It's been a while. Since I last posted a lot has happened with my MR2.
I decided to replace the engine with a gen 4. I wanted to do the conversion to a decent standard and update the look just a little at the same time.
Thanks to Connen and Simon at Canterbury Car parts for supplying the engine, a set of Tom's C7R wheels, and a gen 3 lip!
The first thing was to get the new (to me) engine up on the stand and take off all the accessories. The gen 2 accessories transfer across and in my opinion fit better.
I removed the old engine from the bottom by lifting the car and dropping the engine and gearbox onto a dolly and pulling it out.
I replaced any gaskets and seals i came across and also the timing belt, tensioner, water and oil pump.
The exhaust manifold showed signs of leaking so this was ground down and a new gasket fitted. I had to helicoil a couple of the threads as I couldnt get enough torque. Here is the turbo mocked up with the freshly surfaced manifold. One custom part needed for the conversion is the downpipe.
I cleaned the engine up and painted the rocker cover. I ordered new intercooler pipes from Prime in the states to match up to my greddy style intercooler. I had to change a couple of silicon pipes to get it to fit but otherwise happy with the parts.
While the engine was out, I cleaned up the bay, removed a few bits that were now obselete and dropped the tak to change the pump for a Walbro 255. I also changed the filter. A custom fuel line was also required.
heres me preparing to raise the engine back in. I dragged the engine under the car then lowered the car onto stands and used the crane to lift it into place.
Here is the engine reinstalled.
I was relieved that it started first time. I did have to solve some coolant leak issues. I ended up replacing the coolant tree with a new gen 3 part from Amayama.
I bought a full set of Bridgestone RE003's as a life insurance policy. The fitment of the Tom's was great. I love this look below but I had to raise the rear a little as the handling was suffering. I rolled the arches all round.
Here she is on her maiden trip. ignore the dodgy reverse light switch
Currently the car is back in the garage as I need a new alternator. I would love to also replace the exhaust. the new Greddy system looks tempting but pricey.
