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Dec 26, 2011 16:52:46 GMT
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Update on the MR2: I've fitted the first modification, a cone air filter. Whilst this looks and sounds a lot better than the original, I doubt it gives any more BHP. The filter is a cheapo part from EBay, which means I had to use the original inlet pipe. To block a redundant opening I made use of a plastic (green) cap that came from a bottle of plant food.  I have also replaced the ridiculous Ripspeed stereo with an ordinary Sony headunit. The headunit is connected to the speakers via the original amps and sounds pretty good to me.  I gave the MR2 a good wash today. The paint came up well and looks original to me. There's no evidence of any repairs, filler, overspray...   To do list: On Wednesday I'm taking the car for a new clutch to be fitted. The clutch doesn't slip but the biting point is high, which spoils the driving experience. Next on the list is a new door. The original has rusted out along the bottom edge, which is strange as the other door and the rest of the car are totally rust free. I have bought a replacement door in the same colour from an MR2 club member in Wales. All being well I should have the door here by the end of next week.  The rear exhaust box is dirty and needs a coat of silver paint. I will wait until the weather improves before I start spraying things outside.  The alloy wheels are in reasonable condition but I promise to re-spray them soon. I'll do them in silver again.   Lastly, I'd like to buy a set of clear repeaters and front side lights to replace the stock orange ones. Watch this space! |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic.  |
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Ian
Part of things
Posts: 977
Member is Online
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Dec 26, 2011 21:52:28 GMT
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I think these are so underrated, I use to get the curse word taken out of me for mine, in it's pale metallic blue, one of the best cars to drive I have ever had perfect driving position.
Might have to get another soon, but mine went when the gearbox started making a nasty noise and it started to use a lot of a water, but I never did find out where it went!
Carribean blue is one of the best colours
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forde
Part of things
Posts: 377
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Dec 27, 2011 11:42:44 GMT
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fyi the headunit isnt connected by the "original amps" the headunit has an amp inside it, a 4 channel probably 40, 45 or 50 watt. the oem head unit probably had a lot less wattage than that. anyway there is just speaker wire between the headunit and speakers, the amp is actually in the headunit which is a large part of why an aftermarket headunit sounds better/louder as it has more power and better eq settings than an original headunit.
loving your thread mate you have had some great cars and i like what you do with them!
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Last Edit: Dec 27, 2011 11:45:48 GMT by forde
'15 Royal Enfield Continental GT
'95 CZ 125 Type 488
'91 Vespa PX125E
'77 Camino, '86 Camino
'82 Puch Maxi S '70 Puch Maxi N
'80 Maxi S "Sport"
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Dec 27, 2011 20:40:37 GMT
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fyi the headunit isnt connected by the "original amps" the headunit has an amp inside it, a 4 channel probably 40, 45 or 50 watt. the oem head unit probably had a lot less wattage than that. anyway there is just speaker wire between the headunit and speakers, the amp is actually in the headunit which is a large part of why an aftermarket headunit sounds better/louder as it has more power and better eq settings than an original headunit. loving your thread mate you have had some great cars and I like what you do with them! Forde, The original and replacement headunit is connected to the amps via two pairs of aux out sockets. There are amps for the original six mids and tweeters and two subwoofers. The headunit speaker cable socket just hangs loose. Peter |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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Dec 29, 2011 21:04:54 GMT
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I picked the MR2 up from a garage this evening. I've had a new clutch fitted and the brakes cleaned up. The car really drives great.
The replacement door turned up today. Despite being promised (by an MR2 club member) that the door is perfect, I unwrapped the door to find a lot of chips, marks and scratches all over the panel. The seller gave me a refund but I'd rather have paid the money and have a good door.
I will check whether the colours match tomorrow and all being well I'll fit the door on Saturday morning.
Fun and games.
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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Dec 29, 2011 22:54:07 GMT
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Hi! You do change your cars a lot  Exactely what I would do, if I had a little more to spend The only way to get to know a lot of cars. Cheers, Jan |
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zircon
Part of things
Posts: 327
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Dec 29, 2011 23:14:18 GMT
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Progress looks good.
I would suggest a better filter, a cheap one will probably not filter very much at all and let loads if fine particles in. Apexi are good, HKS and Blitz are not
The doors are all beginning to trap water behind the seam sealer, best keep an eye and cut it back if you see traces of rust on the inside.
One final thing, the back boxes on these are stainless underneath the paint and grime if original.
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Last Edit: Dec 29, 2011 23:18:00 GMT by zircon
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great read by far..ive also got a 1977 W123..230..found under a large bush here in the Aussie desert having sat for 2 years in extreme heat..one fuel line..new battery and it got an MOT..I'm seriously considering removing all the centre strips ..keep all the rear qrt and bootlid..and get the holes welded and smoothed over...i don't really care about originality..and I cant be bothered trying to always glue or replace them..I'm convinced that the heat expands and contracts cars here making bits fall off!..Mercedes sent me the wrong breather connection via Melbourne..and the wrong power steering-air con belts..so ive living without cold air and a steering pump..the front seat is gonna have to come out as somethings gone underneath..i was quoted $300 for a wrong colour seatbase in Alice Springs...but otherwise..its a one German owner with a complete service history from new..a bit smokey on start [could that be too much oil or worse?]...its an auto and is shifting well...I'm also suprised how economical it is..we did 1000kms in it return to Alice..even touched 160kph on one long stretch...no oil or water was used...so I'm smitten by it...ill get some spares via New Zealand..mainly cosmetics..and its absolutely rust free...great thread mate..cheers...Rab  |
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Last Edit: Dec 30, 2011 7:01:39 GMT by fotorabia
75 Daimler XJ6-S2-SWB
71 Jaguar XJ6-S1-SWB
Fiat 500D Custom
Cars in NZ.I'm in flippin Germany!
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Hi! You do change your cars a lot Exactely what I would do, if I had a little more to spend The only way to get to know a lot of cars. Cheers, Jan The Merc is a keeper. I promised to hand it over to my son once he's old enough to drive. Charlie turned two last week. ;D The BMW cost me a few quid but it's a great family wagon. I'll hang onto it until it starts to give trouble. Whilst these new BMWs are very well built, I doubt all the electrical gadgets will keep working for long. The third car, of which there have been a few, gets replaced whenever the mood takes me! |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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Progress looks good. I would suggest a better filter, a cheap one will probably not filter very much at all and let loads if fine particles in. Apexi are good, HKS and Blitz are not The doors are all beginning to trap water behind the seam sealer, best keep an eye and cut it back if you see traces of rust on the inside. One final thing, the back boxes on these are stainless underneath the paint and grime if original. Thanks chap! Do you really think that more expensive air filters are better? Over the years I've had a few K&N filters and whilst I agree that they are well built, this particular £7.99 Ebay special feels just as well put together. I've tried cleaning MR2 exhausts in the past (this is my 5th MR2 in 10 years, I'm IMOC member number 14 of almost nine thousand) and they never come up clean. A squirt of silver will do the job. |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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great read by far..ive also got a 1977 W123..230..found under a large bush here in the Aussie desert having sat for 2 years in extreme heat..one fuel line..new battery and it got an MOT..I'm seriously considering removing all the centre strips ..keep all the rear qrt and bootlid..and get the holes welded and smoothed over...i don't really care about originality..and I cant be bothered trying to always glue or replace them..I'm convinced that the heat expands and contracts cars here making bits fall off!..Mercedes sent me the wrong breather connection via Melbourne..and the wrong power steering-air con belts..so ive living without cold air and a steering pump..the front seat is gonna have to come out as somethings gone underneath..i was quoted $300 for a wrong colour seatbase in Alice Springs...but otherwise..its a one German owner with a complete service history from new..a bit smokey on start [could that be too much oil or worse?]...its an auto and is shifting well...I'm also suprised how economical it is..we did 1000kms in it return to Alice..even touched 160kph on one long stretch...no oil or water was used...so I'm smitten by it...ill get some spares via New Zealand..mainly cosmetics..and its absolutely rust free...great thread mate..cheers...Rab Your Merc looks good - RUST FREE! I love the pre-facelift headlights, they look more classic than the ones fitted to my Merc. Replacing the missing strips will surely be easier, quicker and a lot cheaper that filling all the holes, preping and re-spraying half the car! Keep up the good work. |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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zircon
Part of things
Posts: 327
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Dec 30, 2011 17:12:07 GMT
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The only concern I would have over the ebay filter is that it has probably never been tested for filtration standards whereas K&N etc all need to reach quality standards to maintain their brands reputation. It might be fine but it is all a bit of guess work.
The Apexi can be had for about 40 quid and doesn't require oiling but at the same time beat every other filter on the market when the Supra OC did a test.
To be fair, if you don't plan on keeping the car for the long term then I wouldn't worry and let someone else deal with it.
Yeah, regarding the doors, the outer skin and inner skin are lapped all around the edges and seam sealed. Water runs down to the lowest point and gets under the ageing sealant and promotes rust.
I am dealing with the same thing on mine at the moment. Best solution is, as you have done, source a rust free replacement in the same colour. Mine is a rarer colour and I am having no luck in getting a rust free example so I have started cutting the sealant back and dealing with the rust, although it is nowhere near as bad as your original door. I suspect that the sealer had failed on your original door.
Aaah yeah, sorry - I forgot you aren't new to SW20's. My old exhaust polished up reasonably well, but it was 10 years ago and my memory may be a bit skewed! A quick paint as you say will do the job!
Keep up the good work!
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The mission: to replace one rusty driver's side door. The replacement door, despite having suffered slight transit damage, is in far better condition than the rusty original.  Approx 90 minutes later, the old door was stripped of all parts (glass, mechanisms, lock, etc) and removed.  Another two hours later the replacement door was assembled and fitted.  The most difficult part of the job was refitting and lining up the window. As it's frameless, there are various mechanisms that locate the window and dictate which way and how far it moves. I couldn't have done the job without help. Fortunately, my brother in law was there to give me a much needed hand. With the door fitted, I washed the MR2 whilst Matt washed his E36. We took some photos of both cars just before it started to get dark.   The door is a 99% colour match and once a couple of chips are touched in it will look just fine. A good days work. |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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The only concern I would have over the ebay filter is that it has probably never been tested for filtration standards whereas K&N etc all need to reach quality standards to maintain their brands reputation. It might be fine but it is all a bit of guess work. Whilst I totally agree with you, it is worth bearing in mind that the majority of original replacement filters are also most probably sub-standard in one way or another. The quality of cheap replacement service parts is atrocious, which is something that the industry has been aware of for some time. I expect that my £7.99 EBay filter is just as good as most ECP or Halfords parts. |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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Aaah yeah, sorry - I forgot you aren't new to SW20's. I bought my first Mk2 MR2 (a GT) approx 10 years ago. I paid £3k for an early Rev 1 car at a time when the Mk2 was just out of production. In 5 years of ownership I clocked up over 60k miles and took the MR2 to Poland and back twice, as well as all over the UK. It was my only car and I used it all year round.  Soon after I bought it, I discovered my MR2 had a hidden secret:  Check out the number plate! Yep, my MR2 was one of five imported into the UK in very early 1990, approx 6 months before the model was officially offered for sale in the UK and featured in a number of Autocar & Motor articles, including the first official road test and handling test, before being added to Autocar & Motor's fleet. I sold the Rev 1 after five years of ownership because I wanted a newer model (Rev 3) and because it started to look and feel a little tired. Whilst I had the Rev 1, I bought a JDM Rev 2 T-Bar for £100! The engine had thrown a rod and the seller needed it shifted quick. I removed the £300 Mongoose exhaust and steering wheel and sold the rest for £500 and a crate of beer.  My third MR2 was a 1996 UK spec Rev 3 GT in white. When I bought it, it was completely standard. Within the first week I fitted a set of Wolfrace 17 inch alloys, -40mm springs, Mongoose exhaust and K&N filter.   That was a sweet looking car, but the low profile tyres and lowered suspension made it unsuitable for daily use. I sold it within a few months and moved away from MR2s for a couple of years. Then came along MR2 number four. I saw it parked up by the side of the A40 near Ealing with for sale signs that kept changing as the price got lower. It was a Coupe model (non GT), thus it had 119BHP rather than 158. It was tidy enough and I got it cheap. It was good fun and the lack of speed didn't bother me.   I wanted to use an MR2 as my daily car so I opted to replace the Coupe with a G-Limited automatic. I bought this very tidy Rev 3, which I kept for a couple of years.  It looked great but my neighbours had even better looking cars!  I sold the automatic Rev 3 a couple of years ago and thought I'd never buy another MR2. However, the silver Celica I had earlier this year gave me a taste for fast Toyotas again and I wanted another RWD sports car. When the blue Rev 3 I have now turned up for sale locally, I had to have it! |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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Hi! You do change your cars a lot Exactely what I would do, if I had a little more to spend The only way to get to know a lot of cars. Cheers, Jan Cheers mate. I am a big fan of your work! Here's some more cars I've had over the years. Have I mentioned my Mk1 Fiesta before? I bought it completely standard and made it look like this.   I sold the Mk1 Fiesta to make room for a Honda S2000.  I had quite a few Ford Sierras when I was young. A few years ago I wanted to re-live the experience, so I bought this Chasseur estate. 1.8 CVH = horrible!  BMW E36 318iS, which had 275k miles on the clock when I sold it. Probably still going strong now!  Mint Mercedes 190E 1.8.   This was fun, an E30 325i SE automatic.  Saab 9000CDE, with 17 inch alloys.  My first Mitubishi Shogun, a SWB 2.5TDi.   Another (cleaner!) Shogun, also a SWB 2.5TDi.  Mk3 MX5 was ok, but wasn't fast enough and felt flabby compared with my (at the time Rev 3 automatic) MR2.   Mint one owner from new W124 230E.  I miss this W126 300SE.  Another old barge, a Lexus LS400.  And another old E36, this time a 320i.  |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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This is a list of cars I've had (in chronological order) since I turned 17 (20 years ago!):
1. Austin Mini 1275GT
2. Austin Mini 1000
3. Ford Fiesta Mk1 1.1L
4. Austin Mini 1000
5. Ford Fiesta Mk1 1.1L
6. Triumph Spitfire Mk IV
7. Ford Fiesta 950 Popular
8. FSO 1500
9. Vauxhall Astra Mk2 1.3L Estate 5 door
10. Ford Sierra 1.6L
10. Porsche 924
11. Citroen AX GT
12. Dutton Pheaton
13. Ford Sierra 2.0 GL Estate
14. Ford Fiesta Mk2 XR2
15. Saab 900
16. Alfa Romeo Sprint 1.5 Green Cloverleaf
17. Peugeot 405 SRi
18. Vauxhall Carlton 1.8GL
19. Jaguar XJ40 Sovereign
20. Lada Samara 1500 3 door
21. Mahindra Brave Indian Jeep
22. Mercedes 190E
23. Toyota Mk2 MR2 2.0 GT Rev 1
24. Toyota Mk2 MR2 2.0 T-Bar Rev 2
25. Ford Sierra 1.8L Estate
26. Vauxhall Vectra 2.0 GLS
27. Austin Allegro 1300 Super
28. Austin Allegro 1300 Super (spares car)
29. Mercedes W123 200T
30. Ford Fiesta Mk1 1.1L
31. Skoda Favorit Estate
32. Ford Fiesta Mk1 XR2
33. Mazda 323F 1.5
34. Honda S2000
35. Toyota Mk2 MR2 2.0 GT Rev 3
36. Ford Sierra 1.8 Chasseur Estate
37. BMW E36 318iS
38. Saab 9000CDE
39. Mercedes 190E
40. BMW E30 325i SE
41. Honda Civic 1.8 SE (new shape)
42. Renault Megane 1.4 Sportshatch (new shape, purchased new)
43. Mitubishi Shogun SWB 2.5 TDi
44. Mitubishi Shogun SWB 2.5 TDi
45. Toyota Mk2 MR2 2.0 Coupe Rev 1
46. Toyota Mk2 MR2 2.0 G-Limited Automatic Rev 3
47. Mercedes W124 200TE
48. Mercedes W123 230E
49. Mazda Mk3 MX5
50. Honda CRV
51. Mercedes W123 230E (still have it!)
52. Mercedes W126 300SE
53. Lexus LS400
54. BMW E36 320i
55. Mercedes W124 E200
56. Mercedes W124 300TD
57. Toyota Celica GT Gen 6
58. Mercedes C-Class 180 Sport
59. Audi 100 2.6 Sport
60. Vauxhall Astra 1.4 Estate Mk 4
61. Eunos Roadster
62. BMW 520d Touring F11 (purchased new)
63. Vauxhall Frontera LWB 2.8TDi
64. Toyota Mk2 MR2 2.0 GT Rev 3
And I have a photograph of every one of them!
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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zircon
Part of things
Posts: 327
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My god - that is one hell of a list - hats off to you! I recall you on IMOC - I used to be there a lot but eventually found the OC to be a friendlier place. Your name was (and is I suspect ) Peter C isn't it? I remember you posting up that your car was an Autocar press car. |
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Blaaaaaaaaady'ell! Your past car collection is top notch mate, the cherry without a doubt is the W123 of course  Its a shame about the Eunos, did the women who hit it ever get caught or punished? I wanted the mirrors that were on it, but I was skint when you offered them up  I'd have loved to see where you were gonna take it, the changes you'd made before it got hit were definitely going in the right direction.... Tidy, lower and thrash! I'm liking where the MR2 is going as well, always had a soft spot for that shape..... I'd have mine in white with them silly but oh so cool snorkels you can get ....oh and you have PM, I have some questions about your W123. I've just got 200 back up and running after being off the road for 3 months.... and it's got some issues Lol.  The good, the bad and the ugly (holding the camera) |
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97' silver Mercedes 230 Slk.... charged 94' bronze Hiace custom ... daily drinker 92' white Eunos roadster....... sold  91' grey Mercedes 500 SL .... sexyful 82' white Mercedes 200......... needs lows |
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Jan 10, 2012 12:28:45 GMT
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My god - that is one hell of a list - hats off to you! I recall you on IMOC - I used to be there a lot but eventually found the OC to be a friendlier place. Your name was (and is I suspect ) Peter C isn't it? I remember you posting up that your car was an Autocar press car. You're quite the sleuth Mr Zircon. Yep, busted, I was (still am!) Peter C on IMOC. I'm member number 14 of almost ten thousand. I agree that the climate on IMOC turned hostile but I've stuck with it over the years. It is a long list of cars, some of which I miss, others I couldn't care less about. I wonder what will be car No 100! |
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1985 Mercedes W123 230E - 5 speed manual & 2011 BMW F11 520d Touring - 8 speed automatic. |
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Exactely what I would do, if I had a little more to spend 
I'd have loved to see where you were gonna take it, the changes you'd made before it got hit were definitely going in the right direction.... Tidy, lower and thrash! 