MR2 Roadster Owners Club

The Workshop => Performance Related => Topic started by: Dippa on February 25, 2016, 20:37

Title: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Dippa on February 25, 2016, 20:37
For starters, I'm not mechanically minded but I'm hoping this isn't going to stop me from having my Mr2 customised the way I want it, once I've gained all the knowledge I need from this great community.

I'm looking to have my engine converted but I have no clue what's what. If anyone could explain different or the best engine conversion to look into that would be great. I'm looking for the best performance and speed I can get  s:) :) s:)

Many Thanks
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: 1979scotte on February 25, 2016, 20:47
Its all been said before mate.
Search function is your friend.
Best bang for buck is turbo or 2zz.
Best engine is 2grfe costs mega bucks.
You can go k20 1mz or 3sgte.
Somebody has even put a Volvo T5 lump in and V8 has been tried but never completed.
Tbh money wise you are probably better off going elise or boxster.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Dippa on February 25, 2016, 20:54
Thanks for the reply Scotte. I've been searching and reading through but I couldn't find the exact answers, perhaps because I'm a full noobie lol

I'll keep on searching through and will have a good read through the ones you've suggested.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: cabbydave on February 25, 2016, 21:05
Torbo'd 1zz or go mental with a 2zz supercharged I know I am
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Dippa on February 25, 2016, 21:11
Cabbydave, the 2zz supercharged is sounding very appealing I must say. When are you looking at getting this done yourself  ?
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: cabbydave on February 25, 2016, 21:27
Going to put the charger on the 1zz for a bit while I rebuild a strong 2zz. I might get my son to drive my Corolla Compressor and have a drag race with them. That is if the Corolla isn't sold by then
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: jvanzyl on February 25, 2016, 23:27
You know what would be super useful, is a nice chart detailing the power gains along with the two price variants ( diy or outsourced).... So starting from scratch you'd have all the cheaper things links inductions and mapping etc.
Then you'd build up to turbo and 2zz and then the whole v6 thing...
You know what, I like excel and I'm a geek for making nice comparisons of data... If people send me their numbers for whatever they've done I can start to compile something?

Could be a good source of reference I reckon... Especially if I have columns of "quoted" and "actual" !!! Or what I tell myself it only cost etc...
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Ardent on February 26, 2016, 00:27
I like the idea of that
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Carolyn on February 26, 2016, 07:00
Quote from: "cabbydave"Going to put the charger on the 1zz for a bit while I rebuild a strong 2zz. I might get my son to drive my Corolla Compressor and have a drag race with them. That is if the Corolla isn't sold by then
I've just rebuilt a 1ZZ and we're about to graft on a Mini Cooper supercharger.  I can't afford the Toyota one!  I'd be grateful for any input.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: cabbydave on February 26, 2016, 13:26
Quote from: "Carolyn"
Quote from: "cabbydave"Going to put the charger on the 1zz for a bit while I rebuild a strong 2zz. I might get my son to drive my Corolla Compressor and have a drag race with them. That is if the Corolla isn't sold by then
I've just rebuilt a 1ZZ and we're about to graft on a Mini Cooper supercharger.  I can't afford the Toyota one!  I'd be grateful for any input.
I think that has been looked at before have you not looked at the turbo route?
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Carolyn on February 26, 2016, 14:52
This is a spare engine and we wanted to do something a little different and challenging.  My hubby and I have been around racing cars and drag racing cars all our lives and we both like the bottom-end power delivery you get from a supercharger.  Really don't want a turbo.
I'm sure it's not an original idea, but have engine, have supercharger, going to have a go!
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Jrichards20 on February 26, 2016, 15:01
Quote from: "jvanzyl"You know what would be super useful, is a nice chart detailing the power gains along with the two price variants ( diy or outsourced).... So starting from scratch you'd have all the cheaper things links inductions and mapping etc.
Then you'd build up to turbo and 2zz and then the whole v6 thing...
You know what, I like excel and I'm a geek for making nice comparisons of data... If people send me their numbers for whatever they've done I can start to compile something?

Could be a good source of reference I reckon... Especially if I have columns of "quoted" and "actual" !!! Or what I tell myself it only cost etc...

I'm bored at work, Il give that a start!

So, data that we want. Price and power curve for engines both DIY and outsourced?

I'm thinking along the lines of a line graph with the power curve, because peak hp isn't going to do a lot of good when comparing V6 vs 2zz for example. Then somehow add in the price. I'll have a play.

Anything else people think would be good?

Engines list

1zz N/A Tuned
1zz Turbo (average size)
2zz
2zz SC
1MZ
2GR
K20



Let me know what you guys think about adding extra bits while im having a play.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: cptspaulding on February 26, 2016, 15:09
Back on op's question,
I would recommend arranging a hurl in each of the options. Last summer I went to look at a turbo 1zz kicking 260bhp. I didn't really care for it, at least not enough to pay anywhere near what the seller was looking for. Drove my n/a 1zz home thru the twisties & realised I really enjoy having to wring it's neck to keep it in the power zone - felt like I was driving it.
I've a feeling the V6 may not be for me either.
I do have a suspicion I would get addicted to the 2zz though & I hope someone will be kind enough to give me a hurl in one at the upcoming limits day.   s:D :D s:D    s:D :D s:D
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Carolyn on February 26, 2016, 15:26
Soory that was way off topic.  I'll start a new thread....
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Lee H on February 26, 2016, 15:29
Quote from: "Jrichards20"
Quote from: "jvanzyl"You know what would be super useful, is a nice chart detailing the power gains along with the two price variants ( diy or outsourced).... So starting from scratch you'd have all the cheaper things links inductions and mapping etc.
Then you'd build up to turbo and 2zz and then the whole v6 thing...
You know what, I like excel and I'm a geek for making nice comparisons of data... If people send me their numbers for whatever they've done I can start to compile something?

Could be a good source of reference I reckon... Especially if I have columns of "quoted" and "actual" !!! Or what I tell myself it only cost etc...

I'm bored at work, Il give that a start!

So, data that we want. Price and power curve for engines both DIY and outsourced?

I'm thinking along the lines of a line graph with the power curve, because peak hp isn't going to do a lot of good when comparing V6 vs 2zz for example. Then somehow add in the price. I'll have a play.

Anything else people think would be good?

Engines list

1zz N/A Tuned
1zz Turbo (average size)
2zz
2zz SC
1MZ
2GR
K20



Let me know what you guys think about adding extra bits while I'm having a play.

No love for the 3SGTE?
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: beavisrules on February 26, 2016, 15:45
will a 2ZZGE supercharged from corolla t-sport compressor fit?  s:) :) s:)    m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252293950475 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252293950475) m ?
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: 1979scotte on February 26, 2016, 16:50
One way or another it will.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: 1979scotte on February 26, 2016, 16:51
Quote from: "Lee H"
Quote from: "Jrichards20"
Quote from: "jvanzyl"You know what would be super useful, is a nice chart detailing the power gains along with the two price variants ( diy or outsourced).... So starting from scratch you'd have all the cheaper things links inductions and mapping etc.
Then you'd build up to turbo and 2zz and then the whole v6 thing...
You know what, I like excel and I'm a geek for making nice comparisons of data... If people send me their numbers for whatever they've done I can start to compile something?

Could be a good source of reference I reckon... Especially if I have columns of "quoted" and "actual" !!! Or what I tell myself it only cost etc...

I'm bored at work, Il give that a start!

So, data that we want. Price and power curve for engines both DIY and outsourced?

I'm thinking along the lines of a line graph with the power curve, because peak hp isn't going to do a lot of good when comparing V6 vs 2zz for example. Then somehow add in the price. I'll have a play.

Anything else people think would be good?

Engines list

1zz N/A Tuned
1zz Turbo (average size)
2zz
2zz SC
1MZ
2GR
K20



Let me know what you guys think about adding extra bits while I'm having a play.

No love for the 3SGTE?

I did mention it.
A good way to go if wanting massive power.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Anonymous on February 26, 2016, 17:01
Quote from: "Carolyn"This is a spare engine and we wanted to do something a little different and challenging.  My hubby and I have been around racing cars and drag racing cars all our lives and we both like the bottom-end power delivery you get from a supercharger.  Really don't want a turbo.
I'm sure it's not an original idea, but have engine, have supercharger, going to have a go!

Keep me informed on this as I have the same sized Eaton for my 1zz.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: Carolyn on February 26, 2016, 18:58
Quote from: "rbuckingham"
Quote from: "Carolyn"This is a spare engine and we wanted to do something a little different and challenging.  My hubby and I have been around racing cars and drag racing cars all our lives and we both like the bottom-end power delivery you get from a supercharger.  Really don't want a turbo.
I'm sure it's not an original idea, but have engine, have supercharger, going to have a go!

Keep me informed on this as I have the same sized Eaton for my 1zz.

I'll start a new thread.
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: cabbydave on February 26, 2016, 21:32
Quote from: "beavisrules"will a 2ZZGE supercharged from corolla t-sport compressor fit?  s:) :) s:)    m http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252293950475 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/252293950475) m ?
For £500 more you could buy my Corolla Compressor the whole car
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: cabbydave on February 26, 2016, 21:33
Quote from: "1979scotte"One way or another it will.
Woodsport has done it 4 times
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: krazysteve on February 26, 2016, 22:08
I would have thought handling and brakes would be the first thing to do?   "Power is nothing with out control"
Just my thoughts, enjoy and learn the car.  s:) :) s:)
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: CrazySX on February 26, 2016, 22:09
Quote from: "Jrichards20"
Quote from: "jvanzyl"You know what would be super useful, is a nice chart detailing the power gains along with the two price variants ( diy or outsourced).... So starting from scratch you'd have all the cheaper things links inductions and mapping etc.
Then you'd build up to turbo and 2zz and then the whole v6 thing...
You know what, I like excel and I'm a geek for making nice comparisons of data... If people send me their numbers for whatever they've done I can start to compile something?

Could be a good source of reference I reckon... Especially if I have columns of "quoted" and "actual" !!! Or what I tell myself it only cost etc...

I'm bored at work, Il give that a start!

So, data that we want. Price and power curve for engines both DIY and outsourced?

I'm thinking along the lines of a line graph with the power curve, because peak hp isn't going to do a lot of good when comparing V6 vs 2zz for example. Then somehow add in the price. I'll have a play.

Anything else people think would be good?

Engines list

1zz N/A Tuned
1zz Turbo (average size)
2zz
2zz SC
1MZ
2GR
K20



Let me know what you guys think about adding extra bits while I'm having a play.
Just go on Spyderchat and nick theirs and modify it. That's what we are all about right? Modification and customisation  s;) ;) s;)

Here you go..  m https://tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http ... e_fid=3075 (https://tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=http%3A%2F%2Fspyderchat.com%2Fforums%2Fshowthread.php?t=11310&share_tid=11310&share_fid=3075) m
For Newb's: Turbos, 2zz, and now Supercharging
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: JoeCool on February 27, 2016, 00:19
You have to know what you like. Engines have characters. There is no 'best', there's just what you prefer (and can afford).

V6 gives linear grunt, same as a supercharger but with a better soundtrack.

Turbo builds power in more of a 'rush' as it spools and comes on stream - my personal preference is against turbos in light mid engined cars, only because it can get you trouble mid bend and takes a LOT of set up to get throttle response and stuff right.

2zz is a Jekyll and Hyde engine and I totally understand why they're a bit 'marmite'. They're underwhelming out of lift, and it's a real challenge to keep them in lift and on stream, particularly on pblic roads road. But they can be cheap and personally I enjoy the gearshifting bit of driving quickly.

K20 is a 'better' version of the 2ZZ swap - more power across the board and an earlier High Lift cam change for more flexibity... but it's a more expensive, difficult swap to complete.

In short, if you're even considering a swap you need to know what you like, then define and execute your plans. Otherwise spending will overtake return quickly and you may not even get what you wanted at the end.

Quote from: "cptspaulding"I do have a suspicion I would get addicted to the 2zz though & I hope someone will be kind enough to give me a hurl in one at the upcoming limits day.   s:D :D s:D    s:D :D s:D
Consider yourself booked in!   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
Title: Re: Best engine for my Mr2 ?
Post by: CrazySX on February 27, 2016, 23:35
Basically if you like a lump of low down torque then: Turbo, supercharger or V6.
If you like screaming up top then 2zz or k20