Hi all!
 
I'm looking for a MK2 MR2, hopefully 3rd Gen for my next car. I'm kind of undecided between NA and Turbo though. I'll be using it mainly for commuting in and out of work but want to build a fast street car that I can get into some track days with. I'll be looking in the next month or so with a budget of about $8k.
 
I've had a BPU TT Supra and a Honda Civic EK4 before and although totally different I loved the way each drove, and to be honest the Civic was much more fun through the twisties!

Welcome
 
Since you're looking at building a fast street car...The turbo is the way to go, its a great package from the box and with simple mods can see some great increases in power. The NA is still a great package that has a similar output to that of a VTEC equipped Honda but is not the nicest NA out there interms of being rev happy and the delivery of power. Dont get me wrong the NA is still an absolute blast in the twisties however on the straights im sure it will leave you wanting more, especially after owning a TT Supra. Unless you're willing to sink some doe into building the NA to make it a truly great NA your money is better off spent with the turbo if power is your main goal.
 
Dont feel too put off by the NA though. Mine puts a smile on my face everyday, even when in peak hour traffic. I can assure you that you will love either one.
 
 

VVT na coult be an option too.... they scream.

^^ I total agree with 'DECO'.  I think you may find a budget of $8K a little low if you are wanting to purchase a Gen 3.  But you never know what you will find.  Good luck & welcome also.

i was thinking sw20 red top... not zzw30

Carmikey

^^ I total agree with 'DECO'.  I think you may find a budget of $8K a little low if you are wanting to purchase a Gen 3.  But you never know what you will find.  Good luck & welcome also.

Maybe look into gen2s. I got mine for half of that (lucky yes but you can definitely pick up a great example for 8K. And im my opinion id rather a gen2 turbo than an NA 95.

Thanks for the good advice guys!
 
Deco, I get what you mean, the thought of building a proper balls out NA is an attractive idea, but when there is a turbo variant already it seems a little pointless. Its something I'd love to do to my EK4, which is waiting for me back in Scotland.
 
adisco, A rev 3 would be great, but thats by no means a dealbreaker, there are so many more to choose from when looking at rev 2's as well. I'll probably be upgrading the brakes and suspension first of all anyway, looking for a well kept car.
 
With the Supra there was BPU (basic performance upgrade) essentially stage 1 getting the most out of the stock turbo system, are there any guides etc outlining the mods required for that on an MR2?

(same as the supra) x .666
 
theyr'e pretty similar engine wise is a lot of ways (and share parts) but the 3s-gte only has 2/3rds the cylinders. getting the heat out is more of a challenge on the MR2 and offers greater comparative rewards... and theres some finnecky differences about less capacity to build initial boost (same turbos were used on each).... but the principles are all the same... make it flow, crank the boost and keep it cool.

Thats pretty much as I thought TRD2000, is there a guide anywhere of exactly what you need, how much boost the standard turbo can handle etc?
 
Edit - Also, I got insurance quotes from RACV and Just Car, does anyone have any other recomendations? Shannons declined to quote.

mustang


adisco, A rev 3 would be great, but thats by no means a dealbreaker, there are so many more to choose from when looking at rev 2's as well. I'll probably be upgrading the brakes and suspension first of all anyway, looking for a well kept car.

With the Supra there was BPU (basic performance upgrade) essentially stage 1 getting the most out of the stock turbo system, are there any guides etc outlining the mods required for that on an MR2?

 
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm
 
BEST READ. highly recommended