[Britishcarcrazy]

I have a 2001 that sounds like it has thrown a rod bearing. It was on the verge of needing more spent on it then it's worth and then this. But my SO loves this car, and I am certainly crazy about her. I bought a 2003 on Copart with 38k miles. I plan on using the 38k mile car to make the 01 as nice as possible. So far, I've only put a clutch in the 01, but now feel I have jumped in the deep end in mixing these two cars together to make one good one. The 01 has never been wrecked, but at 200k miles, it's time to revive it. The top, seats, interior of the 03 are 38k nice. But it is hurt bad on the passenger side, especially the front suspension. Any advice on shop manuals, what to be thinking about as I embark on this journey? I have the place and skills to do most anything, yet never have done much in Japanese car repairs.

 

[cyclehead]

The factory spyder book is worth owning. The big green book (BGB). You can order it here..https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...3BzzUzM8i-zgZoGKRlvqsFl_JULEfvp4aArhUEALw_wcB

 

[Britishcarcrazy]

Thank you! I've been looking at the manuals. My next question is do I need to buy the 01 and the 03 manuals? It doesn't take long to see that there are some immediate differences in the two cars. But I I think I will keep the 01 looking original except for only the most astute lol. There are obvious differences in the interior trim as well. The 01 is really a decent little car but it is showing its age. I'm almost 63 and still have several British cars but my honey just loves this little MR2. I guess I'll keep in in the road asking as possible

 

[cyclehead]

The books are probably 95% identical between pre and facelift models. So what British cars are still in the garage? I sold my MGB and GT long ago. Then sold my Healey 3000 engine swap and Bugeye. They were all fun, but I wouldn’t trade my spyders for any of them.

 

[Britishcarcrazy]

Ugh. It's a sickness. I have a 71 V12 E OTS, a 73 MGB GT, a 79 MGB that I am currently doing a V8 conversion on, a 76 TR6, a 88 XJS-SC, a 89 XJS convertible, a 90 XJS convertible, a 95 XJS convertible, a 95 XJS coupe, and a 76 MGB shell that will probably remain such. I have several American cars as well.

 

[2001spyderct]

If you can wrench on those fiddly british cars then working on the spyder is going to be an enjoyable walk in the park. I always enjoy watching wheeler dealers and seeing Edd China breathe new life into those old British sports cars. Once you get used to the somewhat unconventional mid rear engine layout they are not too different from working on a corolla of the same vintage… although the engine is in the trunk and the cabin is tiny, but, they go around corners much better!

 

[Britishcarcrazy]

I am seriously trying to figure out how to let go. But every car has its own sense of enjoyment. I took the transmission out of this 01 MR2 to put a new clutch in it and it was almost as aggravating as anything I've ever done. I'm sure I'll get accustomed to it. With my British cars, wrenches a volt meter and common sense fixes about anything. Like working on a tractor. With this MR2, I feel like I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop in needing to take it to someone with computer equipment to figure out how to make it work right. I'm going to get those manuals and make my honey happy. I've included pics of the 38k mile 03.

 

[dblotii]

The factory spyder book is worth owning. The big green book (BGB). You can order it here..https://www.summitracing.com/parts/...3BzzUzM8i-zgZoGKRlvqsFl_JULEfvp4aArhUEALw_wcB

It really is not difficult to find a free download of the factory shop manual. Search in Spyderchat or go the the Spyder FB group and download from the "files" tab.

 

[DaWaN]

I took the transmission out of this 01 MR2 to put a new clutch in it and it was almost as aggravating as anything I've ever done. I'm sure I'll get accustomed to it. With my British cars, wrenches a volt meter and common sense fixes about anything. Like working on a tractor. With this MR2, I feel like I am just waiting for the other shoe to drop in needing to take it to someone with computer equipment to figure out how to make it work right. I'm going to get those manuals and make my honey happy.

It is funny how people get attached to what they are used to. Last week I was helping a friend of mine rebuilding his Keihin flatslide carb and it was absolutely pissing me off. All these mininature parts, gaskets and hands drenched in gasoline. I was just thinking: where is my laptop and OBD cable, haha

For what it is worth: if you know how to operate a computer to use this forum, you can also do diagnostics on the Spyder with Techstream. It is not hard; it is just something new.

Good luck on rebuilding your wife's spyder, I think it is a nicer car to work on than an Elise.
And you have an impressive collection of British cars, good luck with those as well!

 

[cyclehead]

I sent you a message

 

[[email protected]]

I have a 2001 that sounds like it has thrown a rod bearing. It was on the verge of needing more spent on it then it's worth and then this. But my SO loves this car, and I am certainly crazy about her. I bought a 2003 on Copart with 38k miles. I plan on using the 38k mile car to make the 01 as nice as possible. So far, I've only put a clutch in the 01, but now feel I have jumped in the deep end in mixing these two cars together to make one good one. The 01 has never been wrecked, but at 200k miles, it's time to revive it. The top, seats, interior of the 03 are 38k nice. But it is hurt bad on the passenger side, especially the front suspension. Any advice on shop manuals, what to be thinking about as I embark on this journey? I have the place and skills to do most anything, yet never have done much in Japanese car repairs.

I'm a British Car guy also.

 

[Britishcarcrazy]

I like my little British Cars even if they aren't as refined lol. Driving my 73 MGB GT today!

 

[Losociety]

Welcome! Trying to get my 10 posts in. Sorry