Difference between MR2 1992 and 2001+ MR2 spyder?

[Matto]

I know a little bit about cars, just enough to get me by. Never have I tried adding any mods to a car. I'm still a big noob when it comes to cars, but I'm wanting to learn.

So I gotta know, is it worth spending the extra 4-5k on a 2001+ MR2 spyder and try supping that up, or does the older models have more power and potential? and why? What are the major differences between the older models (1992-199? and 2001-2003)

I always enjoy the opinions of experts, thank you.

[pacodetaco]

if you just look at the exterior you can see major difference in the body styling, the newer spyders handle like a dream, but dont have alot of strait line speed in my opinion, other than that the spyders dont have very large aftermarket either. the older sw20 and aw11 are affordable but at the same time you looking at 15-20 yr old cars so expect problems. but also the older models are all fun to drive and have a huge aftermarket for tuners. i love my 3sgte but at the same time theres always something to fix/upgrade

[MR2Jedi]

The differences are huge.
2nd gen turbo=200hp/200 ft lbs tq @2800lbs in weight.
Spyder=140hp/125ft lbs tq @2195lbs weight.
There's tons of aftermarket support for the 3sgte engine in the 2nd gen. Though the Spyder is getting products available, it is not as easily modified.. Just following the power primer on the 1st page of this forum in the sticky can get you to 280hp of dependable power.
I own both gens and though the Spyder is fun to drive, I have to say I like my 2nd gen alot better.

[Matto]

Just following the power primer on the 1st page of this forum in the sticky can get you to 280hp of dependable power.

280hp on the spyder? or mr2 turbo.

I really want the spyder over the older mr2's because of maintenance. I don't want to be in the shop repairing timing belts and motor mounts etc. Any help with the mr2 spyder would be great.

[MR2Jedi]

No, the power primer is for the 2nd gen MR2 Turbo.
There are turbo kits for the Spyder. Expect to fork out $3,500.00 to $5,000.00 for a kit, Intercooler, piping and supporting mods. HP is not cheap.
Monkeywrenchracing puts out awsome kits for the Spyder.Here's a link.
http://monkeywrenchracing.com/mwr_tu...r2_spyder.html

[Matto]

Moneys not too much of an issue for me. I've been saving up a while for a nice car. Spending 11-12k for the car and 4-5k for mods sounds a lot better than buying a new car for 20k.

Great site, thanks for the link.

[MR2Jedi]

You're welcome. Keep us updated on your project!

[BDSL]

Originally Posted by asjoseph

MKII...and they don't go much further than 90K miles before rebuild time.

Never leave a turbocharged MR2 unattended, idling hot on your turbo-timer. Prone to engine bay fire, even slightly modified turbocharged Mk IIs must be allowed to cool down, before parking in an attached garage. Never leave a hot turbocharged MR2 in your garage unattended (e.g., you could burn your house down).

This is where I kind of disagree.

When you said "rebuild", many people might get the idea that the engine needs to be rebuilt. Actually, the engine is fine. The turbocharger is what needs to be rebuilt.

When idling, the turbocharger does NOT get any hotter. Turbocharger only gets hot when boosting. Most engine fires occur when the vehicle is in motion. The most common cause of engine fire is bad grounding. ALL turbochargers MUST be allowed to cool down...not just the modified ones. You can leave your turbocharged MR2 unattended without worrying about engine fire.

[MR2Jedi]

I leave my 2nd gen cooling down with a 3 minute idle time on turbo timer. I do just have a carport and not a closed in garage.
And rebuild at 90k? Engine goes alot further than that. I do agree about the turbo having to be rebuilt. I just rebuilt mine at 156k. But it prolly should've been done 20k ago. I prolly could have avoided a blown headgasket!

[Matto]

Seeing how a turbo would cost 5,000 dollars to buy, and more to install. What would a super charger cost to buy and install? Or can the mr2 spyder not be super charged?

[MR2Jedi]

At one point I was considering either turbochargeing or supercharging my Spyder. I Talked to a speed shop in California and they wanted $4000.00 to S/C the Spyder to produce 450hp. They also said I would have to leave it there for 1 month.There would have to be quite a bit of fabrication for the drive shaft for the S/C pulley, piping for the IC and tuning my ECU..I can't remember the name of the company. It was 3 or 4 years ago

[BluEyes]

Personally, I'd pick the Spyder over the MKII. Why? Less weight and the droptop.

Each of the three MR2 generations have a different personality. I'd suggest finding multiple cars to test drive and pick which one you like best.