Rev2 MR2 Turbo - a diamond in the rough or just rough?
Discussion
Whilst on a slightly drunken eBay browse, I came across a Black 1991 Toyota MR2 Rev2 Turbo which was only 18 or so miles away.
After a brief chat with SWMBO, swallowing some brave pills, I started a conversation with the seller and heard everything that should in sensibleness, made me run a mile. The seller hadn't had it too long, it was very modded, there was a disclosed oil leak, possibly from the turbo seal.
I've been after a bit of a project for a while so thought what the hell and arranged to go and have a look today.
I was reasonably pleased with the state of it upon inspection and test drive, the leak doesn't seem to be that bad at all, the body work was in much better condition that I expected for 90k miles and 25 odd years old, it had all of the Japanese paperwork as well as all of the MOT's and history since import in 2000. Being the T-Top, it also had the shades and leather bags for the glass panes (very rare), as well as the suede and leather interior in good condition.
Looking over the car, it has had a full set of Bilstein suspension at some point (not on the advert) as well as upgraded side mounted intercoolers. It also had the
On the negative side, the very dodgy looking Wolfrace alloys came with China's best Linglong's on the front and Landsails on the rear, that although had loads of tread looked as though they had been on there for some years, going on the crazing to the sidewall. The exhaust is also a "Project Dragon" baked bean can special, coupled with some ASBO attracting dump valve.
After haggling, it was picked up for not much more that shed money with a load of spares thrown in the boot as well. Insurance and tax sorted out and off I set for the drive home, which was interesting with significant standing water and shockingly bad tyres, 220bhp and rear wheel drive. A very different experience to my daily driver of 600bhp, Quattro and Pirelli winter tyres!
After a quick poke at home, I'm pretty chuffed. A good project for the next couple of months to spanner on, a reasonless quick and fun car for weekends and an opportunity for a bit of an appreciati nag classic, with a bit of TLC and putting back to standard. Plan is at this statt the revert by proper staggered figment MR2 alloys, a standard or standard look exhaust and a full service, see if I can trace the oil leak and a decent set of tyres for the standard alloys.
Pics to follow shortly.
After a brief chat with SWMBO, swallowing some brave pills, I started a conversation with the seller and heard everything that should in sensibleness, made me run a mile. The seller hadn't had it too long, it was very modded, there was a disclosed oil leak, possibly from the turbo seal.
I've been after a bit of a project for a while so thought what the hell and arranged to go and have a look today.
I was reasonably pleased with the state of it upon inspection and test drive, the leak doesn't seem to be that bad at all, the body work was in much better condition that I expected for 90k miles and 25 odd years old, it had all of the Japanese paperwork as well as all of the MOT's and history since import in 2000. Being the T-Top, it also had the shades and leather bags for the glass panes (very rare), as well as the suede and leather interior in good condition.
Looking over the car, it has had a full set of Bilstein suspension at some point (not on the advert) as well as upgraded side mounted intercoolers. It also had the
On the negative side, the very dodgy looking Wolfrace alloys came with China's best Linglong's on the front and Landsails on the rear, that although had loads of tread looked as though they had been on there for some years, going on the crazing to the sidewall. The exhaust is also a "Project Dragon" baked bean can special, coupled with some ASBO attracting dump valve.
After haggling, it was picked up for not much more that shed money with a load of spares thrown in the boot as well. Insurance and tax sorted out and off I set for the drive home, which was interesting with significant standing water and shockingly bad tyres, 220bhp and rear wheel drive. A very different experience to my daily driver of 600bhp, Quattro and Pirelli winter tyres!
After a quick poke at home, I'm pretty chuffed. A good project for the next couple of months to spanner on, a reasonless quick and fun car for weekends and an opportunity for a bit of an appreciati nag classic, with a bit of TLC and putting back to standard. Plan is at this statt the revert by proper staggered figment MR2 alloys, a standard or standard look exhaust and a full service, see if I can trace the oil leak and a decent set of tyres for the standard alloys.
Pics to follow shortly.
Edited by VeegasRS6 on Saturday 30th January 17:44
I bought a Rev 3 N/A Mr2 for £150 a couple of years back with the intentions of getting it on the road. Unfortunately the condition was as expected of a £150 Japanese car so it had to be scrapped.
Having owned that car I now really really want a clean one to drive about in, it just seemed so well put together and I can imagine them being good fun.
Yours looks really nice, with the exception of that exhaust.
Having owned that car I now really really want a clean one to drive about in, it just seemed so well put together and I can imagine them being good fun.
Yours looks really nice, with the exception of that exhaust.
That looks lovely, i've had 4, two super reds, a steel mist grey and a white. I've always wanted a black one. I know the exhaust looks ridiculous but I bet it sounds good through tunnels 
I've had two rev 2 turbos, I would recommend ditching the blow off valve and put the original recirc valve back on. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
Also check the age and condition of ignition components, they are a weak spot and will throw up problems at full throttle or in heavy rain.
As you have the basic mods covered, you could install a manual boost controller and turn it up a few psi without worrying, but it does enhance the experience quite a bit.
Enjoy.
I've had two rev 2 turbos, I would recommend ditching the blow off valve and put the original recirc valve back on. You'll be surprised how much of a difference it makes.
Also check the age and condition of ignition components, they are a weak spot and will throw up problems at full throttle or in heavy rain.
As you have the basic mods covered, you could install a manual boost controller and turn it up a few psi without worrying, but it does enhance the experience quite a bit.
Enjoy.
I'm aiming for a lot lower than that, hopefully be able to offset some of the cost of standard stuff by selling the ricer mods and do most of the work myself.
Gents; thank you for the kind works, I've already taken a real shine to the MR2 and feel it's a civic duty to sort the poor thing out and return it to fine fettle.
Gents; thank you for the kind works, I've already taken a real shine to the MR2 and feel it's a civic duty to sort the poor thing out and return it to fine fettle.
Right - after a furious weeks' scouting of owners clubs, eBay and the dreaded Facebook pages; shopping has been significantly done!
Full set of Rev3 alloys and new Toyo Proxies, brand new ceramic coated JapSpeed stainless exhaust & down pipe, high spec race radiator and fans as well as a standard gear knob!
Looks like a full weekend of tinkering ahead!
Can't believe the difference between the standard 15" alloys and the 20's on the RS6!
Full set of Rev3 alloys and new Toyo Proxies, brand new ceramic coated JapSpeed stainless exhaust & down pipe, high spec race radiator and fans as well as a standard gear knob!
Looks like a full weekend of tinkering ahead!
Can't believe the difference between the standard 15" alloys and the 20's on the RS6!
Aha, I was close to asking for that exhaust too but decided against it due to wanting something quieter! Hope to get a sound clip from you or video, I like how they look on the car
I'll also be interested in the exhaust you currently have on there if you want to sell it. Sick of mine.
I'll also be interested in the exhaust you currently have on there if you want to sell it. Sick of mine.
fullleather said:
I think yellow Bilstein struts were standard, my rev3 had them. Yours has had rev3 rear light-clusters and centre panels fitted by the look of it? ran mine for nigh on 15 years...it just hated hot weather.
Black bilsteins were standard on all turbos, yellows were optional extras i think. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff