RE: Toyota MR2: PH Carpool

[anything fast]

leedsutd1 said:

The MR2 looks much better than a MX5 , I could never see myself in the mazda but have owned a mr2

The mk1 and mk2 MR2 all day I would agree. This version just looks like a those little shoes with the buckles toddlers wear. It just looks odd and ugly compared to the baby Ferrari looks of the older one. That said, they do drive very well and dare I say it.... (whisper) better to drive than an MX5.

[edwheels]

Fabulous car - looks great in the colour combination you have.

I've owned a Mk2 MX5 (1.8s), followed (after a couple of other cars) the MR2 MK3 like yours. I really enjoyed it - the steering was extremely good - so much communication from the wheel and I found the grip amazing.

I feel that I rather ruined mine though - I thought it sounded a bit flat and boring, so (contrary to my no-mods ever philosophy) I had a stainless steel twin pipe exhaust fitted which was just too boomy to enjoy the otherwise better noise. Sold it shortly after and had 3 years in an RX-8.

Now I am on a Mk3 MX5 and I still miss some of the MR2's character. Overall I would say that between the MK3 of both models:

Gearchange +1 for the MX5
Steering Feel +1 for the MR2

Practicality +1 for the MX5 (boot)
Spare Wheel +1 for the MR2 (having none in the MX5 makes me kind of nervous)

Hardtop +1 for the MX5 (as it's the retracting Hardtop model)
Open Top Wind Buffeting +1 for the MR2 - I think because you sitting lower

Interior +1 for MX5 (like the 60s roadster feel here)
Seats + 1 for MR2 - had the red leather chairs - really liked them

Running costs - absolutely level - neither cost too much to run or fuel or insure

So such different cars, both an absolute joy to own, both often criticised by macho non-owners or those who don't appreciate cars which talk to you rather than those just go really fast with a lot of unnecessary bluster!

What next? Can't honestly say...

[7s2000]

Don't want to dig into the owner's club forum -

Has anyone got info on how to put the 2ZZ engine into a MR2? Including gearbox/ecu stuffs. I heard that someone sold one for 4k earlier and it's always on my to-do list to convert one as the ultimate poor man's lotus. Ideally the facelift 6-speed gearbox can be used without swapping...

I have been using google translate to read Japanese websites on the conversion, but it's not very helpful...

[randomman]

In the politest way 7s2000 if 10 seconds of using the search feature on most OC forums is too much digging, maybe a relatively difficult engine swap isn't for you! (relatively as in compared to other same CC engine swaps)

Seriously though, have a look at MR2ROC.org, seems to be a good site and have many people with knowledge of the 2zz engine.

Anyway, I have just purchased an MR2 Facelift in Sable with red leather seats and I'm over the moon with it, it looks the part and it's a brilliant drive. I will update my garage as soon as it stops raining long enough to polish it and get some pics up!

[7s2000]

randomman said:

In the politest way 7s2000 if 10 seconds of using the search feature on most OC forums is too much digging, maybe a relatively difficult engine swap isn't for you! (relatively as in compared to other same CC engine swaps)

Seriously though, have a look at MR2ROC.org, seems to be a good site and have many people with knowledge of the 2zz engine.

Anyway, I have just purchased an MR2 Facelift in Sable with red leather seats and I'm over the moon with it, it looks the part and it's a brilliant drive. I will update my garage as soon as it stops raining long enough to polish it and get some pics up!

with due respect sir,
"Sorry but you cannot use search at this time. Please try again in a few minutes." - mr2roc.org

believe me, I spent 30 seconds trying that.

[edwheels]

Fabulous car - looks great in the colour combination you have.

I've owned a Mk2 MX5 (1.8s), followed (after a couple of other cars) the MR2 MK3 like yours. I really enjoyed it - the steering was extremely good - so much communication from the wheel and I found the grip amazing.

I feel that I rather ruined mine though - I thought it sounded a bit flat and boring, so (contrary to my no-mods ever philosophy) I had a stainless steel twin pipe exhaust fitted which was just too boomy to enjoy the otherwise better noise. Sold it shortly after and had 3 years in an RX-8.

Now I am on a Mk3 MX5 and I still miss some of the MR2's character. Overall I would say that between the MK3 of both models:

Gearchange +1 for the MX5
Steering Feel +1 for the MR2

Practicality +1 for the MX5 (boot)
Spare Wheel +1 for the MR2 (having none in the MX5 makes me kind of nervous)

Hardtop +1 for the MX5 (as it's the retracting Hardtop model)
Open Top Wind Buffeting +1 for the MR2 - I think because you sitting lower

Interior +1 for MX5 (like the 60s roadster feel here)
Seats + 1 for MR2 - had the red leather chairs - really liked them

Running costs - absolutely level - neither cost too much to run or fuel or insure

So such different cars, both an absolute joy to own, both often criticised by macho non-owners or those who don't appreciate cars which talk to you rather than those just go really fast with a lot of unnecessary bluster!

What next? Can't honestly say...

[RetroWheels]

Any car that can make nipping to the shops - at an average speed of 30 mph - feel like a track day ,is doing something right.
These are excellent little machines,i only ended up with mine by accident really but now im a believer .

Edited by RetroWheels on Monday 16th December 22:08

[Herman Toothrot]

7s2000 said:

with due respect sir,
"Sorry but you cannot use search at this time. Please try again in a few minutes." - mr2roc.org

believe me, I spent 30 seconds trying that.

Try the sticky at the top in performance forum about all things 2ZZ related.

This is my 2ZZGE car :-


Can't agree with anyone that says they are ugly.


Engine looks like it should have always been there.


Every bit as good as an Elise (I have previously owned a heavily modified VX220).

Edited by Herman Toothrot on Monday 16th December 22:31

[FestivAli]

You are very lucky that you had a proper manual offered in the UK; here in Aus they were only available with the 'push-botton' auto (left button for down, right for up). A pity because I think they look fantastic and there are lots around at good prices. I had experience with TOMOCO push button auto's when I drove a mates Daihatsu Sirion GTVi - I thought that was a cracking car - apart from the gearbox. I think maybe paddles would have been ok but again I much prefer a trad H-pattern and third pedal.

[7s2000]

Thanks for the input!

Herman Toothrot said:

Try the sticky at the top in performance forum about all things 2ZZ related.

This is my 2ZZGE car :-


Can't agree with anyone that says they are ugly.


Engine looks like it should have always been there.


Every bit as good as an Elise (I have previously owned a heavily modified VX220).

Edited by Herman Toothrot on Monday 16th December 22:31

[Alfa159Ti]

Cracking little motors these. I had one for a bit in between a string of MK2 NAs and Turbos.

It is the only car I have ever felt brave enough to deliberately provoke the tail in when driving in the wet.

It was beautifully balanced but the lack of power could be frustrating when getting caught up behind dawdlers on a good road.

As someone else commented, I always thought it a shame that Toyota didn't squeeze in the high revving 190bhp unit from the Celica T Sport.

My heart remains with the MK2 turbo however. OP you comment about the engine dominating the experience is so true, but its an engine I would happily be dominated by all day long!

Glad to here you are enjoying the car anyway, long may it continue.

[aki1987]

McAndy said:

Yep! No problems

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

She needs a smaller handbag...

I must try harder next time

[randomman]

7s2000 said:

with due respect sir,
"Sorry but you cannot use search at this time. Please try again in a few minutes." - mr2roc.org

believe me, I spent 30 seconds trying that.

Then I apologise, I didn't realise they used the same search button provider as PH

I've read reams of posts on various additions/conversions to the engine and I can't help but feel that putting the money into good chassis work will be
a) Cheaper
b) More effective at getting from A->B Faster

That is just my opinion and I fully see the appeal of more horses under the bootlid!

[Herman Toothrot]

randomman said:

Then I apologise, I didn't realise they used the same search button provider as PH

I've read reams of posts on various additions/conversions to the engine and I can't help but feel that putting the money into good chassis work will be
a) Cheaper
b) More effective at getting from A->B Faster

That is just my opinion and I fully see the appeal of more horses under the bootlid!

Thing is for uk roads I don't think you can do anything to improve it other that a front strut brace and a centre chassis brace, it is amazingly well setup suspension wise with a perfect balance between comfort and control. For track its a different matter and a set of BC coilovers (the control unit for the championship race cars) does increase the limits a lot - however far to stiffly sprung for the road, on a bumpy Countryside A road on standard suspension you'd be moving very fast, on coilovers skipping from bump to bump with the wheels off the ground bricking yourself.

[dick2ski]

I love these cars. This is my fourth, including an SMT, a 2ZZ and now this turbod car. Its 13 years old and Ill never sell it. Nothing to compare for smiles per gallon.

[alackofspeed]

Cracking cars. People seem to question the merits of them, then they drive one and appreciate the great dynamics.

My brother has an early facelift with a 2ZZ engine in it - gives the car the power the chassis warrants, and the shorter ratio gearbox helps too.

For a cheap track / fun road car, I don't think it's possible to do much better for the money.

I recognise Herman Toothrot's car - Steve is that you? My brother and I have met you at Abingdon a couple of times.

Here's a snap from a recent trip to Cadwell:



And a video from Bedford. Power has since gone up by replacing a restrictive exhaust:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSPXBHQ1lPQ

Edited by alackofspeed on Tuesday 17th December 23:52

Edited by alackofspeed on Wednesday 18th December 17:14

[jturn]

"The engine works well with the chassis rather than dominating the whole experience (like it did in the turbo)"

That's really well put - I agree that the Mk2 Turbo can almost feel like point-and-squirt rather than a sports car, with the engine coming on boost being the overriding input in spite of what the chassis is doing.

My missus fancies a Celica but I might try and steer her towards a Mk3 MR2 - just cos I'd quite like a go!

[Herman Toothrot]

alackofspeed said:

I recognise Herman Toothrot's car - Steve is that you? My brother I have met you at Abingdon a couple of times.

Yes it's me :-) has the Marlin been sorted yet?

[7s2000]

7s2000 said:

Don't want to dig into the owner's club forum -

Has anyone got info on how to put the 2ZZ engine into a MR2? Including gearbox/ecu stuffs. I heard that someone sold one for 4k earlier and it's always on my to-do list to convert one as the ultimate poor man's lotus. Ideally the facelift 6-speed gearbox can be used without swapping...

I have been using google translate to read Japanese websites on the conversion, but it's not very helpful...

Sorry guy absolutely no offence, I am that poor man who can't afford a lotus and struggling to decide between a S2000 and MR2+2zz... just realise my words above might be offensive

[alackofspeed]

7s2000 said:

7s2000 said:

Don't want to dig into the owner's club forum -

Has anyone got info on how to put the 2ZZ engine into a MR2? Including gearbox/ecu stuffs. I heard that someone sold one for 4k earlier and it's always on my to-do list to convert one as the ultimate poor man's lotus. Ideally the facelift 6-speed gearbox can be used without swapping...

I have been using google translate to read Japanese websites on the conversion, but it's not very helpful...

Sorry guy absolutely no offence, I am that poor man who can't afford a lotus and struggling to decide between a S2000 and MR2+2zz... just realise my words above might be offensive

The best bet is to use the 6 speed 2zz gearbox with the differential swapped with the torque sensing unit from the MR2 gearbox. The 1ZZ has gears far too long for the 2ZZ's revvy nature. My understanding is that the 5 speed and 6 speed differentials are interchangeable, so drivetrain wise there's no need to source a 6-speed MR2. The ideal combination would be a 2ZZ 6-speed gearbox with 6th gear swapped from a MR2 gearbox along with the differential. That is what was planned for my brother's car, but alas we chipped a tooth when trying to remove the 6th gear from the MR2 gearbox.

Chassis wise, the later the car the stiffer the chassis, as Toyota progressively added more bracing through the car's evolution.

Herman Toothrot said:

Yes it's me :-) has the Marlin been sorted yet?

Yeah, that was very easy to fix as damage was limited to the lower front wishbone thankfully. Now sporting new arms left and right, and has done a very hard airfield day (140miles?) since to prove it's okay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Q3JflzgaE&lis...

Will have to give Abingdon a go for a cheap day out in the New Year. Brands and Bedford (not in the Marlin) to come before that though.

Edited by alackofspeed on Wednesday 18th December 19:29