Suggestions from the experienced.

[Abyss]

Noob here.

I bought a US spec 92 MR2 turbo. It has 125k, and I would consider it to be in "good" condition. (paint is a little faded, leather seats need retrimed, etc.)

I plan on replacing alot of things in and on this car.

Suspension is a must. Is TRD over rated? (They seem a little expensive, but I'm assuming you get what you pay for with TRD.)

My main concern is the motor, though. It is a 3sgte, and seems to be running solid. It shifts smoothly and the clutch seems fine. The turbo kicks in with no problems, but probably isn't producing the power it should, being old and all. The engine however, looks horrible. There is gunk all over the head and turbo (not a good sign at all), and there is rust here and there.

My original plan was to buy an MR2 turbo, drop the engine and tranny, rebuild it, throw in mods, and put it back in. (turbo upgrade later) My new plan is to buy a low mileage JDM 3sgte with LSD tranny, build it up, and throw it in. (turbo upgrade later)

I'm a bit confused, though. There seems to be a few different types of 3sgte motors. Are the JDM engines a direct swap? I would like to drop in the one stocked with 245hp. Would it be a harder swap opposed to the JDM 225hp engine. (sorry, I'm not familiar with the codes, yet.)

Any suggestions and/or info, would be much appreciated.

[Piddy]

Just because the 3rd gen motor is rated stock at more horsepower than the 2nd gen doesn't mean it is necessarily a better motor to start with. As long as you get a half cut or a complete clip.... the swap should be a breeze.

TRD Suspension are Eibachs.... same crap.

You should probably start wit ha tune up on your current motor.... new ignition components, oil and filter change... etc. That should show a big improvement in your current setup. 3SGTE's like to eat through ignition compontents pretty quickly.

[JekylandHyde]

If it's not broke, don't fix it ... if your engine is running healthy, why swap it??
If you are planning on building for big power (over 300 rwhp), the engine you have is the one you want. You do not want the later Gen III engine. If you are staying at 300 rwhp or below the GenIII is desirable, but I would not innvest the money if you already have a good running Gen II.

Suspension is a personal choice, if you want something more sporty go with the Eibachs, if you want eve nmore handling and can deal with a stiffer ride go with the H&Rs. With either of these springs you should upgrade the struts as well.

[Abyss]

Thanks for the advice.

I guess I'll keep this engine, even though it looks like crap, tune it up, drive it awhile, and if everything is cherry, I'll go with my original plan and save alot of money. I'm definitely going to upgrade the suspension first, though.

Thanks again.

[JekylandHyde]

$25 for steam cleaning = prettier engine

Powder coating your intercooler pipes and valve cover goes a long way.

[Abyss]

"Prettier engine"... that's funny.

I can't help it, though. I'm a bit of a neat freak.

Steam clean and powder coat, eh. I didn't think of that option. Thanks again.

[JekylandHyde]

... look at the photos of my engine on my Site, and you will understand.
I didn't even do the steam cleaning.

And yes, my engine has over 200,000 miles on it

[Abyss]

Nice site. You are truly an MR2 fanatic.

The only engine shots I found were of Hyde's, and it looked like you painted or replaced the valve cover and most of the other engine components.

[JekylandHyde]

I was refering to Hyde's engine bay.
I powdered coated the valve cover in a metalic-flake silver.
I have upgraded a lot of parts (including a GReddy intercooler and a RMR Intake manifold). I had all of that powdercoated the same color.

The factory X-bar and a lot of other pieces were also powdercoated.
I also added in the new red hoses and hose connections.
It goes a long way toward making the engine bay prettier.