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Old 10-28-2019, 01:26 AM   #33
DarkSunrise
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Quote:
Originally Posted by serialk11r View Post
Just saying, it's now extremely difficult to get a 2ZZ swapped MR2 Spyder past smog inspection in California. You need a lot of work to get a BAR sticker since they're more strict about it, and smog stations are being more strict too. 8k is probably not going to cut it.

On a tight budget, I think it would be feasible to do:
-Apexi PFC (these hold their value well, so maybe you could consider it as not being part of the budget)
-forged high compression pistons
-reground intake cam
-MWR valve springs + retainers
-ported head, shaved for more compression

R&R + labor would run 3k, upgraded bits run about 2k, and you'll get close to 2ZZ + stock header power while appearing stock since you have the ability to tune it. You should be able to run such an engine at 8000rpm pretty safely.

If you can stand the styling, I think NC2 Miatas are a pretty good deal. I kind of want to vomit when looking at them though...

I'm currently hunting down a high mileage S2000 as a toy. The prices are dropping rapidly.
I saw a 2ZZ swap MR2 sell for pretty cheap recently. The price was tempting, but then I read that the seller was having a really difficult time getting the car to pass smog in CA so he was unloading it. That's a shame because it seems like a great pairing of a high-revving engine with variable valve lift to a lightweight RWD MR chassis for not too much coin.

The NC2 Miatas are a good deal, but it'd be tough passing on a NA/NB Miata for the money if I was in the market.

Any ideas why S2000 pricing is coming down? I always figured they would hold their prices (similar to the Elise market), but maybe the ND2 Miatas are having an effect?
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