SHG_TCon

So, I recently purchased a (practically) brand new 2000 Silver MR-2 Spyder... only 11,500 miles upon purchase and barely a scratch on it! From what I understand the red interior is pretty rare too. Ill keep an index here so you can check back on new things going on with the car...




Modifications:
K&N Air Filter
Custom airbox intake duct
LT Stubby Antenna
TopSpeed Pro1 Dual tip exhaust
Midship Runabout Front Badge
TRD Shift ****

SHG_TCon

Here are a few pics taken by my very talented boyfriend:












I absolutely love the red interior...

SHG_TCon

So here is the first performance part for the car! Normally I'm more into handling mods vs. power upgrades, but I found a great deal on this Top Speed Pro-1 exhaust and couldn't resist.

Luckily I work at a shop with a lift, which makes it a whole lot easier to do the install.




Unfortunately, what the seller neglected to mention (and I'm guessing the reason he was selling it for so cheap) is that the exhaust was crooked with the left side about half an inch higher than the right. It's hard to tell exactly how crooked it is in this picture but just looking at the muffler you can tell it's not sitting right.



The first thing we tried was bending the hangers using a torch and a pipe for prying in order to get it to sit correctly. This definitely helped but created another slight problem. The cat didn't line up with the exhaust anymore because we changed the angle of the muffler. At this point, I was almost ready to just put the old exhaust but we decided to forge on. The next thing we had to do was cut the flange that connects to the cat off of the exhaust, trim it down, and have a local welder put it back on at the correct angle.

Finally, with a little more bending of the hangers we put it back on and... SUCCESS!







As you can see, you also have to take the heat shields off of the cat and the muffler to get it to fit. I figure with all that stuff gone and the lighter exhaust, the weight you're saving is at least 15 lbs.

I'm not sure if all of the TopSpeed exhausts have the same problem as the one I got, but it's something to be aware of if you're thinking of getting one. Still, with a little hard work it's definitely worth it... it sounds and looks great!

SHG_TCon

Since the car is off the road for the winter, I figured I'd get a few things done to it...

To begin with I decided to open up the air flow a bit by replacing the inlet pipe behind the driver's side taillight. The stock plastic pipe narrows down from 3" to 2", restricting some of the air flow to reduce intake sound.





Since I couldn't afford the $500 TRD pipe, I decided to improvise with some 3" brake ducting we had lying around and a couple hose clamps from Home Depot. Here is the before...



and after...

\



It's such a cheap easy way to get a little extra power... it feels like cheating :-)

SHG_TCon

While the car is off the road I've been adding a few cosmetic details here and there. I was looking for somewhere to get my valve cover powdercoated, and ended up finding a guy that specializes in valve covers just a few minutes from where I work. I went for Wrinkle Red to match the red interior...



Sooo much better...





Also, I put in my christmas present from the BF :-)

SHG_TCon

The shop I work at had a dyno day a few months ago, so of course I had to throw my car on just for curiosity's sake. The only "power" mods I've done are a K&N filter, and the TopSpeed Pro1 lotus style exhaust. The exhaust manufacturer claims a gain of a few horsepower, but I wasn't sure if it would really do much without an intake or header... besides sounding good of course :lol:

Anyway, here are the results. (This was on a DynaPack 3000.)



It would have been interesting to have done a comparison before I put the exhaust on, but I'm still pretty happy with 125hp. At least it still has more power than my Spec Miata...

Rude Awakening

Okay.

Now where's the K20 or even 2ZZ?

Samuraij

I've always had a soft spot for these. I'm curious what you'll do next.

SHG_TCon

Wayyyy down the road, once I put enough miles on the original motor. I'm actually pretty happy with it the way it is. For a 2200lb car, the 1ZZ actually feels pretty good. Just fast enough to be fun, without getting in too much trouble. If it's a track car-only when I decide to do a swap, then I'll probably go with a K20.

BC Racing coilovers should be on by the spring :-)

SHG_Claudio

Yet another SHG build! I love this chassis, its got so much potential IMO with the midship layout. The coilovers will be a great addition for sure; on that note what spring rates are you going for? Will they be dampening adjustable too? Good luck! Its Felliphe btw! :wave

ken9

dope..

EDwEFprts

i've always wanted to see one of these mod'd here.

Quail

I like seeing these little cars get worked on. I think they're a bit of an untapped resource. MX5s get all the attention!

732xghost

another tasteful SHG build. love these cars. never understood why Toyota never gave the MR-S the 2ZZ-GE.

jazelus

these cars are really good in the corners but everyone always says that the motor is on the weak side. I always wanted to drive one but never thought i could fit in because im 6,2 but im interested to see how this build goes.

Adrian Peterson

iTrader: (1)

The intake setup is pretty cool

American.Graffiti

iTrader: (7)

The Destroyer

Love these cars, like it so far. Tasteful builds are rare these days.

gen2fanatic

In on this for 2 reasons. SHG build, and SHG build. Can't wait to see the coils on

BIGBLOCKEK

RIGHT ON. I look forward to finally seeing a late model mr2 build.

Every time I've seen one of these it is in factory form driven by a silver haired old man.

Red interior seats/partss in a silver sports car = timeless style. I didn't even think I would like it in my silverstone s2k, and I ended up falling in love with it when I saw the combo in person. It gives it the italian high end sports car appeal.

StreetEG

how much did you pick it up for?

SHG_Claudio

oh hai

donmeca2020

i've always liked the MR2 spyder. keep us updated with more details and pics when you can.

SHG_EasyE

Sorry for the lack of updates guys. Weve been really busy with work and a new race car build in the works. Ill take some pictures of it soon, T has picked up a few goodies since she last posted

<StevieG>

this is another car that doesnt look great stock.. but with a nice drop and some rims they turn into a real eye catcher!! I looked at one before the ep.. definitly a fun little ride! And yes that REd interior is SSWeet!