- Sep 12, 2001
- 48,518
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My mechanical achievements include turbo gasket replacement ('91 MR2), doing a head gasket ('86 MR2) with my uncle, brakes and a bunch of suspension-related stuff. I have never done a ground-up engine rebuild...closest to that was when a buddy of mine helped me replace a piston in my SV650.
I found a high-mileage 3VZ-FE for free. I also found a 1991 Toyota MR2 (non-turbo) with a bad (automatic) transmission..for $600.00. The factory turbo 5sp transmission will bolt right up to the 3VZ. The 3VZ will bolt right up in the MR2 engine bay with one custom bracket (can get one now for $130).
Initially I was thinking about getting the MR2 and just replacing the transmission or doing a 5sp swap..possibly keeping it for my sister or flipping it. Now, I'm thinking about grabbing the engine and giving it a good once-over..some head work, then maybe valves/springs and possibly cams - ideally I'd like a safe 8k redline (stock fuel cut is 7100rpm), and waiting for a clean shell to swap it into. The $600 one needs some body work / rust repair (both door skins, driver's fender and rockers). I hate rust.
/pondering
I found a high-mileage 3VZ-FE for free. I also found a 1991 Toyota MR2 (non-turbo) with a bad (automatic) transmission..for $600.00. The factory turbo 5sp transmission will bolt right up to the 3VZ. The 3VZ will bolt right up in the MR2 engine bay with one custom bracket (can get one now for $130).
Initially I was thinking about getting the MR2 and just replacing the transmission or doing a 5sp swap..possibly keeping it for my sister or flipping it. Now, I'm thinking about grabbing the engine and giving it a good once-over..some head work, then maybe valves/springs and possibly cams - ideally I'd like a safe 8k redline (stock fuel cut is 7100rpm), and waiting for a clean shell to swap it into. The $600 one needs some body work / rust repair (both door skins, driver's fender and rockers). I hate rust.
/pondering
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