G'day folks,
 
I'm new to this forum, tho I've had an MR2 for quite a while. I bought my 91 turbo (dark green) way back in 2000 with about 80,000k's on the clock. I took it all the way to about 215,000k's in about 6 years (had a lot of fun!!). I took it off the road for a few different reasons and it's been in the garage ever since. I'm wanting to get it back on the road as a daily driver and i'm hoping for some advice on the best and most economic way of doing so.
I'm in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Does anyone know of a reliable mechanic out this way that can look over the car for me  (and also do a RWC)? (I know about IDB in Richmond, took the MR2 there a few times, but felt I was being charged excessively).
Do turbo MR2's usually have a metal box under the drivers seat?
Does the engine ~need~ a rebuild at the 200,000k ball-park or does it depend on how it's running?
I've got lots more questions, but leave it at that for now!
 
Cheers,
Stuart
 

I was in a similar boat not long ago, i decided to give it a miss, somewhat regret that decision now (member who bought car is on here too).
 
Have a look at this thread, the time is slightly different but some aspects, I imagine, would apply hear too.
 
Good Luck!
 
http://www.classicford.mi...pic.asp?TOPIC_ID=22614

Just to answer some of your questions.
 
Neither of My MR2s had a metal box under drivers seat. My NA had an amp mounted under there. Was not factory, but a very old styled Pioneer Unit - I imagine from Japan (as it matched headunit)
 
I wouldn't say the engine would need a rebuild. A Major service would be advised, my car has done 210XXXkm and hasnt had a rebuild and still goes great. *Touch Wood*

You mentioned you took it off the road for "various" reasons, can you elaborate? Are they any existing mechanical issues with the car?

the box is not an audio amp, I had the stereo replaced when I first bought the car. I've had a few people look at it (the box) and no one knows what it is. I'll take some pics in the next few days (gotta take the seat out).

there were/are two mechanical issues that needed to be addressed but were not stopping me from driving the car
1 - ball joints need to be replaced, the last time I changed the wheels/tyres they couldnt do an accurate wheel alignment because there was a few mm of 'slack' which was because of the ball joints apparantly.
2 - turbo losing boost/pressure when very hot (usually only noticeable on very hot days and when accelerating hard) - spongy accelerator, can hear the turbo spinning but no 'go'.
 
There were are a lot of other little niggly issues and things I wanted to do that I didnt have the time or money for -
-Interior cabin noise (lots of squeaks from around the rear window)
-there was some exterior panel damage due to a small bingle - I got a compete respray done about 4 years ago (cost $4000)
-with the respray I got clear indicator lenses put in and also a new (TRD) steering wheel, but the panel guy couldnt get the horn working nor get the wiring sorted for the front indicators
-when i bought the car it had lowered suspension, lowered about 1", incredibly hard in the front, bone jarring. I was able to find a set of factory springs from a 92 MR2 but I've wanted to re-lower it for cosmetic reasons rather than performance!

Well that paints a better picture. Sounds to me like it just needs a good service & thorough look over by a good MR2 experienced mechanic. The problems you mentioned are a bit vague & to be honest, there's probably more than meets the eye. I don't really buy into those suspension issues, so I'd recommend a second opinion. Hopefully Trav & the other Vic boys can refer you. If the motor wasn't burning a lot of oil in the past & you can get a comp test done, then you'll know if you need to look into a rebuild or replacement motor.
 
The niggly issues are easily sorted by a few hours in the garage, adjustable Koni shocks (you can keep those lowered springs) & paintless dent removal (if the damage is very minor). Alternatively, you can get something like BC coilovers which are great quality/value. Not a absolutely immediately necessary of course.
 
So basically, get a reference for a good/reasonable VIC workshop, have them take a quick look over the car & you can take it from there before you bite the bullet or make any big investments.

If there is nothing wrong with the engine, why re build it? Id concentrate on those small issues and keep driving as long as it goes. No point in fixing something that isnt broken. Sometimes you create more problems by trying to be "SAFE". You would be surprised how long these engines will last as long as you take care of them. service, warm up and maybe cool down. When thrashing it, dont thrash it for too long because cooling on these cars isnt the best...As for turbo, i have 2 ct26s if you want one, swap and off you go...

As for workshop, try EDGE motorworks in campbellfield. 

This is what the car looked like when i first bought it.
 

 
Those are 16" 2 piece jap alloys which I destroyed sliding off a very wet road into a high gutter. I really like this look.
Does anyone have any idea how much it would cost, generally speaking to get a similar set of rims? I still have the rear tyres 245/45 with maybe 80% tread, which seem to be very hard to find/expensive.
Would love to get the old girl looking like this again!