What is the difference in the 85 and 88 MR2?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

4AGE MR2 · 10-04-2005, 10:00 AM

I have an 85 in my back yard which is in need of major front end work before it can be driveable again. SO, I found a MR2 on the internet. I'm hoping to get it for around $500. It is an 88 and needs to help with rust on teh rear fenders, but my85 doesnt have as much rust there. I was thinking of maybe just having some small fender flares put in place of the rot/decay. It is a T-top instead of Sunroof liek my 85. It is Auto instead of manual. Guy says it is in sunning condition but he wouldnt call it reliable. My 85 is in perfect running condition, so I was thinking I would just swap the motor and tranny (when it goes out), and go ahead and convert it to a manual (pedals and all that good stuff of course).

Are there any problems to be aware of with the 88's? T-top leaks? faulty anything?

TIA!

4AGE MR2 · 10-04-2005, 10:32 AM

also What is this blue top stuff I keep reading everywhere? What are the colors and what do they mean? I'm used to hearing of colors when speaking of injectors (dsm etc).

ToyotaTechGeek · 10-04-2005, 02:28 PM

well, there are colored injectors too, but...
the red top, blue top, yadda yadda is a really misleading way to describe the different 4AG-E variables. do a search on bill sherwood for the real deal.
there are some differences between the two cars, mostly with the brakes and a bit of the supension, but drivetrain-wise, you're good to go. there is also some difference in the body such as the front spoilers and the location of the antenae, but not too much.

4AGE MR2 · 10-04-2005, 08:04 PM

I'm mainly worried about which is better in terms of brakes, suspension, structural rigidity, etc. The one I might buy is an automatic, so I might just drive it into the ground and do an auto-> manual conversion. The manaul transmission setups are the same in those years correct? shift linkages same length etc.? Is there really any problems with the autos other than it not being as fun as a manual?

Does the 4age like boost? in other words how much boost could it handle with a stock block on a supercharger setup with an aftercooler. I turboed my honda but I wouldnt even want to tackle turboing the mr2.

Thanks

ToyotaTechGeek · 10-04-2005, 10:20 PM

ok, ok, ok
the stock 4AGZ-E supercharger and boost...it's not at all like a turbo in that 'turning-up' the boost is not like using a MBC. it's pulley-based. anyway, i am not sur eif anyone has put a supercharger on an NA block/rotating assy. , but they are turbocharging the NA's with some careful planning. the auto2manual conversion is not an easy one, but can be done...i did it...my SC was originally a manual, the PO converted to auto, then i converted it back to manual. there are parts needed. but then again, you have a complete manual car. brakes on the 87+ are better. if you have an 85, there should be front and rear sway bars which will transfer over to your 87+.

4AGE MR2 · 10-05-2005, 10:46 AM

yea, I know SC are pulley based and all. That is why I Was asking what is teh max a NA 4age could handle before getting blowby etc. What kinds of fuel management is there for the toyotas? I'm sure AEM makes one, but I'd rathe rnot use that for the simple fact that I'm on a budget. With My crx I used a program called BRE. very similar to Hondata or AEM, but it is free.

toyotaspeed90 · 10-05-2005, 01:29 PM

i hear 'megasquirt' calling your name