My 2000 Blue MR2 1ZZ-FE--->2ZZ-GE--->K20A2 fast road/track build

[manos3003]

So, my car has decided it's time for the swap without my concurrence. Clutch started slipping on WOT a couple days ago. I've already bought a Helix Stage 1 for the 6-speed, so this will be done on the swap.

New ABS rings from Toyota for my halfshafts too, along with a CV boot kit.

Swap work starts straight after holidays, so stay tuned for more  s:) s:)

[manos3003]

Been a while, now starting the swap very soon, so an update on things so far.


1. Exterior/Paint
a. [strike:2sgli8x3]Facelift (bumpers, headlamps) - fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
b. [strike:2sgli8x3]HZ Performance spoiler - painted, fitted, brake light soldered on 3rd brake light[/strike:2sgli8x3]
c. [strike:2sgli8x3]Black Pack paint scheme (hardtop, side vents, badges, front and rear grille in gloss black) - complete[/strike:2sgli8x3]
d. Discreet rear diffuser? - Research

2. Interior Trim
a. [strike:2sgli8x3]Widermuller's knobs - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
b. TTE Chrome pack - Pending
c. [strike:2sgli8x3]Armrest- Fitted, thanks James  s:D s:D  (monkeysmr2)[/strike:2sgli8x3]
d. Some leather reclining buckets - Pending
e. [strike:2sgli8x3]Clear courtesy light cluster - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
f. [strike:2sgli8x3]LED interior lighting - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
g. [strike:2sgli8x3]Short Shifter- Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
h. [strike:2sgli8x3]Rexypow centre console- Wrapped in leather,fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]

3. Powertrain
a. 2zz-ge + 6 speed gearbox - Planning
b. LSD adaptation - Planning, also needs new bearings
c. Upgraded sump - Pending
d. Engine mount - Rogue will supply their own
e. CV joints replacement? no need, inspection showed they're healthy
f. Cooling (for sure an oil cooler) - Pending
g. Celica Manifold, Cobra backbox - Pending
h. Air intake: Custom pipe with MAF housing and CDA cone - Pending

4. Chassis
a. [strike:2sgli8x3]X-brace - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
b. [strike:2sgli8x3]MeisterR Coilovers - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
c. [strike:2sgli8x3]MTEC Discs - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
d. [strike:2sgli8x3]Yellowstuff pads - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
e. [strike:2sgli8x3]Polybush kit - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
f. ARB replacement - To powdercoat existing set and keep

5. Electrical
a. [strike:2sgli8x3]New head unit for phone connectivity - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
b. [strike:2sgli8x3]Brighter bulbs for my FL headlamps - Fitted[/strike:2sgli8x3]
c. Re-route window disable switch for DRL - Planned
d. Remove aerial and blank rear right quarter - Planned




Looking good. Engine-wise, I've replaced pretty much everything on the 2zz (rocker cover gasket, lift bolts, water pump, oil pump, timing kit). I've left head gasket for now, as I'll be digging into the head in a year's time or so, when I upgrade cams.

Photos of the build will be posted soon  s:D s:D

[Topdownman]

How are you finding the polybushs?

[manos3003]

How are you finding the polybushs?

Been living with them for 6 months now, I'd say the car's reasonably road-compliant. Not too stiff or unpleasant in any way.

[Topdownman]

Thats good to hear as its something I am thinking about at some stage (well, either polys or new rubber ones but polys can be had in a nice easy set!).

[manos3003]

Thats good to hear as its something I am thinking about at some stage (well, either polys or new rubber ones but polys can be had in a nice easy set!).

Yeah, polys are easy to find as a set. I'd recommend you inspect all your bushes before changing and see whether ancillaries need refurbing or swapping. It'll be a good time to do it as you're already gutting these areas to remove the old bushes.  s:) s:)

[jvanzyl]

Hey Manos,
Did you ever get round to fitting your FL headlights with the MIkeV adapters along with the kit from the retrofit resource you mentioned a while back? Would be great to see pics of these things in action as I've got myself some FL headlights and the MikeV adapters..

[manos3003]

Hey Manos,
Did you ever get round to fitting your FL headlights with the MIkeV adapters along with the kit from the retrofit resource you mentioned a while back? Would be great to see pics of these things in action as I've got myself some FL headlights and the MikeV adapters..

Hiya,

Yes indeed and it's pretty straightforward, as they're plug n play. I'll upload pics during the weekend.

Cheers,

Manos

[manos3003]

It's about 2zz swap time folks!   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  

Got the Corolla to run, the starter motor needed replacing with an OEM spec Denso one. Ran a compression test and the results were better than expected, so all is well!   s:D s:D    s:D s:D    s:D s:D    s:D s:D    s:D s:D  

Stripping the donor has commenced! Loads of swearing over rusty bolts, as expected.   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

There'll be parts available for selling on the Corolla forum, whilst the BIW with all chassis bits will pay a visit to the scrappie very soon!

Engine is out for a good blast, major ancillaries will be refreshed including:

• OEM Water pump - changed
• OEM Oil pump with a better spec gear from Eliseparts - awaiting the gear
• Rocker cover gasket - done
• Lift bolts - done (cams seem in a good nick)   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:
• Timing chain (the dude who supplied me the water and oil pump sent a Zuiko timing kit, but thinking to get an OSK one, as that was the preferred supplier for Toyota)
• Oil and Fuel Filters - done
• Clutch - done

On other bits:

• thinking of re-using the 1zz sump as it's better baffled for now, get a Morosso later
• Either find a C66 from an FL or fit a longer 6th on the C60
• 2zz flywheel has been sent off for machining, let's see how light it'll get   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  
• Stock C60 or C66 reverse blockout will be used, not MWR

So, a good chunk of oily work is ahead.

Then off to Rogue to finish what I'll leave off, potentially wiring loom, connecting the Power FC and getting a cat pipe for my current exhaust solution in place.

[jonty]

Hey Manos, that's all sounding pretty exciting, glad the corolla engine seems good. My 2zz is awesome, just steer clear of the che exhaust header, the only people who seem underwhelmed by the conversion have used that exhaust. Looking forward to seeing progress, I need to get mine looking a bit sharper as it's very tatty...

[manos3003]

Hi mate, currently pondering on getting the PPE from MWR as it's on sale, or a Zero. I'll eventually design my own, with the intention of allowing people to copy it if I see it's good.   s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  

As for the engine, I think it's best practice to do as good a service/overhaul as you possibly can prior to transplant. It gives you a good reference point when it comes to maintenance.

I'd recommend you do a compression test and take it from there. It's a fairly bulletproof engine, so numbers shouldn't be too shabby.   s:D s:D  

Hey Manos, that's all sounding pretty exciting, glad the corolla engine seems good. My 2zz is awesome, just steer clear of the che exhaust header, the only people who seem underwhelmed by the conversion have used that exhaust. Looking forward to seeing progress, I need to get mine looking a bit sharper as it's very tatty...

[jonty]

Totally agree, it's so much easier to resolve when out the car! I did a full bearing and seal replacement before fitting mine, but didn't do a comp check, but it runs sweet as you like. Need to do done standard maintenance stuff though, it's not getting too much love on the daily driver duties currently!

[jonty]

Oh, and the exhaust sounds a great idea! Not sure if there's much on it with zero or PPE, both seem well made, zero is stainless though, PPE is just coated mild I think?

[manos3003]

You are correct, I was thinking of improving PPE on my own design, with a bit more gentle angles on the primaries; reduces pressure drop, every little helps.   s:) s:)   Obviously, T304 or better grade is what I'd go for.

Zero is indeed T304, so tempted to go with it, as it'll sell easier later if I decide to part ways with it.

Oh, and the exhaust sounds a great idea! Not sure if there's much on it with zero or PPE, both seem well made, zero is stainless though, PPE is just coated mild I think?

[manos3003]

Yeah, I somewhat neglected the 1zz as I was using it for daily and ended up running minus 1 cylinder due to misfires. I know what it is, just can't be bothered to fix an engine I'll be dumping soon.

Might make a coffee table out of the crankshaft   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

Totally agree, it's so much easier to resolve when out the car! I did a full bearing and seal replacement before fitting mine, but didn't do a comp check, but it runs sweet as you like. Need to do done standard maintenance stuff though, it's not getting too much love on the daily driver duties currently!

[jonty]

Yeah mine needs love, but I'm terrible for not getting stuff done... Too many other projects!I think I'll end up paying someone to do some of the jobs and stop trying to fool myself that I'll get around to it...

[manos3003]

Surely oil, plugs and filters are a quick job? Shame we don't get any good weather, love working outdoors on a sunny day. Now, it's all done in a single garage with TONS of LEDs and some really tall axle stands.

Yeah mine needs love, but I'm terrible for not getting stuff done... Too many other projects!I think I'll end up paying someone to do some of the jobs and stop trying to fool myself that I'll get around to it...

[jonty]

Yes but I have a 1yr old and a workshop where I'm working on carbon stuff, as well as a wife who has hobbies of her own, so time is at a premium... But yes it is simple and i should do it!!

[manos3003]

The carbon stuff thingy sounds interesting  s:D s:D

Yes but I have a 1yr old and a workshop where I'm working on carbon stuff, as well as a wife who has hobbies of her own, so time is at a premium... But yes it is simple and i should do it!!

[jonty]

Yeah I'll have to share some stuff some time, the problem with 2 of the cars we have, 200sx and the mr2 is that the prices are so low you can't charge sensible money -for instance we've made prepreg door cards for the 200sx that I'd like to retail around £1500, which is half a car (or a compete mr2!). Currently working on s2000 stuff which is my brother's daily, but want to make parts for big boy stuff like Porsche gt3 and Gtr etc in the future...

[manos3003]

You have aroused my...curiosity   s:D s:D  

Good thing I'm a ChemEng and I've played with all sorts of composites in uni. Might do some carbon stuff for my car if I have time and appetite at some point. We'll see.

Yeah I'll have to share some stuff some time, the problem with 2 of the cars we have, 200sx and the mr2 is that the prices are so low you can't charge sensible money -for instance we've made prepreg door cards for the 200sx that I'd like to retail around £1500, which is half a car (or a compete mr2!). Currently working on s2000 stuff which is my brother's daily, but want to make parts for big boy stuff like Porsche gt3 and Gtr etc in the future...

[PhilMC]

You are correct, I was thinking of improving PPE on my own design, with a bit more gentle angles on the primaries; reduces pressure drop, every little helps.   s:) s:)   Obviously, T304 or better grade is what I'd go for.

Zero is indeed T304, so tempted to go with it, as it'll sell easier later if I decide to part ways with it.

Oh, and the exhaust sounds a great idea! Not sure if there's much on it with zero or PPE, both seem well made, zero is stainless though, PPE is just coated mild I think?

I'm sure there was a guy on the UK Facebook page selling a 2zz Zero manifold for £250?

[manos3003]

Mark Burton, known as Meeerk here. Yes, I'll be contacting him about it.

You are correct, I was thinking of improving PPE on my own design, with a bit more gentle angles on the primaries; reduces pressure drop, every little helps.   s:) s:)   Obviously, T304 or better grade is what I'd go for.

Zero is indeed T304, so tempted to go with it, as it'll sell easier later if I decide to part ways with it.

Oh, and the exhaust sounds a great idea! Not sure if there's much on it with zero or PPE, both seem well made, zero is stainless though, PPE is just coated mild I think?

I'm sure there was a guy on the UK Facebook page selling a 2zz Zero manifold for £250?

[PhilMC]

Yep, the very same one LOL. I wasn't sure you were allowed to mention his name on here......a bit like "Jehovah" in Life of Brian.   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

Mark Burton, known as Meeerk here. Yes, I'll be contacting him about it.

You are correct, I was thinking of improving PPE on my own design, with a bit more gentle angles on the primaries; reduces pressure drop, every little helps.   s:) s:)   Obviously, T304 or better grade is what I'd go for.

Zero is indeed T304, so tempted to go with it, as it'll sell easier later if I decide to part ways with it.

I'm sure there was a guy on the UK Facebook page selling a 2zz Zero manifold for £250?

[manos3003]

I don't think there's much rigidity on that, since he decided to leave for his own reasons. Anyway, let us not digress   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  


Edit: Mark's zero manifold is now MINE  s:D s:D  I'll be getting it when he gets it off his car    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:    s:bounce: :bounce: s:bounce:  

Yep, the very same one LOL. I wasn't sure you were allowed to mention his name on here......a bit like "Jehovah" in Life of Brian.   s:lol: :lol: s:lol:  

Mark Burton, known as Meeerk here. Yes, I'll be contacting him about it.

I'm sure there was a guy on the UK Facebook page selling a 2zz Zero manifold for £250?