For everyone saying that MR2 stands more midship runabout 2 seater, you are correct. But mid-engine rear wheel drive two seater was also used by Toyota. Both are correct meanings. web.archive.org/web/20110927111857/www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/generic_editorial.jsp?navRoot=toyota_1024_root&edname=Heritage_MR2_Main&catname=%2Ftoyota_1024_root%2Fmain_nav%2Fused_cars&menuid=91022&zone=Zone+MR2&id=Heritage_MR2
@@jimmyhoffmann4950 I think it got too overshadowed by the NSX to skyrocket very far. but that does mean you can have a car that's better than the NA1 and for a fraction of the price
Great video but the perpetuation of the "snap oversteer" myth frustrates me. The concept of snap oversteer seems to strictly blame the car for being well balanced. That's like saying someone who is patient is also stubborn because they don't give up easily. See how that warped the idea? Snap oversteer is an excuse for those who didn't understand how weight transfer is so acute in a well balanced car like the MR2. Having been a MKI MR2 owner myself, I definitely experienced oversteer but as I got to become a better driver, I realized how stupid I was at the time of not understanding the effects of lift off and gassing would do to my car at the limit. Great driver's don't exploit snap oversteer, they exploit weight transfer to send grip where they want it. Rookies who mess up blame the car - as I did once - and to this day, I always ask people who complain about snap oversteer what they did, step by step and sooner or later, it comes down to either popping off the gas too hard or stomping the brakes mid turn.
Not to mention other cars that snap oversteer much easier, the 2000s era Mustangs are the best example. (No I'm not just memeing on the ones leaving car shows but those do add to it)
two things, one, it's not a myth it can happen a lot if you don't know how to drive an MR2 (especially the SW20), and two, the definition he used for snap oversteer was wrong. He described "lift-off oversteer" which you can actually use in a FWD car to make it kinda drift. Snap steering/oversteering is really where you start oversteering, you over correct, and then due to the mid engine layout it snaps around the other way.
I remember when they first came out...those first cars had such a striking presence on the road and were so exotic looking for the time. My best friend at the time and I we’re big rally fans (Group B!) and we often dreamt about how cool a rally variant of the MR2 would be. If we had seen that very rare Toyota prototype rally car it would certainly have been cause to tear down and replace our posters of Countach’s, F40’s and 959’s hanging on our bedroom walls. I still love these cars today and wish Toyota would come out with a new generation of the car.
SW20 is absolutely my favorite. Had one while I was in Japan in the military back in 2003 and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about that car and the adventures I had with it in Japan. Some day I will get another SW20 and keep it forever.
whadda ya talkin' bout.. My 85' Corolla was sweet. Had it 25 years (SCCA IT/A Race car). My MKI MR2 was faster though - first one to put a 20V Levin engine in it in the US I think.
The Spyder has the most potential very light and capable chassis. You can put a k20 in it or the 2zz in it, after this modification it becomes a weapon and the total cost is still very low.
Front engine Peugeot 205 and 106 has snap oversteer as well. because 70% of the weight is in the front, rear wheels can be easily lifted while breaking in corner
Been a AW11 owner and enthusiast for 25 years. Love them. But have a W30 spyder roller for a project. Very much looking forward to getting into it and seeing just how they do compare to the AW11 in handling. Will be putting a 20v Blacktop 4agte with gtx2867r turbo. :)
3rd Gen is the lightest so a little extra power from a turbo or 2zz and it becomes a very fast car. Mine is a lot of fun. Snap oversteer can be reduced with a good suspension set up.
SW20 was the car I was most attatched to. It just gets under your skin. Mine was a 94 uk rev3 na with 174bhp. Lightly modded with a K+N air filter and a Mongoose exhaust. It was also the t-bar so lots of fun with the glass out. I loved that car. It was very reliable too taking me to 150,000+ miles before the sills rotted out. They are fantastic cars. RIP Luv and Peace.
The Aw11 has been my dream car since I was a kid. I have owned one for about 1 year restoring it, and it should be on the roads next summer. I can't wait to drive it, snap oversteer and die in a blaze of 80's glory!!!
I own a JDM 93’ MR2 3S-GTE hardtop. The most fun car I have ever owned. The MR2 community is awesome. Always willing to exchange info and swap/trade parts and create awesome meets/experiences. Has great after market support to help your goals on style/power. The car will get you lots of looks and attention, go to any meet with one and find out haha. I recommend it to anyone. They’re raising in price so I suggest you get your hands on one before they start hitting 20k lol
Hi,I own and race a zzw30. first off: MR2 stands for Midship Runabout 2 seater. Runabout being a small, light car for enjoying driving in. (which is why 1st gen is 1 ton, second gen they accidentally made 1.2 ton and third gen is sub 1 ton convertable and they all have questionable practicality) chassis codes are simple - first gen aw11, second gen sw20/sw21, third gen zzw30. Thats how the owners call them and thats how should you too! As far as racing goes zzw30 placed first or top 10 in a lot of super gt races. And its funny how everyone glosses over how zzw30 performance is actually the best of all 3 in anything but straight line where it is beaten by turbo. It is absolutely amazing what these things can do from beating nurburgring at 8:37 with only shitty cheap coilovers to Techno Pro Spirit MRS (which in reality is a unbuilt 190hp 2zz in a lightened pratically stock mrs running blistein shocks) beating tsukuba sub minute. They are all fantastic cars while the third one is living proof that handling outperforms horsepower. The entire mr2 line up is amazing. Truly greater than the sum of its parts.
I owned a mk2 GT and currently own a mk3. I really liked the mk2.. but I love my mk3 with huge wide tires lowered suspension and go kart handling. I totally agree, it is an absolutely fantastic car and now more and more people are starting to realise what they’ve been missing out on.
Thank you for this video. I'm a previous owner of the '85, '88SC, and the 91T. That's nearly 2 decades ago now. I still dream about the '91T. Maybe I'll find my way back into one again some day. Meanwhile your video seems another subtle reminder that the MR2 is still relevant in my life. Thanks again.
I like the SW20 with N/A 3S-GE as my first car. I like the looks and it is good for daily and the snap oversteer is my way to learn how to drive properly in the midship cars.
Love my 1989, Toyota Super Red, T-Top, leather seats MR2 with zero rust and less than 53K original miles. Not fast but a blast to drive! Still drives like a new car.
I love my 2000 MR 2 Spyder. Total fun. Snap Oversteer?? I am still learning. If I throw it into a corner the front goes sideways. If I just run it into a corner it seems to come out the other end OK. I think it depends on when you pour the power on. Very informative vid. Thanks for the upload. Cheers from "Down Under".
I just got my AW11 (mk1A) for Christmas, and ever since then ive been glued to the driver's seat. Its one of, if not the best handling car ive driven and hands down the most fun for the dollar. A fully stock under 100k mile (even supercharged) aw11 can run less than 10k if you know where to look for them, and i suggest if anyone is looking to have as much fun as possible in a car on a budget, look for a mr2.
@@bigdaddyg0blin388 well I found mine on Facebook marketplace, but also use Craigslist. Don't be afraid to travel, it's more than worth it to find a good one (which is a mk1B 87-89, or a supercharged one starting in 88)
Great video. I love the clips you used and the music. The commentary was very engaging too. The pre '87 AW11 had a 'blue top' 4A-GE 16V 3 rib early big port. The '87+ AW11 had a 'red and black top' 4A-GE 16V 7 rib late big port. They never had the 'red top' 4A-GE 16V 7 rib small port. 🙂 There are lots and lots of myths and common misconceptions with these cars. Especially surrounding the whole Mk1A/Mk1B thing (Toyota never actually called them that but just referred to the whole generation as the W10).
Had a gen 2 and just got a gen 3. Gen 3 is far superior; much more responsive, lighter, much smoother/shorter shifting, and in white it looks clean as hell. Both amazing cars though and great video!
From what I've gathered, the gen 3 is seen similar to a Miata. Good light car that handles very well, but it doesn't seem to appeal to many people like the gen 2 or gen 1
I have a SW21 with only 40k original miles, all OEM except the wheels and radio It is so choice! It's looks have aged like fine wine. I get complimented almost every time I drive it It is almost 30 years old and still feels bank-vault solid and drives like a great sports car should Mr 2 and I will be together forever, and never to part. Together forever with 2!
Right on bro! Huge Mr2 fan! Parents had a 93 turbo back in 94 when I was a kid. If I had the means I’d collect all gens keep some stock some modded. Huge cult following. You Rock keep making Vidz!!
10:00 that's just lift off oversteer. Snap oversteer is where you start oversteering one way, then you overcorrect and it snaps around the other direction. Very common misconception but hopefully that explains it better. (also Dan Gurney was also involved in fixing the problem for the '93 model)
I had a choice between s2k and mrs. I chose MRS and got to drive s2k as well. They are honestly both great cars but it comes down to what you want from a car. If you can drive a MRS with minor mods towards tracking and see how it feels. I found s2k takes it self very seriously as a sports car while the mrs is focused on fun and enjoyment. If that makes sense.
@@Haddedam lol my s2k seems more serious about being track driven because the last owner put on some super stiff coil overs on it. so many people that ride with me think its uncomfortable but i just got used to it since it was my only car for 3 years straight. never had a chance to drive a mr2 but i do understand what you are talking about a car being serious over being more fun. i test drove a fiesta st about 2 years ago and man that car was so much fun to drive. didnt have power but it felt so alive compared to my s2k
My dad has the last generation mr2 when I was young like 7 or 8 I remember when he first came home with it I thought it was a Porsche until I learned all about it. He had the sequential transmission, we live in New York City so he wanted nothing to do with a clutch and this car was perfect, he had it in that blue. I always thought this car was awesome I am sad to be an enthusiast now and realize how big of a loss we had from him getting rid of the car :( he still wants it to this day again. He claims it was his favorite car so maybe one day I’ll get him one for old times sake since we are doing better now
when i drove (still drive) this car, the best feeling is just putting the throttle down in second gear and relaxing back into your chair knowing how hard your car is hauling ass.
Every day I miss my 91 Turbo. Only engine mods were (all) HKS exhaust, intake, and SSBV blowoff valve. It was enough for a bit of fun, however. Great track car. =(
4:50 He is clearly mistaken, and has never driven the base engine. My car has it, and the car is not underpowered at all! In fact, I can prove it. Toyota developed this car around the base engine because the Turbo car would snap oversteer in mid corner under throttle. They fixed this with the 93 suspension retune, but this proves Toyota made the car around the standard engine, then just added power. It shows when you drive both. SW21 is a gem!
Oh and you got snap over steer mostly right but forgot to mention that as soon as those back wheels catch traction it kicks back the other way and spins you out. (Unless you know what your doing)
The 4age had mainly 2 versions of large ports (blue and red+black being a revision) The red top is all red letterings and was known as the small port. Those never came in anything other than the ae92 corolla/geo prizm
@@Wabeeninc I know this. There is a large port 4age with red AND black lettering. The one with all red letterings is a small port. I obviously know about the 20v but those never came in any mr2
yup AW11 only got the "bluetop" 4AGE (and later on the GZE). Now they're old enough just looking at the cam covers isn't enough to tell from all the fettling most of them have had anyway.
here's a diagram someone made years ago that might make it clearer. www.aeu86.org/files/4a/4agesbytalasaszo5_167.jpg It should also be noted many of the "bluetop" motors, especially in later AW11's came with 7 rib blocks, not just the weaker 3 rib.
Owned both a first gen and second gen with a 3S-GTE. I absolutely loved both cars but the 2nd gen was the best by a large margin. Would give anything if Toyota would build one again. Most fun cars I ever owned or may ever own unless a Cayman S is in my future.
Now that we have the Supra again, when are we getting another MR2? I remember reading, back when Supra was just rumors, that a Toyota executive wanted to bring back the Supra, which now is back, and the MR2, borrowing the hybrid drivetrain from the LeMans vehicle. I would love to have the MR2 come back, but I'm afraid it's going to be at the higher end, possibly sharing a variant with Lexus, like the 86 did with Scion before Scion died. Another thing is the whole collaborative scheme they've been doing with the vehicles they know enthusiasts want, 86/BRZ with Subaru and Supra/Z4 with BMW; the only problem is that, if it does borrow tech from their racing development, who're they going to collaborate with on a potential MR2? That was also years ago, so if they do bring out another MR2 that's at least hybrid, they could potentially do what Maserati is doing with their plans for hybrid or full electric variants of their vehicles. But what would we get out of a full electric? Will we get a standard electric, a Tesla-like electric with better motors (possibly a halbach array?), or would we get something high powered like Aston Martin's ludicrous EV package that's replacing their v12's? Even if we do get a MR2 in the near future, what about the 86, when do we get a second generation of it?
The 13.7 13.3 qtr time (depends on who you ask, was accomplished with the 3rd gen 3sgte...US never got these. The US got 2nd gen 3sgtes with pollution controls that only made 200hp, the jdm 2nd gen had 220hp...also the difference between a 3rd and a 2nd is SUBSTANTIAL. It's a laundry list of factory improvements, stock metal headgasket, stock oil catch can, deleted the archaic afm in favor (map sensor was it?), 540cc injectors vs 440s, ceramic ct20b that spooled better and revved through the entire powerband, the 2nd gen ct26 runs out of breath around 5500 rpm and especially 6000. More aggressive cams and gears, stock viscuous lsds (most of these are worn out by now) came in 80% of them. Im from the US, Ive owned 2 aw11s, 3 mr2 turbos, 3 miatas too btw, and I currently own a jdm 8b6 tropical blue 1994 mr2 gts. With the ct20b being a lot bettee turbo, that explains the sizeable difference in factory quartermile times as well as all the other little upgrades. Oh also the 3rd gen has a REDUCED cr for its pistons at 8.5:1, iirc the 2nd gen had 8.8:1, something like that. The 4th gen caldinas came with 9:1 which for a factory 3sgte is imo superior cr to a 3rd gen. Anyways... i think a stock usdm pollution controled 2nd gen probably do 14.7 in the qtr, and a jdm 2nd gen, probably 14.2 if I had to guess...and a 3rd gen will do all things running good 13.7 and I swear I have seen a stock 3rd in factory bone stock comparison of idm cars (it was a 90s japanese tv show that showcased stock jdm cars racing each other in the 400m which is only 2ft shy of a quartermile) running a 13.3, but imo as a stock 3rd gen owner that would be the exception not the rule...maybe it was particularly cold the day of filming.
Yup,it can easily kill TT Lambos something that a supra can do and has crazy fast acceleration for a single turbo car(because of its torque)and honestly it lives under the supra's shadow,but if given a chance could easily smoke a supra and blow everyone's minds
I would love to build a lightweight aluminum tube chassis clone of the MR2, use the stock suspension out of a junker and stick a Honda J35 in with split turbos. I'm aiming for wheelies!
Dan Gurney was a big part of the suspension setup for the AW11. Also, Lotus had NOTHING to do with the AW11, other than Dan Gurney winning a few races with them back in the 60s. There's an actual book out with the accurate history of all models of the MR2, but then again, most of you on here can't read your own name.
It has been long noted that judging 4ag engine's by valve covers to be unreliable. It's easier to refer to them as either bigport or smallport. The AW11 never came with a smallport 4ag, Smallports (redtop) engines are fairly rare, they were only made for 3-4 years and only ended up in 3-4 models.
You made an error by not mentioning that Dan Gurney helped develop the AW11 chassis as well. Without his crucial input, the first and second gen MR2's would not have handled as well as they did.
For everyone saying that MR2 stands more midship runabout 2 seater, you are correct. But mid-engine rear wheel drive two seater was also used by Toyota. Both are correct meanings. web.archive.org/web/20110927111857/www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/generic_editorial.jsp?navRoot=toyota_1024_root&edname=Heritage_MR2_Main&catname=%2Ftoyota_1024_root%2Fmain_nav%2Fused_cars&menuid=91022&zone=Zone+MR2&id=Heritage_MR2
Oh...i didnt know..
SW21 is the NA the SW22 is the turbo chassis code. Love the videos.
I have 1 of those Tatra's in the collection I look after . Air Cooled V8 , pretty cool , Also have owned 10 JDM Aw11s , 1 I still have and 1 Sw20
AW10. Using 4A engine.
SW20. Using S engines (3S, 5S)
W30 is using ZZ engine. The full.model code is ZZW30
I was about to comment the same thing till I saw ur pinned comment
The trap will be on the 33rd corner!
*AE86 takes hairpin but...*
*MR2 JUMPS OFF TO PASS*
*_crazy for love_*
*Shocked*
it obviously was a lancia stratos, only they can jump without screwing up their suspension
@Takumi Fujiwara Plot armour 👌
_"I shall attack at corner no. 33!"_
**IROHAZAKA MR2 INTENSTIFIES*
dot ”the line even farther in than the corner line is drawn in the air!”
The MR2 is likely the next JDM car to rocket in value.
What does JDM stand for??
@@ciscodiablo Japanese domestic market- cars made for Japan
In our case, our cars made for us is known as USDM- United States Domestic Market
Yeah it’s just too good
@@jimmyhoffmann4950 I think it got too overshadowed by the NSX to skyrocket very far. but that does mean you can have a car that's better than the NA1 and for a fraction of the price
It already has here in Australia. Mines been in the family since 2004, so I'm lucky mine didn't cost 40k aud
Great video but the perpetuation of the "snap oversteer" myth frustrates me. The concept of snap oversteer seems to strictly blame the car for being well balanced. That's like saying someone who is patient is also stubborn because they don't give up easily. See how that warped the idea? Snap oversteer is an excuse for those who didn't understand how weight transfer is so acute in a well balanced car like the MR2. Having been a MKI MR2 owner myself, I definitely experienced oversteer but as I got to become a better driver, I realized how stupid I was at the time of not understanding the effects of lift off and gassing would do to my car at the limit. Great driver's don't exploit snap oversteer, they exploit weight transfer to send grip where they want it. Rookies who mess up blame the car - as I did once - and to this day, I always ask people who complain about snap oversteer what they did, step by step and sooner or later, it comes down to either popping off the gas too hard or stomping the brakes mid turn.
Not to mention other cars that snap oversteer much easier, the 2000s era Mustangs are the best example.
(No I'm not just memeing on the ones leaving car shows but those do add to it)
two things, one, it's not a myth it can happen a lot if you don't know how to drive an MR2 (especially the SW20), and two, the definition he used for snap oversteer was wrong. He described "lift-off oversteer" which you can actually use in a FWD car to make it kinda drift. Snap steering/oversteering is really where you start oversteering, you over correct, and then due to the mid engine layout it snaps around the other way.
What did you do to stop the oversteer? Did you keep on the acceleration but steady in a corner and then as you exit it, you put on the accelerator?
@@UnseenSpirit depends on how you got there to begin with.
I remember when they first came out...those first cars had such a striking presence on the road and were so exotic looking for the time. My best friend at the time and I we’re big rally fans (Group B!) and we often dreamt about how cool a rally variant of the MR2 would be. If we had seen that very rare Toyota prototype rally car it would certainly have been cause to tear down and replace our posters of Countach’s, F40’s and 959’s hanging on our bedroom walls. I still love these cars today and wish Toyota would come out with a new generation of the car.
SW20 is absolutely my favorite. Had one while I was in Japan in the military back in 2003 and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about that car and the adventures I had with it in Japan. Some day I will get another SW20 and keep it forever.
Back in business with the What Makes It So Great series.
As a 91' MR2 Turbo owner, I can say that these cars are truly spectacular! It was my dream car before I got one, and it still is!
Brock Moules same here !!
I love my brz but I want an mr2 to go with it as a partner.
@@invertedv12powerhouse77 buy one while you can, prices are going up quickly.
@@carsond2674 yeah i dont have anywhere to leave it tho so ill just bite the bullet
I own and love the 3rd gen mr2. It's beautiful and underrated.
AW11 MR2 - The best way to own a 4AGE without people laughing at you for driving an '85 Corolla
Nowadays you'd get laughed at by driving anything that takes gas ;-;
@@feltcutemightdelete7566 That's only in America.
You care too much what ppl think
whadda ya talkin' bout.. My 85' Corolla was sweet. Had it 25 years (SCCA IT/A Race car). My MKI MR2 was faster though - first one to put a 20V Levin engine in it in the US I think.
>.> lol imagine laughing at a '85 corolla.
i'd laugh-cry that i don't have one.. thats about it.
Just got a 3rd Gen Mr2 and I'm lovin it
The official abbreviation 'mr' stands for Midship Runabout. So says Toyota.
Beat me to it.
False, clearly MR stands for "Mister". Source, i have one aw11 with intact like new c pillar trims.
*takes a jump*
*Lands on leaves*
*Spins out*
😂😂😂😂👌👌👌👌
*Snap oversteer, bois*
Kai never made it with the little blue mr2
Snap OVERSTEER made this car legendary
The Spyder has the most potential very light and capable chassis. You can put a k20 in it or the 2zz in it, after this modification it becomes a weapon and the total cost is still very low.
Front engine Peugeot 205 and 106 has snap oversteer as well. because 70% of the weight is in the front, rear wheels can be easily lifted while breaking in corner
W30 is a severely underrated car.
Cullen Carlson you are absolutely correct on that. Such a great machine. Most people dislike the spyder configuration though
Definitely the best chassis of the 3
AW11 is my pick, all three are great cars!
Been a AW11 owner and enthusiast for 25 years. Love them. But have a W30 spyder roller for a project. Very much looking forward to getting into it and seeing just how they do compare to the AW11 in handling. Will be putting a 20v Blacktop 4agte with gtx2867r turbo. :)
@@feral4mr2 Interesting that you choose a turbo-ed black top 4age over the 2zz. What inspired that decision?
YES! I love seeing videos of MR2's on youtube. I'm glad more people are getting to know these amazing cars!. I love every second of driving mine.
3rd Gen is the lightest so a little extra power from a turbo or 2zz and it becomes a very fast car. Mine is a lot of fun. Snap oversteer can be reduced with a good suspension set up.
Ah cool. My car was in there 😀🤘
Love your build!
The303Garage thanks, I’m trying very hard to make the mk3 cool lol
I was about to say - yes, just spotted it at 8min30 :)
I have to thank none other than my own mother for getting me into the MR2. She has an 87 AW11 when I was a kid. Now I'm have an 88 AW11 SC.
Snap back oversteer gang
*into the tree
*Snap oversteers into the cliff*
Only happens to inexperience drivers
Ante Radić was just waiting for someone to comment something about snap oversteer
You mean "Bad driver that thinks they're the best" gang
SW20 was the car I was most attatched to.
It just gets under your skin.
Mine was a 94 uk rev3 na with 174bhp. Lightly modded with a K+N air filter and a Mongoose exhaust.
It was also the t-bar so lots of fun with the glass out.
I loved that car.
It was very reliable too taking me to 150,000+ miles before the sills rotted out.
They are fantastic cars.
RIP
Luv and Peace.
The Aw11 has been my dream car since I was a kid. I have owned one for about 1 year restoring it, and it should be on the roads next summer. I can't wait to drive it, snap oversteer and die in a blaze of 80's glory!!!
This music is PERFECT. Sooooo 80’s it fits with the MR2 so well. I love your music choices in your videos!
I own a JDM 93’ MR2 3S-GTE hardtop. The most fun car I have ever owned. The MR2 community is awesome. Always willing to exchange info and swap/trade parts and create awesome meets/experiences. Has great after market support to help your goals on style/power. The car will get you lots of looks and attention, go to any meet with one and find out haha. I recommend it to anyone. They’re raising in price so I suggest you get your hands on one before they start hitting 20k lol
Mr2 stands for I want one
Hi,I own and race a zzw30.
first off: MR2 stands for Midship Runabout 2 seater. Runabout being a small, light car for enjoying driving in. (which is why 1st gen is 1 ton, second gen they accidentally made 1.2 ton and third gen is sub 1 ton convertable and they all have questionable practicality)
chassis codes are simple - first gen aw11, second gen sw20/sw21, third gen zzw30. Thats how the owners call them and thats how should you too!
As far as racing goes zzw30 placed first or top 10 in a lot of super gt races.
And its funny how everyone glosses over how zzw30 performance is actually the best of all 3 in anything but straight line where it is beaten by turbo. It is absolutely amazing what these things can do from beating nurburgring at 8:37 with only shitty cheap coilovers to Techno Pro Spirit MRS (which in reality is a unbuilt 190hp 2zz in a lightened pratically stock mrs running blistein shocks) beating tsukuba sub minute. They are all fantastic cars while the third one is living proof that handling outperforms horsepower. The entire mr2 line up is amazing. Truly greater than the sum of its parts.
I owned a mk2 GT and currently own a mk3. I really liked the mk2.. but I love my mk3 with huge wide tires lowered suspension and go kart handling. I totally agree, it is an absolutely fantastic car and now more and more people are starting to realise what they’ve been missing out on.
You think a straight line is the only way my MKII Turbo could beat your MKIII? Now THAT’S funny!
Lol, you wrote that like you believed you were the only one in the world who knew that shit. cute
How exactly is 2205 lbs "sub 1 ton?"
@@ProfessorOzone 1 metric ton = 2204.623lbs. Very close to sub 1 ton. Take out the spare tire. I think you're there....
Thank you for this video. I'm a previous owner of the '85, '88SC, and the 91T. That's nearly 2 decades ago now. I still dream about the '91T. Maybe I'll find my way back into one again some day. Meanwhile your video seems another subtle reminder that the MR2 is still relevant in my life. Thanks again.
I like the SW20 with N/A 3S-GE as my first car. I like the looks and it is good for daily and the snap oversteer is my way to learn how to drive properly in the midship cars.
Love my 1989, Toyota Super Red, T-Top, leather seats MR2 with zero rust and less than 53K original miles. Not fast but a blast to drive! Still drives like a new car.
I love my 2000 MR 2 Spyder. Total fun. Snap Oversteer?? I am still learning. If I throw it into a corner the front goes sideways. If I just run it into a corner it seems to come out the other end OK. I think it depends on when you pour the power on. Very informative vid. Thanks for the upload. Cheers from "Down Under".
Nice, Nissan Fairlady Z next?
_Devil Z!_
I 💜 my mk1b AW11.
The looks and the handling constantly keep me happy.
I just got my AW11 (mk1A) for Christmas, and ever since then ive been glued to the driver's seat. Its one of, if not the best handling car ive driven and hands down the most fun for the dollar. A fully stock under 100k mile (even supercharged) aw11 can run less than 10k if you know where to look for them, and i suggest if anyone is looking to have as much fun as possible in a car on a budget, look for a mr2.
Any good place to look man? Im looking for one myself. Like.. The mr2 is my dream car.
@@bigdaddyg0blin388 well I found mine on Facebook marketplace, but also use Craigslist. Don't be afraid to travel, it's more than worth it to find a good one (which is a mk1B 87-89, or a supercharged one starting in 88)
so glad i own an aw11. I'm getting ready to restore one on my channel
Great video. I love the clips you used and the music. The commentary was very engaging too.
The pre '87 AW11 had a 'blue top' 4A-GE 16V 3 rib early big port. The '87+ AW11 had a 'red and black top' 4A-GE 16V 7 rib late big port. They never had the 'red top' 4A-GE 16V 7 rib small port. 🙂
There are lots and lots of myths and common misconceptions with these cars. Especially surrounding the whole Mk1A/Mk1B thing (Toyota never actually called them that but just referred to the whole generation as the W10).
There was also a SW20 MR2 Spider with the 3S-GE. It was a special factory option only available in Europe and Asia.
Holy hell I was waiting for this. Love your videos mate.
Many thanks for your great clips. Have a 91T, original owner. Nothing quite like it on the rode. A treasure!
I had a 1991 JDM SW20 in teale green. Great car. Too bad the Canadian insurance industry greatly dislikes jdm sports cars.
What was the insurance like for your JDM SW20 if you don't mind me asking?
Had a gen 2 and just got a gen 3. Gen 3 is far superior; much more responsive, lighter, much smoother/shorter shifting, and in white it looks clean as hell. Both amazing cars though and great video!
From what I've gathered, the gen 3 is seen similar to a Miata. Good light car that handles very well, but it doesn't seem to appeal to many people like the gen 2 or gen 1
I have a SW21 with only 40k original miles, all OEM except the wheels and radio
It is so choice! It's looks have aged like fine wine. I get complimented almost every time I drive it
It is almost 30 years old and still feels bank-vault solid and drives like a great sports car should
Mr 2 and I will be together forever, and never to part. Together forever with 2!
Right on bro! Huge Mr2 fan! Parents had a 93 turbo back in 94 when I was a kid. If I had the means I’d collect all gens keep some stock some modded. Huge cult following. You Rock keep making Vidz!!
Thanks for including my old car. It was a fun build and a blast to drive!
10:00 that's just lift off oversteer. Snap oversteer is where you start oversteering one way, then you overcorrect and it snaps around the other direction.
Very common misconception but hopefully that explains it better. (also Dan Gurney was also involved in fixing the problem for the '93 model)
How convenient this video just came out when I wanted to learn about it since I want this to be my second car when I get my license
I love these 80s style vids
I have always had a soft spot for the mr2. I would really love one but would have to get rid of my s2000. I don’t know if it’s worth it tho.
I had a choice between s2k and mrs. I chose MRS and got to drive s2k as well. They are honestly both great cars but it comes down to what you want from a car. If you can drive a MRS with minor mods towards tracking and see how it feels. I found s2k takes it self very seriously as a sports car while the mrs is focused on fun and enjoyment. If that makes sense.
i had a 02 MR-S and have a 08 AP2 now ,, both are good car but i just like the MR-S more than the AP2......
@@Haddedam lol my s2k seems more serious about being track driven because the last owner put on some super stiff coil overs on it. so many people that ride with me think its uncomfortable but i just got used to it since it was my only car for 3 years straight. never had a chance to drive a mr2 but i do understand what you are talking about a car being serious over being more fun. i test drove a fiesta st about 2 years ago and man that car was so much fun to drive. didnt have power but it felt so alive compared to my s2k
This is a great comprehensive video! Well done! I wish I had this when I first started researching the SW20/21.
My dad has the last generation mr2 when I was young like 7 or 8 I remember when he first came home with it I thought it was a Porsche until I learned all about it. He had the sequential transmission, we live in New York City so he wanted nothing to do with a clutch and this car was perfect, he had it in that blue. I always thought this car was awesome I am sad to be an enthusiast now and realize how big of a loss we had from him getting rid of the car :( he still wants it to this day again. He claims it was his favorite car so maybe one day I’ll get him one for old times sake since we are doing better now
Love the mr2 had several of them and currently have mk3 with 2zz in it and it’s awesome
The 2 Gen Mr2 had also the 3sgte with 255 hp and not only the 200 hp Gen 2, (in Japan with 225 hp)
I enjoy every day with my Turbo mr2.
Mr2 in Love 😁
when i drove (still drive) this car, the best feeling is just putting the throttle down in second gear and relaxing back into your chair knowing how hard your car is hauling ass.
That’s why kept mine for almost 29 years.
Great video! So much research!
Love it! Wish I have SW20 instead of AW11 but at least I one. Thanks for sharing this vid.
Mr2s are the coolest!
Every day I miss my 91 Turbo. Only engine mods were (all) HKS exhaust, intake, and SSBV blowoff valve. It was enough for a bit of fun, however. Great track car. =(
The 3rd gen MR2 zzw30 is the best handling MR2. Why on Earth do people overlook that? It handles noticeably better than the 2nd gen.
Fun fact: the sw-21's 5s-fe is shared a engine with similar and later year camrys. Great vid btw
Im actually considering the 3rd gen MR2. People are sleeping on the 3rd gen. She deserves love too! Lol
4:50 He is clearly mistaken, and has never driven the base engine. My car has it, and the car is not underpowered at all! In fact, I can prove it. Toyota developed this car around the base engine because the Turbo car would snap oversteer in mid corner under throttle. They fixed this with the 93 suspension retune, but this proves Toyota made the car around the standard engine, then just added power. It shows when you drive both. SW21 is a gem!
The purpose was for a good fuel economy car but also fun to drive. Donut Media made a video about it
mk1a also had different suspension setup I believe. love these cars
mk1a mr2s had an issue with the manual transmission that caused them to pop out of 5th gear a lot. The mk1b, for the most part, fixed this.
Oh and you got snap over steer mostly right but forgot to mention that as soon as those back wheels catch traction it kicks back the other way and spins you out. (Unless you know what your doing)
The 4age had mainly 2 versions of large ports (blue and red+black being a revision)
The red top is all red letterings and was known as the small port. Those never came in anything other than the ae92 corolla/geo prizm
Black top is the 20 valve
@@Wabeeninc I know this. There is a large port 4age with red AND black lettering. The one with all red letterings is a small port.
I obviously know about the 20v but those never came in any mr2
yup AW11 only got the "bluetop" 4AGE (and later on the GZE). Now they're old enough just looking at the cam covers isn't enough to tell from all the fettling most of them have had anyway.
here's a diagram someone made years ago that might make it clearer. www.aeu86.org/files/4a/4agesbytalasaszo5_167.jpg It should also be noted many of the "bluetop" motors, especially in later AW11's came with 7 rib blocks, not just the weaker 3 rib.
Exact
Love the MR2. I own a 91 SW20 currently being built for GTA.
Love this. Thank you so much! Love the MR2! want-want-want
Thank you 303
Owned both a first gen and second gen with a 3S-GTE. I absolutely loved both cars but the 2nd gen was the best by a large margin. Would give anything if Toyota would build one again. Most fun cars I ever owned or may ever own unless a Cayman S is in my future.
For me, this is a legend!!
You know what made the MR2 really legendary...SNAP OVERSTEER BOIS what a death machine am I right?
U need more subs n views man. This is underrated
Now that we have the Supra again, when are we getting another MR2?
I remember reading, back when Supra was just rumors, that a Toyota executive wanted to bring back the Supra, which now is back, and the MR2, borrowing the hybrid drivetrain from the LeMans vehicle. I would love to have the MR2 come back, but I'm afraid it's going to be at the higher end, possibly sharing a variant with Lexus, like the 86 did with Scion before Scion died. Another thing is the whole collaborative scheme they've been doing with the vehicles they know enthusiasts want, 86/BRZ with Subaru and Supra/Z4 with BMW; the only problem is that, if it does borrow tech from their racing development, who're they going to collaborate with on a potential MR2?
That was also years ago, so if they do bring out another MR2 that's at least hybrid, they could potentially do what Maserati is doing with their plans for hybrid or full electric variants of their vehicles. But what would we get out of a full electric? Will we get a standard electric, a Tesla-like electric with better motors (possibly a halbach array?), or would we get something high powered like Aston Martin's ludicrous EV package that's replacing their v12's?
Even if we do get a MR2 in the near future, what about the 86, when do we get a second generation of it?
The 13.7 13.3 qtr time (depends on who you ask, was accomplished with the 3rd gen 3sgte...US never got these. The US got 2nd gen 3sgtes with pollution controls that only made 200hp, the jdm 2nd gen had 220hp...also the difference between a 3rd and a 2nd is SUBSTANTIAL. It's a laundry list of factory improvements, stock metal headgasket, stock oil catch can, deleted the archaic afm in favor (map sensor was it?), 540cc injectors vs 440s, ceramic ct20b that spooled better and revved through the entire powerband, the 2nd gen ct26 runs out of breath around 5500 rpm and especially 6000. More aggressive cams and gears, stock viscuous lsds (most of these are worn out by now) came in 80% of them.
Im from the US, Ive owned 2 aw11s, 3 mr2 turbos, 3 miatas too btw, and I currently own a jdm 8b6 tropical blue 1994 mr2 gts.
With the ct20b being a lot bettee turbo, that explains the sizeable difference in factory quartermile times as well as all the other little upgrades. Oh also the 3rd gen has a REDUCED cr for its pistons at 8.5:1, iirc the 2nd gen had 8.8:1, something like that. The 4th gen caldinas came with 9:1 which for a factory 3sgte is imo superior cr to a 3rd gen.
Anyways... i think a stock usdm pollution controled 2nd gen probably do 14.7 in the qtr, and a jdm 2nd gen, probably 14.2 if I had to guess...and a 3rd gen will do all things running good 13.7 and I swear I have seen a stock 3rd in factory bone stock comparison of idm cars (it was a 90s japanese tv show that showcased stock jdm cars racing each other in the 400m which is only 2ft shy of a quartermile) running a 13.3, but imo as a stock 3rd gen owner that would be the exception not the rule...maybe it was particularly cold the day of filming.
Heeey! 2GR swap SW20 shoutout! Love my 2gr Rav4. Swear ill run it till she breaks and pop the 2gr in a MR. Sooo awesome.
What make it so great ? Snap Oversteer
The Stock MR2 was supposed to be a Supra killer in terms of acceleration and it was.
Faster from 0-60 than the Supra RZ both in stock for of course
Yup,it can easily kill TT Lambos something that a supra can do and has crazy fast acceleration for a single turbo car(because of its torque)and honestly it lives under the supra's shadow,but if given a chance could easily smoke a supra and blow everyone's minds
3S-GTE same motor found in a sixth gen celica GT4. Both are great cars in there own right.
I don't really like the mrs, but its lighter than the sw20 and I'm sure with the super charger it will mean more power to weight ratio.
The303Garage - What Makes it so Great?
@@v35dan Get off, commie!
Lightning McQueen mr2 spider looks sick!!
I ALWAYS LOVED THESE & PONTIAC FIEROS
Woah, a new start. I like it.
Bro you needa make more of these videos
love MR2 :)
In my universe before the 2012 CERN experiment timeline split the MR2 stood for Mid-engine Run-about 2-seater.
9:33 there it is
Dan Gurney helped Toyota tune the suspension on the AW10/AW11.
I've been asking this forever..thanks!
I would love to build a lightweight aluminum tube chassis clone of the MR2, use the stock suspension out of a junker and stick a Honda J35 in with split turbos. I'm aiming for wheelies!
Dan Gurney was a big part of the suspension setup for the AW11. Also, Lotus had NOTHING to do with the AW11, other than Dan Gurney winning a few races with them back in the 60s.
There's an actual book out with the accurate history of all models of the MR2, but then again, most of you on here can't read your own name.
Thank god someone else caught that mistake besides me
This is the greatest video to ever be created by mankind
Mk1a's have the Bluetop 4A-GE with the usual blue lettering.
Source: Had a 1985 AW11.
2:21 dat bunta is lookin' for somethin but findin' nothin.
What you really want in your MR2 is not the 3S-GE, but a 2GR-FE :) That's the perfect swap, baby!
3sgte
Yes i've been waiting for this video for so long
It has been long noted that judging 4ag engine's by valve covers to be unreliable. It's easier to refer to them as either bigport or smallport. The AW11 never came with a smallport 4ag, Smallports (redtop) engines are fairly rare, they were only made for 3-4 years and only ended up in 3-4 models.
You made an error by not mentioning that Dan Gurney helped develop the AW11 chassis as well. Without his crucial input, the first and second gen MR2's would not have handled as well as they did.