Re: 3SGE 02/90 Rebuild needs help
2013/10/29 20:03:55
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StopLeak? Stop Flow more like it. Once the motor and box are out, I'd be doing a garden hose cooling system flush, perhaps even removing the radiator and having it checked. While it's apart check the clutch/flywheel (of course).
Is there any history on the vehicles servicing? How long ago was the timing belt done? If there are already issues within the cooling system it's probably false economy NOT to replace the water pump.
As far as budget tuning goes, a tidy up of the head while it's being done would be reasonable. A good way of having more fun on the road is to focus on the handling - replace all the suspension bushes (TwosRUs do an amazing full kit for a surprisingly small cost), and make sure you've got good tyres and a spot on alignment.
Don't be tempted to remove the standard intake piping and throw a podfilter on it - other people have tried it, only to find that Toyota did actually now what they were doing and the standard system really works!
Perhaps check the catalytic convertor? A good hi-flow cat and exhaust system isn't overly expensive, and should show good gains without being un-neighbourly as far as decibels.
Past-President, MR2 Owners Club Qld
"There is a fine line between hobby and obsession."