4.0 Lexus V8 Twin Turbo MR2

Hello ALL,

I have been Building MR2's for bout 8 years now. I Have imported about 20 MR2's to Missouri (irrelevent). I have a new dream. I just want some input and wisdom on this because it is a very expensive and difficult project. Here is what I am doing and also planning on doing.

I have acquired a 1997 Lexus 4.0 V8 from a SC400. I have had it stripped down and I am having the pistons and rods replaced with Forged components and a compression ratio of 9.4:1. I am having the heads ported polished and 5-way valve jobbed. Assembly will most likely take place next week at the machine shop.
Now I know that this is too big for some of you haters to fathom, but I have the time, money, and recources to pull this off (hopefully) and I definatley want exclusive bragging rights for owning a v8 mr2. Back on track------> I am not sure which one of my MR2's I want to use for this project, but they are all N/A and 1991 models. I know there will be some difficulty with engine mounts and getting the engine mounted to the tranny (whichever model of tranny I choose ((suggestions?))

Now I want to tear out the trunk, have custom made tubular headers run exhaust from the engine to the trunk where 2 turbos use the exhaust to produce boost. Then proper mufflers and cats. Now that will get an estimated 450-500 hp. If tuned right (maybe a year later). Here are the current problems I forsee. I dont know how I am going to mate engine and transmission. I have a horrible feeling about wiring, but I have entire uncut harness. I need a standalone ems.

Looking for general Input.

With an engine/tranny combination that large you are going to most likely have to widen the car drastically. You may even need to recreate the rear frame. Back-halving the car might be necessary.

The simplest option would be to choose a smaller V8, like the Cadillac northstar.

Sorry to inform you, but there are several V8 MR2s already, so getting "exclusive bragging rights for owning a v8 mr2" is not going to happen.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

first off, best of luck with the swap... i'm doing a TTv6 right now and it's being a bit of a pain.

I also don't know if you'll be able to fit it in the car... that's a lot of engine, and i don't know what tranny will mate to it.

check out the MR@OC because the lexus V8 engine swap has been talked about a lot there also another person whos a good sorce of info would be Bill Strong on the MR2OC or his site Toystar .... Good luck ..... i dont think anyone is a hater of any kind of MR2 here

WOw, great input. Yeah, I know there are a few First Generation v8 MR2 owners, but I have yet to see a MK2 with a v8, or at least a tt v-8 has never even been discussed.

THe engine wieghed in at 180lbs, and the 2.2 weight I am unsure of but it might be a bit heavier. The lengh of the engine from crank to crank is equal to the 2.2, so widening the car is not necesary, but yes, mating the engine to tranny will be murderous, an automatic would most likely be easiest, but 500hp and a 5 speed will guarantee my smile a bit more. I know I will need upgraded axles ammong other things. But lets keep thinking critically-------GOod start.

I really dont think I would even try a 1/4 mile time, but I do believe this car will be quick.--------> just a tid bit.

so you're planning on mounting it transverse?

look up the Sard MC8... it's a mk 2 with the lexus v8 your after. so you won't be the first for that either. sorry.

The SARD MC8 race car with the V8 was done back in the '97 or '98. There are other MR2 V8 racecars besidesthe SARD one.

I think SARD made 2 street cars with the V8s.

Yo wat up,

Yo,
What do you think is the best motor for a non-turbo '95 Mr2 without alot of customization? and how much would it cost and what would i need to get. do you think its able to drop a k20 motor in the mr2? or a H22? i dont know i like the VTec..

umm a tranny the will work with that motor and engine in the back

start a vew tread, if the creator of this one wants it reopened, pm me.