01/24/2008 update:
I have launched a new website for this project.
Project MV8R: Sign up for free newsletter
12/11/2008 EDIT:
Announcing the world's first 2nd generation MR2 with a V8 that actually runs/drives! Go to page 6 of this thread for photos: http://www.motorgeek.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... &start=125
UPDATE: also see page 7 for more pix: http://www.motorgeek.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... 992#292992
Original Post:
There is a lot of interest in the MR2 community of putting a V8 into the Toyota Mk2 (mark 2 aka 2nd generation) MR2 chassis (1991-1995 in the USA, and 1991-1999 in the rest of the world).
Bill Strong with his Cadillac NorthStar V8 in the Mk1 chassis, which he calls "ToyStar" www.v8mr2.com has been an inspiration for us for some time. However, he cut the car severely (most of us are not willing to go that far). Additionally, we have working against us, is the fact that the Mk2 have a NARROWER engine compartment than the ealier generation. (Please note that the motor is transverse in all years/gens of MR2).
Back when I bought my car, I had intended from the start to do a Toyota V6 with a Turbo swap. Some others have attempted to use the Toyota 4.0 Liter V8 ( engine code 1UZ-FE) in the Mk2 chassis, but so far, no one has completed a swap. This engine also requires extreme cutting of the unibody subframe and shock towers, due to the engine length.
I decided to take a different approach. I am not so mired in the "keep it in the family" mentality, so I did a survey and search for all compact V8 engines that were readily availble used. The first obvious choice was the Yamaha/Ford SHO 3.4 motor used in the mid-90's Taurus SHO car. However, this motor is NOT much more powerful and torquey than the MR2 Turbo 4 cylinder motor. It would be easier and more cost effective to just hop up our current motors. And that's even before we get to the Cam sprocket issues the SHO had.
Anyway, eventually, I found out about the Volvo XC90 motors, but these are still very rare and very expensive ($4500 to $5000, no accessories).
That led me to the Audi motors.
Hilly's project on this forum with the Audi motor swap into his '81 Esprit gave us a LOT of insight as to what we are up against. http://www.motorgeek.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9648
I am starting this project thread, to let you all know what we are up to, and to hopefully, get some technical input on this swap.
I have already outlined the project, and tried to anticipate as many issues as I could. Since Motorgeek members are not able to view posts on MR2OC, without becoming members (Free to do by the way), I have re-posted many things below.
and post your questions or comments to this thread in MotorGeek.
Thank you everyone!
cbulen
I have launched a new website for this project.
Project MV8R: Sign up for free newsletter
12/11/2008 EDIT:
Announcing the world's first 2nd generation MR2 with a V8 that actually runs/drives! Go to page 6 of this thread for photos: http://www.motorgeek.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... &start=125
UPDATE: also see page 7 for more pix: http://www.motorgeek.com/phpBB2/viewtop ... 992#292992
Original Post:
There is a lot of interest in the MR2 community of putting a V8 into the Toyota Mk2 (mark 2 aka 2nd generation) MR2 chassis (1991-1995 in the USA, and 1991-1999 in the rest of the world).
Bill Strong with his Cadillac NorthStar V8 in the Mk1 chassis, which he calls "ToyStar" www.v8mr2.com has been an inspiration for us for some time. However, he cut the car severely (most of us are not willing to go that far). Additionally, we have working against us, is the fact that the Mk2 have a NARROWER engine compartment than the ealier generation. (Please note that the motor is transverse in all years/gens of MR2).
Back when I bought my car, I had intended from the start to do a Toyota V6 with a Turbo swap. Some others have attempted to use the Toyota 4.0 Liter V8 ( engine code 1UZ-FE) in the Mk2 chassis, but so far, no one has completed a swap. This engine also requires extreme cutting of the unibody subframe and shock towers, due to the engine length.
I decided to take a different approach. I am not so mired in the "keep it in the family" mentality, so I did a survey and search for all compact V8 engines that were readily availble used. The first obvious choice was the Yamaha/Ford SHO 3.4 motor used in the mid-90's Taurus SHO car. However, this motor is NOT much more powerful and torquey than the MR2 Turbo 4 cylinder motor. It would be easier and more cost effective to just hop up our current motors. And that's even before we get to the Cam sprocket issues the SHO had.
Anyway, eventually, I found out about the Volvo XC90 motors, but these are still very rare and very expensive ($4500 to $5000, no accessories).
That led me to the Audi motors.
Hilly's project on this forum with the Audi motor swap into his '81 Esprit gave us a LOT of insight as to what we are up against. http://www.motorgeek.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=9648
I am starting this project thread, to let you all know what we are up to, and to hopefully, get some technical input on this swap.
I have already outlined the project, and tried to anticipate as many issues as I could. Since Motorgeek members are not able to view posts on MR2OC, without becoming members (Free to do by the way), I have re-posted many things below.
and post your questions or comments to this thread in MotorGeek.
Thank you everyone!
cbulen