Toyota MR2 3S-GTE Gen 1,2,3 INFO

[eMcEeNeSs]

*I am writing this to help people looking for an engine swap, or understand the concept of an engine swap*

Many, many, people told me I should of just bought a MR2 turbo to begin with, but then I ask myself how many of these previous owners actually took care of their turbo? Did they change their oil on time 2,500-2,700, clean their pipes, or even use 91 octane gas? I don't want a bullshit car, so I bought my 1992 Toyota MR2 N/A and decided to do a full complete swap with a clip.

So, here I am in San Jose, CA looking for a engine swap. I went to about four shops and got quotes for the Gen 2 3S-GTE engine swap. The price's are so fucking expensive and amazing. The owner of the shop told me that the demand for MR2's are higher now then ever, so the demand for engines are up. I agree with him 100%. If you go on www.craigslist.org, www.autotrader.com (assumming that you live in CA), you will see a decent 1991-3 Toyota MR2 with 100K+ for 7G-10g. So here I am being told for the labor and the whole clip it would cost about 3800-4600 for a Gen 2 swap. All four shops, and all the same prices. I am still going to put money in for the swap, even if it cost this much. I love my car, and that's all that matters.

If you are going to do a swap, please make sure you find the right shop that fits you. Keep in mind that every wire counts, every nut & bolts count, every pipe counts, every tubes count, and everything counts. One of the shops I was quoted $3600 for a Gen 2 Engine Swap W/LABOR was at a shop called Venus Auto ( http://venus-auto.com/inventory/toyota/engine.htm)

I heard they have bad engines through shops. I just want you to be awared of that.

Also if any of you MR2 drivers have a 3S-GTE, please list down the shop address, number, and price so I can also get a quote. (NORCAL, CA). It would not only help me, but help others.

I don't know if this information would help anyone or me, but it's better trying then not trying.

[Piddy]

ARD Performance, San Diego, CA

$2,200.

[MRQtwinturbo]

see....should have just gotten a turbo in the first place and not have to deal with all the headaches involved with a swap.....

any decent mechanic would have been able to diagnose mr2 turbo for you prior to buying one....a simple compression test and leak down test would have determined the health of any motor.....

[Piddy]

Yaya.... we all make our mistakes

My insurance is still cheaper.... but I'm sure what I have to pay to "smog" this thing will balance it all out.

[91MR2NASTL]

the jdm engines have more power, and yea its gonna be a headache goin from na to turbo, but in the end it will definately be worth it.

[eMcEeNeSs]

Well it don't matter no more, I'm getting my swap A.S.A.P.

[eMcEeNeSs]

I don't think you understand why I chose to buy a N/A for the price I got it for. $3400 (5 Lug Enkei Rims, 126K)


Reply to: MRQturbo

Here is an example of MR2 prices in my area not Toronto, Canada:

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/car/38439546.html
(What an I going to do with an automatic thats worth 8G)

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/car/38413188.html
(What am I going to do with a 190K car that's worth 4G)

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/car/37958710.html
(How bout 5G for a 227K turbo?)

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/car/37664420.html
(Or maybe an MR2 thats worth 8G, but already and halfway done towards a rice rocket?)

Here is a site, (autotrader) that shows MR2 prices in my area

http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/r...used&x=41&y=15

As you can see prices here are extremely high for an MR2

Don't get me wrong I think me geting my N/A to begin with was right. My total would come up to 8G with a new engine/turbo with less then 30K. Sure it is a bitch for smog, but like ishcoleobo, cheaper insurance and smog would just balace their shit out

Other then that,

Peace da fuck out!

[Piddy]

Truthfully....

If you would have bought that '91 Turbo for $3800 or whatever.... your swap would be a lot cheaper. That is about what you paid for your NA.... and who cares about the mileage if you are just gonna swap the engine anyways.

[eMcEeNeSs]

That's a good point, it's a bitch paying for a rear clip.

[Piddy]

I got a "clip"... and was missing a shitload of pieces that ran me close to $1000 when I was done. If you are gonna do it... either have the same shop that you buy the engine from do the swap.... or get a halfcut.

[MRQtwinturbo]

so now add up the price of what u paid for ur NA and factor in the cost of the swap....plus additional costs that will arise to get the car running....and now pray that the motor u'll be getting is good....get my point???.....if u looked and waited...i'm sure u could have found a turbo for around the same price that u'll end up spending when its all said and done.....u still need to get a turbo cluster..turbo brakes....engine lid....to make it a complete turbo too.......good luck on ur swap and keep us posted on ur progress...........

[eMcEeNeSs]

Yeah, that's a good point. That's a lot of turbo stuff needed one by one, but hopefully at the end, its all worth it.