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Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana

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Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Wednesday, January 02, 2019 10:15 PM (permalink)
0
Lumix
Very tidy car! Looking forward to seeing your modification progression. The Volk wheels look fantastic.


Thank you! 
They were really such a great find, one of my favourite additions so far.
#16
Kook
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Thursday, January 03, 2019 0:38 PM (permalink)
+1 (1)
Geeeeez, your "P-plater budget" definitely differed from mine at that age haha.
 
Duck tape and spray paint was about the extent of what I was building at 20.
#17
Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 0:57 PM (permalink)
+2 (2)
Well, it certainly has been a while. 2019 saw me cooped up at uni to complete my Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering, though I still managed to make some time for this glorious yellow machine. Work on the car was slower than expected due to priorities in my honours year, though I am still happy with what I was able to achieve throughout the year. That being said, 2020 will be the year where this car truly begins to shine.
 
I mean, that’s the plan anyway…
Before I could install the intercooler I wanted a way to monitor my AFR, so in went an AEM wideband gauge and sensor.
The removal of the stock downpipe was nothing short of a mission, and due to my limited financial position I had to reuse the cast downpipe, now with a bung welded in to the top elbow. The goal is to go to something stainless in the future but I am not sure what is out there that can replace the whole catted downpipe assembly. Catless isn’t really an option but that’s all I can see on offer, e.g. the Berk 3rd gen Catless downpipe. Any opinions would be great, as my current options seem to be fully custom, or even slotting a cat down into the b-pipe wherever it can fit.

Yes that is a boss coffee can, I have had many of my mates steal this idea since I installed it.
After many hours swearing at the OEM fan shroud, the TCS motorsport intercooler kit was installed, adding a level of cooling and reliability to the engine, as well as a splash of shine to the engine bay. I added to this with a 1320 performance X brace, which seemed to stiffen up the rear end a touch (or it was placebo, same thing).
I tried countless times to get my cool old Greddy turbo timer to work, using an off the shelf HKS wiring harness and some wire rearranging. However no matter the orientation of wires I could deduce from old wiring diagrams, every time the timer kicked on the car would engage the starter motor, making a horrible grinding sound as the starter fouled on the flywheel. I shut the car off immediately every time but in the fear of causing any actual damage, I left it uninstalled for now. From my research I might need some sort of a starter kill relay, though if anyone has any ideas for that it would be greatly appreciated.
#18

Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 1:09 AM (permalink)
+1 (1)
Thanks to Dylan at Gorilla Industries and a spontaneous 50% off sale from an eBay seller, all pieces of my body modifications are now in my possession. Dylan was able to source me a brand new US Racing front lip, and a set of replica Greddy rear spats came from eBay. Mounting and fitting the shocking condition replica Greddy side skirts has taken more time than expected, though the aim is to get all the kit parts painted in the next couple of months. I am leaving all mods reversible so at any point I can return to a factory condition, if desired.
The annual trip to the World Time Attack Challenge this year was made even sweeter as I was able to see one of the builds I have admired and followed for years, as I imagine we all have. 
Seeing the MR2Australia car competing and representing our community was a blast to see, as well as examining all the work put into the engine and chassis. Truly underappreciated by the masses, I hope to see Glenn out there again putting down laps in the years to come.
 
 
#19
Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 3:20 AM (permalink)
+1 (1)
As my front discs were starting to fade I opted for some clean DBA replacements, with the Project Mu pads still having plenty of life. These discs have been a great replacement, and lines and proper fluid are next up before I hit the track.
New old school Momo Corse horn button!
Now for the biggest purchase of 2019, perhaps in terms of cost and anticipation. For years I have ogled the BBS series of wheels as a seemingly unobtainable brand of wheels. While a lot of the models are used heavily within the stance and hardparking worlds, the LMs have always been my dream wheel, with their motorsport influence and timeless styling. I have seen them work flawlessly on a variety of chassis, though it was the now-2gr swapped aggressively styled demon from the great apex attack blog that completely sold me on them as the end-goal wheel for my own MR2.
After checking prices for new and used LMs in the proper 8/9 stagger on gumtree and various sites, I quickly humbled myself and realised this would be a dream to brew for a few more years. I had searches saved in hope, however it was just slightly annoying seeing sets come up for the dear prices they rightly command. Then one day a set came up for sale.
 
PCD? 5x114.3.
Widths? 8/9 stagger.
Offset? Perfect for MR2s once reverse mounted.
 
The catch? They were located in Perth, with myself in Sydney, and they were in a fairly tired condition. The not catch however was that they were listed for a tidy $900, and the seller even offered to cover the majority of the shipping. $950 and 2 weeks later, my very own set of LMs arrived on my doorstop, on the exact day I finished uni.
Now I concede that my current wheels are extremely period correct and there is genuinely nothing faulting them, and I may be over-romanticising what is just buying some crusty wheels off gumtree, but these wheels have been quite special to me for many years now, and the feeling of unwrapping a set to call my own was great. Furthermore they present an opportunity to undertake a full rebuild and cleanup, which should make the final product even more rewarding.
These shinies will be earned, not bought. (although I technically did buy them but.. nevermind)
Here’s one mid-restoration with the face reverse mounted. Center caps will be in the mail soon.
 
I was slightly sceptical about the combination of yellow and gold, but with some inspiration from the Porsche world and the first test fit, I was sold. The combo might not be for everyone but I can definitely see how it’s going to look and I am a big fan.
 
I also managed to squeeze in a spot in a music video that is yet to be released. Flat fee bookings that take 1/3 of the time expected make my wallet very happy!
 
 
 
#20
Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 3:30 AM (permalink)
+3 (3)
So that concludes my year with the old banana, my goal for 2020 apart from working on the car more is to make more regular updates, rather than typing out these huge wrap-ups that certain only about 3 people read. Maybe with smaller bite-sized updates I could hit the double digits! Ya never know.
Also happy 30th birthday to this car!!! Cake in the intake to celebrate. 
#21

Kook
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 3:36 AM (permalink)
+1 (1)
I don't know if it is much help to you but I am currently experimenting with putting a cat in the midpipe.
 
I have the Berk dump and need to pass a road worthy (or blue slip for you northerners) and have to have a cat to pass.
 
Might be an option for you.
#22
Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 3:38 AM (permalink)
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Awesome! I would love to know how that works out for you. The mid pipe cat definitely looked like an option to me, the only concern was I'd have to remove the flex joint, but haven't determined how much of an issue that would be. If you have any pictures as you progress with the experimenting I'd really appreciate it if you kept me in the loop.
#23
Kook
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 5:02 AM (permalink)
+1 (1)
Adrifto
Awesome! I would love to know how that works out for you. The mid pipe cat definitely looked like an option to me, the only concern was I'd have to remove the flex joint, but haven't determined how much of an issue that would be. If you have any pictures as you progress with the experimenting I'd really appreciate it if you kept me in the loop.




Will do.
 
I don't have a flex pipe in my midpipe, but the dump pipe does.
#24
Lumix
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 7:57 AM (permalink)
+1 (1)
Congrats on finishing your Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering! Not an easy task.
 
I agree, the DBA rotors are great. I have no complaints using them with the QFM A1RM brake pads and stainless steel lines with Penrite Super Dot 4 fluid. I have been happy with the performance on the track and daily driving. The engine bay shroud and cross brace were a great addition to the bay, very clean aesthetic.
 
LM rims are mint, lovely choice. I'm guesing +35 offset? The gold also looks great with yellow. Looking forward to seeing them mounted on the car. What tyres will you use?
 
Finally, stunning photos. Loved the one under the yellow leaves. I continue to look forward to your updates throughout 2020.
#25
Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 10:17 AM (permalink)
+1 (1)
Lumix
Congrats on finishing your Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering! Not an easy task.
 
I agree, the DBA rotors are great. I have no complaints using them with the QFM A1RM brake pads and stainless steel lines with Penrite Super Dot 4 fluid. I have been happy with the performance on the track and daily driving. The engine bay shroud and cross brace were a great addition to the bay, very clean aesthetic.
 
LM rims are mint, lovely choice. I'm guesing +35 offset? The gold also looks great with yellow. Looking forward to seeing them mounted on the car. What tyres will you use?
 
Finally, stunning photos. Loved the one under the yellow leaves. I continue to look forward to your updates throughout 2020.




Thank you for the kind words Lumix!
It was indeed a challenging degree but I am glad to be out the other side 
 
Are you running HEL lines? They are the ones I was looking at picking up fairly soon.
 
The LMs in their current state are +45 up front and +42 in the rear, which should be around +33 and +30 after reverse mounting. Planning to wrap them in Hankook Ventus RS4s but I'm still on the fence on whether or not I want to take the gamble on fitting 215/45s, as RS4s do not come in 215/40.
 
Thanks a lot! That was one of my favourite locations/photoshoots from the year as well, though its heartbreaking to see it torn through by bushfires. It'll likely not look that way again for many years to come (shots are from Mt Wilson).
#26
Lumix
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 1:19 PM (permalink)
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Adrifto
Thank you for the kind words Lumix!
It was indeed a challenging degree but I am glad to be out the other side 
 
Are you running HEL lines? They are the ones I was looking at picking up fairly soon.
 
The LMs in their current state are +45 up front and +42 in the rear, which should be around +33 and +30 after reverse mounting. Planning to wrap them in Hankook Ventus RS4s but I'm still on the fence on whether or not I want to take the gamble on fitting 215/45s, as RS4s do not come in 215/40.
 
Thanks a lot! That was one of my favourite locations/photoshoots from the year as well, though its heartbreaking to see it torn through by bushfires. It'll likely not look that way again for many years to come (shots are from Mt Wilson).



Yes I'm running the HEL Stainless Brake lines. The pedal did feel firmer after changing from the stock lines. Felt great on track. I will mention the front lines on mine needed to get remade due to not sealing but HEL remade the lines for me the next day. Happy with the customer service. The wrong fitting was used so it wouldn't seal to the hardline. Also there was a difference between mounting methods to the body between front sets. The replacement front set came with a nut that tighten down on the tab off body that made the install extremely easy. The first set of HEL front lines used a similar retaining clip method as the factory items but retaining clips didn't fit in the groove of the S/S line (loose fit?), I remember buying a bunch of E-clips. It was a few years ago so can't quite remember the issue completely. With regards to the rear lines, I designed and 3D printed brackets out of ABS plastic as a temporary solution but the brackets are still going strong after 3 years of daily driving. I have some photos in my showroom thread on page 12 for reference https://www.mr2australia.com/mr2play/tm.aspx?m=15065&mpage=12 
 
I had to look up where Mt Wilson was located in NSW, it looks like a beautiful area. Hopefully the community makes a full recovery.
#27
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Tuesday, January 07, 2020 11:16 PM (permalink)
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Yep. Lovely photos. Many thanks.
I also offer kudos to Glenn for all his continual development on chassis and turbo powerplant. Great work.
And he actually drives it on track to prove it too.
Regarding HEL brake hoses. I purchased fronts and had to return them twice as they would not seal to the original hardline. They then said that some of their fittings were poorly manufactured ? (So why send the bloody things out to customers)? They then finally sent out a later revised design that sealed correctly.
They use a plastic ferule to secure the hose to the strut. The C clip will split this piece of rubbish either as it is inserted or later during operation. Poor design as the ferule should be metal as in the originals.
As Lumix states the rears don't have any mounting to the chassis.
Unlike Lumix I could not detect any improvement in pedal feel on road or track.
There must be something better surely.
#28
Adrifto
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Thursday, January 09, 2020 11:06 PM (permalink)
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Thank you both for your insights! Has definitely given me a lot to consider before purchasing.
 
Falcon
Unlike Lumix I could not detect any improvement in pedal feel on road or track.

 
I think I'd be okay with the same performance, would just like to not be relying on 30 year old rubber 
#29
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Re: Adrifto's 1990 Gen3 Banana Friday, January 10, 2020 5:30 AM (permalink)
0
Adrifto, you may be interested in:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csV5gQo9wmc
 
FWIW, some time ago I also fitted SS hoses, and did not notice any pedal feel difference compared to the original rubber ones that had to have been at least 15 years old at the time. 
Due to some concerns about the end connections, I later got rid of them and fitted new OEM rubber ones for peace of mind. 

1990 ADM NA
 
 
 
 
 
 
#30
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