Hi guys, I'm a new MR2 owner and am looking at upgrading the motor down the track.
I'm really enjoying the standard NA engine, and am thinking about upgrading to a Beams engine.
I've had turbo cars before (WRX and XR6T Falcon) and would prefer to stay NA for now.
Who has a Beams powered MR2, and what do they think of it?
I do realise its an expensive option compared to the turbo, but i like the idea of having something different.
Any feedback is appreciated...
 
Cheers
Rick

Hey Rick
Congrats on your new ownership of the MR2, they are such great little cars to drive around.
 
Compared to the older 3SGEs the Beams has much better low down torque and pulls great mid-high range. VVTi just improves it across the entire rev range. The another awesome characteristic is that distinct 4 cyl induction roar/growl thanks to improved intake plenum.
 
Don't forget that if you were to swap a turbo engine to an NA chassis it is recommended that you get the E153 turbo gearbox and driveaxles for longevity and high power (if upping boosting future) due to the amount of torque and better matched gearing. Taking that into account the Beams engine swap might even work out cheaper and more reliable (debatable) in the long run but only because there's less things to go wrong.
If you want something really exotic then can't go past 2GR but then you're looking at spending quite a bit...
 
Be sure to check out the FAQ on the far bottom right of the website on the guide to swapping BEAMS engine3
 
Feel free to ask more questions :)

Thanks for the feedback.
Is the standard gearbox ok with the beams engine?

From a bit of research before I did my swap many people have used their original gearbox without any dramas including me which also helps to keep costs down. That means no LSD but even with the BEAMS you will still find it difficult to side the rear out given good tyres. General consensus is S54 are quite robust.

Have you modified your Beams in any way?

Like Tree, I also have a BEAMS powered MR2 - I did the conversion back in 2010 and haven't looked back since. It's a nice a reliable daily driver.
 
The conversion cost me quite a bit only because I bought an engine straight out of a SW20 from Japan, then had the engine rebuilt with SXE10 pistons, and bought a brand new engine loom, and a full BEAMS loom (front, cabin and body)
 
Modification-wise my car has:
 
- Fujitsubo Legalis R cat back exhaust (soon to be changed with a rare Apex'i GT spec light sports muffler)
- SARD Super EX intake.
- TOMS brake master cylinder stopper
- Cusco front and rear strut brace
- TEIN FLEX coil overs
 
The only thing I want for my BEAMS car is a late model S54 gearbox with aftermarket LSD. Apart from that I plan to keep it fairly mild because I also have a genuine TYPE III SW20 GT-S I had imported back in 2001.
 
Would I recommend doing a BEAMS conversion - YES!! They sound great and the engine feels bigger than a 2 litre :). Dare I say it but i sometimes enjoy driving the BEAMS over my MR2 GT-S.

Is replacing the loom necessary? What other things do I need to consider?

Your existing body loom can be converted but you would have to handy with wiring or get a good auto electrician to do it. I was just fussy and wanted everything to work and be genuine BEAM stuff :)

It would be easier if you get a Genuine red top out of an SW20 but they are hard to source. The cheaper option would be get a grey top from a Caldina.

What did you do for your exhaust?