MR2 track car

I've been searching for cars for a while and finally decided what I wanted in a car. I want a a track car that is not fwd. I've narrowed it down to a 91 mr2, 89 240 (sr20det) and a 98 2.5rs (jdm sti 2.0). How does the mr2 take to suspensions, brake, wieght reduction? and how does it stack up, let's say with 5k in mods to those other cars.

For drag racing, I think it's kinda toss up.

but for overall track car, like if TURNS are sometimes involved, get the mr2.

The 3sgte (turbo mr2 motor) responds well to mods, and the stock bottom end has withstood 756rwhp.

i know they handle very well. I'm asking how good they can handle. And if possible, some sites where i can look at some products.

They handle well, provided that you're willing to take the time to learn the car. The 93+ brakes are great, better stopping distance than the Viper or C6 Corvette.

Weight reduction is easy, as a matter of fact theres a weight reduction guide on JekylandHyde's site:

http://www.jekylhyderacing.com/weight.htm

There stock suspension is already impressive, with good dampers even moreso, and the 3S-GTE is a marvel of an engine, it takes well to mods, heres a good site for modifications:

http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm

How much hp can an mr2 handle before handling is affected? another question i have is, if the 3stge is such agood engine, why do people wanna swap it out? Where can i find the simple stuff for the mr2 like grounding kits and the sort. Ever since I've seen an mr2, I've wanted to know more about. I love the mid rear layout cause of the great handling cabilities. The more I think about the mr2, the more I want one. Hearingyou guysas owners ranting and raving over these cars is nice. I don't think I've heard a big downfall of the mr2 yet, and I hope not to.

How much hp can an mr2 handle before handling is affected? another question i have is, if the 3stge is such agood engine, why do people wanna swap it out?

1) Every car's handling is affected by engine power. Do you mean, 'how much hp can an mr2 handle before the handling becomes... more difficult etc?' Well it all depends on driver's skill, really. No matter how much power you have, whether it be 100rwhp, or 400rwhp, the MR layout is responsive.

There are plenty of aftermarket suspension mods you could do to help you out as well.

2) People swap IN the 3sgte, to REPLACE the 5sfe (nonturbo motor)

i know, I was asking why people swap out the turbo engine and replace it with a v6 or other engine. although i did see pics of a some sort of racing mr2 with a lexus v8. The body was wide as hell, didn't really look like an mr2. but i guess it was since the page was dedicated to it

How does the mr2 take to suspensions, brake, wieght reduction
Wonderfully. :)

i know they handle very well. I'm asking how good they can handle.
What kind of answer do you want? ... what scale or unit are you measuring "good" in?

How much hp can an mr2 handle before handling is affected?
Power doesn't negatively affect handling of the car.
However, power may affect someone's ability to handle the car.
How much can you handle?

another question i have is, if the 3stge is such agood engine, why do people wanna swap it out?
I have never heard of anyone swapping out a 3SGTE form an MR2 in favor of another engine.

i know, I was asking why people swap out the turbo engine and replace it with a v6 or other engine.
People who have swapped in a V6 have gotten rid of the 5SFE engine, the 2.2 non-turbo engine.

although i did see pics of a some sort of racing mr2 with a lexus v8.
That is the SARD race car (they did make one street car).
That is a Lexus V8 and it is mounted perpendicular to the MR2s regular layout.

As far as handling goes, do you think it could be on par with or better than a STI? The SARD car sound real nice, but not within my price range at all. Thanks for clearing that whole swap thing up. I know the engine is extremely nice considering that swap it into most racing Supras. What kind of turbo would be good for the engine? I can get my hands on a honed out and rebuilt t4 or t3 for real cheap, say 400. I 've never actually seen the engine bay of an mr2 but my guess is that there pretty cramped. Will the t4 fit in there? Or should i just have the stock turbo honed out and rebuilt?

As for handling, can i pull over a g in that car? Handling is my main goal for this car, speed comes second.

I'm going to buy an n/a first so i can get the hang of the whole mid rear thing.should i buy a jdm turbo for it or just a usdm? I know there's different power differences but I've heard they just run different amounts of boost.

You can modify the suspension and brakes to be in balance with whatever power level and appropriate tires you should choose.

*Turbos depend on your goal ... fast spolling or max power? I have a custom T3T4 which is right in the middle. See engien/turbo pics on my site.

*$400 for a turbo is cheap, but to get it on the car you will need: adapter plate, wastegate, donwpipe, wastegate dumptube, oil lines, coolant lines, O2 fitting, etc ... there is a lot involved.

*The stock turbo is just about worthless IMO

*Pull a g in an MR2 ... I am sure if it properly set up.

*I do buy "jdm" anything. I prefer parts that are supported here in the US.

I have decided that I am going to get a mr2. Hopefully I can find one with out an engine and wrench on the thing over the winter. I'm planning on getting a usdm engine and sending it to a shop to have new internals put it and have head work done. Anyone know where i can get the parts i need for this? New injectors, fuel pump, vavles. I'm also having the tranny rebuilt and was wonder if there are any tranny gears or final drive gears i can get a hold of.

Are there any kits that will relocate the intercooler? Do Tom's scoops help cool down the engine and the intercooler? I know I"m asking a lot now, but I;d just end up asking them anyway and clutterin up this forum

I have decided that I am going to get a mr2. Hopefully I can find one with out an engine and wrench on the thing over the winter. I'm planning on getting a usdm engine and sending it to a shop to have new internals put it and have head work done. Anyone know where i can get the parts i need for this? New injectors, fuel pump, vavles. I'm also having the tranny rebuilt and was wonder if there are any tranny gears or final drive gears i can get a hold of.

Are there any kits that will relocate the intercooler? Do Tom's scoops help cool down the engine and the intercooler? I know I"m asking a lot now, but I;d just end up asking them anyway and clutterin up this forum


For parts and in depth info on EVERYTHING mr2 related, make your homepage www.mr2oc.com

There are kits that relocate the intercooler. The Tom's scoop was originally designed for the 3sge motor (which was not available in the US, and is NA)

Now an essay on Tom's scoops:

Tom's airscoops do not "cool" really, because the mr2 motors are NOT air-cooled they're oil-cooled, thank goodness. They do bring air into the engine bay though, but in an opposing flow direction with the side vents. I have placed my intake between the Tom's scoop's entry, and the side vent for a ram-air sort of effect. But for the most part, Tom's and Bomex scoops are FOR LOOKS.

Some owners say the Tom's scoops slow you down due to engine bay airflow turbulence, and reduce aerodynamics of the car. Well, I've owned the scoop for a while, and haven't noticed a difference good or bad. The mentioned "problems" are so miniscule it's not even noticeable.

I love my scoop though, because it brings so much attention to the car:

"Whoa, what is that?" "Is that some sorta Ferrari or mustang?"

I keep the scoop on because it's something only MR2s can have :D It sets us apart even further, and brings mystery to those than don't know any better.

Thanks, this has to be the best forum on AF.

Anyone have any input on the 2.2 stroker kit? Since Iam getting new pistons, is this a good decision? Iknow it will decrease my redline but I am willing to cope with the because of the trade off, more low end torque.

because the mr2 motors are NOT air-cooled they're oil-cooled, thank goodness.
The MR2 is water-cooled .... not oil or air.
That is why we have a radiator upfront :)

The MR2 is water-cooled .... not oil or air.
That is why we have a radiator upfront :)


Pardon me, my oil leak has been on my mind.


Damn that leak.

anyone have anything to say about the stroker kit? I"m not even sure who makes it.

haha i have a friend that had an mr2 that was smoking yesterday that came over and i opened the....hood trunk and checked his radiator fluid in the back and it was 100% empty..

MR2 IS WATER COOLED