Looking for toy roadster

[jflogerzi]

Originally Posted by Rampage

Cheaper is debatable if you do the turbo right. Reliability is no comparison. The 2ZZ running on a stock 2000 Celica ECU will be factory dependable and problem free.

It is also a myth that the MR-S is hard to work on. In fact, it is one of the easiest cars I have ever worked on. You just have to approach things slightly different. For example, the engine comes out the bottom instead of the top. The only thing difficult at all is doing something on the intake side of the engine.

@OP. If you get serious about the MR2 Spyder then you should stop by Spyderchat.com and check out the buying guide (things to look for when buying). Make sure that you check to see that the pre-cats located in the exhaust manifold are intact. You can check them by pulling the two O2 sensors in the manifold and looking through the holes. Also check for oil consumption. The early 1ZZs are notorious for using oil and when you do not check the oil often enough......poof.

For $7500 you might be able to find a 2ZZ swapped car. They do not have the oil issue and they come with 50 or so extra HP when using the Celica ECU. The only issue you might have is if you live in Ca where passing the visual part of the emissions testing is a bit of an issue.

Thanks. I really think at this point it's between mr2 or bmw z3. I am not going to rush into this.

Sent from my LG-D851 using Tapatalk

[KR-S]

About the engine swap: According to the CARB website, the engine has to be from the same type of vehicle. Does the 2ZZ-GE necessarily have to be from a Lotus Elise or Exige with its corresponding Lotus ECU, or can any 2ZZ be used?

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

About the engine swap: According to the CARB website, the engine has to be from the same type of vehicle. Does the 2ZZ-GE necessarily have to be from a Lotus Elise or Exige with its corresponding Lotus ECU, or can any 2ZZ be used?

Are you assuming lotus because midengined sports car? The law isn't so distinct, they just mean passenger vehicle engines into passenger vehicles not like a commercial towing engine into an F150 or Mustang because they have different emissions standards.


The two tricks are fitting all the emissions equipment from the donor car and finding a donor car that's the same year or newer, so the '00 Celica mentioned above would be a no go into OPs '02 unless the engine is indistinguishable from a later year, which I think is rarely the case as they check known markings and I believe will plug into the ecu which will likely carry a date.

OP drive both before writing one off, I've seen a couple Z3s driven hard and they're not so shabby and the MRS didn't exactly set the world on fire when it was new. Also agreed with above my money would go into a Miata but to each their own, I'd drive the Z3 and MRS before making the final purchase. Good luck.

[funwheeldrive]

What about the Pontiac solstice?

[reni]

[Rampage]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Are you assuming lotus because midengined sports car? The law isn't so distinct, they just mean passenger vehicle engines into passenger vehicles not like a commercial towing engine into an F150 or Mustang because they have different emissions standards.


The two tricks are fitting all the emissions equipment from the donor car and finding a donor car that's the same year or newer, so the '00 Celica mentioned above would be a no go into OPs '02 unless the engine is indistinguishable from a later year, which I think is rarely the case as they check known markings and I believe will plug into the ecu which will likely carry a date.

OP drive both before writing one off, I've seen a couple Z3s driven hard and they're not so shabby and the MRS didn't exactly set the world on fire when it was new. Also agreed with above my money would go into a Miata but to each their own, I'd drive the Z3 and MRS before making the final purchase. Good luck.

I do not believe the Celica ECU shows a date on the test equipment. You can run an newer engine but the later Celicas were drive by wire instead of cable throttles. The reason you want the 00 ECU is the higher fuel cut-off. The 02 ECU would also work but its fuel cut-off in 600 RPM lower. As you mentioned, in California you have to take the Celica exhaust manifold and modify it to fit in the Spyder chassis. It has been done and there are many 2ZZ Spyder certified and being driven in Ca. One will come up for sale about every 6 months or so.

I have nothing against Miatas except that I do not fit comfortably in one (6'2") Past experience has lead me to the point that I have sworn off German made cars.

Anyway, @OP best of luck with your search.

[86Tony]

The answer is always miata. Owned a 91 loved it, i would suggest getting a NB model tho. The fixed headlight looks better and interiro is less outdated

[serialk11r]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

How you gonna by pass the ECU? Can you use 1ZZ ECU?

You just use a stock 2ZZ ECU, and smog stations won't know the difference. You can also get it approved by a BAR referee, which a bunch of people do.

Or you can use a piggyback and tune the 1ZZ. If the Honda midengine car rumors turn out to be false I'm going to get another MRS and do that (with modified head). The nice thing about the 1ZZ is that it's 13kg lighter than the 2ZZ, and you can pick up used ones for barely any money. 2ZZ with a 1ZZ or Moroso oil pan is the easiest way to get a huge power boost though.

It's not as easy to work on as a front engine car, but most of the stuff you care about is easily accessible after the rear bumper comes off. The biggest problem is storage space, which can theoretically be alleviated if you gut the front, remove the power steering, add gas struts to the hood, and make a custom bin.

The great thing is that lighter battery, wheels, removed spare, some plastic bits, and an exhaust will get you pretty close to 2100lbs. You can get below 2100lbs for a few more k. An Elise is the only post 1990 car that is lighter than that.

Now you know my contingency plan if the Honda midengine rumor turns out to be false

[fumanchu1]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

^This

But if I had to choose between MR2/MRS or Z3, I'll choose MRS

And that's why no one likes you itchy taco. MRS = how to royally fuck up a niche/awesome car.


2nd model mr2 ftw I say. Although they are a bitch to work on.


But seriously a Miata would be the most sensible/logical choice if you ever come around to it.

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by fumanchu1

And that's why no one likes you itchy taco. MRS = how to royally fuck up a niche/awesome car.


2nd model mr2 ftw I say. Although they are a bitch to work on.

Right~

[KR-S]

Originally Posted by ichitaka05

Right~

Is that the Technopro Spirit MR-S? Damn that looks good!

Now that I have seen your MR-S, I raise you the ultimate MR2:

[switchlanez]

A word from the philosophers:

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8HGbIbcuFo"]Touge Showdown 3 - Hot Version International - YouTube[/ame]

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

Is that the Technopro Spirit MR-S? Damn that looks good!

Yes sir, one of well respected/drooled MR-S. Of course, there are awesome MR-S as well

[ichitaka05]

Originally Posted by KR-S 86

Now that I have seen your MR-S, I raise you the ultimate MR2:

Attachment 127715

Is that MC8-R? If you read the specs only, MC8-R is "ultimate" MR2. V8 twin turbo, pushing near 600hp... but overall, haven't left any good record at all. It keep breaking and had to retire most of the races.

Originally Posted by switchlanez

A word from the philosophers:

and a word to live by.