2ZZ Swapped: 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder
The W30 generation MR2 Spyder (1999-2007) was the last of the line for Toyota’s mid-engine runabout that had started life way back in 1984. Unfortunately, this latest version was available without a fixed roof or any manner of forced induction like previous versions– and stranger still was the fact that Toyota never put the more powerful Celica GTS engine under the rear deck. The 3rd generation MR2 was a great handling little convertible, with an extremely low curb weight of around 2200 lb, and seems like a perfect chassis to put the hotter 2ZZ inline-4 behind the seats. Find this 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder offered for $6,800 in Fresno, CA via craigslist.
From the seller:
2001 toyota mr2 spyder
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 150800
title status: clean
transmission: manual
Hi Craigslist,The cheapest MR2 Spyder selling on Craigslist in California. If the post is up that means the car is available. Chassis Miles: 150,800. Clean Title. Cold AC.
Car runs very well, no leaks, no grinds, no funny noises.
Selling as I don’t have the time for a project car anymore 🙁Pros:
-2ZZ swap! ~90k miles on engine (Toyota’s answer to the b18c, if you are familiar with Hondas. Revs to 8200, ~170-180whp)
A lot of work done to get the car approved by the BAR so it can be registered and driven legally on the road
Tasteful modifications to improve the handling of the car (I have a list I can send via text message)
An awesome tool for driver-mod
Garaged and always well maintained
Better than a miata (I’ve owned two in the past)
Interior in great condition except for the carpet which I usually put a floor-mat over.
A lot of uninstalled extra parts that are included in the sale price (A brake upgrade, Headers, Midpipe, the list goes on).
Cons:
Will not smog until the car passes BAR inspection, I did a BAR inspection and the Referee provided a list of the things that need to be attended to, I will elaborate with the buyer
Check Engine Light (P0141), went on after I changed the ECU from a JDM to a USDM one (again to pass BAR). I will sell the JDM ECU with the car
Clear coat has failed in areas and is fading in others (pic included)
Contact me at: 5fivenine 3nine4 oneeight25
Interested offers only
I am firm on price as I am including so much for the price.
Cash Only.
See a better way to drive something red? tips@dailyturismo.com
Something like “for an extra $2000 It’ll pass BAR” would clinch the sale. Getting someone else’s mystery project to pass BAR sounds like the opposite of fun.
Except that it’s already 20+ years old. Couldn’t you trailer it to a state where 20+ year old cars are smog exempt and get it titled there?
-Stan (who has owned his share of smog-exempt oldies but goodies…)
From the perspective of an inhabitant of the great state of anarchy (Florida) where there’s no inspections and people drive rolling disaster/pollution mobiles, this modded MR2 looks divine.
DT has helpfully provided the descriptor tag “Late Model”. this thing is 21 model years old! If dawn of the 21st century is the 2022 bar for being late model, then only 1 in my fleet does not qualify, unless 1987 still passes muster for that exalted term.
Maybe age is all in your mind, notthor…
-Stan (who is REALLY old…) 😜