MR2 Roadster Owners Club

Performance and sports cars are surprisingly tricky concepts.

For some, no doubt spoon fed by moto journalism, performance is speed and horse power.
For some a sports car needs to be foremostly nimble and fit for spirited driving.

The MR2 Roadster´s image has rather suffered from the former as Toyota never succeeded in properly selling the latter which was the design team´s thing.

Lotus illustrated the issue when they developed the Elise from a 120 hp propelled 750 kg go-kart with license plate to 400 hp, 1450 kg supercars, using the Toyota 2GR-FE V6 as power plant.

Now, Toyota never went that way, not even a single step. They never even dropped in the 2ZZ as that would stray from the principle, stating that more power would demand more mods like chassis reinforcement and and better brakes, meaning more weight etcetera, leading down an unwanted path.
The seemingly never ending forum quest for chassis bracing and TTE adding braces to even their very modest turbo power boost seem to proove the design team leader´s point.

This doés raises the véry interesting question; ´what happens if the Toyota V6 is dropped in the MR2 Roadster?´

What does it do for performance; in both power/speed and nimbleness/weight?
What does it do to the spirited driving; changing direction, balance, braking, etc.?

I really honestly don't think you loose anything from a handling point of view.
Currently driving a stock 1zz roadster with meister r and after market arb. It doesn't feel any nibbler to me.
Not that I claim to be the greatest driver or the most knowledgeable.

The extra weight at the rear will inevitably make it more snappy at the limit. Pretty sure it could be set up to manage though. Wider tyres, camber, aero etc..

I'd love to drive a 1zz, 2zz and v6 all with similar chassis mods back to back on track to see how they fair. I'd bet the 2zz would be the best compromise between the 3 as it still holds the stock weight distribution and kerb weight but with more hp and revs.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 19, 2020, 18:16I really honestly don't think you loose anything from a handling point of view.
Currently driving a stock 1zz roadster with meister r and after market arb. It doesn't feel any nibbler to me.
Not that I claim to be the greatest driver or the most knowledgeable.

There is very véry little comparative info out there. No measured weights I could find either.

I dó know, measured some differences resulting from taking 130-135 kilos óff. The difference in turning in and braking response is surprising. Especially the latter really surprised me.
I get a yearly reminder when I revert partly back for MoT ispection.

Comments that a 2ZZ needs extra bracing more than the 1ZZ are rife so the extra V6 torque/hp must have more effect on the chassis. I (sofar) only read comments on the effect of the extra torque on the (smooth) rate of progress of the car.

Quote from: Petrus on October 19, 2020, 17:41They never even dropped in the 2ZZ as that would stray from the principle, stating that more power would demand more mods like chassis reinforcement and and better brakes

I thought it was a gentleman's agreement with Lotus that precluded using the 2zz in the MR2.

My car when it was just a V6 was corner weighted at 1070kg.
A FL AC HT car isn't much lighter.

Quote from: JB21 on October 19, 2020, 19:13The extra weight at the rear will inevitably make it more snappy at the limit. Pretty sure it could be set up to manage though. Wider tyres, camber, aero etc..

I'd love to drive a 1zz, 2zz and v6 all with similar chassis mods back to back on track to see how they fair. I'd bet the 2zz would be the best compromise between the 3 as it still holds the stock weight distribution and jerb weight but with more hp and revs.

The ´track´ bit being the catch here. I bet that on most tracks the V6 would éasily have the legs of the 2ZZ.
Track comparisons are very misleading. See the track orientated shock/springs/ride height on real world roads.

Real life is different. The véry close shave I had this morning p.e. would have been a swiped front corner in OEM trim and that is just shed weight.
I feel confident about this as I part reverted back to OEM for MoT on Friday and than re-modded Saturday. I would nót have slowed down/ swerved enough in Friday´s trim.

Quote from: cptspaulding on October 19, 2020, 19:18

Quote from: Petrus on October 19, 2020, 17:41They never even dropped in the 2ZZ as that would stray from the principle, stating that more power would demand more mods like chassis reinforcement and and better brakes

I thought it was a gentleman's agreement with Lotus that precluded using the 2zz in the MR2.

Possible but imo Toyota would ony have agreed to that if they had no other plan anyway. The number of engines sold to Lotus is marginal in the light of how many Toyota produces.
The statements from the head engineer are very specific about the power.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 19, 2020, 19:20My car when it was just a V6 was corner weighted at 1070kg.
A FL AC HT car isn't much lighter.

Thanks!!!

My pfl is registered as 1060 kg on the vehicle tech docs. That is official weight with full tank, tools/spare wheel, no driver.

Quote from: Petrus on October 19, 2020, 19:25

Quote from: JB21 on October 19, 2020, 19:13The extra weight at the rear will inevitably make it more snappy at the limit. Pretty sure it could be set up to manage though. Wider tyres, camber, aero etc..

I'd love to drive a 1zz, 2zz and v6 all with similar chassis mods back to back on track to see how they fair. I'd bet the 2zz would be the best compromise between the 3 as it still holds the stock weight distribution and jerb weight but with more hp and revs.

The ´track´ bit being the catch here. I bet that on most tracks the V6 would éasily have the legs of the 2ZZ.
Track comparisons are very misleading. See the track orientated shock/springs/ride height on real world roads.

Real life is different. The véry close shave I had this morning p.e. would have been a swiped front corner in OEM trim and that is just shed weight.
I feel confident about this as I part reverted back to OEM for MoT on Friday and than re-modded Saturday. I would nót have slowed down/ swerved enough in Friday´s trim.

I just meant on track as in taking the car to and beyond the limit to gauge a real understanding of the differences.

On the road the differences would be minimal as scott says.

Also never said the 2zz would be quicker, but the best compromise in keeping the stock underpinnings.

Quote from: JB21 on October 19, 2020, 19:13The extra weight at the rear will inevitably make it more snappy at the limit. Pretty sure it could be set up to manage though. Wider tyres, camber, aero etc..

I'd love to drive a 1zz, 2zz and v6 all with similar chassis mods back to back on track to see how they fair. I'd bet the 2zz would be the best compromise between the 3 as it still holds the stock weight distribution and kerb weight but with more hp and revs.

Dont really want to get into the whole which engine is better debate again. We all have our favourite.

Its well known I'm not a 2zz fan and think a mild 1zz turbo is far superior.
Also I'm not a track guy so 10 10ths on the limit handling isn't an issue to me.
On the sort of roads I drive my V6 feels less skittish than the TF I'm currently driving but this could be down to tyres alignment etc.
The best MR2 I've been in was @ChrisGB 2gr.
Followed by @KRAMSNEHPETS 2zz rotrex.
If I was to do it all over again I'd try to be happy like @Ardent with a tte turbo and fresh stock suspension.

Quote from: Petrus on October 19, 2020, 19:33

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 19, 2020, 19:20My car when it was just a V6 was corner weighted at 1070kg.
A FL AC HT car isn't much lighter.

Thanks!!!

My pfl is registered as 1060 kg on the vehicle tech docs. That is official weight with full tank, tools/spare wheel, no driver.

This was with half tank and spare wheel but no tools or jack I don't think.

For me, less weight wins every time, everywhere. Then you don't need as much power.

I think consumerism is responsible for us being made to want more, faster, bigger, 'better' - and not just when it comes to cars..

I havent driven a stock car for 5 yrs so cant really remember the driving sensations but when I got the car back I didnt notice any difference in handling etc as that was a concern.

I just looked up the weight of the engines on-line which shows 135 kg for the 1ZZ and 158 kg for the 1MZ.

I thought it was a lot more so I am pleased!

As Scott says, dont want to get into a debate about which is best but I would just say that if you want to go V6, I dont think that a loss of handling or nimbleness would be a con in my view.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 19, 2020, 19:51This was with half tank and spare wheel but no tools or jack I don't think.

1070 is a véry good weight and more so with half a tank load plus stape.
The 2GR is an extremely light package.

Quote from: AdamR28 on October 19, 2020, 19:59For me, less weight wins every time, everywhere. Then you don't need as much power.

I think consumerism is responsible for us being made to want more, faster, bigger, 'better' - and not just when it comes to cars..

I have my own idea where it went/goes wrong concerning cars and that is motor journalists basically writing what pays the bills and the manufacturers want bigger = beter because more expensive = more revenue.
Take Lotus again. Look at the new price of the original Elise and look at the current crop; what will net them more?

As to the MR2 I´d lóve to be able to shed some more weight but now stuck and big bills items. Behind those on the list is the TRD supercharger kit.
That said, a lightened car with a 2GR... That is an áwsome lot of smooth engine extra for surprisingly little weight penealty. Ok, add some braces. Maybe ditch the rag top and bolt down the hard top with Snelbaards brackets.

Quote from: Topdownman on October 19, 2020, 20:03I havent driven a stock car for 5 yrs so cant really remember the driving sensations but when I got the car back I didnt notice any difference in handling etc as that was a concern.

I just looked up the weight of the engines on-line which shows 135 kg for the 1ZZ and 158 kg for the 1MZ.

I thought it was a lot more so I am pleased!

As Scott says, dont want to get into a debate about which is best but I would just say that if you want to go V6, I dont think that a loss of handling or nimbleness would be a con in my view.

Dont forget you've  got an S54 box same as me and thats a bit heavier than a C series box.

Quote from: Topdownman on October 19, 2020, 20:03I havent driven a stock car for 5 yrs so cant really remember the driving sensations but when I got the car back I didnt notice any difference in handling etc as that was a concern.

I just looked up the weight of the engines on-line which shows 135 kg for the 1ZZ and 158 kg for the 1MZ.

I thought it was a lot more so I am pleased!

As Scott says, dont want to get into a debate about which is best but I would just say that if you want to go V6, I dont think that a loss of handling or nimbleness would be a con in my view.

Dont forget you've  got an S54 box same as me and thats a bit heavier than a C series box.

Quote from: Petrus on October 19, 2020, 20:04

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 19, 2020, 19:51This was with half tank and spare wheel but no tools or jack I don't think.

1070 is a véry good weight and more so with half a tank load plus stape.
The 2GR is an extremely light package.

Mine is 1mz 2gr is a bit heavier but has 70 more bhp and 50 more ftlb. The 3mz is my favourite but you don't get them in the UK.

1zzfe - 224 lbs (dry)
2zzge - 253 lbs (dry)
3sgte - 421 lbs


V6
1mzfe non vvti, 348lb
1mzfe w/ vvti, 346 lb
3mzfe, 351 lb
3vzfe 469 lb
2grfe, 359 lb

Here are some engine weights.
Guess the iron block motors.

The 2gr is only 11lbs heavier than my 1mz.
Please remember this is not the complete picture you need a gearbox swap too.
And with a 2gr most people go for an E153 and thats a beast of a box.

I reckon old @Marc got it right with the 2AR idea.. bit more grunt but comparable weight..

Quote from: jvanzyl on October 19, 2020, 21:36I reckon old @Marc got it right with the 2AR idea.. bit more grunt but comparable weight..

Its toquey I'll give it that

I have, on the premises:

a stock PFL 1zz JDM with low ratio gearbox and LSD.  It has fresh standard shocks an springs. (Edit: Plus under bracing and strut bracing.)

A stock PFL 1zz supercharged with stock suspension. With Mattbrace

A (don't know how I got it!!) 1MZ V6 with a Rotrex supercharger, coil-overs and adjustable rear arms. With matt brace and FL front under brace.

At some point I might just drive them all, back-to-back on the same day and I'll report the comparisons.

At least it won't be guesswork and opinions without the evidence. ;)

That's a 3 car play off , perhaps this sums it up:
Some caution advised as Anglo Saxon language used:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZAe2o83w9k

A Carolyn grouptest!

Sounds like a plan to answer the original question.

It seems quite hard to confirm the actual weights of the engines and gearboxes on line as just been having a look at this again. One source quotes the 1ZZ dry weight as 102 kgs (2ZZ 115kgs) so presumably the 135kg I quoted above was the engine and gearbox combined so that would be 33kgs for the std gearbox?

This probably means that the 158kgs includes the std auto 1MZ gearbox so that doesnt help much if so!

All I could find on the weight of the S54 was some guy in the states putting one on his bathroom scales at 84.5 llbs (38.3 kgs)!

So about 5kg more in the gearbox but no answer on the 1MZ engine alone weight sadly.

Will wait for C's findings!

Quote from: Carolyn on October 20, 2020, 09:59A (don't know how I got it!!) 1MZ V6 with a Rotrex supercharger, coil-overs and adjustable rear arms. With matt brace and FL front under brace.

Beejeezus, thát will have some torque!!!
Is that gear all entered in the MoT tech specs?

Looking forward to that ´one day´!

Quote from: Petrus on October 20, 2020, 12:10

Quote from: Carolyn on October 20, 2020, 09:59A (don't know how I got it!!) 1MZ V6 with a Rotrex supercharger, coil-overs and adjustable rear arms. With matt brace and FL front under brace.

Beejeezus, thát will have some torque!!!
Is that gear all entered in the MoT tech specs?

Looking forward to that ´one day´!

We live in the UK just tell your insurance company and thats it.
None of this silly euro red tape. 😜

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 20, 2020, 12:49

Quote from: Petrus on October 20, 2020, 12:10

Quote from: Carolyn on October 20, 2020, 09:59A (don't know how I got it!!) 1MZ V6 with a Rotrex supercharger, coil-overs and adjustable rear arms. With matt brace and FL front under brace.

Beejeezus, thát will have some torque!!!
Is that gear all entered in the MoT tech specs?

Looking forward to that ´one day´!

We live in the UK just tell your insurance company and thats it.
None of this silly euro red tape. 😜

Was ´afraid´ of that.
I´d consider buying it with the mods entered in the vehicle specs. and vetted by the UK MoT. That is the loop hole for registration here. Well, till 31 Dec. 24.00 hours...

Quote from: Petrus on October 20, 2020, 13:33

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 20, 2020, 12:49

Quote from: Petrus on October 20, 2020, 12:10

Quote from: Carolyn on October 20, 2020, 09:59A (don't know how I got it!!) 1MZ V6 with a Rotrex supercharger, coil-overs and adjustable rear arms. With matt brace and FL front under brace.

Beejeezus, thát will have some torque!!!
Is that gear all entered in the MoT tech specs?

Looking forward to that ´one day´!

We live in the UK just tell your insurance company and thats it.
None of this silly euro red tape. 😜

Was ´afraid´ of that.
I´d consider buying it with the mods entered in the vehicle specs. and vetted by the UK MoT. That is the loop hole for registration here. Well, till 31 Dec. 24.00 hours...

Passes mot every year and you can just send off the for to the DVLA to tell them the engine has been changed by a qualified competent person.

.

Quote from: jvanzyl on October 19, 2020, 21:36I reckon old @Marc got it right with the 2AR idea.. bit more grunt but comparable weight..

Lost track. Is that still work in progress or job done now?

Quote from: Ardent on October 20, 2020, 15:28

Quote from: jvanzyl on October 19, 2020, 21:36I reckon old @Marc got it right with the 2AR idea.. bit more grunt but comparable weight..

Lost track. Is that still work in progress or job done now?

The more I look at it the more I'm not so sure about it.
Its sort of a half way house between 1zz and 1mz. It adds more weight than you would think too if wiki motors is to be believed.
Obviously if you could get your hands on the 8ar factory turbo engine that's a different kettle of ferrets.

Getting a bit off topic here but it seems to me that engine swops only work when there is a suitable donor engine that is readily available and cheap.

The engines that have been going into 2s are seemingly neither of those now in the uk.

Just had a look for Camrys, the cheapest was £2195 for a 2002! Lexus rx300 was £1995 (surprisingly cheaper) which is far too much to my mind. I am sure its much different in the states though.

Quote from: Petrus on October 19, 2020, 17:41This doés raises the véry interesting question; ´what happens if the Toyota V6 is dropped in the MR2 Roadster?´

What does it do for performance; in both power/speed and nimbleness/weight?
What does it do to the spirited driving; changing direction, balance, braking, etc.?

Well, I've been there and done it. I started with the stock face lift car which I drove for many miles, which was then fitted with a coilover kit (4Kg front / 6Kg rear spring rates), a full suite of Corky chassis bracing, then went turbo with around 235bhp and lb/ft at the crank, then engine and gearbox swap to a race tuned 2GR-FE and E153 gearbox, 300bhp/260lb/ft measured at the wheels, first with Toyota viscous differential, then later, Quaife ATB differential. I've also driven a few other roadsters.

Regarding weight differences, it all depends on where the weight is. A few examples of how different things affect the handling:

Bigger, heavier wheels and tyres make the car feel more planted, but also less agile, not less able to change direction, but somehow the car feels heavier footed, doesn't glide across the surface like the stock car does, doesn't respond to small inputs as well when the car is up on its toes, loses it's delicacy.

When I had the turbo setup, I had Pete at PTR Exhausts fab me up a cat back system that weighed 3.2Kg using thin wall tube and a carbon silencer. Removing the exhaust weight from high up and behind the axle line made the car seem more easy to settle at the rear end after turn in, subtle but different.

The V6 swap added a lot of weight, but in the same place as the previous engine. The differences in handling where not quite what I expected. Expectation was that it would be a handful. It had a short wheel base, no electronic traction control, no stability program. Truth is, it felt remarkably like the standard (well, braced and coilovered) car. Heavy trail braking into corners, no problem if you wanted to play that game. Delicacy and feedback through and coming out of corners, all present and correct, but with a lot more traction. Near limit adjustability, easier than the stock setup with more progressive transition into oversteer and a wider operating range of slip angle (not drift mind you) at sane speeds too. High speed stability (and it could go to high speeds very easily) rock solid well past the end of the speedo. Acceleration, comfortably under 4 seconds to 60mph with an easy going 1500rpm launch. Midrange acceleration, generally as much as you wanted any time you wanted it.

Subjectively, the extra acceleration and the V6 noise where really enjoyable. The extra punch, being so controllable, meant the car was the consummate B road toy. You could push traction as hard as you could push cornering, adding an extra dimension of challenge. Of course, one needed to be switched on if you where to go pressing the right hand pedal all the way down, and in the wet on R888R tyres, spinning up the rears in 3rd or 4th happened if the surface was not good, so you had to pay attention. The arrival of the Quaife ATB really helped with traction, but it was still very much a pay attention car. I would say that it was the most enjoyable car I have ever driven down a B road, permagrin (rictus at times) was guaranteed.

What was lost in the pursuit of the performance? Well, not any aspect of the handling, that's for sure. If pressed to summarise, I would say that handling retained the standard car's delicacy and added further options for interaction and predictability.  NVH took a major hit with solid engine mounts, but much of the control and feel improvements over the stock car, I think, stemmed from having the engine's mass controlled by the dampers instead of bouncing about in the engine bay on soft rubber blocks. Fuel economy, lets not mention that. Oh, and money, a lot of money. Worth every penny and my only regret was selling it.

Quote from: mr2noob on October 27, 2020, 01:23Personally, I'd prefer V6 3.0 vs either TTE turbo or 2zz swap due to the increased low end torque. I never go over 5k rpm in my car, so wouldn't benefit from 2zz in the first place, I'm always either low or mid range, plus V6 is lauded as much more reliable and bulletproof engine (read too many 2zzs explode). IIRC the weight difference is 50kg due to having to fabricate and weld additional supports in the engine bay.

Sadly doing this in my country is impossible, would need to buy an already modded example (with V5C updated for the swap) and no motors dealer in UK I've seen has ever been selling an engine-swaped MR2.

You're not the first person who's said that they don't use the full rev range of the 1zz.
I find this quite strange as it means you aren't using the engine to its full potential.
A V6 or a turbo would be good for you all that mid range torque means reving it out isn't necessary on a tte turbo could even be considered a waste of time.

Thanks a lót Chris.

I have gone lightweight wheels and it is what you describe with heavier ones but inverse. Definitely noticeable.

Yes, the OEM muffler is a heavy lump and easy to shed 10 kg on it. As it sits high and behínd!! the rear axle the effect ´weighs´ more that the 10 kilos. Removing the 10 kilo is both 10 liko less at the rear but has the effect of 1 more at the front. Ok, still only 10 resp 1 kg but it doés affect the balance. It is a bit like a few kilo only on the rear luggage carrier on a bicycle. You cannot feel it going up or down a slope but you wíll when changing direction.

Your observation on needing to be turned ON with the increased V6 torque has two sides; much more thrill and fun, as much narrower safety margin. I do miss torque about daily here with the steep inclines all over the place  but am pleased with the docile power of the 1ZZ several times more daily. I have the Torsen type OEM lsd and very happy with that even with the mild 1ZZ ´power´.

@1979scotte I do use the rev range. Not all the time ofcourse as most of the time you don´t gás it but several times daily yes. The no-muffler being so loud keeps me a bit more sane ;-) as I definitely rev/trash it more on OEM exhaust.

Quote from: Petrus on October 27, 2020, 09:26Thanks a lót Chris.

I have gone lightweight wheels and it is what you describe with heavier ones but inverse. Definitely noticeable.

Yes, the OEM muffler is a heavy lump and easy to shed 10 kg on it. As it sits high and behínd!! the rear axle the effect ´weighs´ more that the 10 kilos. Removing the 10 kilo is both 10 liko less at the rear but has the effect of 1 more at the front. Ok, still only 10 resp 1 kg but it doés affect the balance. It is a bit like a few kilo only on the rear luggage carrier on a bicycle. You cannot feel it going up or down a slope but you wíll when changing direction.

Your observation on needing to be turned ON with the increased V6 torque has two sides; much more thrill and fun, as much narrower safety margin. I do miss torque about daily here with the steep inclines all over the place  but am pleased with the docile power of the 1ZZ several times more daily. I have the Torsen type OEM lsd and very happy with that even with the mild 1ZZ ´power´.

@1979scotte I do use the rev range. Not all the time ofcourse as most of the time you don´t gás it but several times daily yes. The no-muffler being so loud keeps me a bit more sane ;-) as I definitely rev/trash it more on OEM exhaust.

I wasn't referring to you it was mr2noob.

You aren't the centre of the universe you know 🤪

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 27, 2020, 13:39I wasn't referring to you it was mr2noob.

You aren't the centre of the universe you know 🤪

I did not think you were...
Just thought to add that loud pipes save revs too apart from lives.

Quote from: mr2noob on October 27, 2020, 19:27

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 27, 2020, 06:38You're not the first person who's said that they don't use the full rev range of the 1zz.
I find this quite strange as it means you aren't using the engine to its full potential.
A V6 or a turbo would be good for you all that mid range torque means reving it out isn't necessary on a tte turbo could even be considered a waste of time.

The fault for that lies with my father who would always start yelling when i was a young driver if i went into higher RPM that he believed was necessary (aka over 3k rpm). So, even though I've been driving a long time and he almost never drives with me (he's too uncomfortable in the 2) it's like I have him on my shoulder screaming in my ear. xD

Plus, it's a 15 year old engine that's already drinking oil and when I rev it REALLY likes drinking fuel. xD

Dont buy a 2zz or a k20 thats all i can say.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 07:01Dont buy a 2zz or a k20 thats all i can say.

Remember the Lotus 907 engine? It was dubbed  "The Torqueless Wonder".

Quote from: Petrus on October 28, 2020, 08:47

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 07:01Dont buy a 2zz or a k20 thats all i can say.

Remember the Lotus 907 engine? It was dubbed  "The Torqueless Wonder".

No had to Google it.
Not that old.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 11:29

Quote from: Petrus on October 28, 2020, 08:47

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 07:01Dont buy a 2zz or a k20 thats all i can say.

Remember the Lotus 907 engine? It was dubbed  "The Torqueless Wonder".

No had to Google it.
Not that old.

Made in an updated guise til  ´99.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 11:29

Quote from: Petrus on October 28, 2020, 08:47

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 07:01Dont buy a 2zz or a k20 thats all i can say.

Remember the Lotus 907 engine? It was dubbed  "The Torqueless Wonder".

No had to Google it.
Not that old.

I am! But still needed to DuckDuck it.
Not usually a problem with a turbo diesel as is my daily and at £20 pa road tax that doesn't even warrant SORN!

Quote from: mr2noob on October 28, 2020, 13:47

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 28, 2020, 07:01Dont buy a 2zz or a k20 thats all i can say.

If I was rich enough to afford a K20 swap I might go instead for getting a whole S2000 next to my MR2 instead. xD

Would you be allowed to add a torque amp electric supercharger to your car?

Quote from: Topdownman on October 29, 2020, 11:34Would you be allowed to add a torque amp electric supercharger to your car?

That is functionally almost like Nitrous Oxide.

Still waiting to see some reviews about the torque amp but wasnt sure if this was a mod you can do in Europe?

It seems to offer a lot of benefits so I am hoping the driving experience is a good one and that it is a real alternative to the traditional turbo.

Quote from: Topdownman on October 29, 2020, 16:46Still waiting to see some reviews about the torque amp but wasnt sure if this was a mod you can do in Europe?

Not legally no.
Not without having it homologated which is véry complicated and not cheap.

QuoteIt seems to offer a lot of benefits so I am hoping the driving experience is a good one and that it is a real alternative to the traditional turbo.

No, not an alternative for turbo/supercharger/rotrex AT ALL. As I wrote, only an alternative for Nox.

Quote from: Petrus on October 29, 2020, 16:55

Quote from: Topdownman on October 29, 2020, 16:46Still waiting to see some reviews about the torque amp but wasnt sure if this was a mod you can do in Europe?

Not legally no.
Not without having it homologated which is véry complicated and not cheap.

QuoteIt seems to offer a lot of benefits so I am hoping the driving experience is a good one and that it is a real alternative to the traditional turbo.

No, not an alternative for turbo/supercharger/rotrex AT ALL. As I wrote, only an alternative for Nox.

Is that because the power boost will be short lived?
Can the battery only power it for a few seconds?

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 29, 2020, 17:12Is that because the power boost will be short lived?
Can the battery only power it for a few seconds?

That ánd it is not a contiuously ´on´ system. You need to swithc it to throttle and an on/off swith with only very limited gradual power boost.

Quote from: Petrus on October 29, 2020, 17:52

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 29, 2020, 17:12Is that because the power boost will be short lived?
Can the battery only power it for a few seconds?

That ánd it is not a contiuously ´on´ system. You need to swithc it to throttle and an on/off swith with only very limited gradual power boost.

I'm sure its the future.
With a standalone ecu it could work really well.

Quote from: 1979scotte on October 29, 2020, 19:53I'm sure its the future.
With a standalone ecu it could work really well.

I would say wait for that future to arrive.
The idea is tops. It ´just´ needs variable input from the tps.

It must also be noted that it either needs a by pass or ´robs´ power when not it use.

Still some glitches to be solved.

Till then imo a mechanical supercharger is the simplest, a turbo the most efficient and Nox the most hilarious.