can i get some help? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tmack43875 · 10-02-2007, 09:22 PM

Hey I just joined the forum because I'm about to turn 16 and I am looking into a MR2. I really don't know much about them because my friend mentioned it to me and I looked up some stuff n really like the car.
My problem is that i really don't know a lot about the cars and don't want to buy a really crappy year.

So my first question is what is the best year for a budget of about 4 or 5 grand. I have been looking at from '90 to '93 because i heard those were good, but i want other opinions.

Second, I would probably buy a MR2 with a crappy engine so that i would save a little money, and then pull an engine swap. What is a good affordable engine that can be put in with little or no adjustments, and around how much would that cost.

Third, engine swaps might be too a little pricey for my budget, so what are some popular mods to the stock engine that work a noticeable amount better and boost up the horsepower a considerable amount.

Fourth, I would probably get a body kit for it. There are two body kits that I have been looking into. The Border body kit, and the Veilside body kit. I am leaning toward the Border, but am not sure. What are some suggestions between those, or even some others.

Last, what are good drivetrain upgrades. I am completely in the dark about this one so please post up answers.

I will really appreciate some help on this because the last thing I want is to end up with a crappy car
Thanks a lot,
Travis

***MR2Jedi*** · 10-02-2007, 11:44 PM

First of all-Welcome to TN...

'93-95 are the most sought after years. they were the least imported and have some stock upgrades the previous years didn't have.Such as a hardtop(more rigid body), Bigger brakes, 15" wheels instead of 14 and different suspension geometry.
I have a '91 turbo that I love.
N/A model= has about 140HP
Turbo Model=200HP and 200ft/lbs torque
As you can see the turbo model is the better way to go and has a much larger aftermarket support for high performance, power building parts availability.
It would be very expensive to try and build the N/A model into a powerhouse machine.
So it would be best to get the turbo to start with.
If you follow the MR2 Power Primer(in the sticky on the main MR2 page) you can get to 275 HP easily.

But , if this is going to be you 1st car, I would really recommend you get something else besides an MR2.
They don't behave the same as a front engine or front wheel drive car. They demand repect from their drivers in their handling. Not to mention the high insurance premiums someone you age will have to pay.

moogleX · 10-03-2007, 12:01 AM

where to start? lol learning about the car before buying one is a step in the right direction. however i doubt your gonna like my advice, but this is just my opinion. The mr2 is not a beginners vehicle and I really suggest against this as your beginners car. plus the numbers you mentioned dont really line up.

one: you should check out the above thread on engine swaps, but the 4-5 grand price cap you can pick up a mk1, or a n/a mk2. the turbo mk2 usually runs 5k+ and emphasis on the + for a good one. though there are deals out there. dont get me wrong. opinions? i think the mk2 looks supurb, nothing beats it cept maybe a skyline hahaha. but depending on your goals for the car, drag, autocross, hill climbs the diff engine and stuff i guess could have some bearing on your choice.

two:again, engine swaps can be COSTLY especially if this is your only means of transportation. unless you can do all the work yourself or line up some good deals on everything, expect to be shelling out five large to swap an n/a to a turbo. better off getting a turbo that needs some tlc for 4500-5500 and do a rebuild or something.

three: depends on mk1 or mk2, and if your going n/a the 2.2 5s-fe is a peppy motor and the car wil still be lots of fun. specially if you dont know what your missing from driving a turbo. the 5s "has" potential, if you properly build it, though to match a 3s in potential, the 5s will cost considerably more. but some good short term gains can be seen with bolt on turbo. wich is more than enough power for street use.

four: body kits are at your discression, its your car and your money so get what you think looks best. however, some ideas pros' or cons' such as part quality for price just ask if anyone has they can tell you their personal experiance.

five: not really sure what your asking for, are you talking about brakes? suspension? transmission? if you start with a turbo mk2, the engine and transmission are good for most your needs less your are going all out and then some.

so i guess, keep learning about the mr2, and decide your goals, and see if it fits. if it does, we welcome you to the mr2 community

they are amazing machines and need to be given the respect they deserve. out of production means, wrapping one around a tree is one less for the world to enjoy

lol

Piddy · 10-03-2007, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR2BAD

Such as a hardtop(more rigid body)

Hardtops were produced in 91 and 92 as well...

moogleX · 10-03-2007, 12:13 AM

yeah
<- 91 hardtop TURBO rock da house! woot! oh wait, i still have no way to get the power to the ground /cry

***MR2Jedi*** · 10-03-2007, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishcoleobo

Hardtops were produced in 91 and 92 as well...

Oh, I didn't know that. and to this day, I have still never seen one ...of any year !

Piddy · 10-03-2007, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MR2BAD

Oh, I didn't know that. and to this day, I have still never seen one ...of any year !

I'll have a little somethin' somethin' for ya in a couple months

***MRQtwinturbo*** · 10-03-2007, 01:23 PM

at 16..i would look into insurance rates first...on a 15yr old sports car for a new driver..i can't imagine it being cheap....

tmack43875 · 10-03-2007, 05:15 PM

crap man that just hit me
does any1 know what insurance rates would be for a 16 year old

moogleX · 10-03-2007, 07:30 PM

lol uhh did you try your insurance agent? or calling around to some if you dont have one yet?

***MR2Jedi*** · 10-03-2007, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishcoleobo

I'll have a little somethin' somethin' for ya in a couple months

You've got my attention....

hachi-rocu · 10-04-2007, 02:54 PM

Start by looking into insurance. With your parents, by yourself, etc.

If the insurance is too much then we could always find you another toyota car that you would like

mr2kevin · 10-10-2007, 07:30 PM

i know this is a toyota site but i think a good beginner would be a honda civic..parts come easy and really easy to modify the motor, turbo charging a honda b or d series motor is really easy and insurance is cheap...just dont rice it out...my first car was a 93 civic dx hatch...i went through 4 motor all different setups... i blew up a b16 on turbo pushin it to the limit almost every day and man those honda motors can handle abuse...got tired of hondas so i rebuild a gsr motor for the car and sold it with the turbo kit and used the money for my mr2...