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



[url]

[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

[aaron86]

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

[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

[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

[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

[aaron86]

TiM3 said:

It goes and handles really well and I've really enjoyed building it over the years.

That looks nice, haven’t seen too many on track days to compare and have a little fun with

[aaron86]

Ilovejapcrap said:

Brilliant build.

One thing I would say to people looking at these the standard one ain’t that quick but is a hell of a lot of fun, don’t think without the engine swap it’s no good.

Do what I’ve done get a couple of mates to buy the same standard one as you and race them lol

Thank you!

Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed the standard car, really cheap to buy and so much fun to drive. The mid engine rear drive layout certainly makes for different driving characteristics.
I had contemplated going into the mr2 championship before I did the conversion but not realistic with my career at the moment.

[aaron86]

Wave goodbye to another 22kgs! Passenger seat out, passenger harness out and battery changed for a lighter one.

[aaron86]

Just had the car corner weighted, came in at 960kgs with 1/3 of a tank of fuel and across the axles it’s within a couple of kilos. Alignment set at -2 front and rear and feels so much better now, bring on the next track day!!

[aaron86]

Had a track evening at Cadwell this week, not been on track for about a year and after sorting a few little niggles the car was brilliant. Recent suspension set up has made such a positive impact and looking forward to my next day at Blyton Park.

[aaron86]

It’s been a little while since I’ve updated this but had more track time and entered my first ever sprint event with Javelin. After Cadwell I set my mind on getting the car setup for the sprint series and making sure that I adhered to the regulations, once I was happy with the set up I headed over to Blyton for another track day to test the car and test the front splitter I found time to make. Car performed faultlessly and was very happy with it, felt quick and planted especially through the twisties.
The sprint event was mega, never done one before and now I’m hooked! Such an adrenaline rush and a massive selection of cars entering. Although I had a few issues on my first few runs with loosing 2nd gear I eventually started posting some competitive times and at the end of the day I finished 24th overall out of approx 70, not bad for a little 1.8 na!! Got a few things to change for the next one but really looking forward to it!

[aaron86]

Grayedout said:

Take it that was the sprint at Three Sisters?

I was also there for my first go on the Sunday. Loved it !

Yeah it was, you signed up for Croft?