WTB: MR2

Looking for a low cost roller. Don't care about the body.

Watcha got??

What generation?

In reply to JamesMcD:

Not sure. Don't know enough to know. Tell me the differences.

I want a mid engine RWD chassis with a wheelbase of approximately 91"-96" with good quality suspension components available cheaply. Any other suggestions??

I've got MR2, Fiero, X 1/9 are on my list. The X is a little old, and slightly too narrow.

The Saturn/ Sky is on the list too, but it's FMR, and a little porky. I prefer RMR.

I'd REALLY like a body on frame option, but I don't think one exists. 2nd choice would be subframes/ connectors.

Which brings me to the MR2....

It's very likely this will end up being cut down to the pan, so I'd love an option that would self-support end to end without a body, or relying on a tubing frame to hold it together.

Pretty sure this will ultimately become a tubing project, I'd just like it to self support as a starting point.

If you can get it cheap enough, I think the spyder (00-05) is the ticket. Only sold as a convertible so the base chassis is rigid. All the panels bolt on so stripping it is easy with lots of left over parts to sell off. I had a 93 NA and a 00. The 93 was prettier and the 00 was better in ever other possible way.

I know of a 1991 MR2 that might be for sale but it's in MA. If interested I can get you more info.

In reply to singleslammer:

Excellent point on the Spyder.

I am assuming the 00 was a later generation?

PseudoSport wrote: I know of a 1991 MR2 that might be for sale but it's in MA. If interested I can get you more info.

I might be, but give me a couple of weeks to see if I can find one closer first.

SVreX wrote: In reply to JamesMcD: Not sure. Don't know enough to know. Tell me the differences. I want a mid engine RWD chassis with a wheelbase of approximately 91"-96" with good quality suspension components available cheaply. Any other suggestions??

In a nutshell...

MKI (AK11) generation was '85-'89. They were the Fiero looking wedges. 1.6L, about 115hp, not counting the S/C version. Mid-engine street legal go-kart.

MKII generation was '91-'95. Bigger, heavier, more GT style. Miniature Ferrari styling. Used the 2.4L from the Camry. IIRC something like 130hp. Not as nimble as the MKI, but a better touring car and better DD.

Spyder was something like '00 to '04 or '05. Don't know a ton about them, never had one. Still want one...

Thanks...now I'm off to CL looking at MR2s...I have serious weak spot for them.

SVreX wrote:

PseudoSport wrote: I know of a 1991 MR2 that might be for sale but it's in MA. If interested I can get you more info.

I might be, but give me a couple of weeks to see if I can find one closer first.

The guy I bought my MKI from (I work with him) has two other MKIs (non-running) that he wants to sell. You're probably too far away since I am in western IL though.

In reply to JamesMcD:

I've driven to Detroit for a cheap car before.

In reply to Klayfish:

Good summary. Thanks!

SVreX wrote: In reply to JamesMcD: I've driven to Detroit for a cheap car before.

Are you wanting to do a body swap on an MR chassis? Let me know if you might really be interested and I can try to feel the guy out for a price. We might be able to work out a deal where I help you pay for it in exchange for some parts I want as spares which you wouldn't use.

JamesMcD wrote:

SVreX wrote:

PseudoSport wrote: I know of a 1991 MR2 that might be for sale but it's in MA. If interested I can get you more info.

I might be, but give me a couple of weeks to see if I can find one closer first.

The guy I bought my MKI from (I work with him) has two other MKIs (non-running) that he wants to sell. You're probably too far away since I am in western IL though.

Go on... I am also an mr2 addict.

JamesMcD wrote: Are you wanting to do a body swap on an MR chassis?

Yes.

But I want a complete running car, with enough parts that can be sold to zero out the budget.

I'm thinking a wreck for $500-800, but could consider a little different approach (higher price).

For example, if someone wanted to get rid of 2 non-running cars, I can make the dollars work.

I hate rust. That would be a deal killer (unless it's only on a part that I'm gonna cut off)

singleslammer wrote: Go on... I am also an mr2 addict.

HEY! Stay away from my thread!!

In reply to SVreX:

First gens in the Midwest aren't going to work with your no rust wants. On the 3rd gen cars, careful with the engines. The precast can detonate and be successful back into the engine. They also don't enjoy long sweeping corners (most track conditions) and starve themselves.

Edit: I don't have any money in my car fund currently so I am no real threat.

In reply to singleslammer:

Well, I've found rust to be a case by case issue with pretty much all cars, and I DO have a sawzall!

These I am speaking of were from TX originally, IIRC. Are you wanting to use the Mr2 drive train, or something else?

In reply to JamesMcD:

Not sure. Still exploring.

The Parking lot build Fiero still sits in Jacksonville.
I bet it could be bought and zeroed. It has some very quality pieces like really nice gauges that you wouldn't need. Already has megasquirt.

In reply to SVreX:

Old Beetle with the drivetrain flipped?

In reply to JohnRW1621:

What engine is in that car? Does pimpn have it?

petegossett wrote: In reply to SVreX: Old Beetle with the drivetrain flipped?

Not even close. :-P