89 mr2

[89mr2]

I recently aquired an 89 Toyota MR2 with the NA 4age engine and a 5 speed manual transmission. It has 200k miles but runs fairly well for its age.

I have read a lot in the aerodynamic threads and I would like to fill the gaps on the front and flatten out the front bumper some. I also want to eventually put an underbody tray under the car and do some basic aeromods. (wheel covers, etc)

I read some threads regarding the use of heat shrinking plastic, and I just happen to have a lot of it on hand. I was thinking of using some to try and come up with a more aerodynamic back end, kinda like the Del Sol thread that is floating around. The biggest problem that I can think of is that the MR2 being mid-engined needs to have air access and covering the vents seems like a bad idea.

I am also in the process of modding the stock spoiler with the well known plummley spoiler mod, but now that I have been reading up on aerodynamic effects of spoilers I may just leave it off. Anyone have any thoughts as to whether or not I should remove it?

[Sven7]

First of all, welcome! Looks like you've done some homework.

If you can take the spoiler off easily, just do some coast down testing and see if it shows up in the data. If not, measure 15-20* in from the flow detachment points (roof, pillar) to see if it seems to help create a phantom kammback. Some photos of your current setup would help as well, but you may have to post a few times before the site will let you.

I'd recommend building a Kammback out of metal bar and coroplast. It would end up looking like a CRX in side view and would fill in some of that wake. Cooling shouldn't be an issue if you leave some holes in the rear surface for [cooling] exhaust air.

PS- for others' reference, this seems to be a first generation "W10" MR2. Second gens debuted in 1989 so correct me if I'm wrong

[mcrews]

welcome!
dont forget a scangauge (see link in sig) and pump up the tires (40+)

[MetroMPG]

Fun car - it's been too long since I've driven a mid-engine car. I always eye these old MR2's when I see them (very rarely now, rust having taken most of them long ago around here).

Looking forward to seeing where you go with this.

Welcome to the forum.

[Topdawg_135]

Welcome to the forums!

I agree with mcrews, some sort of vehicle feedback/monitoring will help a lot in increasing fuel economy. However the scangauge and ultra-gauge use an OBD2 connector which was not required on all vehicles until 1996 so you'll have to go with a MPGuino. May take a little more work to hook up but it'll be well worth it.

[123]

for air intake you can do like other mr2s and use a air scoop.

Side or roof air scoop.

[turbovr41991]

Awesome car. I used to have an 86 MR2 with a blacktop 4age 20v with 6 speed transmission.

Dont get a scan gauges as those are only good for OBD2. Also, MPGuino needs a VSS signal and the MR2 has a mechanical cable speedo. I don't think that is an option either or if it is it will be mor tricky than most instals. Probably your best bet is a vaccum gauge.

I would remove the spoiler. Sell that LED 89 wing for some money. The other years did not have LED.

Also, be carefull blocking off anything on the car. the engine actually gets alot of air from under the car and the vents in the engine lid are actually where the air exits.

Again congrats on the nice find!

[Gasoline Fumes]

Originally Posted by turbovr41991

MPGuino needs a VSS signal and the MR2 has a mechanical cable speedo. I don't think that is an option either or if it is it will be mor tricky than most instals. Probably your best bet is a vaccum gauge.

There should be a reed switch VSS on the back of the speedometer.

[Rusty94cx]

You should get 40 just driving the car keep it below 3000 that's when the secondary air intake opens correct. I had an 86 for a while man it was fun.