Whoaa Black Betty

Whoaa Black Betty
It all started out as a $500 parts car

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

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.

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