I was asked a couple of months ago if I had to get another car would I get another 2. I had no hesitation in saying yes of course. .... starting to think as much as I love mr MR2 maybe they should be left for ppl who can work on them themselves or have open ended bank balances.
But I have come this far with her. Don't think I could sell her. And let go of the lifestyle and friends she came with.

Damn, yeah head gasket would explain steam.
3sgte time?!

MIDN1T3
3sgte time?!

Choices choices.  Turbo, V6 has been suggested & I'm sure Tree is thinking "Go the Beams".
Will get mechanic to look tomorrow.  Pretty sure head didn't crack so that's a good thing.
Fix head gasket on this motor???, rebuild this one??   get another 3SGE motor with less KM????
Sleeping on it....................................... Don't need to make decision immediately. 
But don't much like parking the ute.

Actually, a 2gr v6 conversion would probably suit you better than a turbo. Linear power, torque and a decent upgrade from the NA.
Decisions haha

Feeling not so "aaarrrrggghhhh" this morning. 
Started ok this morning, drove 1 block to mechanic.  When he took the oil cap off there was no white stuff there, so that's a good sign.  Not a motor out job to do head gasket (as per knowledgeable MR2 ppl), so that's good.  Still a big job if that is the problem tho.  They will run tests today & let me know.

Pull the cap off the cooling system and start the car, watch for bubbles. If there are any bubbles, watch them closely to see if they release any puffs of smoke when they hit the surface, should start smelling like foul exhaust in there too.
My head gasket never showed any signs of water in the oil, but I found exhaust gases in my cooling system.
I presume the mechanic will do these tests anyway, but just for your information.

Mechanic has done all testing.  Head needs to come off & go to Engine place for them to test & make sure no cracks or anything.  Hard to give me a price, but hopes to have it done for under $2k unless they find something really bad.  Before you say anything.  I trust my mechanic, he has always looked after me.  And looked after my baby since I've had her (except for me taking her to Toyota a couple times.  bad move.........). 
I just gotta keep reminding myself.  "I love my little blue 2, she is worth it.  I love my little blue 2, she is worth it".
She's not just a car to get me from A to B.  Driving has become a lifestyle....... not quite like most of you guys, but certainly different to any other car I've owned.
 
lol, just had a thought I should do what you guys do with "re-builds".  go around there each day & take pics.  hehehe
 
"I love my little blue 2, she is worth it.  I love my little blue 2, she is worth it".
 

2k is good for a rebuild, would be good to know what it includes though and what they are doing/changing. If its done right you wont have any engine problems for a very long time. Might be worth looking at you clutch while out aswell if it hasn't been changed for a long time. For a few extra hundred could save you a  lot in labor down the line.

Only 2k for a head rebuild i think she meant.

Ohhhhh.......not so cheap anymore then.