2.0l MR2 tuning potential?

MrSix

MrSix

MrSix

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Joined
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Los Angeles
I've found a 2.0l mr2 near to me that is in immaculate condition, it's been out in the rain twice in the past 8 years and has been garaged until a few weeks back when the owner bought a 355 Spyder. Full service history and it's absolutely lovely.

Now, my concern is that I'll get bored with the 175bhp too quickly. What is the tuning potential of these nasp engines like? If this car was a turbo in the same condition I'd snap the guys arm off for it.

Help me :(
 
I would swap a turbo lump in there (3sgte)

Even if you mod it and get 200hp, imo that would get quite boring very quickly.
 
Thing is, It'll be replacing a 100bhp 1.6 Golf, so it's definately going to feel quicker. I've also got a motorbike if I want a bit more fun.

I'm just thinking for my 4k budget and my age (20) is there really anything else that is insurable, fun and "sporty" looking that will do me as I go through Uni?
 
How about an ITR? Personally I'm a honda nut and would take a DC2 over a MR2 naturally aspirated anyday.
 
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If you worried about insurance i would not be modding it, it will add a big bill to your premium especially at your age, personally if you like the MR2 and it's in top nick i would buy it and once you get some no claims you can then sell it on and buy so thing else if you wish.

Going from 100 to 175 hp should keep you well enough entertained for at least a year or two, you can then review the options open to you, engine swap, sell on etc, for now i would take the stock car and enjoy
 
MrSix said:
Thing is, It'll be replacing a 100bhp 1.6 Golf, so it's definately going to feel quicker. I've also got a motorbike if I want a bit more fun.

I'm just thinking for my 4k budget and my age (20) is there really anything else that is insurable, fun and "sporty" looking that will do me as I go through Uni?
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Debatable whether it's sporty looking, but a 306 GTI6 would be a sensible but fast car to have whilst at uni.
 
Hunders said:
I am pretty sure tuning potential of NA MR2s isn't too great.
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agreed. Although my school has a formula 3 toyota with a 3SGE and it looks purdy. It's just a car to learn on so AFAIK hasn't been run recently. Next time I'm in there I'll ask my professor how much power it makes.
 
If it is imaculate i would snap his hands off, i have had my st24 for about a year and still not bored of it which says a lot as its the longest time i have owned a car in the 5 years i have been driving.

As said, get it then in a year or 2 time weigh up your options, i cant see these cars loosing much more value.
 
The 3SGE engine has little to no tuning potential at all, unless you start talking BIG £££s for little gain.

The standard rev3 engine will kick out around 170bhp as standard, which is plenty from where you're coming from.

If you really do want to start tuning towards 200bhp, you're talking large amounts of engine work. Or you could try and get hold of a 'beams red top' which kick out 200bhp as standard.

That won't come cheap either though.

My advice would be get hold of a N/A, slap an induction kit and a nice aftermarket exhaust, this will give you the best bang for buck performance increase ( 10bhp if you're lucky ) keep it for a year, then change to a tubby.
 
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