EricS

I posted a long time ago when this project first started. But now the project is complete! Took me 6 months but I only worked on it during my spare time and in my garage.

The engine is from a '97 Corolla Sprinter Trueno, available only in Japan. It is a 20V 4age 'Blacktop' putting out ~165hp: quad throttle bodies, 11:1 compression, 5 valves/cylinder, MAP sensor, 8400rpm redline.

It is the last generation of the 4A series Toyota engine. (The old one in the MR2 was the earlier 16V 4AGE, 112hp.) This generation of the 4age was never brought over here to North America because of the requirement for 100 octane. However, it runs fine on 93 (but will be getting 103 octane race gas for special occasions).

There is only one other MR2 equipped with this engine in North America that we are aware of. A few have done it in Australia (alot easier to import an engine there since so much closer to Japan).

I did a couple other mods while I had her out including Fidanza flywheel, Clutchmasters Stage 2 Carbon Kevlar clutch, urethane filled engine mounts, Apex'i filter, & custom 2-1/4" exhaust.

The main hurdle in the swap was the wiring, interfacing the engine harness to the MR2's body harness. However, she started the first time (once fuel pressure got built of course) with no engine codes. Coolant lines had to be fabricated. Transmission had to be converted to work in a mid-engine car. The engine & tranny bolt right up to the mounts, so no big welding needed there.

Enough rambling, onto the pics. (click on the thumbnails for the full size pics)

I purchased the front clip from Jarco in Atlanta. (Ever need to have anything imported from Japan and in the SE? Use them, they rock.) The engine has 30,000 miles on it and runs like a champ. Here's what I started with:


And here's a comparo of the new MR2 engine bay to the old. A lot less complicated huh?


The custom SS exhaust: Bullet muffler, Catco cat. Need to find a tip still, but that can be easily added later.


And here's the car complete with the new MR2 Spyder wheels (everyday wheels, using the stock ones with the Toyos for autox):


Austin guys, check her out in action April 19th at the next Spokes autox event. Tons more pics of the project on my web page. Click on the MR2 link in my sig.

AztecRol

iTrader: (2)

THANKS for posting those up Eric!!!! I remember you posting that a while ago!! I remember posting that you should do the right hand drive swap while you were at it!!!

That looks GOOD!!!!! SO CLEAN!!!! GORGEOUS INSTALL!!!!
How does she drive now?? Give us your driving impressions!!

Well done!!!!

Titand19

How much does that car weigh, it probably handles awsome and zippy too.

Slimey

I've poked in and looked at your site every now and then over the last few months. You've done a really great write-up of your 'transplant'.

Congratulations! Looks like a real fun car.

EricS

Thanks guys

It runs great, it can actually put your head back into the headrest now. I don't believe it has as much torque as the SC versions (I've only been in an SC once), but once you rev her up, watch out. It's perfect to compliment the CL.

Weight is around 2500. It's heavier than today's smaller cars because of its steel body panels.

Starter

Nice job.

I had an '85 that I bought new. It was the best handling car I've ever had. It needed lots more HP though and it looks like you've solved that problem. The supercharged version that came out in '86 or '87 wasn't enough power and when the turbo motor came out it was only in the Mk2 and the new body style weighed in at over 3000 lbs.

Wish I'd had your car then.