GuySmily @ 02:38 AM PST 10/12/2008

I'm moving all my car stuff to Blogger. This page is probably going to get even more stale than it already is, but I don't like taking things off the internet.

New blog: http://www.griptightgarage.com

GuySmily @ 04:01 AM PST 5/31/2011

Picked up an HKS muffler last week that was practically new.

GuySmily @ 03:51 AM PST 5/17/2011

That's right - the '86 has been sold. It has gone to a good home, and the new owner will be finishing what I had always dreamed of doing. The car was at somewhere around 309000 miles. Not much to say on this, except that I was ready for a change.

What am I driving now? A shiny new red '05 with 35000 miles. It's a 5spd with LSD!! Here's the mod list from the for-sale post (which is the reason I bought the car):
Chassis

• Tom's rear lower chassis braces
  The '04s and '05s come with lots of bracing up front to begin with (to improve crashworthiness if safety is a concern), so I didn't need the front. All of the rears, though, are installed. These improve the car by stiffening the suspension mounting points...giving the car a solid and precise feel that it does not have to begin with (the car doesn't wiggle around and shake as much as it usually does...all convertibles do that to some exent).
  
• Corky's FSTB
  Another brace that sharpens the car's reactions...and reduces the wobbles.
  
• Corky's breast plate
  Yet another brace that tightens the car up.
  
• Kirk's engine mounts
  These improve throttle response by decreasing engine movement. When you press the throttle, there is less lag before the car reponds...it also holds the engine steadier when going over bumps...improving ride quality. They also transmit vibrations into the cabin. These make enough of a difference to outweigh the drawbacks of increased vibration and noise.

Exterior

• Xenon Depot HID low beams, Toshiba HIR high beams
  ...yet another "best". Best lighting you can get without retrofitting OEM HID components. The high beams are pretty amazing. They give your car the luxury look if that's your thing.
  
• TTE side vents
  In my opinion...better than the '03 vents...way better than the '00-02 vents
  
• 17" BBS wheels, Kiks (spelling) lightweight lugnuts and Yokohama S.Drive tires
  These look great. The wheels are used and have a few knicks here and there....no bends. The tires are nearly brand new. The centercaps are brand new from Germany.
  
• Carbon Fiber rear engine cover
  Fit and finish on this one is less than stellar, but it does what it's supposed to do....make the heavy end of the car a little lighter.

Interior

• Brass bushings - shifter cage and shift cables
  Less slopping shiting = happy. Surprisingly big improvement for the money.
  
• MB Quart QSD 216 speakers and Pioneer PRS-D4000F 75WX4 amp
  Another "best". Best speakers I've ever owned. Even with just the pair of speakers, you almost don't need any sort of sub. Great clarity, bass response and volume. The amp is located behind the driver's seat in the storage bin. The crossovers are mounted on the passenger-side bin - on the back wall.
  
• Mongo's wind deflectors
  Another low-cost mod that makes a big difference. Without them, wind comes around the A-pillars and right into my face and ear. Much more comfortable with them.
  
• Gregg's Leather cener armrest
  Another great comfort mod - keeps your elbow from getting sore. Very high quality leather
  
• Gregg's rear pull tab
  I find this one of no use whatsoever...but it's there...and you may find it useful smile.gif
  
• Celica GT-S seats
  More comfortable, arguably cooler looking, more comfortable. Did I mention that they are MUCH more comfortable?
  
• New OEM door panels
  Purchased when I got the car to replace the trashed ones from the previous owner (he/she put ugly speaker grills on the OUTSIDE of the panels). These have gray inserts....I can't recall seeing anyone else with this color...but a few people mentioned having them when I posted. The panels have been covered with Dynamat for a great noice reduction.
  
• New glove box
  Also purchased when I got the car. The previous owner installed some sort of cell phone mount on the original.
  
• Knobmeister visor plugs
  Improve visibility. The original sunvisors will be included.

He also installed a Pioneer Premier TS-SW841D shallow mount sub in the rear storage bin. It just needs a proper enclosure.

The car came with no deck (he kept the Pioneer AVIC-Z1 *cry*) but my install stuff from Crutchfield should be here soon. They shipped all the way from friggen Maryland, and the train carrying the stuff for UPS derailed?! Apparently that's UPS's standard excuse for late delivery? I'll just buy local from now on.

I'll describe the flaws in the new Maintenance List.

GuySmily @ 02:15 AM PST 10/12/2008

From passenger side to driver side (I don't know the standard order people list these in)
170
155
160
125

We poured a dribble of oil into last cylinder, and it jumped from 125 to 150. I wonder if this explains my bogging issue when cold...

Mileage: 305,030

GuySmily @ 01:01 AM PST 2/29/2008

I've pivoted the alternator to tighten up its belt for now. No more dry squeals, but we'll have to see what happens when it rains. I still am going to replace all the belts.

An odd sound has developed in the rear drivers side. Sounds like those 50 feet high trucks with massive whiney tires. The volume changes with road speed. On Wednesday I will rotate/balance the tires again and see what happens. A visual check showed no problems.

I'd like to change the o2 sensor to see if that helps get my mileage up from the 26mpg I've been getting lately. But I'm pretty sure it's going to take a lot more than that to get this car running how I want it.

In other news, I think I have resolved the space issue with the HIDs by mounting the projector at the bottom of the housing. I'll just have to figure out how to seal it.

GuySmily @ 05:36 PM PST 2/16/2008

Made my own oil catch can, set up exactly the same as you see here. It still looks brand new 33 miles later.

GuySmily @ 08:08 PM PST 11/26/2007

Welp, yesterday I hit the 300,000 mile mark. To celebrate, I made sure to be at redline while the numbers flipped. It was a bittersweet moment - in itself, 300,000 miles is a fantastic achievement, but the whole car is worn and tired...

Today I decided to get the smog test taken care of. I was a bit concerned about passing since my car has started smoking a bit on startup, plus I thought the seafoam I ran may have had a negative effect on the cat/o2 sensor/spark plugs. I wanted to get it over with, so I picked a shop (ALL the shops in sacramento wanted $50 after coupon).

While I am happy to have passed, I am not so happy with the test results. I would like to improve my emissions if at all possible. At least my CO output kicked ass. More on this later.

Here are the emission test results:

		%CO2	%O2	HC (PPM)			CO (%)			NO (PPM)
Test	RPM	MEAS	MEAS	MAX	AVE	MEAS	MAX	AVE	MEAS	MAX	AVE	MEAS	Results
15 mph	1936	14.7	0.6	148	41	105	0.89	0.13	0.08	1191	399	1113	PASS
25 mph	2191	14.9	0.3	123	29	58	0.69	0.11	0.04	1021	332	1018	PASS

Mileage: 300,010

GuySmily @ 12:58 AM PST 11/19/2007

After reading a few threads (namely this one) on mr2oc, I decided to lube my speedo cable. I couldn't find cable lube anywhere (even my dad doesn't have any, but his motorcycles have hydraulic clutches, not cable). For 3 years I have put up with bouncy speedometer readings below 20mph.

I pulled the cable, cleaned it (dish soap), and ran it through a bowl of motor oil as I inserted it into the sheath. I'll take photos for a writeup when I do this for my girlfriend's car.

Mileage: 298315

GuySmily @ 11:44 PM PST 10/11/2007

Successful day at auto class today. Spent most of my time helping other people out. I found out my axle wasn't bad.. the axle nut came loose. So tomorrow the axle goes back to autozone.

I put a full can on seafoam through the throttle body (unplugged the PCV hose and used a little lotion-style squirt bottle). HOLY SMOKES! I was outside and I still managed to flood the classroom with smoke! It was kinda scary how much smoke came out from the engine bay.. I probably have 50000 exhaust leaks though.

And WHAT A DIFFERENCE! IT'S LIKE A NEW CAR! I can't believe it! I think I [re]gained 50hp! The real test comes tomorrow morning - we'll see how the car drives while it's cold.

Mileage: 297960

GuySmily @ 12:00 AM PST 10/3/2007

AutoZone made me pay for the replacement axle up front, and they said they refund it when I bring the bad axle back. I'm gonna pick it up on sunday, and replace it in class on tuesday.

In case I lose the receipt again...
Receipt info:
VDP Part PO # 008187
#026036 CV Drive Axle $130.99 + Core Charge $40 = 170.99
+ tax 13.25 = 184.24

Reg #03 CSR #23 Receipt #545205
Str Trans #211294
Store #5916
9/27/07 17:41
Est Arrival 9/29/07 1:30pm FedEx

GuySmily @ 03:03 AM PST 9/30/2007

Needs to be done:
-Replace windshield
-Pressure wash engine
-Find coolant leak
-Replace old cracky crappy hoses (coolant, vacuum)
-Replace brake lines - twosrus | NOPI | writeup
-Buy & replace oil filter sandwich seals - parts | writeup
-Oil cooler lines - NAPA - 3ft of 3/8ths ID transmission oil cooler hose & 4 new clamps - writeup
-Check if dizzy seal kit is necessary - writeup
-Seal the intake tube fitting for a/c idle up vacuum line
-Change belts - Getting chirp on dry startup (rare), few seconds of slippage when wet.
-Valve adjustment?
-Replace driver side upper door hinge - PO installed one from different car, missing 1 bolt.
-Replace suspension bushings - mr2oc discount
-Replace coolant pipes (or replace snapped drain bolts)
-Replace bolt (snapped) for coolant hose bracket behind passenger seat (leads to filler neck) or zip tie hose
-Replace center stud (snapped) on passenger side engine mount
-Replace exhaust flex pipe (smashed), fix other leaks

Completed:
-Compression test results - 175, 155, 160, 125/150. 305,030mi
-Installed DIY oil catch can. 300,440mi
-Passed smog test, first attempt. Results will be posted. 300,010mi
-Flushed brake & clutch fluid. 298,800mi
-Cleaned and lubed speedometer cable. 298,315mi
-Axle NOT replaced - axle nut was loose. Retorqued to spec (I KNOW I torqued it last time..). 297,960mi
-Seafoam!!! Awesome stuff!!! 297,960mi
-A/C recharge & reconnect idle up valve (2 new hoses)
-Alignment (as good as it's gonna get)
-All new tires (BFGoodrich g-Force Sport 205/45-16)
-LF shock installed (finished the other 3 already) - Thanks Matt!
-Fuel filter (fram)
-Tranny fluid (mt-90)
-Coolant flush/new radiator (prestone all makes/1800-radiator)

Cammy's MR2 Maintenance List:
-Replaced Transmission Fluid w/Amsoil 75w90 - 135000ish miles (approx 40 miles after BAR ref)
-Completed registration process w/BAR Referee/DMV. Still will need new cat to pass smog in 2 years - 1/28/08

GuySmily @ 11:51 PM PST 9/25/2007

I get to work on my car every tuesday night thanks to my automotive tech class. This week we found that my CV joint (the one that I replaced last time) has gone bad - it is loose and clunky. It's supposed to have a lifetime warranty, so I'll get a replacement axle this week and either install it in class or at home.

Last week I rotated the tires (front to back, no X pattern) and balanced the tires (each was off by .5 - 1.0 oz). Amazing what a difference such little weights can make. Mileage: 297896

Here's some work that has been done in the past:

7/10/07:
-Bought a 5/16" "barb splicer" as recommended by Eric's intake filter writeup @ padandwheels.com and drilled & stuffed it through the intake tube behind the AFM. Still need to seal it. I bought sensor-safe rtv/gasket maker stuff, will apply it to the inside.
-Replaced/reconnected the long vacuum lines that go from the intake plenum to the a/c idle adjuster thing to the intake tube. Tried to make em somewhat neater.
7/8/07:
-A/C recharged, blows cold! Unfortunately, the AC ide up system isn't hooked up (I didn't reconnect it after I replaced the stock AFM->manifold tube). See post 21 below for writeup & details.
?/??/07
-Returned to Big O, Don drove car and thought the car did pretty well for its age. He tried to adjust camber but ran out of threads on the (strut?) rod before he could get it where he wanted. Car isn't perfect, but feels better.
6/27/07:
-Went with 205/45 BFGoodrich g-Force Sport on all 4 corners. They are fabulous compared to my old tires. Pull seems to be gone.. I'll see how everything feels on the freeway tonight. Steering wheel is still slightly off center, though much less than before.
6/25/07:
-Went back to Big O, a different tech (Chris) swapped front tires and drove it around and the direction of the pull switched. He offered to completely realign the car for free after I get my new tires on. Good guys over there.
6/22/07:
-Alignment performed by Big O. Feels awesome in corners, but steering wheel sits right & car pulls left. May be caused by tires being in terrible shape (uneven wear).
-Guy at Americas Tire Co/Discount Tire does not want to install the tires he ordered for me because 205-40-16 has H speed rating, and 205-45-16 has V speed rating. Instead he wants to put 225/50 on the rear. Told him I would come back on monday due to 1.5 hour wait for installation.
6/21/07:
-Final shock installed with the help of Matt/AceX
6/20/07:
-Many shops refused to help remove gland nut from shock (they only work with their own parts for liability reasons). One place wanted $80 to do it. One place tried and failed.

GuySmily @ 11:27 PM PST 9/25/2007

My car has had a slow coolant leak at the radiator which recently grew significantly worse. I pulled off the radiator and found the top row of the core had.. ripped off from the rest of the radiator. I'm waiting for the replacement from radiatorbarn.com to show up (I am disappointed with my experience so far, but we'll see what happens if it ever arrives). The digicam is lost, so no pics yet. Maybe I'll shoot a couple with my razr when the new radiator arrives.

GuySmily @ 01:19 AM PST 1/23/2007

I finally managed to wire up my foglights to a spare defrost switch so I can turn them on and off at will. It was a major pain leading the wire from switch to relay through the passenger fender.. My buddy saved me hours of trouble by pointing out the tail light fuse in the driver's kick panel for the other end of the switch. All in all I am very happy with how it works out.

Still need to properly wire the switch to the fuse box and get the proper connector for the defrost switch.. One day I'll order myself the actualy fog light switch from Europe.

In other news, I had a coupon for $10 that was about to expire so I bought myself a new Craftsman jack. I was majorly disappointed when I realized I didn't buy a speedy lift one, but for $40 it was a good deal =p

Yes, I know I promised pictures. I'll snap 'em later.

GuySmily @ 01:24 AM PST 9/29/2006

Bought myself an Optima Redtop battery which was installed earlier this morning (as in 15 hours ago). It is SO nice being able to listen to the radio without the engine running =p Really though, even compared to when my old battery was healthy, the RedTop does a noticably better job getting the engine cranking. Unfortunately, the battery seems to be somewhat off in size.. I ended up using the hold-down bracket all wierd, and using a strap to hold the battery in place. Pics to come..

Cammy also got me a twos-r-us shift kit, which feels fantastic. I recommend it to EVERYONE with a mk1. The JonO bracket + RSe drop plate is enough for the shifter feel, but cammy got me the kit with the cable bushings.

Optima RedTop | Shift Kit

GuySmily @ 12:56 AM PST 8/30/2006

My buddy helped me install new brakes (napa rotors, OE pads), and I traded my ST sway bars for OEM bars + another toyota visor for Cammy's car.

GuySmily @ 01:37 AM PST 8/8/2006