2ZZ - Swapped Toyota MR2 Spyder 5-Speed - One Take
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- Опубліковано 4 жов 2024
- This Toyota MR2 Spyder is a stock-looking example with a secret: the "Good Toyota engine," the 2ZZ 1.8L four-cylinder used in the Lotus Elise and Corolla XRS has been swapped in to match with the stock 5-speed manual gearbox. As we learn, if Toyota had made this engine standard in the MR2, it would have been awfully competitive with the much more expensive Lotus Elise.
For you OG One Take members: This is the guy with the Honda Fit that Matt drove forever ago!!! I recognized him instantly!
was that the blue fit that had a lot of braces on?
A classic and proper One Take. A unique budget build that proves big power or lots of cash is not needed to have a lot of fun. And back to the early launch time. Thanks Matt!
Every time I see an mr2 vid I end up spending like 2 hours on Craigslist looking at mr2s and parts
and then you remember that you're allergic to them and turn into one.
same, I start looking for 2nd gens; also when an s2k video pops up i do the same thing. However, I'm more likely to end up in a miata and mod the crap out of it, wither with an LS swap, or more realistically, a turbo.
car guy problems
This clean 2nd gen MR2 Turbo just sold on BaT for $18,250: bringatrailer.com/listing/1993-toyota-mr2-9/
I think that really shows where the market for those is headed.
same..... then I spend same amount of time staring at my bank account hoping it will riseeeeee
the 2zz is so underated! that fly by sound with the top down never gets old!
V-tech Honda’s get all the credit. The coveted Acura Integra Type R had the exact same power output at a 2ZZ, with virtually identical characteristics, yet noone praises these things. They are awesome motors. Incredibly hard to get more power out of without FI though
@@dr.lyleevans6915 i mean you can only do so much with a 1.8 inline 4 tbh. I think they're already pretty nicely pushed in stock form
@@dr.lyleevans691510 hp over the 2zz with the b18 having a smaller bore and longer stroke.
@@dr.lyleevans6915 because even a b18b in a type r ek9 used to run circ;es around a celica gts in those old best motoring videos
finally found an MR2 -- rare in Canada so had to import from the US... arriving tomorrow!
Can't believe Mr 2 s are rare in Canada
The 6 speed box does make a big difference. The way the 2ZZ delivers it's power, you really need the closer ratios to stay on lift. Also, lift is 6,200rpm, not 6,700. At least it is in proper JDM/Euro/Aus 2ZZs with 190hp. Not sure if the lift is different in the weaker 180hp US 2ZZs.
BTW, I'm planning on doing this from the opposite way around: I daily a 2ZZ/6 speed Corolla Sportivo, and am looking for a cheap MR2 to swap the gear from the 'Rolla into. I'll likely find an MR with the crappy SMT gearbox and a blown engine, so I can get it as cheap as possible lol
2ZZ swapped MRS' are awesome!
I know people will swap the 1ZZ to a 2ZZ.
The transmissions gearing is what would make another big difference. I am surprised he left the 5 speed. Hopefully he swaps it in and we get a revisit.
Yeah, the higher rpm redline of the 2zz pairs much better with the 6 speed. It basically means you can use the 10-15% shorter gears, but you're not shifting any more often than the 1zz because 15% higher redline.
@@frederickschulze8014 That's really good math. 🧮
I appreciate you sharing this knowledge. Are you an engineer or in an industry that uses a lot of math?
I wish Toyota made a trd edition with the 2zz to compete with the mazdaspeed Miata.
For real. If they could slap a supercharger on it in the 80's, why the hell not make a powerful one, in the 2000's
And the Supercharged Mk1 MR2 was pretty fast for its day. It even had one of the quickest 0-30mph times if I'm not mistaken.
Because somewhere between the awesome Toyotas of the 90's and this, Toyota lost their balls.. Now, all they do for enthusiasts are a few half heated badge engineering efforts.. Tear.
Apparently in Japan they did come with the 2zz but for some reason they chose not to realize it here.
On paper at least, the 2ZZ Spyder is faster without forced induction.
I have a 7th gen celica with the 2zz and it's a lot of fun!
I literally searched for this swap + smoking tire. Did not disappoint... 👍
as an XRS owner, I can firmly say the close ratio 6spd is much better suited to the 2zz's powerband. you're missing out with the 5spd, especially with the higher lift engagement. difference is significant
yan b right!
A little insider information. Lotus made Toyota agree not to put the 2ZZ in the MR2 because they didnt want it hurting the Elise/Exige sales. These are still an incredible driving car either way. Also to note, the 1ZZ is a very reliable engine. They only burn oil due to poor maitenence.
No, they burn oil mainly due to 1) poor piston ring design and 2) the pre-catalytic converter breaks down and gets sucked back into the exhaust, which is why a lot of 1ZZ spyder owners eliminate this when they first get the car. Also, the 1ZZ rods are like tooth picks.
Well I won't argue with you about certain issues with the MR2 cats. As well as the piston ring design flaw in the 1ZZ. I do feel the need to defend the engine itself though. I have owned 3 different 1ZZ FE vehicles, none ever had oil burn issues. My current Corolla is 19 years old with 250k. It still burns No Oil. I don't deny the defect, just that proper maintenance and care helps these engines oil burning. They are truly not as bad as people say.
My 1zz burns over 1ml per mile 🤣
This is like mine! 2ZZ 5speed, same header, and ECU. Mild suspension. Love it!
What gearbox you using?
Dude, you GOTTA get the ECU tuned; talk about bang for the buck! I got an R9K tune for my Corolla XRS (same motor) and it comes on cam down in the 5K range - much smoother of a transition into lift, and much more of it! You can have him just mail you a pre-programmed ECU for under $400 and plug it right in. You can see one on my BluestreakCorollaXRS channel if you're interested.
SparkyS2K fit 2zz mrs plug n play
Just did this to my 2005 Vibe GT, and it's the real deal. The motor should have come from the factory with that tune. Definitely recommended.
@@disgruntledfaerie Hi , I will do it on my 2003 VIBE (1zzfe). Im getting the 2zzge today! But I keep the C59 5spd tranny(low budget swap). What you did on the Harness and ECU ? let me know thanks !
Still one of the most fun cars I've ever owned!
Agreed
Honda Fit guy! That car was awesome, too. Matt turned into a giggling school girl in that one. It's always great (really great) to see Matt genuinely happy to drive a car!
ua-cam.com/video/LS0Pju83ruw/v-deo.html
My 1zz rod knocked in august. I'm excited to pull the trigger on the 2zz swap, and mine is already 6speed swapped too
Matt seems to always have fun with any car tha has the 2zz motor now thats saying something.
dont believe you just put this up, i was just looking at these
david hopkins that always happens to me as well haha.
Find one there one of the funnest cars. I️ have been daily driving one for 2 years now
Same, sw30?
"LOOK AT THAT 5 LITER!"
Someone loves their mustang.
Trust me you need a 6 speed out of Corolla T-Sport or a Celica. The gearing is a lot shorter and you don’t lose the lift between gears. Suits the 2zz way better. Also it should activate lift at 6200 rpm.
Awesome car by the way
yep c60 trans
Mine lasted over 200k. The 5speed that is.
TheManInDboX where did you hear That? The internet? They are the same basic gear box design. C60 is just as strong as the 5 speed.
sasajungic89 I agree, the 6 speed was designed to keep the 2zz in lift between gears. The 5 speed in the mr2 wasn't that bad with the short 3rd, 4th and final drive but there would be a noticeable improvement with the 6 speed.
Agreed. 6 speed if staying n/a, 5 speed if going f/I.
My 1ZZ-FE has 125k and it's not sipping oil or leaking. It's not the smoothest sounding engine I've ever had but it's about as noisy as any other I4 I guess. It's had a header on for a while so I don't think the pre-cat issue ever happened with this one. It's a 2003 model year so maybe it'll go ahead and squeak on for another 100k. :) It's a weekend car and usually doesn't get above 4k RPM so I don't think it's going to have too many problems. I'm glad I sold a car for $9k so I could buy the MR2 for $6k and a daily for $4k. It's really working out.
read that as 2jz
Senan Jayathilake me too 😭😭
And for a moment I was like "Damn he fit a 2jz into an MR2".. and then I realized it was 2zz.
Senan Jayathilake I wish it had a 2J
ጬ I wish it had the 6 speed
me too lmaoooo
Matt is called the SMT sequensial manual transmission, it uses exact same transmission and clutch as all manual transmission (5or6 sp) but it has 3 SMALL hydraulic cylinders. 1 control clutch actuation and 2 control X and Y axis in the H pattern.
@thesmokingtire the 6speed is better for the power band of the 2zz. You wont drop out of VVTI .
you still drop out 1-2 and if your not careful 2-3 as well
It's VVTLI for the 2zz. "Lift".
Not the regular VVTI in the 1zz.
mike sloat you can stay in lift if you power shift 1-2
Vtec bro
Skip to 1:02 in this vid and you'll see I
basically stay in lift on the 1-2 shift but it's hard on the syncros lol
ua-cam.com/video/VLfAszaSeTs/v-deo.html
MR2 Spyder........best kept secret and future classic.
Can only hope, I have a late model one in pristine nic with 50K kms. Also have a Celica 2ZZ with 24K km and considering swapping the motors . . .
this is such a viable project its definetly going on my bucket list
6 speed is also an lsd where as the 5 speed is open diff, the Elise uses the same engine and it's not 40hp difference it's more like 60 which is splitting hairs but in that car it might well be a hundred, that car with the 2zz is how they should have come standard, it's just an absolute blast to drive
When I parted out my celica gts, the guy that bought the 2zz was putting it in a mr2 also.
miss my GT-S soooo much!
I've got a 1zz '01 Spyder. Patiently waiting till I have an extra $5k to swap. Even in stock form it's probably one of the most fun cars for under $5k (with the manual gearbox). But man the stock 115ish wheel horsepower is just not enough and lift is so fun. Can't wait.
Hello, hope you were able to do it man, gonna buy a gt-s next week, can't wait !
dude was thinking about turbo charging his 1zz and then he realized he is in California
I'm the E36 M3 he mentioned at 11:20! LOL
This was one of your best one takes Matt!!
Love these kind of cars. Makes me think I can afford mountain biking AND a fun car, LOL.
Hey! This is the turbo Fit dude!
Good memory! I just re-watched the Turbo Fit review!
1zz Vs 2zz. 200bhp- 2zz is best, 200-300bhp 1zz turbo is the cheapest option but 2zz turbo/supercharged more reliable, 300-350bhp 2zz turbo/supercharged as 1zz would need to be build. 350+ doesn't matter, both engines need to be built.
I had this engine in my Corolla T-Sport. With the 6 speed you can stay on lift as long as you shift right at the top of the rev range. That 5 speed will drop you out of lift. Sold it eventually as I was bored of having to totally be on it all the time to have fun.
Love my 2003 MR2 5 speed. These cars are seriously underappreciated, and they can be modded to the moon and back for not much money. With a small turbo kit and 6 speed LSD on the stock 1ZZ motor, you can easily put down 200whp and have a fast, fun car.
I have one of these, same year, same color, bought it for $800 after the 1zz threw a rod. Did the 2zz swap myself...probably the easiest swap out there. One custom motor mount, some light machining on the shift mechanism, re-pin about a dozen wires and add 3 new ones for the lift control. You can buy an (overpriced) swap header or modify one from a Celica GTS yourself. All told, I spent only about $4500 or so on the car and a few weekends.
The '02 Celica GTS ECU actually revs to 8600, not 8200 as the video mentions. Anything more than that and the stock oil pump explodes.
The 6 speed C60 trans is critical, the closer ratios let you stay on lift (just barely) between gears. Find one with a helical LSD if you can. Without it, my car will spin a wheel on damp surfaces when the lift hits in 2nd gear and you need to be patient rolling on the throttle out of low to medium speed corners.
It's about 200lb heavier than the 2nd-gen Elise and not nearly as stiff.
People do the K20 swap on these occasionally and there is aftermarket support for it. To me the added expense and complication combined with a hefty weight penalty (150+ lbs) in an already rear-biased car isn't worth it. SCCA puts you in the worst possible class if the logo on your motor doesn't match the one on the car and I'm sure other groups do as well. IMHO 180-200 HP feels about right for this car, a K20 could add significantly to that but I think it would fundamentally change the nature of it, making it less fun to drive. If you really need more power you could add forced induction to the 2zz and probably still come out ahead of the NA K20 in terms of time/effort/cost.
In my mind, there are 2 obvious comparisons for this car...
Previously I had a stock NB Miata. I'm a big guy, at 6'2" the Miata was a tight fit, the Spyder is cavernous in comparison. My head would hit the top support bar in the Miata, I can drive the MR2 with a helmet on and the top up. The lack of a transmission tunnel in the MR2 means my knee isn't jammed up against the steering wheel and there's more than enough seat travel.
On the downside, the lack of a trunk is a bummer. I think the Miata is a better-looking, but not nearly as interesting or rare. Something about a mid-engined car just makes the MR2 more unique and special but if I'm honest, it's not a manly-looking car by any means. The real Achilles heal of the Spyder is the suspension, it's way out-classed by the Miata. Most of the inadequacies can be mitigated but doing so requires a lot of attention and expertise.
The other obvious comparison is the Elise. Clearly the Spyder is strongly influenced by it. The shape of the rear air intakes, raised headlights, interior design and of course the drivetrain all scream Lotus Elise. Toyota has always had a strong relationship with Lotus (my Esprit has AE86 taillights and Celica front brakes) and I've always thought there must have been some agreement between the two companies regarding the Spyder. I suspect this may be why Toyota never offered the 2zz. The inferior suspension and less rigid chassis combined with the lack of a rollbar (or targa configuration) meant meant that the MR2 wouldn't be competing on track with it's Lotus cousin, at least not without significant modifications.
Pete Frazier how is the mr2's suspension worse than the miatas?
Not that bad on the suspension department.. I believe it's more cushy like all Toyotas.. But that is manageable, add some chassis bracing on top of that and you're good to go! Agree 100% with all above said, you seem to know your stuff!
The basic MR2 Spyder layout (wheelbase, interior space) are better thought out than the Elise. I always thought that the MR2 Spyder was more of a return to the MR2 mk 1 roots than anything else.
You want the 6 speed. I have one, being able to stay in lift changes the experience. Poor man's lotus for a reason.
Had a crazy college buddy with one of these. Tried to outrun a cop with it, ended up underneath a 18 wheeler trailer which ran over the back of the car! Lucky to be alive.
As a former owner of both a 2006 Lotus Elise (stock) and a 2002 MR2 Spyder (stock on Tien lowering springs), I refuse to believe there is hardly a difference between the two cars, even with engine swaps and such. I loved both cars and have nothing bad to say about either. An Elise just feels as pure as it gets.
Alex P mr2 for the money
This is pretty cool and cheap. And it sounds great for a 1.L four-cylinder. I kinda want one now.
FYI: The 2000, 2001, and 2002 models had the *"pre-cat engine problem"* where IF the pre-cat failed, ceramic bits would get sucked into the engine and destroy it.
Beginning with the 2003 model year, the problem was fixed. The older models can be fixed as well (before the engine is damaged) and I believe there's a technical service bulletin for it.
False misinformation, precats fail because bad piston design causes oil burning
Dennis is right. I removed the pre-cats and the engine still burnt oil.
@@dauwg99 What model year did you have?
@@taekwondotime 2000
@@dauwg99 Okay well I'm not sure what else they fixed between the 2002 and 2003 model years but I've had mine for 10 years now with no problems. The 2003, 2004, and 2005 models don't have the precat/oil burning issue. That's specifically why I bought one from 2003 and newer.
I'm doing a swap in my Miata right now, I already put in an ECU to the old motor. Cars have a handful of sensor inputs and wires for them that make them run and a few other ancillary systems and when you get the ropes, it's not so bad.
if lift is hitting at 6700 go get a ecu from a 03 trix or celica to get it down to 6200
i had a corolla xrs and this is what i did. really woke the car up.
Is there a somewhat inexpensive standalone option?
mike sloat or get the jdm celica ecu and youl lift from 6000 to 8500
But his redline will be lower. Besides a tune can bring the lift accusation rpm down.
Yeah, but then you loose the 8200 redline. Best to just do the trans swap, add a lightweight fly and go with lightweight wheels. It'll feel like you gained 30-40 more ponies, never drop out of lift and feel way more nimble. Will be able to keep up with his friend's E36 in the twisties then.
I bought a tuned ECU from @R9K for a little over $300, one advantage being entering high lift MUCH earlier - I think around 5800 RPM. That makes a huge difference that eliminates the gap in lift between 64 MPH and 74 MPH. I can get into lift in 1st gear and stay there all the way up.
Hi what's the name of tuned ECU?
Finally a mr2 spyder that does the mr2 zzw30 some justice, too bad this car is stock cosmetically, and 5 speed.
Put a lip kit on this car, 6 speed c60 lsd trans, makes it beast. That last mr2 spyder you had, the red one with the sequential m/t... was a horrible respresentation on how great the mk3 mr2 is.
I think dropping it an inch and putting elise wheels on it would make it look really exotic. heres one
tweak3d.net/temp/spyder/lotuswheels_19.JPG
Needs a 6 speed corolla/celica box to keep it in the lift. I had one for a while with a 2zz, lsd, 6speed box. Incredible cars.
I've been waiting for someone to do this swap for so LOOOOOOOONG!
Such a sweet little car with the 2zz swap. My buddy had one but it still had the 5 speed in it. Still had some get up to it though
If he got the engine from Japan as he said he did, it's running 190 like the UK spec engines. Really needs the 6 speed though. Massive improvement on these engines. Common swap in the UK too. 3 grand sounds mad expensive to do the swap though. The engines go for like 500 quid in the uk
2ZZ GANG
2zz gang 2zz gang 2zz gang I fuck a bitch I forgot her name 2zz gang
Lol bros I have a Pontiac vibe gt with a 2zz in it hahahaha it's my first car and it's so fun to play with. Too bad it's front wheel drive.
Wolf Rose 2ZZ GANG
the reason most people do the 6 speed as well is because the gears are closer, meaning you can stay on the hot cam through every shift. Torsen LSD is pretty mandatory for this too, and it's also a toyota OEM part.
The gears are not closer, the six speed literally just adds another gear on top of the 5th. The final drive ratio is what can make the gears closer together. It depends on what ratio your stock 5-speed came with in comparison with what ratio the 6-speed comes with.
@@Chilicharger665 The C60 trans from the Corolla T sport and Celica is different to the C66 from the 03+ MR2s. The C60 has noticeably shorter gears
My Dad had a stock 2002 MR2 with 158 HP and it was sick...
Tell the FORZA guys to put the bloody MR-S back into the game!!!
It's been missing from the last several versions. One of the funnest cars and best to mod...in the superlight/ME/4-banger division there's nothing in the game now but open-wheelers, elises and the sadsack X19.
shaft9000 I agree.
Agree! I had to get the 360 out of the closet and throw in Forza 4 to try the Mr-s out while I’ve been shopping for one.
So damn true! Still play Forza 4 just because of that. I've got a few killer B class and it's always my go to car. But they need to bring it back and allow widebody and multiple engine swaps.
With the removal of Toyota from the game, the fact they're releasing crap DLC and the direction they're taking with the game I doubt it.
There's much more chance of it appearing in GT Sport, they're releasing the Supra next week!
mtprince09 GT-sport we get the supra really
Those cars are so much fun. The stock felt like a micro-Le Mans racer... I took a Porsche 911 driver for a ride and cornered it and he went "Whoa...this thing is insane..."
Anyone can do this on their own. It is a great car with this swap but the 6 speed makes it even better.
The only one upgrade to having a 6spd is being able to keep it in lift a bit longer until you tune it and lower lift point.
I have a 2001 w/ rebuilt zz1 with conp. cams at @ 165 hp. I have 230K miles and a smile a mile. May be small but more fun than you can get outdoors. Oil problem was caused by overheated piston tops, more oil return holes under oil rings would have been the answer to cool piston skirts. An automotive Engineer and a MR2 lover. Live in state that makes me comply w/ Cal. regs, costs me a fortune for Catilitic converters and cant buy All weather radials in the tire size bought with. Expensive wheel replacement if you live in New Englind during the winter. I drive this vehicle every day.
Ayyyyyyye fun Turbo Fit guy! This car is another awesome budget but super fun looking build. I love this car. It sounds great too.
Only problem with the 2ZZ is the oil pan if I remember correctly. Otherwise a brilliant engine!
FINALLY! Haven't watched yet but FINALLY Matt is driving a 2zz Spyder!
Been waiting for this one since you mentioned it on the podcast.
Which podcast was he talking about this car?
Simon Tuman I can't remember last week's podcast let alone 2 years ago.
@@mallratt25 LOL Fair Enough
Interesting, my stock 2zz Matrix XRS comes on cam at ~6300. It has 250,000 miles and still running strong.
You must have a 2003 XRS? You guys had the best 2zz tune outside of the Elise.
I got a corolla xrs 2005
ppe cold air intake
intake port & polish
r9k reflash
ppe headers
2,5 catless with resonater
trd axle back
Exedy oem replacement
350k kilometers still fucking strong and he dont want to die
@@sam_caron9587 dang didn't know these engines where so strong. I've always thought 2zz were known to fail its rod bearings due to the oil pump or something like that..
Satisfying to see a knowledgeable Toyota enthusiast 👍 not all 1ZZ's burn oil...just 98% 🤣
Same haha
Lol they kinda tried to fix it after like 03, but it still burns a little XD
TRD jojo many Honda’s are the same way 😂😂😂😂. They’re still great motors tho.
got a reman block 1zz without pre cats and it still burns oil
if you want a wagon/hatchback with the 2zz, go for the vibe GT/ Matrix xrs
Yes I have a vibe gt and it's pretty fun. I'm 18 and my dad bought it for me definitely a great time with those cars. My first car too.
Trust I've driven both the 6speed and 5 speed gear boxes, and anyone who's thinking of swapping the 6 in, I'd say do it. The gears are so much tighter, the 5 speed is geared for economy, came in cars like the Corolla le.
Morning Dump Squad reunite!!!
Unite.......my shit feeling tight
Yes sir lol
Ayyyeeeeee
Boy if you don't. I'm still doing breakfast
im holding my dump back to watch this in bed...#discipline
It really needs a 6 speed!! gearing is completely different and makes it loads better keeps it in cam, i accidently ended up with a stock mr gearbox, it was disappointing.. box change made the car!!!, great vid as always though!!
They made less and less spyders each production year up until 05 which it’s rumored they sold less than 2,000. They sold somewhere around 28,000 total during the whole 5 years, so they’re not the easiest cart to find.
Adding the 6spd makes the 2zz much more usable. The 5spd has too tall of gears and drops out lift every shift and you lose momentum at that point.
does the 6spd transmission fit on the MR2?
@@KiNG-fr5ib yeah, you could bolt it to the stock engine if you wanted. You can use the stock axles as well. You do need to charge the selector shaft and a few things to make it work with the stock shifter.
@@Marko343 mmm glad to hear that. Thanks for the explanation
I did it with the 6 speed. Well worth it.
Strange that Matt's Vincero watches remarkably all look like Rolex's? 😂🙈
AH yesss. Vtec without being Vtec!
I have driven a (EU) Corolla T-sport with this engine. To me it felt really torquey for a high-revver. But those last 2000 VVTL-i rpms (it starts from ±6k) felt kinda useless in day-to-day driving.
STRGHTSXBNZ I believe that was the point. You have a normal "1.6 corolla" until you rev the hell out of it. Two cars in one package.
Same thing with Vtec Honda's, I can take my EG9 on trips and it takes just over 0.6L/10km, and when stepping on it all kinds of fun can be had!
Nissan VVL too.
That was actually their reasoning for going with the 1zz. In day to day driving the 1zz was plenty for a fun night car.
It's not that useless, also due to the way the lift works it could not engage much earlier (maybe with an aftermarket ecu, and then again not much lower than 5500 rpm).. It's an economical Dr. Jekyll /Mr. Hyde commuter! With an lsd diff and a light weight flywheel it really wakes up and puts its power to better use!
Someone give this man a first gen already! Dope spyder :]
2AR swap is what you should do, about the same HP as a 2ZZ, but better curve and more torque, Gouky has a swap kit for it
My cousin bought a vibe gt with the zz motor and a 6sp for 500 bucks. Awesome beater
If there are cheap ring/pinion options a higher final drive ratio would kick ass!
"If they know, they'll jack up the price" #IknowwhatIhave
I originally read the title as "2JZ Swapped Toyota MR2 Sypder 5-Speed" and got really excited. Then I realized that it was a 2ZZ and was still interested, but not quite as excited. Now I want to build a 2JZ MR2, just to see if it is possible.
theres absolutely no point, youll destroy the whole car just to get some overweight overhyped engine into it, and end up with a 3000lb MR2
*The 2ZZ engine was going to be the next engine Toyota put in the MR2 Spyder* . It's no accident that it fits in the MR2 Spyder without modification. However, sales of the MR2 tapered off drastically in the US and Mazda never boosted the HP of the Miata (so no HP war was ever triggered between the two). Toyota said forget it and decided to stick with the 1ZZ engine until the car was retired in 2005.
I think it was more than that and there was an agreement with Lotus not to put the 2ZZ in the Spyder because it would have taken sales away from the Elise. The ZZ30 was not much heavier than the Elise and it certainly would have undercut the Elise sales. Maybe not the Miata but Toyota could have also gone after the S2000 with a 2ZZ Spyder.
If you squint at :36 you would swear this was Toyota's attempt at replicating the Porsche Boxster ... Or maybe Porsche used that side intake design for their 981 model ;^) either way, mid engine handling and 8000 redline makes for a really fun car!
2ZZ’s make maximum HP AND torque after 6200rpm, thats what gives that nitrous-shot feeling 🤗
What a car, what a road.
You coming to the East Coast when it gets warmer, Matt? I have this same engine, plus the matching 6-speed, in an '88 MR2 chassis with T-tops in the Boston area. It's even closer to being the Poor Man's Elise (tm) with its manual steering.
He should supercharge that instead of turbo. Would keep the N/A type powerband and be awesome.
Exactly!! In my opinion the supercharger is much more fitting for the 2zz,more usable than a turbo.. Nevertheless a 2zz with say a rotrex is more linear than a turbo but is still rabid! And full of torque, not very high torque in numbers, but a lot of torque where it's needed! Let's not forget the insane response the 2zz has..
You Need a six speed box for the 2zz.. You would get a faster high lift ..So you keep in the engine power band with shorter gears
2ZZ numba 1! Love seeing fellow 2ZZ owners
I discover this video just a couple weeks after the engine in my MR2 Spyder died and have to sell it for scrap because I can't afford an engine swap.
I want to cry
Now were talking. Good way to finish off the one takes!!!
6 speed would’ve been better. Keeps the car in lift after every shift
This is the guy with that honda fit
My brother had the same setup. Maybe with practice it was batter but keeping it on the high cam was really hard to do.
2ZZ-GE for life!!!!
"I do not think that is much better with 6-speed"
False, 2zz is a must have with C60 6-speed, gear ratios are perfect for lift landing in this combination... with 5-speed its just "meh"
That's it. I gotta do the 2zz swap. Dammit Matt.
Even better with a K20. 😎
Not correct. Lotus chose the 2ZZ because it was one of the lightest engine/transmission combo with the C60 transmission. K20/tranny combo was a lot heavier (which is why RSX was over 300 lbs heavier than Celica GTS).
You mean that heavy hunk of metal that managed to be heavier than an ls3?
yer an idiot
K20 is a better engine and gearbox for sure. Would suit this car perfectly
Even heavier its faster...
ZZW30! hell yes. These are like 10,000 plus on the east coast after the pandemic, stock. Covid caused used car prices to go up by an average of 20%.
Beat up or crashed Celica gts with a good powertrain: less than 2k - whatever you sell the rest of the car for.
Clean MR2 with a bad engine and/or clutch: 2-3 depending on mileage.
+Some bracing, lowering springs, and exhaust = Lotus Elise with power steering
BETTER then the Miata 💯
Toyota please bring this back. We see your bringing back the Supra which is epic can't wait to see that spinning around in the Toyota showroom. While your at it being back the Celica and fun to drive corolla models !
Toyota4Life quick question: don't people swap the 2ZZ into the MR-S because of its long rev longevity? (Rev limit)
nah MX-5 is more fun on the limit, MR.2 may be faster but having driven lots of both give me a MX-5/Miata any day!
B Hew um yeah your wrong. The Turbo Sw20 MR with the 3sgte motor is much more fun then any Miata. The MR2 even beat the NSX around a racetrack in a old Japanese track day video. Not to mention the MR2 also looks better then the Miata.
Joey Venal yes sir ! The 2ZZ was tuned by Yamaha so that motor revved to 9k in some applications. It was a awesome motor that made its way into the Celica and the sleeper 2005 corolla XRS
Toyota4Life I have owned both and I said the MR.2 was faster, and much better in the snow thanks to all that extra grip. But if you are at full tilt the MR2 is way less forgiving. I actually preferred my MX-5 to my S13 200SX too. All of them were slightly modified and I live in the UK. Maybe that's why I like the one which is best to fly along damp twisty b-roads, man top down, great suspension and tyres under you and just keeping that speed is so rewarding.
Don't get me wrong having had a little MK1 and a high powered MK2 MR2 turbo they are some of the best cars of their time (I'm 33 now). Personally I preferred the MK1, I guess I just like little momentum cars, the powerful stuff just means you clench your ass more than smile. Especially here in England where the good roads can be narrow and the weather miserable 🌦️🔰🇯🇵🇬🇧🏁