MR2 Mk2 V6 - Anyone driven one?
Discussion
Just wondering if anyone on here as owned or driven a Camry engined Mk2 MR2...
Thinking ahead slightly, if / when I decide to change cars, I think that an MR2 would be a perfect change from the teg. I guess that I have to do the RWD thing at some point...
I know Woodsport do the conversions and they seem to be pretty well regarded. I've seen a few videos on youtube, and they sound
How would the overall experience compare with say, a turbo? I'm guessing that the turbos are a bit quicker, but probably dont sound anywhere near as nice, suffer lag, and are probably thirstier, less reliable and costlier to run.
However, the turbo does have one thing going for it, the ability to up the power even more, and they are as I'm aware properly quick cars when you do.
Somehow though, the thought of a big V6 lump in a sports car just seems more in keeping with the car. The sound, the throttle response, the creamy smooth characteristic of the engine. It just seems it would be more of an occasion, and although 200 bhp in a relatively heavy sports car means it wont be all that quick, probably still quick enough to be enjoyable and I'm guessing good midrange grunt too?
Thinking ahead slightly, if / when I decide to change cars, I think that an MR2 would be a perfect change from the teg. I guess that I have to do the RWD thing at some point...
I know Woodsport do the conversions and they seem to be pretty well regarded. I've seen a few videos on youtube, and they sound
How would the overall experience compare with say, a turbo? I'm guessing that the turbos are a bit quicker, but probably dont sound anywhere near as nice, suffer lag, and are probably thirstier, less reliable and costlier to run.
However, the turbo does have one thing going for it, the ability to up the power even more, and they are as I'm aware properly quick cars when you do.
Somehow though, the thought of a big V6 lump in a sports car just seems more in keeping with the car. The sound, the throttle response, the creamy smooth characteristic of the engine. It just seems it would be more of an occasion, and although 200 bhp in a relatively heavy sports car means it wont be all that quick, probably still quick enough to be enjoyable and I'm guessing good midrange grunt too?
I own a woodsport converted car. Used to be a perfectly healthy Rev2 turbo
Yes you loose a bit of top end compared to the turbos, but I still posted a 14.5 1/4 mile on a pretty poor surface so it's not exactly slow.
I went for it, for the whole package, don't just look at headline figures, it's how it transforms the car to something very special in my eyes. Noise, torque, the power delivery.
If you're after big power then go turbo, no shadow of doubt, it's so much easier and cheaper.
Steps are being made to supercharge/turbo the 3VZ-FE and 1MZ-FE and the gains are excellent just not exactly cheap and it takes time due to the small market for the car, most products will be low volume almost custom products.
It's a very subjective thing and debates have raged over this performance issue which I can't be bothered with. It doesn't concern me, all I know it makes the Mk2 much more enjoyable to drive on the road which in my eyes which is what a sports car is all about.
There are always the odd one for sale, depending on condition 3-4K will get you a good one, you can always find a good shell and pay £2.5K for it to be converted. Lots of choices really
Hope that helps.
Lee
Yes you loose a bit of top end compared to the turbos, but I still posted a 14.5 1/4 mile on a pretty poor surface so it's not exactly slow.
I went for it, for the whole package, don't just look at headline figures, it's how it transforms the car to something very special in my eyes. Noise, torque, the power delivery.
If you're after big power then go turbo, no shadow of doubt, it's so much easier and cheaper.
Steps are being made to supercharge/turbo the 3VZ-FE and 1MZ-FE and the gains are excellent just not exactly cheap and it takes time due to the small market for the car, most products will be low volume almost custom products.
It's a very subjective thing and debates have raged over this performance issue which I can't be bothered with. It doesn't concern me, all I know it makes the Mk2 much more enjoyable to drive on the road which in my eyes which is what a sports car is all about.
There are always the odd one for sale, depending on condition 3-4K will get you a good one, you can always find a good shell and pay £2.5K for it to be converted. Lots of choices really
Hope that helps.
Lee
pbirkett said:
Now, with this woodsport thing, when you go on their site, it kind of implies that £2,500 will get the car already converted (in other words you are buying a car from them), or have I got the wrong end of the stick?
No, you provide the donor car, then pay them the £2500 drive in, drive out.Get yourself onto the TwoBrutal forums, Woodsport have an entire section on there showing all the conversions they have done. They also have a very comprehensive warranty, lifetime I believe.
Cheers fellas 
According to their website (might have gone up a little since) If you take your MR2 to Woodsport for £2500 they will put a Camry engine which they source and purchase, and put it in for you. That's for a basic conversion. A good rolling MR2 shell with a blown engine might be picked up for circa £500, factor the cost of the conversion and you have a reasonably cheap V6 MR2
I had the heads stripped off, ported, fidanza flywheel fitted and Walbro fuel pump installed ready for when I supercharge it. I sourced the Camry myself and it came to around £2.7K
I think a conversion takes approx2-3 weeks.
Hope that helps Lee
According to their website (might have gone up a little since) If you take your MR2 to Woodsport for £2500 they will put a Camry engine which they source and purchase, and put it in for you. That's for a basic conversion. A good rolling MR2 shell with a blown engine might be picked up for circa £500, factor the cost of the conversion and you have a reasonably cheap V6 MR2
I had the heads stripped off, ported, fidanza flywheel fitted and Walbro fuel pump installed ready for when I supercharge it. I sourced the Camry myself and it came to around £2.7K
I think a conversion takes approx2-3 weeks.
Hope that helps Lee
Edited by Ug_lee on Saturday 15th November 10:41
Thanks chaps. Gives me something to think about for the future
I think I would probably forgo the outright performance of the turbo lump for the beautiful soundtrack, lag free delivery, and crisp throttle response (not to mention reliability) of the V6 lump. I'm pretty much past caring how fast a car is these days, as long as its good to drive, I dont really care.
I think I would probably forgo the outright performance of the turbo lump for the beautiful soundtrack, lag free delivery, and crisp throttle response (not to mention reliability) of the V6 lump. I'm pretty much past caring how fast a car is these days, as long as its good to drive, I dont really care.
OlberJ on here actually works at Woodsport. I've been down to help out him changing the engine on his V6 Mk1 - the conversions look really good (also saw your car there Lee - fantastic mr2!).
However, i've just been reading your profile PBirket (quite the write up on the Teg!) and can't helpl but think you might be dissapointed in the handling of the MR2 after an ITR. It's got plenty of grip, good communication and i'd say very safe balance, but it doesn't feel like it's on 'tip toes' or poised like some cars - there's not really any adjustability in the chassis. Might be a bit dull after the firecracker mad b
d 9000rpm rev fest teg?
Cheers,
Rob.
However, i've just been reading your profile PBirket (quite the write up on the Teg!) and can't helpl but think you might be dissapointed in the handling of the MR2 after an ITR. It's got plenty of grip, good communication and i'd say very safe balance, but it doesn't feel like it's on 'tip toes' or poised like some cars - there's not really any adjustability in the chassis. Might be a bit dull after the firecracker mad b
d 9000rpm rev fest teg?Cheers,
Rob.
Hi Rob, interesting point on whether I'd like it after the teg, I'd kind of assumed that I'd have to tweak a Mk2 to get it up to a similar standard, because as you seem to realise, even though its a FWD car, the ITR really does handle. Although RWD stuff is arguably the choice of the purist, everything I've read about the MR2 does seem to suggest that most mortals wont be able to hustle down the twisties anything like as fast as an ITR...
That said, I'm not THAT bothered about driving like my hairs on fire so much these days, but even then, the teg is so agile, and so raw, that even then it can be enjoyed without having to do that. Not to mention the fact the gearing is so short.
The way I viewed the MR2 was more as a "GT" car, hence why the V6 engine appeals. Something thats perhaps more liveable day to day, and still enjoyable when out on a drive. The teg can be quite tiring on the day to day stuff when you arent the mood (which to be fair, isnt that often), but then, everything is a compromise, because I couldnt see myself thrashing an MR2 as much as I do the teg at times, worrying I might run out of talent. The teg is a pretty forgiving beast, and I'm only human.
The other reason for considering the V6 is I simply cant imagine any other 4-banger sounding as good as the teg.
I've not made any decisions yet, but the Mk2 is always a car I've loved the look of, and with a V6 engine it really appeals in its own way, but if I could afford to, I'd have both
That said, I'm not THAT bothered about driving like my hairs on fire so much these days, but even then, the teg is so agile, and so raw, that even then it can be enjoyed without having to do that. Not to mention the fact the gearing is so short.
The way I viewed the MR2 was more as a "GT" car, hence why the V6 engine appeals. Something thats perhaps more liveable day to day, and still enjoyable when out on a drive. The teg can be quite tiring on the day to day stuff when you arent the mood (which to be fair, isnt that often), but then, everything is a compromise, because I couldnt see myself thrashing an MR2 as much as I do the teg at times, worrying I might run out of talent. The teg is a pretty forgiving beast, and I'm only human.
The other reason for considering the V6 is I simply cant imagine any other 4-banger sounding as good as the teg.
I've not made any decisions yet, but the Mk2 is always a car I've loved the look of, and with a V6 engine it really appeals in its own way, but if I could afford to, I'd have both
At some point i'd like to go V6 with the MR2, however i'd want a few more engine modifications with it based on the 1MZ-FE (Alloy Block), remain n/a but higher rev limit 7500 oppose 6500 being the main one, a think the V6 reving high would sound amazing and make the mk2 a very special feeling car. They feel special anyway, V6 icing on the cake. I had a turbo and i'd not bother again.
Paul,
The MR2 does make a very good long distance car. Great seating position and comfort and a good stereo do the business on a long trip. I do the trip back to my mums (500 miles door to door to Penzance) a few times a year and it's great. Get out the other end without as much as a stiff leg! Never been in a better car for it actually, and you're right, the V6 would add to that relaxed nature. It's also a very good car for when it's icey/snowy as the mid/rear layout gives great traction (which actually can make it a bugger to get off the line quickly - you have to do a granny start otherwise it bogs down!) - incidently how good is the Teg in the slippy stuff, i take it you get good traction due to the LSD?
We'll have to go for a run out sometime and compare notes - might help you decide whether you want to live with one.
cheers,
Rob
The MR2 does make a very good long distance car. Great seating position and comfort and a good stereo do the business on a long trip. I do the trip back to my mums (500 miles door to door to Penzance) a few times a year and it's great. Get out the other end without as much as a stiff leg! Never been in a better car for it actually, and you're right, the V6 would add to that relaxed nature. It's also a very good car for when it's icey/snowy as the mid/rear layout gives great traction (which actually can make it a bugger to get off the line quickly - you have to do a granny start otherwise it bogs down!) - incidently how good is the Teg in the slippy stuff, i take it you get good traction due to the LSD?
We'll have to go for a run out sometime and compare notes - might help you decide whether you want to live with one.
cheers,
Rob
Hi Rob, your comments have been helpful, for sure...
The teg in the slippery stuff is ok as long as its not icey, then the LSD seems to get confused and the car goes nowhere while making rather "interesting" noises
As for the run out, that'd be good, but you live 350 miles away unfortunately
The teg in the slippery stuff is ok as long as its not icey, then the LSD seems to get confused and the car goes nowhere while making rather "interesting" noises
As for the run out, that'd be good, but you live 350 miles away unfortunately
pbirkett said:
Hi Rob, your comments have been helpful, for sure...
The teg in the slippery stuff is ok as long as its not icey, then the LSD seems to get confused and the car goes nowhere while making rather "interesting" noises
As for the run out, that'd be good, but you live 350 miles away unfortunately
Sounds more like the traction control or something. LSDs cant get confused, being mechanical.The teg in the slippery stuff is ok as long as its not icey, then the LSD seems to get confused and the car goes nowhere while making rather "interesting" noises
As for the run out, that'd be good, but you live 350 miles away unfortunately
RobCrezz said:
pbirkett said:
Hi Rob, your comments have been helpful, for sure...
The teg in the slippery stuff is ok as long as its not icey, then the LSD seems to get confused and the car goes nowhere while making rather "interesting" noises
As for the run out, that'd be good, but you live 350 miles away unfortunately
Sounds more like the traction control or something. LSDs cant get confused, being mechanical.The teg in the slippery stuff is ok as long as its not icey, then the LSD seems to get confused and the car goes nowhere while making rather "interesting" noises
As for the run out, that'd be good, but you live 350 miles away unfortunately
Rob.
RobCrezz said:
Sounds more like the traction control or something. LSDs cant get confused, being mechanical.
Doesnt have traction control - I can still make the wheels spin if I want.Maybe I didnt explain it very well, but AFAIK LSD works by transferring power to the slipping wheel, but when on ice, it doesnt seem to work, as it cant get grip anywhere so it just goes mad transferring the power back and forth, and starts groaning while going absolutely nowhere...
Although my car is equipped with a Torsen LSD, which according to the link below isn't really a proper LSD, and indeed the quote below may explain why I get the effect I do in the ice...
Article said:
A Torsen differential isn't a real limited slip because if you place one wheel on slick ice and the other on dry pavement, the one on ice will still spin itself silly. The torsen is a gear-based differential, the gears are cut in a helical fashion (at angles). When a car turns, the gears press against each other and slide into place, distributing the torque in the best way possible for the turn. This makes it particularly good for front-wheel drive cars, which have a tendency to spin the inside wheel too much and "understeer". A Torsen won't get rid of understeer, but it will make turns much sharper
http://www.answerbag.co.uk/q_view/1737Also, its been discussed at length on the ITR owners forum of instances where ITRs cant even move on snow or ice, they'll just spin the wheels frantically even with no throttle applied, and there have been instances of people killing the torsen on their cars in such conditions!
This is a topic close to my heart. I fancy a weekend car that I can occasionally do long trips in / supermarket visits but it has to be relatively inexpensive (less than £10k), reliable and more importantly feel special every time I drive it. The main thing that gives me pause is that I've never driven a Mk2 MR2 and the lack of agility / adjustability to hear about worries me - not so much because I'm a "dorifto" type but because I enjoy good handling as much I like a nice noise, even if the latter is easier to enjoy on a day to day basis. By contrast, I tried Mk1 and loved it but it had insufficient headroom with the T Bar, plus a little bit of rust
. The only other downside is losing the back seats but then that's also a blessing in disguise as it provides a neat alibi whenever someone tries to recruit me for taxi duty!Like pb, I've checked out the various footage / threads on V6 powered Mk2s and love the idea. I just need a way to try one first just to be sure! Then again, it's possible to do it cheaply enough that I shouldn't need to agonise too much (plus I'll have pb waiting to take it off me if I change my mind).
I understand that 3VZs are robust enough to take a good whack of boost - I'd be interested in a bit of FI if I went the V6 route, just to keep performance in line with SFX you understand
http://forums.twobrutal.com/showthread.php?t=13343...
V6 Mk2 for sale on the forum, needs a bit of tidying up, but for 2K cannot go wrong. Also has 6 months Tax
As above yup, the 3VZ-FE is a beefy bit of engineering, the headgaskets seemed to be the weakspot, but the poor quality stretch to yield headbolts are suspect for loosing clamping pressure leading to early gasket failure. (I say early, usually over 100K miles)
This should be solved with a Mitsubishi ARP headbolt kit, that requires a few bolts to be adapted slightly on a lathe. This is the way I'm going combined with an M62 Eaton supercharger, MkIII Supra injectors and Link engine management. 10psi hear I come
With regards to the handling, it's maybe not as sharp as a Mk1, but it's certainly no barge to drive. It's responsive and in the dry there is loads of grip. I always find my limits for cornering in the dry than the cars.
In the wet they do need to be treated with a bit of respect, but the Rev2 onwards with good condition suspension is a little more forgiving. I think it's this thought that I have never got the best out of the car that has made me keep it so long. If it wasn't remotely challenging to drive, I expect I would have got bored of it by now.
Hope that helps.
V6 Mk2 for sale on the forum, needs a bit of tidying up, but for 2K cannot go wrong. Also has 6 months Tax
As above yup, the 3VZ-FE is a beefy bit of engineering, the headgaskets seemed to be the weakspot, but the poor quality stretch to yield headbolts are suspect for loosing clamping pressure leading to early gasket failure. (I say early, usually over 100K miles)
This should be solved with a Mitsubishi ARP headbolt kit, that requires a few bolts to be adapted slightly on a lathe. This is the way I'm going combined with an M62 Eaton supercharger, MkIII Supra injectors and Link engine management. 10psi hear I come
With regards to the handling, it's maybe not as sharp as a Mk1, but it's certainly no barge to drive. It's responsive and in the dry there is loads of grip. I always find my limits for cornering in the dry than the cars.
In the wet they do need to be treated with a bit of respect, but the Rev2 onwards with good condition suspension is a little more forgiving. I think it's this thought that I have never got the best out of the car that has made me keep it so long. If it wasn't remotely challenging to drive, I expect I would have got bored of it by now.
Hope that helps.
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