Need help with 91 MR2 n/a

I'm new to the import scene and I just got my '91 MR2 n/a and I'm planning on giving it 400hp. It's not in the best shape right now, and would require a tranny swap. I was just wondering what all the different ways I could go about doing this were without having to trade it in for a turbo model. I'd also like to know the cost of each mod (including labor fees).

I've also heard something about a 5SGTE engine, would this be a good idea to use?

I live in CA, and I want to make my MR2 into a drift car. Hope this helps, and I hope you can help me. If you're going to say something along the lines of, "You're stupid, and should just get a turbo model." Then save it for someone who'll listen to you. Any other help is greatly appreciated.

PS: Would adding the VeilSide C-I Model kit alter the performance of the vehicle (ie: handling)?

Hello Putanga,

I am not going to call you stupid, but I will offer you the truth:
400 rwhp in the MR2 NA engine will only happen through turbochargering or a superchargering.

The few supercharger kits that are avialable are costly and going to a turbocharger kit will reap much better performance for the $$.
Turbocharging the 2.2 5SFE engine is not a good idea.
A huge majority of people who have gone done that track have ended up blowing up the motor .... and ended up buying the MR2 turbo engine (3SGTE).

The 5SFE is not designed for turbocharging. The head is not nearly as good as the 3SGTE and the bottom end (pistons, rods, etc ...) are not nearly as strong.
It does not hold up well under pressure (boost).

There is one MR2 in the country running huge numbers (HP and 1/4 mile times) with a turbo 5SFE. He has an extremely built motor, and is very well crafted mechanic and does lots of tuning.

For 400 hp you will need a tranny rebuild, not a swap.
The Toyota tranny can handle that amount of power (And more!).
If you get the 3SGTE engine, you will want the tranny that goes with it.

The 5SGTE you refered to come from people who have used the 3SGTE head and put it on top of the 5SFE bottom end. You end up with a turbocharged 2.2 liter. This is possible, but I believe there are different cranks and pistons used for this project. This would be the most costly route to go.

The Veilside kit should not affect handling in any noticeable way.

I really appreciate you not calling me stupid and all. But do you think you could give me some price estimates on everything I would have to do for 400hp. And is it possible to get 400hp with a supercharger? Or would a turbo be the better way to go? If turbo is better, would a twin turbo be better? Also, how much do you think repairing the front of the car would cost? I had a little mishap with the car.

Sorry for all the questions, but I'm a curious person, and asking questions means I get answers (most of the time), and you seem like you know a lot about the car.

Again,
The Putanga

The best route is a proper turbochargin system ... not supercharging and not twin turbos.

If you wanted to get 400 ho out of your current car you are looking at:
$2100 for a rear clip from a turbo MR2 (that would get you the turbo engine, ECU, wiring harness and tranny, axles, etc ...)
$2500 for a turbo kit capable of that kind of power
$800 for an intercooler
$800 for the fuel system
$1500 for a computer to run everything
$400 for abosot controller
$700-$1000 for intake and exhaust
$1000 - cams & cam gears
$400 for water injection (not necessary, but highly recommended).
$$$$$$$ = labor & tuning of the car

.... I am sure I am missing stuff.


I have no idea how much it will cost to fix the front of your car.

Here's my buddy with his turbo'ed 5SFE (making it a 5SFTE) on the dyno: link (http://brokengnome.com/media/5sfte%20dyno.wmv)
All kinds of work and he only got 180rwhp/208rwtq. Unless you run obscene boost numbers, you are not going to extract much more from a stock 5SFE. And you will surely lose a major component of the engine before you reach your goal (headgasket, piston, rod).

Jeff did a good job outlining the costs associated with acheiving your somewhat lofty goal. In my case, I swapped in a USDM engine with low mileage, installed a Greddy TD-06, Greddy IC, Apexi intake, Blitz Nur Spec exhaust, etc. and it has easily cost me over $7k for this. I am sure that I am barely busting 300rwhp if I am at all.

If it is just your bumper, I would guess that you can do it for under $500. You can get a new front lip for $207 here (http://www.partznet.com/toyota/mr2/toyotamr2clearlenes.html), a new bumper cover for $181 here (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=840&chapter=AEM8420&appSectionid=2276&groupid=51817&subgroupid=2382&make=34&model=Mr2&year=1991&catalogid=2) and any other associated repair parts here (http://www.trademotion.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getLocator&siteid=840&chapter=AEM8420&appSectionid=2276&groupid=51817&make=34&model=Mr2&year=1991&catalogid=2). The hardest part will probably be getting painted the correct color, but a Toyota dealership should be able to do it for cheap.

Good luck.

Tim Beck
'91 TD-06 Superwhite

the 5sfe head is too restrictive. the 5sfte can be difficult, and i think you can use the 5sfe crank. i've also seen bored/stroked 2.2L 3sgte's. much better idea. the turbo tranny is also much stronger. 400 rwhp is quite a bit... there are some modded 3sgte's around 400 rwhp, as well as supercharged v6 (1mafe) swaps.