wrx for a mr2

wrxormr2 · 11-19-2006, 02:47 PM

hey u guys i have wrx and seriously thinking about getting rid of it for a mr2. ive loved toyotas for along time and wanted a mr2 befor the subaru. tired of worring about tranny problem and it costing me 3500 dallors minimum to fix it. so if u guys would give me some suggestions on the mr2. where is the mr2 strong then the wrx.

thanks.

canadam · 11-19-2006, 02:48 PM

The MR2 and WRX are completely different vehicles, and each have their own perks. Depending on what you need, the WRX is likely a lot more practical for everyday use.

The MR2 just rocks

Acet · 11-19-2006, 02:50 PM

yeah even tho the wrx is a clean ride, the MR2 is way better

mr2slow4you · 11-19-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Acet

yeah even tho the wrx is a clean ride, the MR2 is way better

You can't hardly say that its way better in every field.

Can the mr2 seat 4, drive in the rain, drive in the snow, transport items, and still handle good in all these conditions.

wrxormr2 · 11-19-2006, 03:13 PM

driving in snow and drirt is fun but im planning to biuld a pure track care. i know each is better in its own way. the mr2 is just cheaper to mod. the subaru feels too much like a family car. there r way too many wrx now. im pretty sure the mr2 get better mpg.

mr2slow4you · 11-19-2006, 03:16 PM

^unless its boosted and you have a heavy foot... like me.

wrxormr2 · 11-19-2006, 03:19 PM

yup i have a heavy foot. doesnt the mr2s suspension change in different years for the mk2. what would be the better year to get with lease amount of problems.

mr2slow4you · 11-19-2006, 03:27 PM

93+ would be your best bet.

PETC · 11-19-2006, 03:29 PM

I'd say the WRX is a better car than the MR2. The MR2 is overrated.

Sang · 11-19-2006, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr2slow4you

93+ would be your best bet.

I disagree. The handling characteristics were revised in 93 to make it 'safer', however, I prefer my 91 when at its limits...

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxormr2

the mr2 is just cheaper to mod.

I also disagree with this. Depending on how much power you're looking for...you will find that the mr2 is very expensive to mod. cheap to 270-300whp...disproportionately expensive after 320whp...

Acet · 11-19-2006, 03:59 PM

ok all i know is that STIs break down under heavy modification therefor i would go with the MR2.

mr2slow4you · 11-19-2006, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boz

I disagree. The handling characteristics were revised in 93 to make it 'safer', however, I prefer my 91 when at its limits...

I also disagree with this. Depending on how much power you're looking for...you will find that the mr2 is very expensive to mod. cheap to 270-300whp...disproportionately expensive after 320whp...

Considering he is new to the mr2 and its handling characteristics, I would suggest a 93+. After owning 91 suspension and upgrading to 93 spec. I love the handling of the 93. I felt the 91 was very twitchy and hard to manipulate at the limit. But, this is just my opinion.

SpeedballTrix · 11-19-2006, 06:02 PM

If you're building a pure track car I would def say go for the MR2.
Dont worry about the stock suspension since a pure track car would have aftermarket suspension anyway.

3sgtepower · 11-19-2006, 06:12 PM

AH so your looking to upgrade. First I want to say that Toyota was the only manufacturer that held 2 top 10 spots in most reliable cars last year (Toyota and Lexus) and toyotas often build hiigher quality than similarly priced cars of the same year and vintage, a 3 year old GM has more problems than an 8 year old Toyota according to one study.

I think youll often find the best sports cars in the world are MRwd. THe Mclaren f1, the lamborghini diablo, the ferrari f40 and f50, indy cars, 300mph rail dragsters etc. Having the weight in the middle, is the best overall weight distribution for a sports car. SOme people claim 50/50 is best, but only if you want your car to balance on a spindle. A car with 50/50 weight distributionunder deceleration and acceleration is often not under 50/50 weight distribution.

Anyways, like they said the 93 is probably the best performing one of the bunch, it did 60-0 in 106ft, as well as .94g on the skidpad on factory rims and tires. That 60-0 is actually 4ft better than a ferrari 360 modena, and the skidpad results match a ferrari f40, so you can see the MR layout allows it to handle like an exotic. They also make a TRD2000gt widebodykit from the factory for them so they could also match the dimensions of a mroe exotic cars, and in celebration of the mr2's wins in the GTC Japan racing. 93's also come with non-grinding synchro trannies and an LSD which is vastly superior for handling than an open diff. tranny, but nearly 5x the price to replace. If your just looking to drag race, 10's ahve been acheived on our 91-92 open diff tranny, and the grinding synchro problem can be remedied with some GM Synchromesh.

But you wont find a TRD2000gt.

Also the 3sgte is a very tuner friendly powerplant, one of the members on the other board was pushing 440whp on his 200,000 mile old 2nd gen 3sgte on stock block and internals, so theres plenty of tuning room before a rebuild is required. However,numbers over 225whp require a turbo upgrade and numbers over 270whp for 2nd gen 3sgte's often require a fuel system upgrade and dynotuning which can get somewhat costly.

If you want reliable 280whp on stock fuel system, stock cams, stock turbo, than the 3rd gen 3sgte is what you want. I have one, it runs about mid 12's in the quarter with just a fuel pump, intake, dpipe, mbc and SMIC, about $500 in engine mods really. But with a turbo upgrade and some tuning, 335whp on stock fuel system is quite doable.

mr2slow4you · 11-19-2006, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3sgtepower

it runs about mid 12's in the quarter with just a fuel pump, intake, dpipe, mbc and SMIC, about $500 in engine mods really. But with a turbo upgrade and some tuning, 335whp on stock fuel system is quite doable.

I like how you continuously boast and claim a mid 12 second car, when in fact you have not drag raced it. The seller told you it ran a high 12, yes with a supposedly shitty launch, but its still annoying to claim your car is a mid 12 second car when you have not done it.

Anyway back on topic. If you know what you are doing and plan on going with upgraded suspension and possibly a gen3 drive train, then buying a 91/92 will typically be alot cheaper than going with a 93 and swapping everything over. If you want a great stock package that you shouldn't have to do much maintenance I would recommend a 93+ with around 100k miles.

3sgtepower · 11-19-2006, 09:47 PM

And I enjoy the fact that it irratates you.

Hey, look up mr2 racing records, and you tell me what kinda times your avg ct20b powered mr2 runs. Whos bragging? Mid 12's is par for a ct20b powered mr2, I think it was brian no shoes that muster'd an 11.8 outta his ct20b powered mr2.

wrxormr2 · 11-19-2006, 09:54 PM

yup one of the reason why like the mr2 is the set up mid-engine. i know a good amount about toyotas i worked for a dealership and i think the worse part of any toyota is the brakes. what r the limits of the stock motor and tranny. how much is a tune. the subaru cost me 750 to start 250 for every hour. the mr2 is a great car and alot of people diagree with me when i say the mr2 is better look car then the wrx.

3sgtepower · 11-19-2006, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wrxormr2

the mr2 is a great car and alot of people diagree with me when i say the mr2 is better look car then the wrx.

Function follows form in the mr2 community, the MR setup pays off. Now I know the WRX probably has several WRC CHampionships under its belt, but How many WRX's have competed against modded mclarens and ferrari's in Le Manns?

^Not that it won the race, but the fact it was in competition and once originally an MR2 off the factory line and not a tube chassis is still impressive.

CpuZapper · 11-20-2006, 01:00 AM

Hey, not a whole lot of knowledge about the MK2 here, but I thought I'd throw my insight out on the WRX. I have an '02 WRX in addition to my '86 MR2. I've never had the transmission problem that everyone complains about. You know how to prevent your tranny from dying? Don't drop the clutch at redline. It's pretty much as simple as that. I had one tranny die, and it was because of a faulty rebuild by a Subaru dealer after the shop I bought it from put the wrong tranny fluid in it which caused my syncros to wear really quickly. They forgot to install a clip in which holds a guide pin, and when it decided to walk out, it took out my main shaft, and left a hole in the case. Be far not a normal failure by any means. The '02 tranny is supposed to take about 300 WHP before you have problems, and even then it's only if you drive like a riceboy and like to smash on the gearbox and sidestep your clutch. In terms of the STi, the engine will hold a hell of a lot of power, and the drivetrain is damned near atomic bomb proof! If you actually drive it in a sensible manor it will last you the life of the car. The nice thing about the WRX is that it already has an LSD in the rear too. In terms of my opinion of the MR2 over the WRX, I think you'll find that they are extremely different beasts. I actually rather enjoy the combination of RWD oversteer, and FWD rally-ability of the WRX (I drive a G2 FWD rally car, and I like to take all my cars out on gravel and snow). My MR2 is a lot more tempermental in loose conditions. While it can be easier to keep sideways than the WRX, and the RWD is great for steering with your right foot, it doesn't do well at all driving quickly in snow or really loose gravel, or braking in any loose conditions. As far as I know, the MK2 is a little more stable while sideways than the MK1 from its longer wheelbase and heavier weight, though I've only ever driven Seth and Zai's V6 MK2's. Also, I found the MK2 far more predictable and easier to throw around the track than my MK1, though I think all the power helped a lot. One of the big questions is what do you want to do with your track car. Are you planning on competing in SCCA clubman racing? Do you want to build a fast straightline car? Do you want a drift car? Take a look at classifications if this is something you are considering. I think because of the cheaper bolt ons for the WRX, it may be easier to get it prepped for mild prepared classes. I think overall the MR2 has more potential, but it all costs $$$, lots and lots of $$$.

Sang · 11-20-2006, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3sgtepower

And I enjoy the fact that it irratates you.

Hey, look up mr2 racing records, and you tell me what kinda times your avg ct20b powered mr2 runs. Whos bragging? Mid 12's is par for a ct20b powered mr2, I think it was brian no shoes that muster'd an 11.8 outta his ct20b powered mr2.

yes...and he also did it with a slew of VE mods and tuning. And if you recall, he also said that it was a very unreliable setup with all the piggy backs he was using...

The last person to attempt for over 300whp with a 20b (cams, manifold, etc) only managed to get up to ~280 whp. Was still a heck of a car, however 280 whp is no where near what you'll need to dip into the 11s without heavy amoutn of weight reduction. 280whp is, hwoever, mid-high 12s

I have no doubt that you car is capable of touching 12s. However whether you can drive it to your car potential has yet to be seen.

11-19-2006, 02:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
wrxormr2 No Skills Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	wrx for a mr2 hey u guys i have wrx and seriously thinking about getting rid of it for a mr2. ive loved toyotas for along time and wanted a mr2 befor the subaru. tired of worring about tranny problem and it costing me 3500 dallors minimum to fix it. so if u guys would give me some suggestions on the mr2. where is the mr2 strong then the wrx. thanks.

11-19-2006, 02:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
canadam MidshipExpress Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Beautiful British Columbia Posts: 10,399 Thanks: 120 Thanked 142 Times in 121 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (34/100% )	The MR2 and WRX are completely different vehicles, and each have their own perks. Depending on what you need, the WRX is likely a lot more practical for everyday use. The MR2 just rocks __________________

11-19-2006, 06:12 PM	#14 (permalink)
3sgtepower Banned Seller Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,574 Thanks: 6 Thanked 38 Times in 34 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/75% )	AH so your looking to upgrade. First I want to say that Toyota was the only manufacturer that held 2 top 10 spots in most reliable cars last year (Toyota and Lexus) and toyotas often build hiigher quality than similarly priced cars of the same year and vintage, a 3 year old GM has more problems than an 8 year old Toyota according to one study. I think youll often find the best sports cars in the world are MRwd. THe Mclaren f1, the lamborghini diablo, the ferrari f40 and f50, indy cars, 300mph rail dragsters etc. Having the weight in the middle, is the best overall weight distribution for a sports car. SOme people claim 50/50 is best, but only if you want your car to balance on a spindle. A car with 50/50 weight distributionunder deceleration and acceleration is often not under 50/50 weight distribution. Anyways, like they said the 93 is probably the best performing one of the bunch, it did 60-0 in 106ft, as well as .94g on the skidpad on factory rims and tires. That 60-0 is actually 4ft better than a ferrari 360 modena, and the skidpad results match a ferrari f40, so you can see the MR layout allows it to handle like an exotic. They also make a TRD2000gt widebodykit from the factory for them so they could also match the dimensions of a mroe exotic cars, and in celebration of the mr2's wins in the GTC Japan racing. 93's also come with non-grinding synchro trannies and an LSD which is vastly superior for handling than an open diff. tranny, but nearly 5x the price to replace. If your just looking to drag race, 10's ahve been acheived on our 91-92 open diff tranny, and the grinding synchro problem can be remedied with some GM Synchromesh. But you wont find a TRD2000gt. Also the 3sgte is a very tuner friendly powerplant, one of the members on the other board was pushing 440whp on his 200,000 mile old 2nd gen 3sgte on stock block and internals, so theres plenty of tuning room before a rebuild is required. However,numbers over 225whp require a turbo upgrade and numbers over 270whp for 2nd gen 3sgte's often require a fuel system upgrade and dynotuning which can get somewhat costly. If you want reliable 280whp on stock fuel system, stock cams, stock turbo, than the 3rd gen 3sgte is what you want. I have one, it runs about mid 12's in the quarter with just a fuel pump, intake, dpipe, mbc and SMIC, about $500 in engine mods really. But with a turbo upgrade and some tuning, 335whp on stock fuel system is quite doable. Last edited by 3sgtepower; 11-19-2006 at 06:28 PM..

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11-19-2006, 02:50 PM	#3 (permalink)
Acet Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: alpharetta,ga Posts: 440 Thanks: 5 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	yeah even tho the wrx is a clean ride, the MR2 is way better

11-19-2006, 03:13 PM	#5 (permalink)
wrxormr2 No Skills Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	driving in snow and drirt is fun but im planning to biuld a pure track care. i know each is better in its own way. the mr2 is just cheaper to mod. the subaru feels too much like a family car. there r way too many wrx now. im pretty sure the mr2 get better mpg.

11-19-2006, 03:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
mr2slow4you ME out of training :) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clemmons, NC Posts: 2,336 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	^unless its boosted and you have a heavy foot... like me.

11-19-2006, 03:19 PM	#7 (permalink)
wrxormr2 No Skills Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	yup i have a heavy foot. doesnt the mr2s suspension change in different years for the mk2. what would be the better year to get with lease amount of problems.

11-19-2006, 03:27 PM	#8 (permalink)
mr2slow4you ME out of training :) Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Clemmons, NC Posts: 2,336 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	93+ would be your best bet.

11-19-2006, 03:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
PETC √(176400) Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 2,690 Thanks: 43 Thanked 65 Times in 53 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (4/100% )	I'd say the WRX is a better car than the MR2. The MR2 is overrated.

11-19-2006, 03:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
Acet Banned Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: alpharetta,ga Posts: 440 Thanks: 5 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	ok all i know is that STIs break down under heavy modification therefor i would go with the MR2.

11-19-2006, 06:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
SpeedballTrix Foul Weather Drifter Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 871 Thanks: 4 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	If you're building a pure track car I would def say go for the MR2. Dont worry about the stock suspension since a pure track car would have aftermarket suspension anyway.

11-19-2006, 09:47 PM	#16 (permalink)
3sgtepower Banned Seller Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,574 Thanks: 6 Thanked 38 Times in 34 Posts iTrader Rating: (2/75% )	And I enjoy the fact that it irratates you. Hey, look up mr2 racing records, and you tell me what kinda times your avg ct20b powered mr2 runs. Whos bragging? Mid 12's is par for a ct20b powered mr2, I think it was brian no shoes that muster'd an 11.8 outta his ct20b powered mr2.

11-19-2006, 09:54 PM	#17 (permalink)
wrxormr2 No Skills Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 6 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader Rating: (0/0% )	yup one of the reason why like the mr2 is the set up mid-engine. i know a good amount about toyotas i worked for a dealership and i think the worse part of any toyota is the brakes. what r the limits of the stock motor and tranny. how much is a tune. the subaru cost me 750 to start 250 for every hour. the mr2 is a great car and alot of people diagree with me when i say the mr2 is better look car then the wrx.

11-20-2006, 01:00 AM	#19 (permalink)
CpuZapper RallyRacer Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 482 Thanks: 7 Thanked 25 Times in 22 Posts My Google Map iTrader Rating: (1/100% )	Hey, not a whole lot of knowledge about the MK2 here, but I thought I'd throw my insight out on the WRX. I have an '02 WRX in addition to my '86 MR2. I've never had the transmission problem that everyone complains about. You know how to prevent your tranny from dying? Don't drop the clutch at redline. It's pretty much as simple as that. I had one tranny die, and it was because of a faulty rebuild by a Subaru dealer after the shop I bought it from put the wrong tranny fluid in it which caused my syncros to wear really quickly. They forgot to install a clip in which holds a guide pin, and when it decided to walk out, it took out my main shaft, and left a hole in the case. Be far not a normal failure by any means. The '02 tranny is supposed to take about 300 WHP before you have problems, and even then it's only if you drive like a riceboy and like to smash on the gearbox and sidestep your clutch. In terms of the STi, the engine will hold a hell of a lot of power, and the drivetrain is damned near atomic bomb proof! If you actually drive it in a sensible manor it will last you the life of the car. The nice thing about the WRX is that it already has an LSD in the rear too. In terms of my opinion of the MR2 over the WRX, I think you'll find that they are extremely different beasts. I actually rather enjoy the combination of RWD oversteer, and FWD rally-ability of the WRX (I drive a G2 FWD rally car, and I like to take all my cars out on gravel and snow). My MR2 is a lot more tempermental in loose conditions. While it can be easier to keep sideways than the WRX, and the RWD is great for steering with your right foot, it doesn't do well at all driving quickly in snow or really loose gravel, or braking in any loose conditions. As far as I know, the MK2 is a little more stable while sideways than the MK1 from its longer wheelbase and heavier weight, though I've only ever driven Seth and Zai's V6 MK2's. Also, I found the MK2 far more predictable and easier to throw around the track than my MK1, though I think all the power helped a lot. One of the big questions is what do you want to do with your track car. Are you planning on competing in SCCA clubman racing? Do you want to build a fast straightline car? Do you want a drift car? Take a look at classifications if this is something you are considering. I think because of the cheaper bolt ons for the WRX, it may be easier to get it prepped for mild prepared classes. I think overall the MR2 has more potential, but it all costs $$$, lots and lots of $$$.