My dads 1980 Celica GT has one of those. SOHC 8-valve 2.4 liter. I dont think they ever made a FWD transmission for that engine. When the Celica initially switched to FWD they went from the 22r to the 2S-E for 1986 but did quickly change to the 3S-FE for 1987. (For ST's and GT's) However they continued the 22R-E in RWD trucks. The 22R is a good motor it makes alot of torque for a 4-banger, however it cant breath up top. You might as well buy a Fiero if somone really wanted go to all the trouble for this swap, you'll get a similiar powerband I think... I doubt they put one in an MR2 ever, I think someone was BSing or they were mis-informed. I agree with the 18R-G being better but I would go with a 3T-G
Not in an MR2 though....