An OJC Guide to MR2s
An OJC Guide to MR2s
Like quite a few other Japanese manufacturers, Toyota made a crap version of the MK1 and MK2 for the budget market. These are AW10 and SW21 chassis respectively. Toyota also released the MK1 and MK2 models with a forced-induction engine for USDM and JDM customers, but not in Europe. However there are now a vast number of these available over here as grey imports. There was only one engine used in the MK3, which was billed as a return to the light chassis and nimble handling of the MK1.
Throughout the years of MR2 manufacture there were a few limited edition production runs. These include the MK1 Super Edition, MK2 10th Anniversary Edition, MK2 Spyder, and the elusive TRD2000GT. There are also a few cars produced in Japan using the MK3 chassis, as well as race-going variants.
MK1 (Chassis Code AW10/AW11)
There are both pre and post facelift versions of the MK1, referred to by enthusiasts as MK1a and MK1b. There are also quite a few 'crossover' cars produced which have (for example) MK1a interiors but MK1b exterior parts. There's no real handle on how many crossover cars there were, but it seems that around the end of 1985 Toyota started running out of MK1a parts and cracked open the facelift parts early.
Initial Release, MK1a - 1984
![[Image: 0959877001235483946.jpg]](http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/dbimages/0959877001235483946.jpg)
The MK1 MR2 was released in 1984 to rave reviews. Available with the 1.6 4A-GE DOHC engine and producing around 125bhp, the car was light, handled well and was quick off the line. That's the same engine that was in the AE86, featururing Toyota's variable inlet system (8 inlet channels, 4 of which were blocked with butterfly valves until ~4500rpm). Transmission came courtesy of the 5 speed C50 manual gearbox. Climate control was available in Japan but was a very expensive option in Europe.
There was a low-spec low-power version produced, the AW10. This had the 1.4 3A-U engine, but they never sold in great numbers and were only available in Japan.
Facelift, MK1b - 1986
![[Image: 534344.jpg]](http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/uploads/new/534344.jpg)
In MY1986 Toyota introduced a number of exciting changes to the MK1. First up was a t-bar roof option. Bumpers were colour coded and updated, and the wheels were changed from the original 'triangle' style to a new 'teardrop' style. The easiest thing to spot is that the intake vent on the driver's side is a very different design, and they have sideskirts as standard. The manual gearbox was changed for a new model, and an automatic transmission was introduced, as well as better brakes being fitted.
Then in 1987... they supercharged it! :eek:
MK1 SC - 1987
![[Image: aw11style001.jpg]](http://carpron.com/multisite/d/59416-1/aw11style001.jpg)
Note: I've completely failed to find a picture of an unmodified SC, they had the teardrop alloys of the MK1b but were diamond-cut.
The supercharged version of the 4A-GE was given the code 4A-GZE and produced around 145bhp. While that's not a great increase, it can quite easily be bumped up to around 180 with a big pulley kit! All MK1 SCs say 'SUPERCHARGER' down the doors, and there were a few SC-only paintjobs. Handling and chassis improvements were made to accomodate the extra power. Superchargers are easily identified by having louvered vents on the engine lids (if not by the fact that they say SUPERCHARGER in massive letters on the doors!). They also have very different rear light clusters. As mentioned above, these were JDM & USDM only.
MK1 Super Edition - 1989
![[Image: exterior_02.jpg]](http://www.mr2.net/images/f227ovu/sell/exterior_02.jpg)
The Super Edition MK1 pictured is currently for sale, check out the FS section on IMOC.
To commemorate the end of production of the MK1, a limited run of 270 Super Edition cars were built. These had every possible factory option fitted, as well as a specially commissioned MOMO steering wheel and Recaro interior. There were again some SE-only paintjobs. Had SUPER EDITION written down the door in the style of the MK1 SC.
MK1 Convertible
![[Image: DSC00260edited1.jpg]](http://www.mr2ownersclub.com/mk1convertible/images/DSC00260edited1.jpg)
Toyota commissioned a US based company to produce a run of 15ish convertible MK1s. As a result these are rare as rocking-horse shit and I've only ever seen one writeup of them.
Engine Conversions
There's been a growing trend in the last few years to drop a few different engines into the MK1. There are now online guides and garages offering conversion services for putting in the 3S-GTE from the MK2, as well as the earlier V6 engines from a Camry (using the 3S-GTE gearbox). Obviously the 3S-GTE will provide a vast amount more performance than the V6 but that's not always what people are after - some people are fans of low down torque and V6 burble.
MK2 (Chassis Code SW20/SW21)
The MK2 was quite a change of direction for the MR2. A larger, heavier car was produced with many more modern options (brakeforce distribution, LSD, ABS, traction control were all available). Gone were the Lotus-esque straight lines of the MK1, replaced with a slightly curvier, Ferrari inspired look. New engines were also introduced following Toyota's success building a WRC platform - the 5S-FE, 3S-FE, 3S-GE and 3S-GTE from the Celica range were used. There are 5 revisions of the MK2, which are more easily split into 'pre and post facelift'. Rev1 & Rev2 are pre-facelift, with Rev3-5 being post. Rev3-5 were never sold in the US, instead Toyota carried on selling the Rev2 until the end of 1995. This time it was the US who would receive the poor man's engine courtesy of the SW21 chassis - the 2.2l 5S-FE. Early European cars and the 'G' spec JDM model received the 3S-FE engine, as well as having no foglights or rear spoiler (the G spec JDM model didn't even have electric windows). Most cars you'll encounter will either have the 3S-GE engine or the turbocharged 3S-GTE. All JDM cars have climate control as standard with no sunroof available. In Europe air conditioning was optional, but sunroofs were available on all models. Or you could of course opt for the t-bar roof introduced with the MK1b.
Rev1 - initial release, 1990-1992
Rev2 - suspension & handling improvements, 1992-1994
Rev3 - facelift model, engine improvements, 1994-1996
Rev4 - minor safety updates, 1996-1998
Rev5 - minor bodywork updates, 1998-1999
MK3 (Chassis Code ZZW30)
TBC
The MR2 is a Mid-engined, Rear wheel drive, 2 seater sports car, manufactured by Toyota in Japan from 1984 to 2007. There are 3 generations of the car, referred to as MK1 (1984-1989) MK2 (1990-1999) and MK3 (2000-2007). As with most cars there were a range of different engines available, as well as facelift changes made throughout the production lifetime. The MK1 and MK3 are small, light and handle exceptionally well. The MK2 is more of a grand tourer and as a result is heavier and has more creature comforts, arguably at the expense of handling. However it also boasts the highest straight-line performance of the range.
Like quite a few other Japanese manufacturers, Toyota made a crap version of the MK1 and MK2 for the budget market. These are AW10 and SW21 chassis respectively. Toyota also released the MK1 and MK2 models with a forced-induction engine for USDM and JDM customers, but not in Europe. However there are now a vast number of these available over here as grey imports. There was only one engine used in the MK3, which was billed as a return to the light chassis and nimble handling of the MK1.
Throughout the years of MR2 manufacture there were a few limited edition production runs. These include the MK1 Super Edition, MK2 10th Anniversary Edition, MK2 Spyder, and the elusive TRD2000GT. There are also a few cars produced in Japan using the MK3 chassis, as well as race-going variants.
MK1 (Chassis Code AW10/AW11)
There are both pre and post facelift versions of the MK1, referred to by enthusiasts as MK1a and MK1b. There are also quite a few 'crossover' cars produced which have (for example) MK1a interiors but MK1b exterior parts. There's no real handle on how many crossover cars there were, but it seems that around the end of 1985 Toyota started running out of MK1a parts and cracked open the facelift parts early.
Initial Release, MK1a - 1984
The MK1 MR2 was released in 1984 to rave reviews. Available with the 1.6 4A-GE DOHC engine and producing around 125bhp, the car was light, handled well and was quick off the line. That's the same engine that was in the AE86, featururing Toyota's variable inlet system (8 inlet channels, 4 of which were blocked with butterfly valves until ~4500rpm). Transmission came courtesy of the 5 speed C50 manual gearbox. Climate control was available in Japan but was a very expensive option in Europe.
There was a low-spec low-power version produced, the AW10. This had the 1.4 3A-U engine, but they never sold in great numbers and were only available in Japan.
Facelift, MK1b - 1986
In MY1986 Toyota introduced a number of exciting changes to the MK1. First up was a t-bar roof option. Bumpers were colour coded and updated, and the wheels were changed from the original 'triangle' style to a new 'teardrop' style. The easiest thing to spot is that the intake vent on the driver's side is a very different design, and they have sideskirts as standard. The manual gearbox was changed for a new model, and an automatic transmission was introduced, as well as better brakes being fitted.
Then in 1987... they supercharged it! :eek:
MK1 SC - 1987
Note: I've completely failed to find a picture of an unmodified SC, they had the teardrop alloys of the MK1b but were diamond-cut.
The supercharged version of the 4A-GE was given the code 4A-GZE and produced around 145bhp. While that's not a great increase, it can quite easily be bumped up to around 180 with a big pulley kit! All MK1 SCs say 'SUPERCHARGER' down the doors, and there were a few SC-only paintjobs. Handling and chassis improvements were made to accomodate the extra power. Superchargers are easily identified by having louvered vents on the engine lids (if not by the fact that they say SUPERCHARGER in massive letters on the doors!). They also have very different rear light clusters. As mentioned above, these were JDM & USDM only.
MK1 Super Edition - 1989
The Super Edition MK1 pictured is currently for sale, check out the FS section on IMOC.
To commemorate the end of production of the MK1, a limited run of 270 Super Edition cars were built. These had every possible factory option fitted, as well as a specially commissioned MOMO steering wheel and Recaro interior. There were again some SE-only paintjobs. Had SUPER EDITION written down the door in the style of the MK1 SC.
MK1 Convertible
Toyota commissioned a US based company to produce a run of 15ish convertible MK1s. As a result these are rare as rocking-horse shit and I've only ever seen one writeup of them.
Engine Conversions
There's been a growing trend in the last few years to drop a few different engines into the MK1. There are now online guides and garages offering conversion services for putting in the 3S-GTE from the MK2, as well as the earlier V6 engines from a Camry (using the 3S-GTE gearbox). Obviously the 3S-GTE will provide a vast amount more performance than the V6 but that's not always what people are after - some people are fans of low down torque and V6 burble.
MK2 (Chassis Code SW20/SW21)
The MK2 was quite a change of direction for the MR2. A larger, heavier car was produced with many more modern options (brakeforce distribution, LSD, ABS, traction control were all available). Gone were the Lotus-esque straight lines of the MK1, replaced with a slightly curvier, Ferrari inspired look. New engines were also introduced following Toyota's success building a WRC platform - the 5S-FE, 3S-FE, 3S-GE and 3S-GTE from the Celica range were used. There are 5 revisions of the MK2, which are more easily split into 'pre and post facelift'. Rev1 & Rev2 are pre-facelift, with Rev3-5 being post. Rev3-5 were never sold in the US, instead Toyota carried on selling the Rev2 until the end of 1995. This time it was the US who would receive the poor man's engine courtesy of the SW21 chassis - the 2.2l 5S-FE. Early European cars and the 'G' spec JDM model received the 3S-FE engine, as well as having no foglights or rear spoiler (the G spec JDM model didn't even have electric windows). Most cars you'll encounter will either have the 3S-GE engine or the turbocharged 3S-GTE. All JDM cars have climate control as standard with no sunroof available. In Europe air conditioning was optional, but sunroofs were available on all models. Or you could of course opt for the t-bar roof introduced with the MK1b.
Rev1 - initial release, 1990-1992
Rev2 - suspension & handling improvements, 1992-1994
Rev3 - facelift model, engine improvements, 1994-1996
Rev4 - minor safety updates, 1996-1998
Rev5 - minor bodywork updates, 1998-1999
MK3 (Chassis Code ZZW30)
TBC
My Garage
Supra Build Thread
' Nothing feels quick when your other car has a 1000bhp - JamieP
Quote:A Supra without a spoiler is like a Gypsy's dog without a Nob.
Dan_Turism0
13-05-2016, 06:56 AM #2Do some work :p, great write up, informative as ever
My Garage
Supra Build Thread
' Nothing feels quick when your other car has a 1000bhp - JamieP
Quote:A Supra without a spoiler is like a Gypsy's dog without a Nob.
I believe Steve at Silverline is planning a Lexus v8 in his ex partners MR2 (one with the moving fog lights and pop up headlights?)
![[Image: LexuS-Copy.jpg]](http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/Sparkystav/LexuS-Copy.jpg)
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
13-05-2016, 07:32 AM #3Good right up.
I believe Steve at Silverline is planning a Lexus v8 in his ex partners MR2 (one with the moving fog lights and pop up headlights?)
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav I believe Steve at Silverline is planning a Lexus v8 in his ex partners MR2 (one with the moving fog lights and pop up headlights?):eek: Can't wait to see that one !
![[Image: Sig-enginebay.jpg]](http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y179/SteveHammatt/Sig-enginebay.jpg)
IS200 Turbo project now just about complete ! See my thread here and leave your comments.
Now running standalone Syvecs ECU and no stock ECU !
steviewevie
13-05-2016, 07:44 AM #4Sparkystav I believe Steve at Silverline is planning a Lexus v8 in his ex partners MR2 (one with the moving fog lights and pop up headlights?):eek: Can't wait to see that one !
IS200 Turbo project now just about complete ! See my thread here and leave your comments.
Now running standalone Syvecs ECU and no stock ECU !
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
13-05-2016, 07:56 AM #5oh and he's supercharging it
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
"Life's goal is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body. But, rather to skid in sideways........
totally worn out and broken, shouting 'Holy ****, WHAT A RIDE!'"
FirebirdPhil
13-05-2016, 07:59 AM #6That will go like a rocket.
"Life's goal is not to arrive safely at the grave in a well preserved body. But, rather to skid in sideways........
totally worn out and broken, shouting 'Holy ****, WHAT A RIDE!'"
IS200 Turbo project now just about complete ! See my thread here and leave your comments.
Now running standalone Syvecs ECU and no stock ECU !
steviewevie
13-05-2016, 08:05 AM #7And he's insane lol.
IS200 Turbo project now just about complete ! See my thread here and leave your comments.
Now running standalone Syvecs ECU and no stock ECU !
And there's a turbo'd 3.5l v6 mk2 and supercharged 3.0 v6 mk1 build underway at the moment too...Edit: To add to that, I think the Lexus V8 into MK1 has been looked at before but there are some pretty major driveshaft issues, which is why PW ended up using an Audi unit instead.
PW at Woodsport is in the process of fitting a 4.2 audi v8 into a mk1 And there's a turbo'd 3.5l v6 mk2 and supercharged 3.0 v6 mk1 build underway at the moment too...
Edit: To add to that, I think the Lexus V8 into MK1 has been looked at before but there are some pretty major driveshaft issues, which is why PW ended up using an Audi unit instead.
toxo PW at Woodsport is in the process of fitting a 4.2 audi v8 into a mk1
Edit: To add to that, I think the Lexus V8 into MK1 has been looked at before but there are some pretty major driveshaft issues, which is why PW ended up using an Audi unit instead.
And here is the first start of said V8 MR2...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2VDG8uwXRE
toxo PW at Woodsport is in the process of fitting a 4.2 audi v8 into a mk1
Edit: To add to that, I think the Lexus V8 into MK1 has been looked at before but there are some pretty major driveshaft issues, which is why PW ended up using an Audi unit instead.
And here is the first start of said V8 MR2...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2VDG8uwXRE
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