MR2 died, replacement?
 

Yesterday I was going along the highway and suddenly I hear a clunk, the car shakes and loses power, so I put it in neutral and managed to roll all the way to an exit ramp. OBDII scanner said cylinder 2 misfire, judging by the crazy shaking I think I lost connecting rod in cylinder 2 :/

It's not like the 1ZZ is worth much money but paying to get another 1ZZ installed is kind of dumb IMO and I don't want to drop the money on a 2ZZ swap at the moment...

Replacement car suggestions? I kind of like SW20s but the fact that they're 25 years old kind of worries me. Budget not totally set (still haven't sorted out what to do after graduation) but I don't think I want to drop new FRS money for example.

Honda Civic lx. From my experience, they make the perfect cheap beaters and they never die lol. Sw20 will be near impossible to find one that hasn't been played in. Or an Integra would be another good beater.

I'd stick to something cheap and reliable till you're able to drop a 2zz in your mr-s.

lol yea, perhaps a Honda. Thing is, I'm not desperate for a car, and I may be able to borrow one of my parents' cars for a bit, so I'm talking about an actual replacement.

Part of me wants to do the 2ZZ swap but part of me is saying the platform is just too old to be investing money in at this point and I'd rather wait it out for a newer RMR car to hit the market.

I just saw an SW20 ad which mentioned a timing belt change and a valve adjustment. Not dealing with that s***. Timing chain is a must.

Looking to sell the MR-S shell?

Yes. Labor to put new engine in is not worth the effort IMO, but if I have to do it to get rid of the car I will. Or I might just do the 2ZZ swap and have the car shipped to whatever new location I'll be in.

Mr-s too old of a platform?! Lol. Certainly newer than my SW and a lot better in potential performance once the 2zz is in there with a turbo and 6spd.

For real though, I'd just stick to a bland reliable beater that does going from point a-b easily. I'd check out the Rsx-s if you "must have" performance. It's probably the only newer type of performance oriented car I would go for without having to go to the 1990's in the sub $5k range.

I would borrow a car a long as possible and save up for something that you won't have to work on all the time(unless you like that). Concentrate on finishing school and getting a good job, and you can have ANY car you want.

The MR-S is actually pretty trouble-free other than the 1ZZ which is trouble free assuming you diligently keep the oil topped up, but I'm not a big fan of the convertible top and the storage space arrangement is just retarded. With a lot of time and money I could have a hardtop and redo the front end to make it a viable storage space, but I'm pretty sure some company will come out with a midengined car that I like sooner or later.

One of these.
http://images.thecarconnection.com/l...00406017_l.jpg

This is a sign from above to do the 2ZZ.

Edit: or 2GR.

I would do it, except I want to do a bit of upgrading to the motor if I'm putting another one in, and I think that would be a terrible financial decision. I decided I absolutely need the C60, Fidanza flywheel, shaved head for higher compression and an upgraded oil pan if I put a 2ZZ in. The wishlist includes cam regrind, Apexi PFC, electric water pump, oil-water heat exchanger, and an Accusump.

The other thing I was considering was a modified 2ZR-FE. It would be a little more powerful than the 1ZZ, but have way better response in the low end (the single VVTi on the 1ZZ lags like crazy below 2200rpm), improved torque curve, and you can probably coax 170hp out of it much easier than you can a 1ZZ. It apparently fits the same transmission but needs a custom mount, which is not a big deal. I realized the 2ZZ is on paper as good as a K20 but in reality they're a lot less reliable and you really only want to run them to 8000rpm. A 2ZR can probably take 7500 just fine, and being a newer design in my mind is more important than the last little bit.

The 2ZZ is a great option for many Spyder owners but not so good in CA because of the emission restrictions. The same goes for the 2GR swap which cost about 3 times what the 2ZZ swap would cost. I have driven one of those though and they are probably worth it.

If you are not crazy about convertibles but like a similar feel when you drive then you only have one choice IMO. You need to grab a used FR-S. I have seen a few selling for under $17K already and they are not salvage titles or extremely high mileage.

If you do not really need a car right now then save up for when you really do need or WANT one.

Honestly it's not a problem in CA, smog shops have no clue what the difference is and just assume the Spyder has a powerful motor because it looks fast.

I'm slightly obsessed with having the engine behind my head. FR is okay, I've been in Miatas and a Z3M and stuff but it's just not the same. I like the FRS but not enough to drop 17k. Maybe when they're down to like 10, it's definitely not the kind of car I'd want to keep for a long time.

I'm hesitant on the 2ZZ because it's an old engine and this is an old car. The auto industry has really made a lot of progress; the new Honda engines are amazing, the new Mazda engines are amazing, and the next crop of Toyota engines sound really promising too. Even the GR, ZR, AR, and NR are a huge improvement over the ZZ, MZ, AZ and NZ engines. Way better torque and efficiency. If I do an engine swap I'd want to keep the car for a long time and I would prefer to have a newer engine design in there.

Integra GSR? WRX? Will be hard to find a decent WRX with less than 150k miles for less than 10k though.

Engine in the middle?

Huh...i think Toyota made another one of those...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...ota-Previa.jpg


Get some revalved Bilstein struts, custom spring rate, adjust the camber and a few bolt ons, you'll have a faster car than your MR2

God, i wish i wasn't serious.

Edit: Oh shit! Perfect!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-Previ...US_Cars_Trucks

Sounds like you decided on the 2GR. Good choice. I expect to see one mocked up in the Spyder by this time next week, Serial.

Carry on.

Also positive displacement supercharger. He likes those too.

@Dimman

LOL very funny :P

Supercharged 2GR Spyder would go through more tire money than gas money lol.

The best part it is that people actually modify the Previa.

You can browse around forums and see people do headwork, pulleys, intercoolers and aftermarket computers for tuning.

I became obsessed with them after seeing one on the road with 800,000 miles.

Put a turbo K24 in the MR-S.

:p

A modest 15k proposal :P

Non-Toyota 4 cyl swaps are expensive. Don't get me wrong, I would choose a Honda motor any day if they didn't need new axles, transmission, and a million other parts. Any relatively recent Honda engine is better than any of the Toyota options.

F22C!! :drool:

Lol toyota "4U-GSE"

Sounds like you'll be in another MRS honestly, you want an upgrade but on a budget, hard to do.

Cheap mid-engined is tough these days, you either go >25 year old, MRS or Boxster.

You can pick up an early Boxster (bottom dollar is right around $10k now) and it would definitely be an upgrade in every way but by the time you're done with it you may have spent Toyobaru money in upkeep.

Reliable Performance: Miata and Z3, easy to step into for you, lateral move.

Reliable Practical Fun: I think most things have been mentioned except Mazda Protege 5 and Mazda 3, Mazdaspeed3 if you have the budget. The right WRX might be perfect but even early ones will probably feel like pigs in comparison.

It's one of those things where as you cast a wide net you'll get a smattering, once you figure out what you really want though you can focus and get a broad selection.

California is actually not too bad on engine swaps, if the engine is the same age or newer than the car it is going into and you retain all the engine's emissions equipment and you pass the sniffer then you're good to go.

Given that the 2ZZ was sold in the Matrix, Celica, Corolla and Lotus all passing emissions it should be relatively straightforward swap once you got your hands on the right transmission and axles and such. Unless you import from Japan and have to hunt down US emissions equipment or hodge-podge stuff together, then it'll probably be a nightmare.

Dude seriously. All you need is a hardtop, stock 2zz swap, then use the 5mt for the time being till you can go C60.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=PQeRVMuMdVc

Brakes, tires, suspension, seat time and your mr-s will crush EVERY FT86 that isn't turbo/super.

I was never an mrspyder guy. I'm part of that group that calls them "girly cars". But I will admit to wanting to own one eventually. You're right, cargo is a 0.5/10 when it comes to space and I would use it as a 4th or 5th car if anything. But a 2200lbs chassis with a turbocharged 2zz sitting behind you would actually be pretty damn good bang-for-buck if you ask anybody.

I sense you are bored with the sypder as I was with my sw20 so I got the FRS for something refreshing. Personally, I stick with the mr-s if you can swing two cars. A beater for daily and the mr-s for project. Pretty much what I have done my entire life with my sw20. But if it's you're only car, $5k for something sporty points me towards the Honda fwd stuff. They'll have the space you need in a DD, get good mileage, and Vtaaaaaack. Unless you can find an unadulterated 240sx, GC impreza, or a clean non-turbo sw20, $5k buys you a lot of fwd Honda.

I seriously wish I could take that spyder shell of your hands. One with a blown 1zz is exactly how I would buy one.

Nah I'm not bored, I love how it drives, I just probably have to get rid of it since I might have to move after graduation and the unpracticality is kind of annoying. I've nerfed most of the rattles and the power is almost adequate (needs a 6 speed for the tighter ratios, better low end and top end would be nice). I would honestly be extremely happy with a tuned 2ZR with rev limit raised a little. A 2ZZ modified to my liking would be nice too.

I need to get the C60 because 1. I want to get rid of the 5 speed at some point anyways because I hate the ratios and 2. the transmission already has 147k and probably needs to go soon anyways.

I'm hoping there are a lot of people with the idea of throwing a K20 into a Spyder shell or something like that, this car is perfect for throwing old parts out and rebuilding.

One car I considered was a 2015 WRX, but then I saw one on the road and the rear end of that thing is just so ugly...

Just get your job mathematically hustling money markets then buy that GT4 Cayman.

Oh, I know it can be done but I have read many horror stories of guys trying to get them by the inspectors in CA. Some have even given up and sold them. The major drawback is that it adds expense to the swap. Things like exhaust manifolds have be fabricated because swap headers are not allowed (unless you can hide them under a heatshield to get by visual). You have to run the factory catalytic converter which kills performance (I know you can switch it out after each inspection). Etc. etc.

It is just a lot easier and cheaper in every other state.

If I lived in CA, I would drive a FR-S instead. Less hassle with somewhat comparable performance and great handling.

You have to grow up a little to where you stop calling cars girly or gey before you are allowed to experience the joys of a MR-S. :D . If you really want to drool then take a look at Spyderchats' For Sale section right now. There is a supercharged 2ZZ (310WHP) 2001 MR-S hard top with all the goodies for sale right now for $14K. You could not build a car like it for anywhere near that. It is a steal!

Here is a short vid of it running on a track day after it was finished.
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXUfecIHQQc#t=43"]20140208 Track Day - The Drivers Edge, MSR Cresson 1.7CW, Yellow, Session 1 - YouTube[/ame]

lol that would be incredibly expensive for consumers and manufacturers if the only catalytic converter allowed was the one provided by OEM. The aftermarket provides at least one alternative for every vehicle that could need it, and after all, those 2ZZ's didn't put out terrible numbers with the performance killing factory cats.

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermk...ktcatdbase.htm

It can be done, failing smog seems to happen when you fuck around, tampering with the emissions stuff, engines that were never sold here, OBD1 in an OBD2, aftermarket ecu's that are easily changed before you even leave the shop, buying a setup without having all the pieces necessary etc. After all there's a handful of V6 SW20's running around out here...
http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/90-...6-content.html
http://www.mr2.com/forums/entries/24...-Project?bt=58
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/20...-question.html


It's also a lot cheaper to just buy the car with the performance you desire off the showroom floor.

The FRS is an easier option no matter where you live, unless you can't swing the ~$20k like the OP.

Do the 2zz swap, it transforms the car.......worth every cent

Ugly is still ugly (sorry OP). It doesn't matter what it does, I'm still very much on the side of styling vs all out performance when it comes to a street car. The mrspyder needs that gt300 widebody kit to look like a stunner. The frs looks incredible right out of the factory! I could've easily gone out and gotten myself an Evo 9 or an STI. But they're ugly as hell to me. Nissan GTR is a tech marvel, but g'damn they're chunky and fat. I'll take a 2004 NSX long before a GTR. The mrspyder was quite a shocking let down in styling when they released it. I just couldn't believe they went from sexy Ferrari styling to what looks to be a mid-engine Toyota Echo with no roof.

As a track slut where all out performance wins, the mr-s is fitting and is worth considering since there is tremendous performance per dollar going with that chassis. But I'll never own one for a street car though. I turned to the sw20 for that. The mrspyder is pretty close to the severity of ugliness as the Pontiac Aztek IMO. And it's sad I would choose the NB miata as a street car over the mrspyder simply because of how horrid the mrspyder looks.

If I wasn't constrained by space, there's no doubt the OP would've gotten PM's from me wanting to buy his shell as a track only car. The sw20 is a poor man's 348 as the mr-s is a poor man's lotus Elise. The mrsypder and elise are the performers. It's too bad the mrspyder isn't even close to good looking like the Elise whereas at least the sw20 looks just as cool as the 348. Thereby default, the mrspyder would be a track duty only car for me because on track, styling does not matter. Numbers do and the mrspyder does that very well with very little money invested (comparatively).

No doubt the MR-S is not a looker. The SW20 is prettier. I owned a 93 for over a year. Loved the torquey motor but it was a bit heavy and ran out of steam above that torque curve. The 2ZZ MR-S is the opposite. It has no torque but screams up high and is light and much more nimble that the SW20. I had a Integra GSR and loved that high RPM scream so the SW20 and the 350Z I had next were not what I was looking for. The Spyder fit the bill.

Unlike you, I feel that the widebody kit makes the MR-S look even chunkier as does the TRD add ons. With lowering the looks have grown on me and the superb handling and scream of the 2ZZ trumps all other reservations I ever had about it.

The FR-S is a far better looking sports car. The Miata and the s2000 are better looking too but simply too small for my 6'2"210LB frame. The MR-S is a perfect fit and without the soft top there is adequate storage space for trips if you use soft luggage.

I did not mean to offend with the "grow up" comment thus the :D. It amuses me when people say one car or another is girly. On Spyderchat they have a standing joke that the MR-S is a hairdressers car. Sometimes, I think they perpetuate the image to keep the ownership a little more exclusive.

The biggest problem with the MR-S is that it was a let down for fans of the previous generations. You can make the MR-S an awesome car it just wasn't sold that way here :)


I'll keep my old SW20 forevah :thumbup:

The SW20 definitely looks better but if the 1ZZ is a turd, then the 5S is a puddle of diarrhea. The 3S engines are acceptable power wise but are still overweight 3 generation old engines. I haven't been inside an SW20 but the interior might be a little too retro for me as well. Plus, ~25 year old electronics could be a problem.

A fun project would be a K20 swapped SW20 but that money is probably better spent elsewhere.

25 year old electronics are a godsend for modding.

Oh I know that means you don't have to deal with CANBUS and whatever, but having hundreds of 25 year old switches and relays in a car...perhaps I'm just upset that my Toyota blew so I don't trust another Toyota car to not have problems anymore.

If owning this car and spending too much time on forums over the past few years has taught me anything it's that every car has problems.

Some are just better at getting the expensive bits right like all the spinning explosion gizmos that lay power down (Honda vs. Subaru).

LOL. Honda has been pretty good to my family, we've had Hondas since 1998 and never a hiccup despite my parents completely neglecting maintenance. I would love to have a Honda powered car someday.

Have you actually confirmed what happened to the motor yet?

Funny thing, I've seen plenty of hiccups with the Acura my mother bought, batteries, alternators, brakes (they pulse, Honda won't fix), but I'm positive that engine will be spinning at 300k miles, tranny might need something along the way there though...