5k: Avalon Power: 1987 Toyota MR2 1MZ V6 Swap
The first generation Toyota MR2 was a lightweight 2-seater budget sports car built in Japan from 1984 to 1989. The faster version had a small Roots-type supercharger mated to an inline-4 cylinder and made 145 horsepower…not exactly a screamer by today’s standards. Stick a big V6 from a Toyota Avalon into the back and suddenly things get exciting. Find this 1987 Toyota MR2 with 1MZ-FE Swap offered for $4000 in Upland, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rod S.
The original 1.6 liter 4-banger has been replaced by a 1MZ-FE V6 from a Toyota Avalon. The 3.0 liter 1MZ engine is rated at 192 horsepower and 208 ft-lbs of torque stock– this one should be good for a few more ponies with an intake and exhaust upgrade.
This isn’t a pretty example of a AW11 generation MR2 and the paint is flaking off like peeling bits of skin from a bad sunburn….but it is being driven by the owner as it should be..sideways on a track. Many owners shy away from showing pictures of their cars on a track because many sellers know that each track mile is like 100 road miles on the wear parts, but savvy buyers know that people who track their car will replace certain components (brakes, bushing, tie-rod ends, shocks, ball joints) due to the fear of potential death.
See a better way to get a paint-ready V6 powered MR2? tips@dailyturismo.com
Uh… you tell me your MR2 has a V6, you show me the ****in' V6! haha
What a ridiculous ad. I remember seeing the car for sale before, but can't remember the V6. I do remember the monstrous amount of lean, though. It would have been easier to buy a Solara V6 and manual tranny. TRD does have a supercharger and LSD for the 3.0L Solara's.
My kinda car. Cept in I can't see the most important part.. The swapped in engine. Looks like it could be fun little track rat if one can handle the auto transmission.
William – the E153 tranny listed by the seller is a conventional 5-speed gearbox. Should be a great little track rat!
EIC Vince