Hi everyone,
This is the build thread for my 1987 Toyota MR2 AW11.

I've owned it for a little over a year now, and it's been a blast to drive. However, the original 4AGE engine is a little tired and loves to chew through oil. After much debate of which engine to swap, the 2ZZ was selected in favor of the Blacktop and Silvertop. I was able to acquire a ZZT231 half-cut much cheaper than a Silvertop/Blacktop Engine/Transmission package, plus a 2ZZ is somewhat unique compared to the common swaps.
So here is the half-cut (Originated from a '99 JDM Celica)

 
After a few hours of work tonight, this is how it stands. Parts have been removed in preparation for the removal of the engine.
I will try to update the thread as much as possible, documenting the process as I go along.
 
 
Also, if anyone has any of these parts, please send me a message.
SW20 NA Axles
MR2 Spyder Dipstick & Tube
1ZZ Idler Pulley
 
Nelson.

Very keen to see how this goes.
A couple of questions.
What did the half cut cost?
What side of the gearbox is the gear selector?
Sorry I can't help with the bits you need - only a dub stuff in my shed.
P

Hey Nelson, 

Just be careful as the engine swap will not be P plate legal in Queensland

Cheers, 

-Eric

Update:
A few more parts of the loom disconnected and labelled.

Most of the time was spent trying to removed the seized CV shaft from the hub. Ended up cutting the ball-joint (seized nut also) to take the whole hub off.

- CV Shaft out on the passenger side.
 
Next up is to remove the CV from the driver's side, disconnect and label a few more wires/hoses, and the engine should be ready to come out!
 
Theorist -
The half cut cost $1550 from Just Jap in Sydney! Freight was an extra $275 to the Gold Coast. The gear selector is on the same side as the C52, so thankfully I don't have to reverse the shaft around! No worries! Thanks anyway.
 
Eric-
That's the least of my worries right now ;)
 
More updates to come soon!
Nelson.

That's going to be awesome. I have a 2zz spyder and am also on the GC so will be awesome to see it out. 
 

Hi, i am interested in your build. Good on you for having a go at it. I was interested in why you need sw20 axels? Are they the correct legnth for the swap? Or will they have to be altered?

Will follow with great interest! :)

The SW20 NA drive shafts fit the AW11 hubs and fit the diff in the C60 gearbox that comes with the 2ZZ. You can also build a 6 speed gearbox for the 4A AW11 using the same shafts, but fitting the C60 gear set into the C52 gearbox and swapping on the C60 5th/6th gear cover.

Minty looking AW11. Lets hope you don't get too much trouble from the popo. 
These cars turn heads, but I've never actually had any trouble so I reckon you'll be right. 

How'd you manage to jump straight into it? I started getting into cars when I hit my red Ps and I still know nothing haha

Knightrous
The SW20 NA drive shafts fit the AW11 hubs and fit the diff in the C60 gearbox that comes with the 2ZZ. You can also build a 6 speed gearbox for the 4A AW11 using the same shafts, but fitting the C60 gear set into the C52 gearbox and swapping on the C60 5th/6th gear cover.

So does that mean that the sw20 drive shafts are the correct lenght? And you don't have to go to the trouble of shortening 2zz celica ones?