Mk2 mr2 bhp increase

[jcmr2]

Currently using a 1995 mr2 for track days, is there any way of squeezing a few more bhp without spending much?

[CDP]

Selling it and getting a turbo is the most obvious answer.

But the best way to go faster cheaply on track is to get some coaching. On most circuits a well driven MR2 will more than keep up with faster cars that are badly driven. But you know that already.

[TheHeretic]

I'd sort your brakes, etc out first before worrying about horses.

[CDP]

TheHeretic said:

I'd sort your brakes, etc out first before worrying about horses.

If spending on upgrades the turbo probably would be a better starting point.

[psychoR1]

Not a lot you can do - the engine needs cams to improve BHP.

Best thing is to loose weight from the car for the track

[SonicShadow]

Assuming it's an NA, don't bother. You'll be spending ££££ for a small percentage increase. The stock ECU cannot be remapped, so bare minimum you will need a piggyback ECU to make any internal mods work.

Best way to get more power is to swap the engine. If you go for a 3SGTE, make sure it's from a Rev3+ Turbo - if you can get the whole rear clip it's doable in a weekend according to the forums! The Rev3+ motor has a better head, better injectors and produces more power in stock form.

The other option is a Camry V6 - 3VZ-FE or 1MZ-FE. The 3VZ should see you to 200bhp/200ft-lb's with basic breathing mods and a good tune, the MZ a little more. While the headline BHP isn't that impressive, they do have great torque curves making for a much more usable motor, so in practice you'll be keeping up with a stock Turbo.

Big bucks conversion would be a 2GR-FE, which is the same V6 as found in the Lotus Evora.

[CDP]

SonicShadow said:

Assuming it's an NA, don't bother. You'll be spending ££££ for a small percentage increase. The stock ECU cannot be remapped, so bare minimum you will need a piggyback ECU to make any internal mods work.

Best way to get more power is to swap the engine. If you go for a 3SGTE, make sure it's from a Rev3+ Turbo - if you can get the whole rear clip it's doable in a weekend according to the forums! The Rev3+ motor has a better head, better injectors and produces more power in stock form.

But it's still probably cheaper (and definitely easier) to sell your own car and get a ready built turbo. It will also come with ABS and a stronger bottom end. Is the gearbox uprated too?

With 170-180 bhp from 2 litres the N/A MR2 is already a fairly high state of tune for it's age and pretty enjoyable for what it is. The engine is powerful as Toyota could make it without getting very expensive and for a tuner to get much more will get extremely expensive (thousands) and you'll have a less drivable, less reliable car.

It's always tempting to start updating what you've got but before spending heaps do a cold analysis of what you want and what you're prepared to pay.

[TheHeretic]

Speak to WackoJacko who has an NA track MR2.

[SonicShadow]

CDP said:

But it's still probably cheaper (and definitely easier) to sell your own car and get a ready built turbo. It will also come with ABS and a stronger bottom end. Is the gearbox uprated too?

With 170-180 bhp from 2 litres the N/A MR2 is already a fairly high state of tune for it's age and pretty enjoyable for what it is. The engine is powerful as Toyota could make it without getting very expensive and for a tuner to get much more will get extremely expensive (thousands) and you'll have a less drivable, less reliable car.

It's always tempting to start updating what you've got but before spending heaps do a cold analysis of what you want and what you're prepared to pay.

Of course its easier to sell and buy someone else's turbo, but sometimes after you have already invested time / money into the current car, you'd rather keep that car.

IMO the V6 swaps are well worth doing though for noise, and it really changes the character of the car.