Tuning upgrades

[michaelb]

Hi folks, is there anything I can do to add a bit of extra response from my mr2? I bought one with the tte twin exhaust already fitted, but I assume a better air filter would help too? Is there anything else people can suggest other than trying to add a turbo?

[brettfield999]

Besides a good service and removal of the precats out of the manifold i would maybe go markiii inlet pipe.  For big gains you are looking at either a turbo conversion or the infamous 2zz swap which lots have done

[Essex2Visuvesi]

You wont get much extra power from the 1zz unless you go FI
Very little gains from upgrading the intake system (other than noise) as Toyota did a good job of the stock system
Decat manifold and a "Sport" cat will realise the most gains, but even then it's minimal

[michaelb]

Would you recommend a good engine clean?

[Ardent]

The jury is 50 50 on things engine flushing
Some like, some don't.

All however agree on regular oil changes.
Drop what you've got, fill up with some cheap stuff, run it, drop it.
Fill with nice stuff. + filter, obviously.
Change 6 monthly as many on here do.

[m1tch]

With an NA engine best 'bang for the buck' is:

Free flowing exhaust
Decat manifold
Stock airbox with drop in aftermarket filter
Upgrade of the pipe going into the airbox (stock one is restrictive - I am currently using some brake ducting)

Further performance gains can be made by some slight weight reduction

There is also a MAF mod which raises the MAF up slightly meaning the signal to the ECU is slightly out on the airflow, you need to upgrade the injectors to keep the knock in check but this is another mod without getting a standalone ECU.

There are also piggyback ECU options which might give a bit more power - mainly optimising the VVTi advance points, but on an NA you won't be getting huge gains.

Cheapest gains in terms of power to weight come from weight reduction - removing the rear bins, tool kit and frunk trim will net you a good starting weight saving.

[1979scotte]

I must say I disagree with Marki pipe and aftermarket air filter improving performance.
Noise yes gives it a more sporty note but more go no.
Stock air filter flows plenty for a 2zz so flows more than enough for 1zz.

[shnazzle]

In a back to back maf voltage test, a k&n panel actually came out worse than a stock cotton panel and markiii pipe.
Same time, same stretch of road (slightly uphill) , max throttle.
That was before I cleaned it though (and sold it). Maf voltage difference was tiny.
Bit more growl noise.

What I did notice though was that although max flow doesn't change, the initial resistance to flow on the sports panels is lower. I.e. The MAF voltage climbed to max quicker than it did on the stock panel. So, bit more throttle response feel low-rpm. High rpm, it makes no difference.

Piggyback is unlikely to touch vvti unless you alter key signals used to determine that using specific outputs. What it does allow you to do is change timing and fueling in open loop areas for a noticeable, but small, difference in output

[m1tch]

For me with an NA car a 'performance panel filter' doesn't give extra power, just better throttle response which although won't mean you win on the dyno its an upgrade that you can feel on the road - plus the added noise adds to the enjoyment  s:D s:D

[michaelb]

You guys know your stuff! My head is adjusting lol

[Bernie]

Depending on service history a good service if not done recently clean the MAF and reset the ecu

Toyota got pretty much the most out of the 1ZZ spend a shedload and you can get to 171BHP  :-) :-) :-)   or save up and go turbo problem with 2ZZ is you need to rev the nuts off to get into lift and if you move on it's staying put whereas you can remove the turbo install and recoup some cash


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[shnazzle]

You guys know your stuff! My head is adjusting lol

It's all smoke and mirrors haha.
Hang around here long enough and you'll be speaking the lingo  s:) s:)

[michaelb]

What's MAF? Lol

[Nvy]

What's MAF? Lol

 m https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_flow_sensor m   s:) s:)

[m1tch]

Worth pointing out that for power mods on an NA it gets very expensive once you go past a few basics, gains on a turbo are more cost effective so I would suggest looking at a few simple power mods and keep the engine maintained.

I would then start to focus on parts that actually make the car faster - tyres, brakes and suspension.

You will be able to out corner and out brake other more powerful cars with the right combo - the MR2 is very tyre sensitive including tyre pressures.

An example of this is the below article, a guy spent years tweaking his diesel powered Citron AX and ran a 9:55 round the Nurburgring:

 m https://jalopnik.com/this-might-be-the- ... 1512419630 m

I would suggest your first upgrade should be tyres  s:) s:)

[Ardent]

MB
A 2 with fresh stock parts, brakes, shocks+springs, TYRES quality geo setup, plugs, air filter Etc. Will be all over most other cars in the twistys. Yes you will most likely be out gunned on a straight, but these are all about handling.

However, not mentioned in this thread, but many times elsewhere, the best performance/£ upgrade is in driver training.
I say that in general terms as you maybe a driving guru for all i know.
But hopefully you take my point in the spirit it is meant.
Type car limits in the search and have a read.

[michaelb]

Cheers mate, appreciate the advice. Would you recomend any specific performance air filters? I will get the tyres sorted soon as well.

[1979scotte]

Just don't bother with engine mods.
Tyres
Driver training
Suspension
Good quality pads

Theyre the best upgrades unless you go forced induction.

[Ardent]

Cheers mate, appreciate the advice. Would you recomend any specific performance air filters? I will get the tyres sorted soon as well.

I cannot recommend any performance air filters having never used any.
Can only second what scott said earlier 1zz 2zz same filter and the 2zz sucks a lot more air when on the boil.

[ChrisGB]

I've done the dyno work on drop in performance filters. Hard truth is they make no difference at all. The standard one is the same panel as used in the Celica 190, so not even slightly restrictive in the MR2.

[Ardent]

I've done the dyno work on drop in performance filters. Hard truth is they make no difference at all. The standard one is the same panel as used in the Celica 190, so not even slightly restrictive in the MR2.

MB
The above is what makes this forum so great, no BS, just good, honest, no nonsense enthusiast advice obtained through experience/gained knowledge. For reference, Chris runs somewhat more power than most.

tyres tyres  tyres. Biggest bang for buck improvement.
You will corner far more effiecently with a good fresh set of matching tyres correctly inflated than any filter will bring to the party.

[michaelb]

Cheers guys. You're depth of knowledge is impressive and it's reassuring to know that you guys are here and so helpful. Thank you

[m1tch]

Just don't bother with engine mods.
Tyres
Driver training
Suspension
Good quality pads

Theyre the best upgrades unless you go forced induction.

Listen to this man.

[shnazzle]

Another one for tyres here.

Look on the forum for how many people installed a panel filter or other kind of filter and say how it transformed their car.

Now do the same for people who put, say, Yokohama AD08R tyres on.

*drops mic*

[michaelb]

Lol "drops mic"! I like that!