MR2 MK3 track car

[aaron86]

Well where do I start?!? For some reason I love light (usually under powered due to budget) not the norm track cars, had a few pumas and MG ZRs in the past and thought now is the time for a bit of a change, a mid engine “sports” car. Set myself a budget and off I went to get myself a hairdressers car.
It’s started off pretty basic and clean, although it had 138 raging horses when new it still felt nippy and fun. Over the next few months I started making some changes and after my first track day in it I was very happy with the how the car handled but let down by the engine. So off it went to a specialist to get a 2ZZ engine out of the celica t sport which has 190 hp which has completely changed how it drives.
List of modifications that I can remember
Meister coilovers
Adjustable drop links
Full set of whiteline ARBs
Full set of hardrace arms
Full Megillian chassis brace kit
Megillian rollcage
Cobra bucket seats
6 point harness’
Stripped out interior
OMP steering wheel
Brake ducts
Carbotech xp pads
RBF600
Braided lines
Pro Race 1.2a with R888Rs
2zz engine
Rogue manifold, down pipe and sports cat
Keltec bespoke exhaust
Carbon enclosed induction kit
Big wing, skirts and splitter
And probably more that I’ve forgotten about



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[Pig benis]

That looks so smart, good work sir.

Out of interest, how hard was the engine conversion?

PB

[Darkslider]

Is the 138bhp the most you can get one of these in standard trim?

[aaron86]

Pig benis said:

That looks so smart, good work sir.

Out of interest, how hard was the engine conversion?

PB

Cheers mate!

It’s not that difficult and can be done for about 1k but I sent it off to Rogue motorsport who specialise in MR2s

[aaron86]

Darkslider said:

Is the 138bhp the most you can get one of these in standard trim?

You can get a little more but nothing major, money would be better spent on a turbo or 2zz like mine than trying to get more out of the standard

[Kaveney]

Nice MR2 i ran one as a track car for a few years and had the 2ZZ swap done at Rogue as well and spent a fair few quid on parts for the car .








[quote=aaron86]Well where do I start?!? For some reason I love light (usually under powered due to budget) not the norm track cars, had a few pumas and MG ZRs in the past and thought now is the time for a bit of a change, a mid engine “sports” car. Set myself a budget and off I went to get myself a hairdressers car.

[aaron86]

Yeah they ain’t the cheapest to get parts for but definitely a poor mans elise

[Mike230]

I'm really drawn to these at the moment and love the idea of a 2zz swap. What sort of performance does the 2zz give in these in terms of 0-60? Would love one with the supercharged version in.

[aaron86]

Mike230 said:

I'm really drawn to these at the moment and love the idea of a 2zz swap. What sort of performance does the 2zz give in these in terms of 0-60? Would love one with the supercharged version in.

Funny you should ask, did a quick test the other day using an app on my phone. It was on cold tyres so I’m sure you can get it sub 5 seconds

[Mike230]

That's impressive and quicker than I thought they would be. When looking at these previously I had a quote from Rogue for a conversion which came to about £4.5k for a drive in drive out service. I thought it seemed expensive but you get a good chunk of performance I suppose.

[Kaveney]

Most 2zz mr2s make around 170 - 180 bhp ( my one made 174 bhp on the dyno ) and around 130 lbft so do go well enough with the light weight of the car but are no rocket ship in a straight line as it's the handling where they excel.

Mike230 said:

I'm really drawn to these at the moment and love the idea of a 2zz swap. What sort of performance does the 2zz give in these in terms of 0-60? Would love one with the supercharged version in.

[Petrolism]

If I were doing an engine swap, I'd fit a Type R K-20 & close-ratio box with LSD. 240 bhp & 8,700 rpm rev limit would make it a missile for not a lot more moolah...There would be suspension and braking upgrades to do too.

[200Plus Club]

Petrolism said:

If I were doing an engine swap, I'd fit a Type R K-20 & close-ratio box with LSD. 240 bhp & 8,700 rpm rev limit would make it a missile for not a lot more moolah...There would be suspension and braking upgrades to do too.

Lots of work though when the 190bhp Celica engine virtually drops in. Would make a fab track tool though with 240bhp!

[aaron86]

Mike230 said:

That's impressive and quicker than I thought they would be. When looking at these previously I had a quote from Rogue for a conversion which came to about £4.5k for a drive in drive out service. I thought it seemed expensive but you get a good chunk of performance I suppose.

It is more expensive through Rogue but definitely worth it, them guys know what they are doing!

[aaron86]

200Plus Club said:

Petrolism said:

If I were doing an engine swap, I'd fit a Type R K-20 & close-ratio box with LSD. 240 bhp & 8,700 rpm rev limit would make it a missile for not a lot more moolah...There would be suspension and braking upgrades to do too.

Lots of work though when the 190bhp Celica engine virtually drops in. Would make a fab track tool though with 240bhp!

I’ve seen a few k20 swaps and did consider it but I stuck with the 2zz for originality and I joined a sprint series where there is a few equally matched 2zz mr2s makes good competition. All in all very happy with the 2zz and if I ever get bored there’s turbo kits available lol

[Dift]

Great choice. Plenty of 2zz MR2s on here. You cant really argue with the package for the price. Significantly more fun than any MX5 IMHO.

Sound delightful too

[Mike230]

aaron86 said:

Mike230 said:

That's impressive and quicker than I thought they would be. When looking at these previously I had a quote from Rogue for a conversion which came to about £4.5k for a drive in drive out service. I thought it seemed expensive but you get a good chunk of performance I suppose.

It is more expensive through Rogue but definitely worth it, them guys know what they are doing!

True. I notice from your profile you are in Yorkshire. If you are around the Sheffield area could I be cheeky and ask if there would be any chance of a little passenger ride in your car to see what's like?

Had a S1 Elise many years ago now and still miss it but kids and a house have put paid to getting another anytime soon but these are a good alternative.

[TommyBoy]

There's an orange one with this exact conversion that goes very well at Cadwell Park. Can't be many better bang for your buck track cars. Sounds immense too!

[200Plus Club]

TommyBoy said:

There's an orange one with this exact conversion that goes very well at Cadwell Park. Can't be many better bang for your buck track cars. Sounds immense too!

Exactly what I would buy next if I was in the market for a track day tool

[aaron86]

There is obviously much better cars for the track but if you can do the conversion yourself or get one already done they are a fantastic little car. Some track action at Cadwell last year
https://youtu.be/gx3MwlC6wr8