Todd,
I own a '93 NA and would be glad to chat with you at the next event. To
address some of your specific questions:
>Coupe vs T-Top? (coupe I presume, but no sun?)
They came in 3 configurations- Hardtop, Sunroof, and T-Top. Obviously the
hardtop is the stiffest followed by the other 2 in that order.
Unfortunately they also rank that way from rarest to most common, and while
you might occasionally find a hardtop NA, there were only ~15 HT turbos ever
sold in this country. Honestly the sunroof is a decent compromise.
>Turbo vs Normal? (autoxing)
At this point in time, I would say the NA (ES) is more competitive than the
Turbo (BS) if you plan to run stock. Classing is always subject to change,
but the NA has been a competitive stock class car for several years now and
there is a fairly loyal following prepared to fight to the death to keep it
that way!:):)
Having driven both, I can also tell you that the NA is probably faster on
some autox courses, especially those of the tighter variety. With a
pathetic specific output of 130hp from 2.2 liters, the thing it really has
going for it is that it is the veritable torque monster of the cheap seats.
140-145lbs-ft and no turbo lag, plus the NA is a bit lighter than the Turbo.
>Biggest issues when shopping/looking for one? (they seem rare and often
>crashed at crazy speeds)
In general they are very reliable and built in an era when Toyota made high
quality products. But the same advice applies as with any purchase of a 10
year old car- finding a good one saves you $$$ in the long run. We'll
twalk...
Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: Todd Stiers [mailto:tas@darthracing.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2002 10:12 PM
To: ba-autox@autox.team.net
Subject: 91-95 MR2 Comments?
Working "Station 5" at the last event (tight left hairpin), I
noticed the very distinct MR2 handling characteristics - namely,
it stuck and cut nicely as compared to all takers, even the
S2000s (whats with the mudflap on the FRONT of the tire on these? hope
its replaceable).
Since then, I've been pondering the aquistion of a 91-95 MR2 as a
possible replacement for Darth Rabbit (85 VW Cab) as my "toy"/autox car.
I'd loose the Cabriolets drop top and pick-up-like utility, but I'd
also hopefully be driving a more competitive, "real" sports car with
more engine and lower gravity, and a stiffer frame, rear wheel drive,
etc. The look is growing on me too, very Ferrarish.
Anyway, any comments on owning, maintaining and autoxing these
cars?
Specifically:
Coupe vs T-Top? (coupe I presume, but no sun?)
Turbo vs Normal? (autoxing)
Biggest issues when shopping/looking for one? (they seem rare and often
crashed at crazy speeds)
I'll be bothering you MR2 drivers for advice and a peek next event.
Any other non MR2 suggestions welcome too (I see Mr Davis WTB
an old Honda...hmmm) as possible, more competitive replacements.
I can't afford/justify buying and beating a new car, and I'd like
to run in a stock class.
And yes, driving time, better tires, and a rollbar/subframe on the
rabbit might make more sense for my situation near term. I'm just
starting to feel a little lame and out there in my old buggy (but
not as lame those poor souls that I do manage to beat ;) ).
Thanks
-T
--
Todd Stiers
tas@darthracing.com
http://www.darthracing.com
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