MR2 Turbo

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Original Poster:

1,164 posts

226 months

Friday 24th June 2005
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I'm currently thinking about getting another MR2 Turbo - ideally a Rev3, 4 or 5.

I'm aware that the engines are pretty similar, but can anyone tell me what the differences are between these revisions, and which they would recommend?

I used to have a black rev 1 (91) turbo with a Veilside kit. I bought some lowering springs but never fitted them due to the v deep front spoiler.

Would these springs fit on a 3/4/5?

thanks in advance

Andy Mac

73,668 posts

255 months

Friday 24th June 2005
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As far as I am aware,the only difference is cosmetic, but I could be wrong. Remember to take into account the laws regarding cats, and as such, you are probably better off with a rev 3. I think the rev 3's were not obliged to have one fitted, but rev 4+ were... I think...

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Original Poster:

1,164 posts

226 months

Friday 24th June 2005
quotequote all
Gazboy said:
Only thing I've heard is that the Rev3 is the weekest engine of the lot- but it's a cause of arguments on IMOC.


eh!
Now that has confused me - I was under the impression that the rev3 was the best model to go for if you want to up the power.

FWIW, I prefer the updated bodywork of the rev3's onwards.

Andy Mac

73,668 posts

255 months

Friday 24th June 2005
quotequote all
Gazboy said:
Only thing I've heard is that the Rev3 is the weekest engine of the lot- but it's a cause of arguments on IMOC.


Not heard that one... There are loads of rev 3 engines running big power.

DanBoy

4,899 posts

243 months

Friday 24th June 2005
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I always thought my rev 3 was a bit more curvy than previous models...

I put that down to the colour though.

I was under the impression that rev3/4 MRTs are rather rare in the UK...

Andy Mac

73,668 posts

255 months

Friday 24th June 2005
quotequote all
The back lights are rounder, maybe giving the impression. I'd personally go for a rev 3 over the others. Purely for the spoiler, and the fact I can legally plonk a decat on it

MrFlibbles

7,692 posts

283 months

Saturday 25th June 2005
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Gazboy said:
Only thing I've heard is that the Rev3 is the weekest engine of the lot- but it's a cause of arguments on IMOC.


Yeah I ve heard that as well Gaz,i think the specialists i go to mentioned it.

The rev 3 had a few engine issues, that were strengthened for the rev 4....

lower

18 posts

240 months

Monday 27th June 2005
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rev3 engines produce more power as standard than the rev1/2 engine. they run more boost, have slightly lower compression, use a smaller turbo that spools quicker, have an updated ecu that copes better with non 100 ron fuel, bigger injectors and produce 20ps more power. They also have a much better low boost/high boost control that means that you get 13psi all the time, and the ecu doesn't drop the car into low boost mode when the air temp was cold, it picked up a bit of knock or some other problem like the rev1/2.

they can run up to 17psi with minor mods too, unlike the rev1/2's that shouldn't really run higher than 15psi without proper fuel control.

the weak engine thing comes from the fact that are known to be some thin walled engine blocks around. this is not an issue unless you turn the boost up higher than 17psi. all in all i would go for a rev3+ if you can. the newer the car the better really but there are no real significant issues with the rev3 engine or any other aspect of the car.

Andy Mac

73,668 posts

255 months

Monday 27th June 2005
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Mine was running 1.25 bar with the hks boost controller... the difference was unreal!! Weeeeeee!

frosty-11

113 posts

235 months

Thursday 30th June 2005
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corr Blimey ....

Well for starters mate, have a looky at this:
all about MR2's which should certainly tell you find 99% of anything you might want...

On Horses....
Rev 1 and 2 cars came as standard with 225 bhp rev 3+ had 245 bhp+ (flywheel figures) On standard 1 bar of boost with a induction kit, decat and full exhaust my rev 3 is seeing 295 at the fly (242 at the wheels and 230 lbs of torque)

In terms of handling rev 1 and 2 cars have different suspension to rev3+ cars, I’m not sure of rev 1 and 2's but rev 3 onwards have Bilstien struts and (I think) Toyota springs which swapping for a set of Eibachs for about £150 is possibly the best value for money mod going!

I can't be certain if the springs for the rev 1/2 model you bought will fit a rev3 onwards car BUT if you register and post on any of these sites....


International MR2 Owners
MR2 Owners Club
MR2 Drivers Club

Any questions you have should be quickly answered (or prev. answered have a quick look first )

If you have the budget, then (personally) I would go for a rev3+ model as you wont be playing 'catch up' with handling or on the very subtle styling differences (body coloured lower sills, front lip and rear lights/back end ohww spoiler too).

I hope this is all of help, and if you have any more Q.s please give me a shout matey!

Cheers,
Gareth

OHW, and those sites all have “buying guides” which should be off a bit more help when it comes to starting the hunt


>> Edited by frosty-11 on Thursday 30th June 20:09