Help turbo 2002 Spyder

[onewingedangel326]

I just bought my Spyder 2 months ago, which I'm so proud of . Anyway I'm interested in turboing it and everything on it is stock. I found some kits for $3,000-4,000. They are only offering 6-8lbs of boost which will offer 75-100hp gain. I wanted something more around 12-14lbs. Is the 6-8lbs good enough because the car is so light? Or do you think I will be unhappy with it? I can easily go 130 with the car (which doesn't scare me). I'm mainly looking for acceleration and something playful, but top speed is a plus too.

Where can I find other kits for my car?
What all do I need with a turbo if I don't buy a kit?
If I don't buy a kit where could I get all the pieces I need.

I also want to get an exhaust. I guess I should wait until I get the turbo so I can install it once and while I have everything apart. When exhausts say catback, what exactly does that mean? Does that mean I could remove my catalytic converter?
Will I need a turbo exhaust and whats the difference from a normal exhaust?


I read that my car is chain driven timing? If so that means I could put gear to gear timing in?


Sorry for all the questions. I appreciate any help. I've been "google"ing stuff for about 2weeks and couldn't really find to much info on the spyder so I definitely want to put some money in this car but don't want to kill it...

[MR2Jedi]

Originally Posted by onewingedangel326

I'm interested in turboing it and everything on it is stock. I found some kits for $3,000-4,000. They are only offering 6-8lbs of boost which will offer 75-100hp gain.

For that amount of money, you could get more boost than that.HP is not cheap though. You don't simply just slap on a turbo and take off. At that boost level, I doubt you will gain 100hp

I wanted something more around 12-14lbs. Is the 6-8lbs good enough because the car is so light? Or do you think I will be unhappy with it?

If you got 200 HP in your Spyder, as light as it is, it will be a kick to drive.Whether or not you will be happy with it-only you would know.

Where can I find other kits for my car?
What all do I need with a turbo if I don't buy a kit?
If I don't buy a kit where could I get all the pieces I need

There are lots of kits out there. Check out MonkeyWrenchRacing and SpyderChat.

When exhausts say catback, what exactly does that mean?

Exhaust that runs from the catalytic converter back to exhaust exit.

Does that mean I could remove my catalytic converter?

No, Thats against the law . You can only remove it for off road use.(track)

Will I need a turbo exhaust and whats the difference from a normal exhaust?

It would be best if you got a higher flowing exhaust for the turbocharging.

I read that my car is chain driven timing? If so that means I could put gear to gear timing in?

Yes, it has a chain. and no.What are you talking about?

Before starting a project like this, all your cars systems need to be in good running condition to handle all the stress' you will be putting on the engine-including brakes.
Set a goal you want to achieve with your Spyder and then do what you need to do to get it there.



You will need:
Turbocharger suited for your HP goals
Exhaust Manifold
Downpipe
An external wastegate if the turbo is not internally gated
Oil Lines for it and possibly water lines for bearing cooling
Intercooler , fan , piping ,couplers and clamps
By Pass valve of some type
A boost gauge(a must)
Boost controller of some type(whether manual or electronic)
Higher capacity fuel pump
Matching Fuel Pressure Regulator
And some type of engine management
(eg.-Megasquirt, Hydra, Greddy E manage)
You may also exceed your clutches holding capacity and may have to upgrade that as well.

I'm sure I've probably missed something. But thats the bulk of it.
Do you plan on doing your own work?

[onewingedangel326]

Originally Posted by MR2Jedi

Do you plan on doing your own work?

Yes I do. My cousin is a mechanic. He's only ever done performance work to mustangs though. He never did a turbo and I don't know anyone in the area that has an aftermarket turbo so it's kind of hard to get information and tips from anyone. Thank you for all the info.

[onewingedangel326]

lol ty. yea its hard enough to keep the car on the ground. is the lotus engine a clean fit or will i have to do a lot of frame work?

[MR2Jedi]

The Lotus Elise uses the Toyota 2ZZ engine. It'll fit, but as far as what kind of modificatio/fabrication is neccessary, I don't know. The Supercharged 2ZZ would be awsome in the Spyder.
It may be covered at SpyderChat

Oh, and after I put the front spoiler and rear wing on, my Spyder became much more stable after 100mph. The front spoiler helps to keep all the turbulance from under the car and stopped that "floaty" feeling.

[SilvertopRyan]

I'd personally go with the 2zz engine as its' a stock engine setup and I like the reliability of that.

http://www.turbo-kits.com/mr2_s_turbo_kits.html
1zz turbo is a great setup and you won't be sad about the power. The hardest part is getting the stupid oil pan gasket off as it's just glued to hell on there. I have a friend that has the old haas kit that turbo-kits bought up. His dyno'd at 225 at the wheels, about 210 at the boost level he runs on the street. The car is scary fast. 1st and 2nd are useless if you just floor it.

Here's some pics of the installed kit: http://pics.midsouth-mr2.com/listpic...es_intercooler

[RPAltman]

I think there's positive and negative aspects of upgrading the engine with either a turbo or a Toyota 2zz engine. Early in the Spyder's production run, both options were equally complicated. However, there are now vendors that have developed simple plug & play harnesses for the 2zz engine. I prefer something reliable and proven, so my preference would be for the Toyota 2zz. Parts are widely available and it doesn't take any specialized experience to maintain. If you knew nothing about Spyders, you could pop the hood and it'd look just like a Lotus, Celica GTS, Matrix XRS, or Pontiac Vibe GT. A 2zz provides about a 30% increase in HP over the stock 1zz -- from 138 to ~180. There are only a few TRD superchargers floating around in the US, so you're more likely going to have to source an aftermarket kit from Turbo-Kits.com or MonkeyWrenchRacing.

You should definitely move some of these questions over to SpyderChat.com. There are several Spyder enthusiasts on SpyderChat in eastern Pennsylvania that can provide you with recommendations for modifications and mechanics.

TwosRUS or JNZ Tuning in eastern PA are good sources for parts. PRIME Performance is a small garage in western NJ that specializes in MR2s.