1 MR2 please! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Ratfink · 07-19-2005, 08:38 PM

Hello everyone. I am realy new to the site as you can see.

I am a little lost when it comes to Toyota, but I have always heard good things, and even used the MR2 many time in Gran Turismo. (If that even counts...)

I am intriged with the style and performance it offer for the price. I have some basic mechanical skiils from changing clutches, doing valve jobs, swapping heads, etc. I enjoy a working on my cars and bike as long as it is not to replace a bunch of broken parts. (Insert bad experiencs here)

I have read a few of the post in the forum here and I know you guys have some great knowledge and experience with these cars.

From what I can tell I am looking for an early 90's turbo.
Ideas after that are little to non-existant.

From everyone that have owned these babies, what should I be looking for in a good shape MR2? What modle, what engine type etc.?

Thanks for your time,
Ratfink

***MR2Jedi*** · 07-19-2005, 10:13 PM

Welcome to TN...
I used to have a '92 N/A and now currently own a '91 Turbo. the N/A was fun and very dependable. Mine was very low maintainance(which i kept up with). the only problem i had with it was at 125k-the fuel pump went out. I sold it at 145k and made 2k out of it.
the '91 is a kick to drive. i bought it used with a new long block and all new internals. I went thru all the hoses-vacuum and coolant, re-torqued many nuts and bolts, checked for leaks and just basically made sure that everthing was as it should be so i could drive it with confidence knowing it will get me where i want to go and back. I just recently changed the hydrolics in the clutch system . that being the only problem Ive had with it. I'm at 148k now. and running strong at 15 psi

Ratfink · 07-21-2005, 01:14 AM

THanks for the reply.
What should I be looking to pay for a pretty stock turbo?
I have had bad experience with people that have already "modded" their vehicles. Found out most of the time it just mean they can't afford to repair it anymore.
Anything commonly not taken care of I should watch out for?

Any really cool website you know of that offers good parts for these guys?

Any tips on using the search engine to find what I need here?
Otherwise I will bug you guys with too many q's.

Have a good one,
Ratfink

keck03 · 07-22-2005, 01:33 PM

answers a lot of questions:

http://www.mr2.com/FAQ_html.html

also check for rust around the wheelwells. the rear would have to be cut out. i would also recommend a 93+ b/c they revised the rear suspension. i have had a 92 and then put a 93 rear clip. spun out the 92 but not the 93 yet. feels more stabile and you can tell when the rear was slipping easier. also for me i cant ever imagine going na again.

Ratfink · 07-22-2005, 08:48 PM

Whew. A bunch of good info.
Dang. THe more I read the more I want one now.
I am still looking for one for sale near where I live. They have a couple in autotrader, but they are not even turbo.
I know I will need a turbo. It's either that or I spend the money converting the NA into a turbo, and I would rather not.

Thanks for the info. I know what I am looking for now.
Except for one thing. T-Tops or no? Are they heavier? less rigid?
If not then I would like to have them.

Drifting Dane · 07-22-2005, 09:11 PM

They are both heavier and less rigid with T-tops... it is uncommon to find a hardtop gen.2 MR2.

4DMR2t · 07-22-2005, 10:09 PM

Gen 2 turbo hardtops are damn near impossible to find. Next is the sunroof and t-tops are most common.

I have ttops, and I race my car at autocross regularly. I don't find the ttops to hold me back much. The car is very competitive, and I think you'll find others will tell you the same.

Good condition turbo's are hard enough to find these days. I wouldn't let the roof type determine whether you purchase one or not. If you find one in good shape for a decent price, go for it.

Good luck
Frank

P.S. I love having t-tops. The performance I lose from having them is well worth the fun and enjoyment I get out of having them on a sunny, summer day!

***MR2Jedi*** · 07-22-2005, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4DMR2t

P.S. I love having t-tops. The performance I lose from having them is well worth the fun and enjoyment I get out of having them on a sunny, summer day!

yep, thats for sure...

j3ff · 07-23-2005, 12:00 AM

well if u cant afford a 91 turbo do wat i did buy a mk1 they may not look as good but the feel of it is great they drive so nicely, but i have not driven a turbo yet but i am lookin for one there not to easy to find. but good luck with it