What engine does a MR2 have?
The Toyota MR2 is a popular mid-engine sports car that has been produced in various generations since the 1980s. At the heart of this iconic vehicle is a carefully engineered engine that provides the power and performance that MR2 enthusiasts have come to expect.
The MR2's Engine Specifications
The Toyota MR2 has been equipped with a range of engine options over the years, but the most common and well-known is the 2.0-liter inline-four engine. This engine, known as the 3S-GE, was used in the first three generations of the MR2 (AW11, SW20, and ZZW30).
The 3S-GE engine is a naturally aspirated, dual overhead cam (DOHC) design that produces between 138 and 217 horsepower, depending on the specific model year and tuning. It features variable valve timing, which helps to optimize power and efficiency across the engine's rev range.
The Advantages of a Mid-Engine Layout
The placement of the engine in the middle of the MR2, behind the driver and in front of the rear wheels, is a key part of the car's design. This mid-engine layout offers several advantages:
- Improved weight distribution: The engine's location helps to achieve a near-perfect 50/50 weight balance, enhancing the MR2's handling and stability.
- Better traction: The rear-mounted engine provides more weight over the drive wheels, improving traction and acceleration.
- Responsive handling: The mid-engine layout gives the MR2 a nimble, agile feel, with quick turn-in and excellent cornering capabilities.
These factors, combined with the 3S-GE engine's performance, have made the Toyota MR2 a beloved sports car among enthusiasts for decades.
Can you put a V8 in an MR2?
Best way to put a v8 in an MR2 without cutting it in half is making a custom subframe to hold the 4.2l Audi V8 and using only the front CV axles of the trans, deleting the section going to the rear wheels of the Audi.
What engine fits in a Toyota MR2?
For all those reasons, one of the best engines for an MR2 swap is the 2GR-FE. This naturally aspirated 3.5-liter aluminum V6 is lightweight and will more than double the base MR2's power output.
Was the MR2 ever supercharged?
In 1986 (1988 for the US market), Toyota introduced a supercharged engine for the MR2. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a small Roots-type supercharger and a Denso intercooler.
Why are MR2 so rare?
In the early 2000s, the worldwide market for sports cars was shrinking. The MR2 had nowhere near the level of recognition and presence in the marketplace that the Mazda Miata could claim at the time. Another factor was high production costs in Japan, which led Toyota to cut some corners in the MR2 Spyder's interior.
Which MR2 is supercharged?
In 1986 (1988 for the US market), Toyota introduced a supercharged engine for the MR2. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a small Roots-type supercharger and a Denso intercooler.
Which MR2 has a Turbo?
The fastest model of the Toyota MR2 is the Mk2 Turbo. A standard Mk2 has a 2.2-litre inline-four engine and a 130-hp from the Toyota Camry. MotorTrend says buyers can opt for a much more powerful engine like a 2.0-litre turbo.
Is the Toyota MR2 fast?
At the test track, our supercharged MR2 turned in a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.5 seconds and ran the quarter-mile in 15.0 seconds at 91 mph. That's enough to hold off a Porsche 944S in the stoplight drags.
What years of MR2 to avoid?
There are really no truly bad MR2 years, but the early days of the third-generation MR2 Spyder, roughly from 2000 to 2002, saw complaints about excessive oil consumption and a variety of other new-model problems. This doesn't mean these cars should be avoided at all costs, but more careful inspection is warranted.
Which MR2 was supercharged?
In 1986 (1988 for the US market), Toyota introduced a supercharged engine for the MR2. Based on the same block and head, the 4A-GZE was equipped with a small Roots-type supercharger and a Denso intercooler.
What engine is in the 1991 MR2?
For its high-sport engine option, the new MR2 borrows the lusty turbocharged and intercooled 3S-GTE 2.0-liter four developed for the Celica All-Trac. In 1991 trim, this twin-cam, sixteen-valve engine produces 200 hp at 6000 rpm and 200 pound-feet of torque at 3200.
