Buying 2001 MR2 Spyder 89k miles, worth it?

[Matto]

Spending a fair amount on this car, going to replace the timing belt and give it a tune up, if I buy it. Will it still be worth adding some mods (chip, exhaust, air intake)? And I need a car bad so I can't wait much longer.

I'm not going for insane performance, I just want to add the cheapest mods and not worry about turbo or supercharging.

It's at the mechanic being checked over the weekend, so I'll find out if there's anything wrong with it. Thoughts?
Thank you.

[MR2Jedi]

Chip is a waste of money. Intake and exhaust together will net you 10-15hp. I had an Unorthodox racing
8lb flywheel, kevlar clutch and 8oz crank pulley. It revved up real quick.
If you expect or want any more HP than that, it's gonna cost you. The 1ZZ is a good, dependable motor.

[blacken]

how much exactly are you paying?

[Matto]

Originally Posted by blacken

how much exactly are you paying?

8k

Please explain why a chip is a waste of money for an MR2 Spyder. I'm not an expert, but from what I've seen and heard, they add a good amount of horse power.

[SilvertopRyan]

chips add more for turbo cars. There's just not too much power to free up with an NA engine ( at least one that's properly tuned from the factory). You can change timing, air/fuel ratio, and that's about it as far as adding power, and that won't net you much!

If you add one to a turbo, that's another story. You have boost level, mixed with the timing, and there's a lot more you can do.

I think it's a fair price in great condition.

[titleist]

your car doesn't have a timing belt.

[MR2Jedi]

Thats correct. The 1ZZ uses a timing chain.

[Ghostyman]

What type of "chip" are you talking about? Some are worthwhile, most are complete garbage.

[titleist]

once you start messing around with stuff like that, some cars will become less reliable. best bang for your buck is a turbo charger that will replace your entire stock exhaust, you can do chips, intake, exhaust, new ecm (reburn), but for your money, the turbo is the easiest way to go.

[MR2Jedi]

Yeah , but OP says he doesn't wanna go turbo or SC.
In which case I can only suggest CAI , header and freer flowing exhaust ...Those upgrades are fairly inexpensive.
Other routes are gonna be $$$$$$$

[Matto]

Originally Posted by MR2Jedi

Thats correct. The 1ZZ uses a timing chain.

How often does the timing chain need to be replaced? And is it more expensive than normal timing belts?



Don't know the type of chip, any suggestions? Won't be turboing or supercharging anytime soon.. if ever. I don't plan on making it a racing car, just a car to have some fun with and be a bit above stock.

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by Matto

How often does the timing chain need to be replaced? And is it more expensive than normal timing belts?

I don't know. Belts are usually around 75K. I would think a chain would last longer

Don't know the type of chip, any suggestions? Won't be turboing or supercharging anytime soon.. if ever. I don't plan on making it a racing car, just a car to have some fun with and be a bit above stock.

Never messed with them. I had a few freinds with Hondas and Acuras who tried various chips and got burned. Nothing noticeable happened. They never realized the 50hp and extra 10mpg the chip promised.Some are probably better than others.
In the end, HP is not cheap!

[SilvertopRyan]

my brother's yota has a timing chain with 225k on it, a timing chain will last pretty much the life of the engine

[Matto]

I also hear that high quality spark plugs will add about 10hp. But cost 60 bucks each.

[titleist]

Just Buy A Turbo For $3000, Instead Of $240 For Plugs, $1000-$1500 Exhaust, Couple Hundred Dollars For Intake That Will Give You Potentially Up To 25-30 Hp. Buy The Turbo, Get It Over And Done With And Get 75 To 80 Hp. Bang For Your Buck, This Is The Best.