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” was put together first and foremost as a learning project; a personal proving ground for mechanical work and modifications. The Spec I is a cobble-together of available used parts, fag-packet maths and cable ties.
Starting life as a pretty ropey 2001 (Pre-facelift) UK spec MR2, with roughly 140,000 miles, the Spec I started with 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 the first 2ZZ-GE powered drive. 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 reaching a stage of 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, focusing on readying for track use. An Apexi FC was installed, along with a new intake and exhaust system. The 2ZZ-GE oil pan recieved drop in baffle, along with a pickup spacer kit to reduce the chance of cavitation the 2ZZ-GE is known for. For added peace of mind, an 19 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 and steering wheel replaced with a smaller, lightened suede unit.
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, but in the garage too.
TF-R SPEC II
The “Spec II” MR2 was lucky enough to start with a good foundation of knowledge and experience, made during the first phase of work on 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 again.
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.
One very-anxious drive back to base later and the Spec II was in bits again to investigate the disappearing coolant and repeat overheating issues. It turns out if it smells like head gasket, looks like head gasket, and burns coolant like a head gasket. It’s probably a blown head gasket…
When we finally uncovered the route cause of all these issues - months of slightly odd engine running and behaviour became clear as day. One of the head bolts had sheared clean in half, and the block’s deck was warped so badly it was clearly visible to the naked eye. Maybe a solemn testament to 2ZZ-GE, surviving a track day and 90 mile journey with very majour internal damage.
After a brief period of dismay and many statements summarised as cope, a surprise delivery of a fresh accident damage 2ZZ-GE equipped Celica landed at base. It wasn’t long before the Spec II was up and running again on the new engine, along with newly installed gauge pod, bucket seat, suede steering wheel and 19 row oil cooler.
The Spec II has now rolled over the 1000 mile mark since its last major surgery, without fault, and with TF-R’s 2025 calendar starting with track time at Japfest’s Silverstone event - development now enters a new stage. The new year brings new parts, new installs and new avenues of discovery; ECU tuning, AFR monitoring and further geometry refinements. Although the project appears complete from the outside, it’s only just reached the first milestone.
Other Projects
This section covers projects we have going on outside of the main TF-R cars.
Tom’s Toyota Century 97’
As a self proclaimed Toyota fan boy, when the chance to own what I consider Toyota’s pinnacle car of 90’s; I jumped at it without hesitation.
This is a GZG50 1997 model, one of the first years of production, with column shift, cloth seats and single infotainment screen up front (much like a modern Yaris). The 1GZ-FE V12 pushes the 2 tonne 5 metre long chassis along and up to speed through the incredibly lazy 4 Speed automatic like silk through butter.
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 chrome filled smile on my face. That said it has barely even begun to spend my money or cause me heartache, unlike my other projects.
So if you ever wonder what owning your dream car feels like: 10/10, “easily the most costly LS400 I could of hoped for”
Tom’s Toyota Previa 00’
A Previa seems like a strange choice for someone who considers themselves a “Car Enthusiast” - but hear me out…
After my previous Star Trek enterprise inspired Estima suffered from massive head gasket failure, I had a three row mommy-wagon shaped hole in my life, which is where this ACR30 generation Previa comes in. It’s an early UK Spec CDX model, 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 massive head gasket failure not more than 5 miles after purchase and required major engine work to see the road again. 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.
Despite constant blank expressions and unimpressed car meet audiences the Previa musters, I do in fact have a substantial project plan for this thing, and here’s hoping 2025 will be the year it happens.
Fraser’s Lexus gs300 08’
There’s an age old adage spoken often around the midlands; “Never buy a car from Birmingham”…
This GS300 is a facelift, Phase 3, with a variant of the mighty GR Toyota V6 engine. Although it may not catch much attention externally, for the price, you get a lot of car, so much so it can put more popular models to shame.
The 3GR offers a smooth and steady thrust that the 6 speed gearbox rows through without a hint of harshness, the driving experience is enough to even make later era LS400’s and Crown’s blush. What’s even more impressive is the pretty decent fuel economy a big old box like this gets, reaching something pretty comfortable figures making it a formidable daily.
Of course a glowing car review like this wouldn’t be complete without at least one paragraph of criticism, and that’s where this car’s origin story begins. Only a few months after purchase some odd engine behaviour began to emerge, tough starts, uneven idle, eventually culminating in overheating and coolant consumption.
It turns out you can take the car from Birmingham, but without a complete engine gasket kit, thermostat, a local machine shop and a month under tarpaulin - you can’t take the Birmingham out the car.