Toyota MR2 Mk2 - 1mz-fe V6
Discussion
They really do get under your skin. As much as I want to try other things I just can't bring myself to be without one.
I get asked a lot how it compares to my turbo - its obviously not quite as powerful up top, which is mostly noticeable in 4th/5th on the motorways. In the real world on A and B roads it is just brilliant. Potent and useable. The way it builds pace still surprises me, and you get a lovely smooth dollop of torque from idle. Makes a lovely sound all through the rev range. I sold my rev 3 over a month ago now and don't regret it. A lot of MR2 owners say the V6 is what they should have had from the factory. I don't think i'd go that far because I do love old school turbo motors too, but the V6 does suit the chassis. I've only got the 1mz engine too, so not even the most powerful option, but I am more than happy with it. The one to have now is the 2GRFE, works out a little more expensive but should be 250hp+ from factory I think, and is getting more common so there's more support now.
If you're on facebook search for a group called V6 MR2, very useful!
Cheers MX6
I get asked a lot how it compares to my turbo - its obviously not quite as powerful up top, which is mostly noticeable in 4th/5th on the motorways. In the real world on A and B roads it is just brilliant. Potent and useable. The way it builds pace still surprises me, and you get a lovely smooth dollop of torque from idle. Makes a lovely sound all through the rev range. I sold my rev 3 over a month ago now and don't regret it. A lot of MR2 owners say the V6 is what they should have had from the factory. I don't think i'd go that far because I do love old school turbo motors too, but the V6 does suit the chassis. I've only got the 1mz engine too, so not even the most powerful option, but I am more than happy with it. The one to have now is the 2GRFE, works out a little more expensive but should be 250hp+ from factory I think, and is getting more common so there's more support now.
If you're on facebook search for a group called V6 MR2, very useful!
Cheers MX6

Bye bye big wheels, function over form 
Up at 7am today for a blat through Kent and Surrey. Completely worth it for the quiet roads.
IMG_1840 by Dan J, on Flickr
IMG_1843 by Dan J, on Flickr
2020-03-15_10-55-56 by Dan J, on Flickr
It always gets me how different this colour can look in different lights!
For anybody wondering they are Tom's C7R by Ray's, 16 x 7.5J f/8J r, et35.

Up at 7am today for a blat through Kent and Surrey. Completely worth it for the quiet roads.
IMG_1840 by Dan J, on Flickr
IMG_1843 by Dan J, on Flickr
2020-03-15_10-55-56 by Dan J, on FlickrIt always gets me how different this colour can look in different lights!
For anybody wondering they are Tom's C7R by Ray's, 16 x 7.5J f/8J r, et35.
Would you be willing to post more photos please, specifically of the engine bay and interior?
I used to own two gti t-bars - the first was a red rev3 with factory subwoofers below the t-bar storage spaces and had only covered 28k miles when I bought it. Then my favourite, a black rev5 with AC (a rarity on UK t-bar models). I'd love to know where they both are now but it's probably good that I don't, so I can't buy them back
I sold the black one through PH but lost contact with the buyer unfortunately.
I bet a smooth V6 makes them feel really special with the glass off!
I used to own two gti t-bars - the first was a red rev3 with factory subwoofers below the t-bar storage spaces and had only covered 28k miles when I bought it. Then my favourite, a black rev5 with AC (a rarity on UK t-bar models). I'd love to know where they both are now but it's probably good that I don't, so I can't buy them back

I sold the black one through PH but lost contact with the buyer unfortunately.
I bet a smooth V6 makes them feel really special with the glass off!
Mark-t said:
Would you be willing to post more photos please, specifically of the engine bay and interior?
I used to own two gti t-bars - the first was a red rev3 with factory subwoofers below the t-bar storage spaces and had only covered 28k miles when I bought it. Then my favourite, a black rev5 with AC (a rarity on UK t-bar models). I'd love to know where they both are now but it's probably good that I don't, so I can't buy them back
I sold the black one through PH but lost contact with the buyer unfortunately.
I bet a smooth V6 makes them feel really special with the glass off!
I can certainly grab some photos of the engine bay and interior - it really is quite a one off car though, even the interior lining and lighting has been changed.I used to own two gti t-bars - the first was a red rev3 with factory subwoofers below the t-bar storage spaces and had only covered 28k miles when I bought it. Then my favourite, a black rev5 with AC (a rarity on UK t-bar models). I'd love to know where they both are now but it's probably good that I don't, so I can't buy them back

I sold the black one through PH but lost contact with the buyer unfortunately.
I bet a smooth V6 makes them feel really special with the glass off!
My first was a red rev 3 gti t-bar, well and truly gave me the bug. It had around 90k miles when I sold it on I think and was mint. Ive spent the last few years in blissful ignorance of its whereabouts, then recently found out it was slammed into a hedge shortly after the chap bought it off me, writing it off. Gutted.
The V6 really suits the chassis so well, bundles of torque and a soundtrack to suit the looks. You should buy another while you still can for a fair price, it's scary how many are scrapped or stripped.
danllama said:
I can certainly grab some photos of the engine bay and interior - it really is quite a one off car though, even the interior lining and lighting has been changed.
My first was a red rev 3 gti t-bar, well and truly gave me the bug. It had around 90k miles when I sold it on I think and was mint. Ive spent the last few years in blissful ignorance of its whereabouts, then recently found out it was slammed into a hedge shortly after the chap bought it off me, writing it off. Gutted.
The V6 really suits the chassis so well, bundles of torque and a soundtrack to suit the looks. You should buy another while you still can for a fair price, it's scary how many are scrapped or stripped.
I'd love to buy another but being a new family of three, plus a toy in the garage which I haven't driven for six months, it isn't going to happen. I'll get my MR2 fix looking at yours My first was a red rev 3 gti t-bar, well and truly gave me the bug. It had around 90k miles when I sold it on I think and was mint. Ive spent the last few years in blissful ignorance of its whereabouts, then recently found out it was slammed into a hedge shortly after the chap bought it off me, writing it off. Gutted.
The V6 really suits the chassis so well, bundles of torque and a soundtrack to suit the looks. You should buy another while you still can for a fair price, it's scary how many are scrapped or stripped.

Feel free to send me an email if you ever visit South Wales and we'll go for a coffee and drive

I would love to come to Wales for a bit of driving, looking increasingly likely with the Virus...
Here are some admittedly poor photos, engine is a bit dirty but cleans up well
Interior has blitz gauges for oil pressure and temp and vacuum, in place of the old heaters. Still get plenty of heat from the other vents. Seats are from an Evo IV and sit on modified rails, lighting has all been upgraded by some wizard. The gear knob and handbrake trim are red stitched, all the carpet and roof lining has been swapped to the black ones from an early car, looks much better for it. The steering wheel is my Personal Neo Grinta gifted to me by my partner. There's a few other little bits too.
The engine is standard i believe apart from the cold air intake and custom Y pipe. It runs like clockwork.
Cheers for living your MR2 dream through me, hopefully you and I will get to enjoy our toys a bit this year! Look after yourself and your family.
IMG_20200323_140451-01 by Dan J, on Flickr
IMG_20200326_173012-01 by Dan J, on Flickr
Here are some admittedly poor photos, engine is a bit dirty but cleans up well

Interior has blitz gauges for oil pressure and temp and vacuum, in place of the old heaters. Still get plenty of heat from the other vents. Seats are from an Evo IV and sit on modified rails, lighting has all been upgraded by some wizard. The gear knob and handbrake trim are red stitched, all the carpet and roof lining has been swapped to the black ones from an early car, looks much better for it. The steering wheel is my Personal Neo Grinta gifted to me by my partner. There's a few other little bits too.
The engine is standard i believe apart from the cold air intake and custom Y pipe. It runs like clockwork.
Cheers for living your MR2 dream through me, hopefully you and I will get to enjoy our toys a bit this year! Look after yourself and your family.

IMG_20200323_140451-01 by Dan J, on Flickr
IMG_20200326_173012-01 by Dan J, on FlickrGave it a very good clean and got some better photos of the interior and engine bay. Not much else to do apart from go to work and back and sit in the garden in the sun.
2020-04-07_01-31-06 by Dan J, on Flickr
2020-04-10_08-34-44 by Dan J, on Flickr
IMG_20200410_185706-01 by Dan J, on Flickr
Need to find some half decent roads near to Dover. Stone Rd was pretty good but fairly flat and straight, I like complex twisty stuff most.
2020-04-07_01-31-06 by Dan J, on Flickr
2020-04-10_08-34-44 by Dan J, on Flickr
IMG_20200410_185706-01 by Dan J, on FlickrNeed to find some half decent roads near to Dover. Stone Rd was pretty good but fairly flat and straight, I like complex twisty stuff most.
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