[MR2Showcase]

Congratulations to Martin - MR2Board's May 2008 Showcase MR2!

1989 Toyota MR2 MK1.5

Click the below thumbnails for fullsize pictures:

Upon first seeing Martin's '89 MR2, you might be convinced that it's one of the cleanest low-mileage Supercharged cars out there. You'd be wrong. This month's Showcase MR2 is something more, it's a custom built MK1.5 MR2. For those who aren't familiar with the terminology, MK1.5 cars are those caught some where inbetween being a first and a second generation car. 'How so,' you ask? Martin's car has been blessed with a GENIII 3SGTE, and that's just the beginning.

Although Martin's car shines like new in the sun, it is still coated in the factory red paint. It's condition is thanks to being very well taken care of along with very low miles for its age (about 64,000 miles). Only the keenest of eyes might pick out that one of the only modifications to this car's exterior are the very rare electric folding mirrors of a Super Edition MKI. Some may not recognize the shiny box atop Martin's 3SGTE, yet another part that makes this car special even in the world of 3SGTE swaps. Martin's car is adorned with a 1998 Celica GT-Four ST205 GENIII 3SGTE mated to a 1998 MR2 Turbo transmission with OEM LSD. A full modification list can be seen below.

Believe it or not, after the engine swap in 2005, Martin's car has already seen over a quarter of its miles put on powered by the 3SGTE, a true testament to how fun to drive this car actually is. With the most recent modification being a set of Volk Racing TE37's with a rare set of centre caps, this car doesn't only look sharp, it really has the performance to back it up. Last time it was on the dyno, the Blitz Access ECU tuned at 19.4psi put down 305whp and 281ft-lbs. on 94 octane pump gas. The car is currently running on an OEM ECU, but plans are to change again to a Power FC commanding a GT30 turbo. The best time Martin has turned at the track so far is 12.942 seconds @ 108.90MPH at 16psi, but that is very likely to change as soon as the GT30 finds a home in this MKI's engine bay.

Thanks to Martin for showing us a truly unique MR2 build!

Happy MR2ing


Drivetrain:
1998 JDM ST205 gen III 3SGTE (255hp version)
1998 ST205 w2a ic and pump
1997 MR2 turbo LSD tranny
HKS BOV
HKS intake
KO 2.5'' DP
3'' SS exhaust with Magnaflow muffler & cat
Kirk's motor mount inserts
Copper BKR7E plugs

Interior:
Eclipse CD/DVD/NAV unit
MK2 floor mats (has mint MKI mats stored away)
Grant Corsa steering wheel
TRD short shift kit

Suspension:
Ground control coilovers (250,400)
Koni 5 way shocks
two's r us end links
prothane bushings from two's r us
Cusco front & rear strut tower braces

Brakes:
Bicknell racing 4 piston calipers front & rear
Wilwood 2 piece 12.2" vented rotors front & rear
Wilwood aluminum rotor hats
Wilwood BPV
ss lines

Wheels / tires:
Volk racing TE37 bronze 17x7.5 +40
volk center caps
volk lugs and locks
Falken Azenis RT615 205-40-17 front
Falken Azenis RT615 235-40-17 rear