MR2 TRD Stage 2 Suspension

Here is the results of the TRD lowering springs combined with the 'new to me' KYB struts. Compare this pic to the one when I bought the car, I think you'll see the level of drop I achieved.

After installing all the hardware I took the car to Cobb Tuning (www.cobbtuning.com) of Plano, TX where I asked them to set the suspension to TRD Stage 2 specifications:

Phase Two: AUTO CROSS, STREET PERFORMANCE AND ROAD RACE

RESULTS: Decrease in ride quality (lowers ride height 1.5-2 in.), dramatically improved handling, improved braking.

TRD High pressure gas stuts

TRD Springs

Reset Alignment:

Camber Front: -2 degrees

Camber Rear : -1 1/2 degrees

Caster : +6 degrees

Toe in front: 1/16 in. ( 1/8 in. out for auto cross)

Toe in rear : 1/8 in. ( 1/16 in. out for auto cross)

The racer in me loves the new car setup. I couldn't be happier. The ride is very stiff which is perfect for road racing. For those of you that want to improve your MR2's suspension performance without compromising your ride as much you may want to use the Stage 1 specifications:

Phase One: STREET PERFORMANCE

Results: Slight decrease in ride quality, improved handling, improved braking with a 10-15 hp increase.

TRD Springs

TRD Adjustable Swaybars

TRD Low pressure gas strut inserts

TRD Brake pads

TRD Brake line kit (drain and install ford type fluid)

Reset alignment:

Camber Front: -1 degree

Camber Rear : -1 "

Caster : +6 degrees

Toe in Front: 1/16 in.

Toe in rear : 1/8 in.

You may ask what's next for Black Betty.... well we are returning to 14" alloy rims. The lighter weight rims will reduce the amount of kinetic energy required when the suspension takes bumps in the road. This should improve the 'ride' of the car, additionally returning to 14" rims should (albeit marginally) improve acceleration. I'm looking at some BMW Bottlecaps for it. I think it'll look nice too.

New Legs

Well Black Betty has been up on jack-stands for as long as I can remember. I had quite a fiasco getting new wheel bearings for it. I ordered two rears and one front and needed just the opposite then when I ordered the new front bearing I was missing I was shipped the wrong bearing.

After the third trip to Plano Automotive Machine I finally got the knuckles finished. I've got the front end back on the car with new tie rod ends and ball joints. Also installed TRD Japan lowering springs that should drop the car between 1 1/2" to 2".

I've also sourced some 94 Miata 7 spokes (read 10 lb aluminum) rims. I'll be moving Betty back to 14" rims which are the factory diameter. The 16 inch Black Enkei's are for sale if anyone wants them :). The reason I'm moving it to the factory rims is to reduce un-sprung weight and to aid acceleration. Topping out has never been a problem in Betty and her acceleration is a strong point and I've always said 'Play to your strengths'! I'll post some pics when she gets back on the ground.