MR2toFRS - Firestorm FRS (6MT)

[MR2toFRS]

I'm a little late posting my FRS adventures but here they are. I'll add to this post as I continue to enjoy the car.

The story starts with a red '91 Toyota MR2 (5MT). I absolutely love my MR2 and wish I didn't have to give her up. However, after a long love affair, her time has come. With almost 270,000 miles she did not pass smog this year. While her failed smog wasn't a big surprise it was still a little sad. With the car being 22 years old and due to her general decline (cracked windshield, broken e-brake, engine rattle, fading/oxidizing paint) it wasn't worth pumping money into the car to fix it up to spec.

May 5, 2012 - The car shopping begins. I started the day at the Hyundai dealer looking at the Genesis Coupe. The first dealership didn't have any new cars in but they had an used 2011 model which we test drove. While I liked the GC it failed to really make an impression. I don't know if it was because I was in an automatic but it didn't connect well for me. I drove a new 2013 (also automatic) later and while I liked the newer model a TON better it still didn't grab a hold of my imagination or heart.

Having been raised in a Toyota family I had to then go test drive the Prius. I did not enjoy the new Prius C; it felt small and cheap. The normal Prius was fine but it is just a standard car. Nothing special and no loving feeling. In talking with the salesman my love of sport cars started to surface. It was then he mentioned the upcoming release of the FRS. Since I'm not a gearhead or read car magnazines I hadn't heard of the FRS yet.

Under looking at the computer screen I got every excited to finally see a real sports car under the Toyota banner. I love Toyota sport cars. I think the MR2 ('91-'95) and the Supra are heavenly. I thought the MR2 Spyder was a little toy car that resembled a Mazda Miata so it does not join the list for me. I think the dealership had 6 cars allotted to them of which 4 had already been reserved (most by salemens of the dealership). As luck would have it, one of the non-reserved cars was a Firestorm MT. After talking with my wife, we put a $500 deposit down on the car.

Since that day, the wait became so very painful. I started googling scione FRS and found this forum. While I didn't become a poster I checked new posts & threads daily to educate myself on the car and join in the excitement.

May 29th - the call finally came. Unfortunately, I had just arrived at work and couldn't turn back around. After working a good 6 hours I couldn't wait any longer. I had to leave to pick up my car.

[MR2toFRS]

Reserved for test drive and dealership notes.

[MR2toFRS]

Reserved for Beatsonic Antenna

[MR2toFRS]

Reserved for LED interior lighting.

[nbstar79]

The MR2 is a great car. I sold my 92, recently and it was tough. My new FRS has helped with the morning process, and I found a great home for my MR2, so that was a plus. Im so happy that Toyota has brought back the rear wheel sports car.

[Dadhawk]

We may have to start a separate MR2->86 club! '85 MK1 MR2 former original owner here. I've been looking for a new car to replace that for 20 some years. The FR-S filled the bill!

[Turbowned]

I'd join, but I'm keeping my MR2 and getting the BRZ There's another guy local to me who's doing the same thing - keeping the MR2, getting a BRZ. Now I have a nice little track toy to play with

[atledreier]

So, how does it stack up to a MKII? Ordered a GT86, recently sold my '92 MkII GTi.

[uspspro]

I've had my "share" of MR2s

1) 1985 MR2 - Red with black trim (small port "red top" 4ag swap)
2) 1988 MR2 SC - Red (high boost pulley)
3) 1988 MR2 SC - Black (bolt ons)
4) 1989 MR2 SC - Red
---- 89 setup #1: pulley, bolt-ons, cams, mild rebuilt 4ag
---- 89 setup #2: Same engine, Whipple twin screw SC + a2w IC, Hydra EMS
---- 89 setup #3: Hasselgren built 4ag short block, same head, GT28RS turbo, same IC and EMS, 259 rwhp

5) 2001 MR2 Spyder - Black (Still own it, transaction pending though)
---- 01 setup #1: Stock 1zz with Rotrex SC and Hydra EMS - 235rwhp
---- 01 setup #2: Added forged pistons/rods, DIY PnP head, cams, Same SC - 292 rwhp
---- 01 setup #3: Swapped 2006 3.5L 2GRFE from Rav4 - 271 rwhp LOTS of torque

My dad has had three MR2s:
1) 91 turbo - yellow
2) 93 NA - red
3) 95 Turbo - red (current)

[Turbowned]

Jeebus! When did you have the '89SC? And what reasons did you have for going turbo over a twin screw?

[uspspro]

Originally Posted by Turbowned

Jeebus! When did you have the '89SC? And what reasons did you have for going turbo over a twin screw?

I bought the 85 in 2000 when I lived in FL.

I had the 89 SC around 2005-06.

The twin screw ate its bearings VERY quickly, and it took a lot of haggling to get Whipple to replace it.

After that, I decided not to install the new replacement and sell the kit I developed with the brand new blower.

A few guys on the MR2 board were getting good results with turbos at that time, so I decided to jump ship.

I was really impressed by the Rotrex on the Spyder. The quality, packaging, simple setup, and the way it drove were all excellent.

The the V6 is even better. But the BRZ is more practical for me right now.

[MANDALAY]

Never give up my MR2 . Ill get the 86 as a company car.

[Kurenai]

I went from MR2->FR-S as well

2002 MR2-Spyder, loved it... had to give it up though...
Then a few years driving a boring, lifeless Pontiac Vibe..


But my mourning period is finally over! The FR-S is as fun as the MR2 was, but with actual practicality to boot.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by MANDALAY

Never give up my MR2 . Ill get the 86 as a company car.

Yea, I have always regretted giving up my MK1 MR2. Still think I may find one with good bones as a restoration project at some point.