Quote:
Originally Posted by toddzilla
My theory is it may just need a really good highway run to clear out the carbon build up from being parked? Are the cats known to fail at 225k? Or else maybe a bad 02 sensor? I am used to a '02 Civic SiR that idles super quiet and smooth, so when I did get in it, it did seem...'rowdy'? Do they all have a throaty/kind of raw sound at idle? I'd just assumed - being a Toyota - that it would 'purr' like a Camry? lol But then, I've read, the n/a's are a little aggressive sounding? It's all bone stock.
|
The cat that I had read below average emissions on all the NOx readings and COx readings and that was with 20xk Km. So it might be because it sat for a while. I'm not sure if the 3S-GTE cat bolts into the 5s manifold but if you find out if it works on that car I can give my old cat to you. I kind of doubt the cats would be swappable though. My GT-Four passed aircare just marginally with that cat so no guarantees.
I would check all the ignition systems if it's sat for a while. Spark plugs do go bad from sitting (hell everything in the engine bay is bound to go bad if it sits) and maybe isn't as efficient burning fuel as it can be. For that just get some el cheapo copper ones that will do the job. Gap them properly, a quick google says gap should be 1.1mm. I read before that iridium or platinum ones really are meant for longer life but the spark isn't as great as copper but hey that's internet talk. I'd go for copper ones simply because they are significantly cheaper. I just changed them every time I did an oil change.
The 5S-FE does sound a bit like a truck. It would be more pronounced, I imagine in the MR2, because it sits right behind you. If my memory serves me correctly, the same engine in a Celica GT was a bit harsh sounding as well. I did once test drive like a 1992 camry with the same engine for my ex back in the day and it sounded about the same as my celica, then she got the same gen with a V6 and the V6 is the one that purred like a kitten. the 4 banger sounded a bit bit rough by comparison.
What I don't suggest though, is getting a short shifter for old toyotas. They tend to be exceedingly notchy and grindy. I used to have a TWM on my car and it was nothing but trouble during the cold seasons and didn't matter what you did to prevent grinding but it would always grind when you first getting going in the morning. Lithium greased everything, fluids changed, double clutching, it all help a tiny bit, but still feel the crunch when it's cold. I would stick with stock shifter even if older toyotas feel like rowing a fuckin' boat going through the gears.