what's wrong

[turbotoyota]

yea that's what it says on the back of the car

[ac427cpe]

that just means that your spring rates are correct for the car... how old/soft is the suspension?

[turbotoyota]

well it looks like its the original suspension components but it still feels firm

[JekylandHyde]

An old and worn suspension would be a benefit in a drag race.

Again, your car is down power for some reason.
I would start with checking codes, make sure you do not have a some gremlin stored in there.

[turbotoyota]

I'm not exactly sure but doesn't the MR2 use flash codes or do I need a scan tool. Also, how often should I replace the NGK spark plugs that are one step colder? I think they're called BK7RE.

[JekylandHyde]

You can use either the NGK 6097 or the 5030s (one of them are the BK7RE). I would suggest changing them every 3000 miles when you do your oil.

I am changing them much more often but I am beating the hell out of them

The MR2 stores codes and you can check them by looking at your check engine light. In the engine bay there is a little diagnostic box (trunk/engine firewall). You need to jumper TE1 to E1 (paperclip is fine or a short piece of wire).

Then watch your check engine light. If it flashes steady, you have no codes.

Otherwise it will flash in code. There may be several codes and they continually repeat so don't worry if you miss one. Long pauses are between codes. Short pauses are between numbers.

So:
5 flashes, short pause, 2 flashes, long pause ... and it repeats, that is code 52 (knock sensor).

[MR2turbo93]

Where can you find what all the codes mean? is there a book you can buy or something?

[JekylandHyde]

http://www.mr2-tech.com/bgb/mechanic...efi_system.htm

Click "Diagnosis System"
... then make sure you are looking at the correct engine numbers (3SGTE, not 5SFE)

[turbotoyota]

Well I just checked for codes and there weren't any. But I do need to change the plugs since I've had them for over 3000 miles.

[JekylandHyde]

Let us know what the plug tips look like.

[turbotoyota]

The plug tips had some carbon around the edge's. The electrodes looked fine. The plug wasn't beat up or anything. All four plugs were almost identical.

[JekylandHyde]

hmmm ... the mystery continues.

If it were my car, I would:
1. Check and double check that I do not have a boost leak (do you know if your exhaust comes out heavy black at WOT?)

2. I would verify that I am making and holding max boost to my shift point.

3. Spend $40-$50 for 3 pulls on a dyno to see what kind of power I am putting down and take a peak at teh A/F ratios to make sure everything is cool.

[turbotoyota]

Yeah, I've been thinking about getting to a dyno as soon as possible. I'll also check for a boost leak and that I'm holding max boost until I shift. I'll try to get it done as soon as I can and let you guys know what's going on.