TF-R Projects
This page covers our current and past project cars, both as part of TF-R and as our personal projects.
TF-R SPEC I
The “Spec I” MR2 was built first and foremost as a learning car; a personal proving ground for mechanical work and modifications. The Spec I is a cobble-together of available used parts where possible, preferring to try something that’s more budget friendly than ideal.
Starting life as a pretty ropey 2001 (Pre-facelift) UK spec MR2, with roughly 140,000 miles, the Spec I had a long list of problems common with older MR2’s. Oil burning, uneven handling, rust, a dented door, smelly interior, snapped steering rack, rust - and to top it off; a weak handbrake.
I had already begun to collect parts for the project in the years leading up to its first drive with 2ZZ-GE power. Sourcing many parts used from eBay or through the fantastic J-Spec MR2 specialists. The Celica donor car was my own daily before cannibalising the running gear for the Spec I project.
The first iteration of the Spec I was running a 2ZZ-GE through a Woodsport converted 6 Speed LSD gearbox, Tein Coilovers and a completely refreshed rear subframe, arms and sway bar. Maintenance was covered with reconditioned parts and a custom downpipe and exhaust system.
Once on the road for shakedown, it was clear further work was needed to reach the desired performance level and handling targets. Like with all car projects that start to get close to completion: it was time to go back to the drawing board.
For the car’s second iteration, the bar was set much higher - work had already begun on the Spec II and I can safely say, nothing raises the ante like comparing your project with your mate’s!
The 2ZZ-GE saw some attention in an attempt to get more performance and reliability from the engine. An Apexi FC was installed, along with a new intake and exhaust system. In the guts of the engine, a drop in baffle was installed, along with a pickup spacer kit to reduce the instance of cavitation in the oiling system that the 2ZZ-GE is known for. For added peace of mind, an 11 row oil cooler was installed with both pressure and temperature gauges in the cockpit.
On the outside a lip kit was fitted to match the hardtop and a suitably cheap wing added for more questionable reasons. Inside, parts of the interior were removed including the soft top, radio and some interior plastics. Finally the driver’s seat was replaced with a bucket seat to help keep me in place whilst driving.
As of writing (in July 2024), the Spec I car has undertaken its first bout on track, cementing the reasons in my head why I chose this project and my admiration for the platform. We’ll continue to develop the car as both it and I gain more track time and experience.
Coming developments to the car include; further safety and drive accommodations inside, active oil cooling and ducting, further handling revisions - and most importantly a tune for the Apexi FC. As with almost all things on this car, we plan to do all of these jobs ourselves, not only so the car can be enjoyed on track as a driver, but in the garage as an owner also.
TF-R SPEC II
The “Spec II” MR2 was lucky in that a good foundation of knowledge and experience had been made during the first phase of building the “Spec I”. A decent plan was made prior to starting the build, meaning we were able to buy new where needed and save where possible. However the ceiling for knowledge and car development was so high we would soon find ourselves in unchartered territory.
The “Spec II” is also a 2001 (Pre-facelift) UK spec MR2, with roughly 115,000 miles, the Spec II had a few issues much like the “Spec I”. Oil burning, worn clutch, broken exhaust and horrific wheels/tyres. Much to our happiness the chassis was/is in very good nick. Straight sills, very minor rust etc. The handbrake was also solid.
My decision to 2ZZ-GE swap the “Spec II” was made prior to even buying the car and I had began to collect required parts to complete the swap. I purchased a Celica donor car from Co-Part soon after and got to work. I had a decent fund after selling my previous car and I was able to throw all the handling/suspension modifications at the car that you would expect.
The 2ZZ went in within 4 months of owning the project. Initial Spec was a 2ZZ-GE with a Woodsport converted 6 Speed with LSD. BC Racing Coilovers, Polybush’s, Whiteline Rear Arb, Enkei RPF1 Wheels etc etc.
I finally had a car I was ready to go to the track with. On the lead up to the first track day the engine was not acting the happiest. Hissing from the expansion tank, coolant consumption….I stuck a bigger radiator on and decided to send it. It held temperature throughout the sessions and I beat on the car hard.
Upon leaving the circuit, the temps climbed north of 100C on very low load driving. We did a roadside bleed to attempt to get home and we managed it.
Woops headgasket lol funny story actually.
Concluding with some really forward facing statements.
Other Projects
This section covers projects we have going on outside of the main TF-R cars.
Tom’s Toyota Century 97’
I’ve long been a Toyota fan boy, and when the chance to own what I consider Toyota’s pinnacle achievement of the 90’s; I jumped at it.
My example is nowhere near the best out there, having various age related dents, rust and some dodgy quirks to the drivetrain, but despite the patina this Century still puts a huge smile on my face. As yet it has barely even started to spend my money or cause me heartache, like my other projects.
This is a GZG50 1997 model, one of the first years of production, with column shift, cloth seats and single infotainment screen up front. The 1GZ V12 sails along the 2 tonne 5 metre long chassis through an incredibly lazy 4 Speed automatic. 10/10, easily the most costly LS400 you could ever hope for.
Tom’s Toyota Previa 00’
A Previa seems like a strange choice for someone who’s self proclaimed as a “Car Enthusiast” - but hear me out… I did previously own a 97’ Estima, which had the Start Trek Enterprise design quirks they’re famous for - however the example I bought wasn’t long for this world and ultimately suffered a massive head gasket failure.
After the Estima, I had a three row mommy-wagon hole in my life, which is where this ACR30 generation Previa comes in. It’s an early UK Spec CDX model; Japanese built K-platform (Camry) derived, with ample space for activities and fairly forgettable maintenance schedule. The 2.4 2AZ-FE gives out a good effort, but ultimately, through the marathon-long gearing of the 4 speed auto, a gentle cruise is about as much as this heavy old girl can do.
As if I should have learnt; the Previa also suffered a headgasket failure not more than 5 miles after purchase. Although there’s still a lot wrong with this example, there’s something about this mediocre, lumbering, bus that I’m really fond of. It even moonlights as a camper, when it needs to, now the engine doesn’t mix its fluids.
Fraser’s Lexus gs300 08’
Black with sad engine :( before made good by autism people.