mr-2 shopping help
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Re: mr-2 shopping help
haha, you're pretty open minded then... also keep in mind that these are my recommendations, everyone else may not agree with them, and i haven't personally owned most of these cars so i'm not an EXPERT, but i do know a few things.
ok, as far as drifting is concerned you can rule out the mr2. the weight distribution and short wheelbase is highly unfavorable for drifting... but then again i don't think there are too many cars out there that can even come close to touching a 240 as far as bang for the buck or overall potential with drifting. but seriously, i have never before witnessed an mr2 at a drift event. i suppose it's possible, but it would be fighting an uphill battle.
the shit-talking from the friends could easily be put to rest with an ls1 v8 (or possibly mustang). for 8k you could find a 98+ camaro or firebird, run mid-low 13s stock, and unlimited potential to go fast in a straight line. however, you probably wouldn't see too many camaros or firebirds at vir track meets, so the road racing potential would be compromised. but the good news is they get relatively good (~25+ mpg) gas mileage stock. overall great cars.
something you could consider, and i may get some shit for this because of my initial bias, is a 240. you could easily find one already swapped for 8k, or get one stock for 2-4k and do all the work yourself (recommended). if you want instant gratification though, just get one already done up, there are some good deals out there. i personally am particular to the s13 body style, and they are cheaper and easier to find and generally more popular for parts sourcing purposes, but you could find a swapped s14 for 8k if you look hard enough. and what's bad to say about these cars if they're done right? ka-t or sr, both have tons of potential, can't be touched for drifting, aren't track-killers without some serious work but are still a blast to drive, and from my personal experience with 2 separate s13s, extremely reliable. i really think you should look into a swapped 240, i think you would be very happy if you went that route. if i still had mine i'd take you for a spin, maybe let you drive it, but alas i sold mine for an e36 m3 less than a month ago. if i were you i'd try to find somebody who has one and see if they'd be willing to do the same... there are tons of 240 guys on these boards.
other than that, you've already done the honda thing, most of the newer cars are a touch out of your price range, and i can't with a clear conscience recommend you buying a dsm. there are plenty of other ways you could go, these are just a few...
also if you could deal with the 'bitch-car' references i would say to also consider a miata. boost these things and their whole persona changes...
just do LOTS of research and make sure you're 100% confident with your decision and you'll find something.
ok, as far as drifting is concerned you can rule out the mr2. the weight distribution and short wheelbase is highly unfavorable for drifting... but then again i don't think there are too many cars out there that can even come close to touching a 240 as far as bang for the buck or overall potential with drifting. but seriously, i have never before witnessed an mr2 at a drift event. i suppose it's possible, but it would be fighting an uphill battle.
the shit-talking from the friends could easily be put to rest with an ls1 v8 (or possibly mustang). for 8k you could find a 98+ camaro or firebird, run mid-low 13s stock, and unlimited potential to go fast in a straight line. however, you probably wouldn't see too many camaros or firebirds at vir track meets, so the road racing potential would be compromised. but the good news is they get relatively good (~25+ mpg) gas mileage stock. overall great cars.
something you could consider, and i may get some shit for this because of my initial bias, is a 240. you could easily find one already swapped for 8k, or get one stock for 2-4k and do all the work yourself (recommended). if you want instant gratification though, just get one already done up, there are some good deals out there. i personally am particular to the s13 body style, and they are cheaper and easier to find and generally more popular for parts sourcing purposes, but you could find a swapped s14 for 8k if you look hard enough. and what's bad to say about these cars if they're done right? ka-t or sr, both have tons of potential, can't be touched for drifting, aren't track-killers without some serious work but are still a blast to drive, and from my personal experience with 2 separate s13s, extremely reliable. i really think you should look into a swapped 240, i think you would be very happy if you went that route. if i still had mine i'd take you for a spin, maybe let you drive it, but alas i sold mine for an e36 m3 less than a month ago. if i were you i'd try to find somebody who has one and see if they'd be willing to do the same... there are tons of 240 guys on these boards.
other than that, you've already done the honda thing, most of the newer cars are a touch out of your price range, and i can't with a clear conscience recommend you buying a dsm. there are plenty of other ways you could go, these are just a few...
also if you could deal with the 'bitch-car' references i would say to also consider a miata. boost these things and their whole persona changes...
just do LOTS of research and make sure you're 100% confident with your decision and you'll find something.
master debater
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,448
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From: md
Re: mr-2 shopping help
as for mr2s, mr2 2nr is the obvious choice here. he built one to over what, 550 whp??? (some help from the board, don't know specifics)... so i'm sure he's full of good information.
for miatas, rhd soarer (i think his sn is 'godzilla' now...) had one that was pretty damn nice, he'd probably be able to point you in the right direction. also, floda se-r i believe has a v8 miata for sale right now... could be worth looking into.
Cholesterol Free
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,241
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From: Boring Part of MD
Re: mr-2 shopping help
Alpha, if you're really looking for an MR2, I'd go to MR2OC and check out all the offerings they have on there. There are a LOT of good deals that pop up, more competitively priced than say, here, craigslist, or autotrader. I guarantee you'll find a really good deal on something you'll like. You may have to end up driving a little ways to get it, but it'll be all worth it in the end.
www.mr2oc.com
and also check out
www.mr2trader.com
It'd be a LOT more informative asking for info on MR2s on mr2oc as well, especially being that a good majority of the people on this forum don't know a god damn thing about them anyway.
www.mr2oc.com
and also check out
www.mr2trader.com
It'd be a LOT more informative asking for info on MR2s on mr2oc as well, especially being that a good majority of the people on this forum don't know a god damn thing about them anyway.
Last edited by Jin Rummy; Jan 28, 2007 at 07:13 PM.
Registered Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 558
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From: Richmond, VA
Re: mr-2 shopping help
Yeah, mr2 2nr, NoShoes, and chowe are all very knowledgeable about sw20s. I know a little bit, but I'm still learning about mine.
As far as drifting, check this out: http://www.jekylhyderacing.com/drift.htm
And to look for a nice turbo sw20, check out mr2oc. You'll need to reg to read anything on it, but if you're really interested, its the best resource for all model MR2s out there.
And if you really wanna wipe the smile off some people's faces, you could do a MK1.5 mr2. A MK1 body with a 3s-gte in it.
As far as drifting, check this out: http://www.jekylhyderacing.com/drift.htm
And to look for a nice turbo sw20, check out mr2oc. You'll need to reg to read anything on it, but if you're really interested, its the best resource for all model MR2s out there.
And if you really wanna wipe the smile off some people's faces, you could do a MK1.5 mr2. A MK1 body with a 3s-gte in it.
Last edited by new_skul; Jan 29, 2007 at 04:57 AM.
brake/steer/throttle
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,542
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From: sod off you bloody wanker
Re: mr-2 shopping help
ok. are you a road racer or a street racer? if you are a road racer, then transitioning into drift would be very easy seeing how you would already understand vehicular dynamics and can already read your lines. drifting in an MR is pretty difficult inherently seeing how they have a slight disadvantage built-in; the engine (weight) is over the drive wheels. MRs are designed with good handling in-mind. also, most people already have difficulty controlling the pendulum effect that MRs tend to present. it's not that one can't drift an MR, it's just difficult to sustain the drift. the fact that you probably can't afford fuel for a V8 and the 8K operating or investment budget probably means that you can't afford this hobby or to put your friends in their place because you kind of have to pay to play. i mean, if you have the wrench skills and find a REALLY good deal, maybe. but, hey, what do i know anyway??
Last edited by ToyotaTechGeek; Jan 29, 2007 at 05:22 AM.
master debater
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From: md
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Joined: Oct 2005
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Re: mr-2 shopping help
take your time shopping for an mr2 and you can find a good deal, deffinatly join mr2oc and read around, there is alot of helpfull info on the site
mr2's are unlike anything you've ever driven, they are really precise and take alot of skill to drive, the are very unforgiving and produce alot of raw power; take your time especially if your unskilled in your driveing and I would advise you to try to get behind the wheel of one before you go out and buy one
pm if you have any questions, Ill be more than willing to help, most people are just spitting bullshit if they dont own or have had prior experence in an mr2
mr2's are unlike anything you've ever driven, they are really precise and take alot of skill to drive, the are very unforgiving and produce alot of raw power; take your time especially if your unskilled in your driveing and I would advise you to try to get behind the wheel of one before you go out and buy one
pm if you have any questions, Ill be more than willing to help, most people are just spitting bullshit if they dont own or have had prior experence in an mr2