't know me just see the worst looking car there roll up with straight pipes, pieces missing, and bent hood and assume that it's some old POS until the times start coming in.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > 505 - morphine not found 01/19/2015 at 12:43

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Yeah, it makes no sense. It also might be a post-87 thing. They made some minor changes to the rear suspension for '88 and '89. I wonder if that was a USDM thing too, because IIRC, I don't think I have a steering knuckle on my rear hub.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > glemon 01/19/2015 at 12:50

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Put some good tires on an MR2 with a fresh suspension, and you'd be shocked at how competitive it is at autocross. I know that I was. When I switched from autocrossing my BRZ to my AW11, I was expecting to go slower, but I'm actually running a little faster now.

3CatGo > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 12:58

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I have a 2000 (first year) Celica GT-S, just turned 310,000 miles, and it runs, and looks (thanks to constant care) like new. The engine still spins to 8,000 RPM like a big sewing machine. I always thought this model was very under-appreciated. New water pump, second clutch, and new front struts (at 305,000) and otherwise it has been bulletproof. And gets 33 MPH in mixed driving.

Quentin0352 > Regular Car Reviews 01/19/2015 at 13:01

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If you want to try a fully stock NA Mk2, hit me up in Dayton OH! Got it a few months ago and love this car. Looking at a Mk1 as a project for the future.

Now if only Toyota would bring them back and not do like the Mk3 and make it a convertable to get women in it. Make it a cheap and serious DRIVER'S car like the originals and watch the Miata crowd cry.

Maxaxle > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 13:13

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...Still not sure if this is the best paintjob for an AW11.

K24_AW11 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 13:15

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Oh god, that's awesome haha

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Maxaxle 01/19/2015 at 13:22

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It was necessary after an accident. It's better than having a red car with misc blue front end panels.

It used to be Orange Pearl Mica, an 88-only color similar to the new BMW 1M orange

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > 3CatGo 01/19/2015 at 13:24

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The 7th gen GTS Celica's were great cars, for sure. Very unappreciated.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > 505 - morphine not found 01/19/2015 at 13:28

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No LSD here. No USA supercharged cars had LSD from the factory.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 13:30

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The only BRZ/FRS I've ever lost to at autocross was on Hoosiers and had forced induction.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Quentin0352 01/19/2015 at 13:46

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Don't write off the MK3. People complained that it was underpowered, but I always viewed it as a return to basics. It weighs a little less than the AW11, has more power, and a modern chassis. Do a 2zz swap and you have yourself a poor-man's Elise.

KYHachi > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 13:47

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Great write-up! My AW11 was my first car; got it in '06 2 weeks before I turned 16, never looked back, and my dad and I have been picking them up and parting them out ever since. Quite possibly the most underappreciated Japanese sport coupe.

...I do wish there was a touch more aftermarket support, though...

My '87, just for fun. The silver '88 SC in the background sadly didn't stick around long; too much rust to be worth saving. But a car with a lot of aftermarket bits and a working 4AGZE for ~$400 wasn't too bad ;D

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 13:51

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I lose to a pair of ST(x?) Toyobarus, but they're pretty prepped and their drivers are much better than I am.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Quentin0352 01/19/2015 at 13:55

0

The Spyder is actually the best handling of all of them, with the lightest weight and best suspension design.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 13:56

0

Or even better: Honda K-series.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > damnthisburnershitsux 01/19/2015 at 13:58

0

It also depends on your roof options. Hardtops can easily take 6'+ people.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Sw20615 01/19/2015 at 13:58

1

The SW is also a fantastic car, but after driving my friend's 91 turbo and 91 NA, I feel like the AW11 is much more go-karty and fun.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > KYHachi 01/19/2015 at 13:59

0

That's a great deal!

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Brumos59-2 01/19/2015 at 13:59

1

Yeah, freshening up all the old rubber parts should be on the top of anyone's list.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 14:00

0

Maybe better. 2ZZ would be super easy, and was their attempt to out-Honda Honda. It's the only Toyota engine built with variable lift as well as timing. I know someone with a MK3 with one, and the thing is obscenely fast.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Hardbaloney 01/19/2015 at 14:00

0

It's surprisingly roomy in there.

CanUK > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 14:00

0

I had an 87 NA for a year, then an 88 SC for many years. Drove the SC in Autocross, time trials/solo 1 and eventually it became a track only car. It was my daily driver for a few years; I even drove it through a Canadian winter (on winter tires) and it was great at pretty much anything I asked of it... apart from one.

As a tool to learn the art of driving fast on a track it was superb, when properly set up (the stock suspension and alignment settings aren't great for anything). As a tool to use for wining races... not so much. In stock trim the engine didn't have enough power to really move the car well (in its class), once I added an overboost pulley and a few more basic tricks it was better, but that put me in a class well beyond the MR's capabilities (911's, etc.).

I learned to steer with the throttle by driving this car and what I learned has served me will in all kinds of track driving in front/rear and all wheel drive cars... it was a great tutor! As a street car it was a lot of fun and surprisingly practical. Just don't buy one if you like the chequered flag! ;)

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Dolemite 01/19/2015 at 14:02

1

The SC is especially weight biased to the rear with the heavier transmission and all the SC parts.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Hoy! Lip buddy pawnch! 01/19/2015 at 14:03

0

True, you have to be willing to get your hands dirty. And the stock shift knob is probably the most phallic looking OEM shift knob I've ever seen.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > HoodaLabooda 01/19/2015 at 14:04

0

They really don't make them like they used to.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > RetroSpeed 01/19/2015 at 14:07

0

While I do really like the 2ZZ, I can't help but think a Honda engine does the same thing for less money and with more aftermarket support.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Bunty Brown 01/19/2015 at 14:07

0

Sure thing! I'm glad you liked it.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 14:19

0

T-tops and it doesn't matter how tall you are!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > KYHachi 01/19/2015 at 14:21

0

Out of curiosity, where do you part them out? Curious as to whether I've picked up some parts from you yet or not ;)

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > RetroSpeed 01/19/2015 at 14:26

0

Something I've been thinking about for a while...

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > kenhitch 01/19/2015 at 14:31

2

It's a long list. There's not a bolt on this car I haven't turned.

ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:

TRD 0.8mm metal head gasket

HKS SMF intake

Modified Blacktop 20valve manifold (with DEI wrap)

SV3 Power downpipe

SV3 Power SC catalytic converter (Magnaflow 53000 series)

HKS crank pulley (+2 psi boost)

ABV mod

ARP head studs

Kirkosaurus urethane motor mount inserts f/r

Polyurethane-filled side mounts

Fidanza 8lb aluminum flywheel

Speed Source braided steel clutch line

Speed Source solid brass shifter cable bushings

Magnacor KV85 plug wires

TwosRUs screaming chicken billet oil cap

KSD Engineering EGR delete

Saikou Michi Stage 1 Oil Catch Can

Exedy OEM clutch kit

GruntBox

STEERING/SUSPENSION:

Prothane urethane bushings (every articulation point)

GroundControl coilover conversion (250 lb/in F, 350 lb/in R)

Koni Sport shocks (rebound adjustable)

Techno Toy Tuning camber plates (front & rear)

Suspension Techniques sway bars front and rear (with urethane bushings and TwosRUs rear retrofit tabs)

High & Tight heim joint adjustable sway bar end links (front & rear)

TwosRUs redesigned heim joint rear tie rods

Cusco rear strut tower bar

Quaife quick ratio rack & pinion

BRAKES:

Porterfield HP R4S pads front & rear

High and Tight master cylinder brace

Goodridge coated braided stainless steel lines

Gutted proportioning valve

INTERIOR:

Momo Monte Carlo 320mm steering wheel w/hub & 10mm spacer

TRD shift knob

RSE shifter drop plate

CRW solid roller clutch clevis kit

VDO 0-15 psi boost gauge

Pioneer 3800 deck w/ipod connection

Kenwood front speakers

T and K bird logo shifter badge

TwosRUs recreation floor mats

EXTERIOR:

Hella 500-series driving lights

T3 bomber bar

Euro front indicator lights

Yellow fog lights

Passenger side snorkel scoop

'89 LED wing

Wheels:

Street - MR2 Spyder wheels 15x6 front, 15x6.5 rear +45

Track - Nippon Racing 15x6.5 +40

Tires:

Summer - Dunlop Direzza DZ101 195/50/15 front, 205/50/15 rear

Winter - Kumho Ecsta ASX 205/50/15

Track - Toyo Proxes R888 205/50/15

Misc other mods:

Complete air conditioning system delete (compressor, lines, condenser, evaporator), saved 40 lbs

Braille B2015 battery, relocated to frunk, saved 21 lbs

Light port/polish on intake piping and basic polish on intake ports

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 14:35

0

Well, the roof behind the top comes down a little farther than in the other options, and can limit head room.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > CanUK 01/19/2015 at 14:36

0

Truth, they aren't the best for road racing due to classing, but they still hold their own at autocross!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 14:37

0

Yeah, I know (I'm trying to figure out how to get a roll cage in there while leaving the t top usable). I was being sarcastic. The suggestion was that by taking the top off, he'll never run out of headroom.

Hobbes.drives.an.A5 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 14:40

1

This. So much this. I had a Mk1 many years ago. It was my first 'good' car and I absolutely adored it - in fact I don't know if it's been beaten on the smiles-per-mile equation.

But, I've also spent quite a bit of time driving the the Mk3 a couple of years ago (my sister-in-law had one and she was happy to let me give it a blast every once in a while). It too was a total hoot to drive. So much more direct than most modern cars. It felt like a great tribute to the Mk1.

Never driven the Mk2 tbh, though I think its looks still stand the test of time.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 14:45

0

You could have it take one bar up the center, following the T-bar roof line, but it wouldn't be SCCA legal or anything. A hardtop or sunroof car is really the way to go for a racecar build.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 14:47

0

Yeah, it has to be legal. If I have to choose between functional T-tops and a roll cage though, I'm going with a roll cage. Worst comes to worse, I'll make a canvas top for it.

glemon > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 01/19/2015 at 15:17

1

I run with a local club, actually a British sports car club, we let anybody run at the autocrosses as long as they join the club for a nominal fee, so we get a nice mix of old and new, the fastest cars are the well prepped and driven Austin Healey Sprites and Miatas, we have had BRZ/FRS and Boxsters on Occasion, as well as a newer MR2 spyder, but all were pretty stock, and, while quick, not front runners either.

I would love to get an x1/9 or first generation MR2 set it up for auto-x, I think either could kick ass, the Fiat might need a little more work to get there, but also has great potential as it is a little smaller/narrower (straightens up your line through the pylons!). Both are also pretty much dirt, cheap, especially if you don't care about cosmetics, would also consider and RX7, my first generation car was just a little tail happy, but great fun through the twisties.

mid rear madness > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 15:18

0

Can't believe your car is on Jalop! I just finished seeing the fog light install on DK. Keep up the good work!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > glemon 01/19/2015 at 15:26

1

Nice! Yeah, I can't recommend the AW11 for autoX enough. It's small enough that I don't think you'd notice too much of a difference size-wise while trying to dodge cones. The visibility is really good in the MR2 as well, since you never lose sight of a cone until it's past your B pillar. You pretty much nailed it though. You can pick up ugly runners for nothing. They'll require a ton of work, but not of the super expensive variety.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > mid rear madness 01/19/2015 at 15:32

0

Thanks dude! DK has some amazing builds and lots of good tech info. Have you seen the guy with the turbo 1UZ gen1 Celica? Holy crap!

GRAN TAURUSMO > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 15:32

1

Great writeup, man. I only just bought my '86 hardtop last fall, but I look forward to keeping it and enjoying it for years to come! I can't believe how under-appreciated these things are compared to Miatas/E30s/AE86s/etc.

kenhitch > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 15:58

0

that's a good list! How do you like those Dunlops?

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > GRAN TAURUSMO 01/19/2015 at 15:59

0

That's what drew me to these cars to begin with. I didn't want the same thing everyone else has. No matter what you do to your Miata or E30, there will always be a bajillion other people that have the same thing. AE86 is kinda like that to a lesser extent as well, and the AW11 basically too all the best things about the 86 and made them better. It's an AE86 that's been morphed from a pumped up econobox, into a pure sports car.

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > kenhitch 01/19/2015 at 16:04

1

They are really cheap, last decently long, and grip really well for the price. And actually that list is wrong. I use real winter tires in the snow now. General Altimax Arctic in 185/60R14 on AE92 Corolla steelies.

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/19/2015 at 16:36

0

I have a 86' Celica, AMA.

GRAN TAURUSMO > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 17:18

0

Honestly, when I was shopping for my car last year, I was originally looking for like an E30 or MA67 (or even a GTV6 - yikes!). I almost accidentally discovered the AW11 on one of the Supra forums, and not long after that I abandoned the former and began hunting for an AW11 of my own (for all the reasons I'm sure you already know). It took longer than I'd hoped to find a really clean one in my neck of the woods, but man it was worth the wait!

Break-Mend-Continue > MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig 01/19/2015 at 17:38

4

I swapped a clean 1980 Corona Liftback for a faded and dented ex-USA 1985 MR2 five years ago. I planned to clean up the MR2 and flip it. It was soooo much fun I ended up keeping for four years! The only reason eventually sold it was it needed too much work. It had to live outside and rust was coming through in all the usual places. The mechanicals were also very tired (250,000 miles). I have too many other cars to look after so it was never going to get the attention it deserved. I sold it to a Japanese mechanic who had only immigrated to Australia eight weeks before and was looking for a project car. I'd love to own another AW11, but a clean supercharged one this time. (Yes, this MR2 was born LHD but converted to RHD when it came to Aus in 1986. That was before the MR2 was sold in Aus so it probably turned some heads!)

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > Break-Mend-Continue 01/19/2015 at 17:45

2

Neat! I'm glad you kept it long enough to enjoy it, and that it eventually ended up in the hands of another enthusiast, rather than the junker!

MR2_FTW - Group J's resident Stig > GRAN TAURUSMO 01/19/2015 at 17:46

0

The MA60 Celica-Supra is one of my all time favorite cars.