Toyota MR2 Mk 2 (1989-99)

The Toyota MR2—the mid-engined marvel that carved its way into the hearts of driving enthusiasts! Let's pop the hood (figuratively, of course) and explore some common quirks and hiccups that the MR2 Mark II (SW20) might encounter.

1. **Shaking and Vibrations**:
- Feeling a shimmy in your MR2? Here are some culprits to investigate:
- **Shocks**: If your car responds poorly to bumps and turns, worn-out shocks might be the issue. Replacing them is the fix.
- **Tires**: Misbalanced tires or worn-out treads can cause a noticeable wobble, especially at higher speeds. Also, double-check those lug nuts—they should be snug!
- **Engine and Transmission Mounts**: These little heroes absorb vibrations. If they're shot, you'll feel the shakes. Consider polyurethane or aftermarket mounts as replacements.
- **Axle Assemblies (CV Joints and Boots)**: Keep an eye on these—they're essential for smooth power delivery.
- **Wheel Alignment**: If your MR2 pulls in different directions, it's time for a wheel alignment. A local tire shop can sort this out for you.
- **Rotors**: Warped rotors can lead to uneven braking and pulling to one side.
- **C Rings**: These keep CV joints and boots in place. If broken, they'll let things slide around—replace them.
- **Half Shafts (CV Boot)**: That rubber piece can crank or tear, affecting performance.

2. **Fuel Pump Pressure Leaks**:
- The fuel lines can develop leaks. To check, turn the key to the "on" position and wait a moment. If you hear the fuel pump engage, it's pressurizing the lines¹.

3. **Rocker Gasket Leaks**:
- The rocker gasket might decide to leak, causing oil to drip down. Keep an eye out for this, especially if it's dripping onto the alternator. A little cleanup and detective work can save the day!

4. **Electrical Gremlins**:
- If you're facing mysterious electrical issues, start with these steps:
- Check battery and alternator wiring for looseness or corrosion.
- Measure battery voltage with the engine off and while running.

5. **Remember, You're Driving a Legend**:
- The MR2 Mark II has its quirks, but it's also a piece of automotive history. Cherish those mid-engine thrills and keep the spirit alive!
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Generations
The Toyota MR2—a delightful dance partner for those who crave mid-engine magic! Let’s rev up the engine of knowledge and explore the generations of this iconic sports car.
1. First Generation (W10; 1984–1989):
o Model Code: W10
o Years: 1984–1989
o Designer: Seiichi Yamauchi
o Engine Options:
 1.5 L 3A-LU I4 (AW10)
 1.6 L 4A-GE DOHC I4 (AW11)
 1.6 L 4A-GZE supercharged I4 (AW11)
o Layout: Transverse mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
o Fun Fact: The W10 MR2 was Japan’s first rear mid-engined production car. It combined simplicity with sportiness, featuring an inline-four engine mounted transversely in front of the rear axle. Picture those coil over suspensions and MacPherson strut fronts—it was like a ballet dancer on twisty roads!
o Dimensions (for the curious):
 Wheelbase: 2,319 mm (91.3 in)
 Length: 3,950 mm (155.5 in)
 Width: 1,666 mm (65.6 in)
 Height: 1,234 mm (48.6 in)
 Weight: Ranged from 1,035 kg (2,282 lb) to 1,131 kg (2,493 lb) depending on the trim.
2. Second Generation (W20; 1989–1999):
o Model Code: W20
o Years: 1989–1999
o Engine Gems:
 The 4A-GE DOHC I4 continued its magic.
 The supercharged 4A-GZE I4 returned, adding a little boost to the party.
o Styling: The W20 MR2 got sleeker, curvier, and more aerodynamic. Pop-up headlights? Oh, yes!
o Targa Tops: The T-top versions let you soak up the sun while pretending you’re in a mini-Ferrari.
o Fun Fact: The W20 MR2 was like the cool older sibling—the one who knew how to party but still aced exams. It balanced performance and practicality with finesse.
3. Third Generation (W30; 1999–2007):
o Model Code: W30
o Years: 1999–2007
o Engine Symphony:
 The 1ZZ-FED inline-four engine took centre stage.
 Mid-engine layout? Check. Rear-wheel drive? Check. Smiles per mile? Double-check!
o Design: The W30 MR2 looked like it was sculpted by wind itself. Sleek lines, minimalism, and a dash of futuristic flair.
o Spyder: Toyota dropped the T-top and gave us the MR2 Spyder—a convertible that whispered, “Top down, worries away.”
o Fun Fact: The W30 MR2 was the swan song—the final encore. It bowed out gracefully, leaving enthusiasts with memories of twisty roads and that unmistakable engine note.
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Body Styles
Ah, the **Toyota MR2 Mark II**—a sleek and spirited ride that had enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear! Let's pop open the garage and explore the various outfits this mid-engined gem wore during its heyday.

1. **Coupe (Two-Door)**:
- The classic MR2 Mark II silhouette—the one that made heads turn as it zipped around corners. Picture a compact, low-slung coupe with a hint of Ferrari flair. The front end boasted a low nose, those iconic pop-up headlights (because who doesn't love a good headlight surprise?), and a grille with horizontal slats. It was like the "Baby Ferrari" of its time—a nimble, affordable sports car that didn't break the bank.

2. **T-Bar (T-Top)**:
- Toyota knew that sunshine and wind in your hair were essential ingredients for driving joy. So, they gave us the T-bar option. Imagine removing two roof panels and leaving just a sleek longitudinal beam—a bit like a cabriolet but with more structural rigidity. Perfect for cruising on sunny days or pretending you're in a spy movie.

3. **Turbocharged Versions**:
- Now, let's talk about the spicy bits. The MR2 Mark II came in turbocharged flavors, and these were the ones that made your heart race a little faster:
- **Turbocharged 2.0L Powerplant**: This gem provided swift accelerations, especially when paired with the five-speed manual gearbox. It was like strapping a rocket to your backside and grinning like a mischievous kid.
- **Sportier Appearance**: At the rear, you'd find a wing perched on the deck, dual exhausts peeking under the bumper, and vents to keep that mid-mounted engine cool. It was all about form meeting function.

4. **The Cockpit**:
- Inside, the MR2 Mark II kept it intimate. Two low-mounted bucket seats separated by a center console—because who needs extra passengers when you're chasing apexes? The instrument cluster dutifully reported speed, revs, water temperature, and fuel level. And if you were lucky enough to own a turbocharged version, that boost gauge was your adrenaline meter.

5. **The Legacy**:
- So, whether you chose the sleek coupe or the T-bar for your MR2 adventures, you were part of a legacy—a community of enthusiasts who reveled in mid-engine magic. The MR2 Mark II wasn't just a car; it was a grin-inducing, corner-hugging, wind-in-your-hair experience.
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Engines
Let’s pop the hood (metaphorically, of course) and explore the heartbeats that powered the Toyota MR2 Mark II (also known as the SW20). Buckle up, because we’re diving into engine territory!
1. Base 119bhp Engine (3S-FE):
o This one was like the sensible sibling—the kind that shows up to family gatherings on time and never forgets birthdays. It hailed from the Carina and offered a modest 119 brake horsepower. But let’s be honest, it wasn’t the life of the party. Lazy? A tad. Unrefined? Maybe. But it did its duty, quietly humming along. If you’re after excitement, though, you might want to skip this introvert.
2. Naturally Aspirated 3S-GE (165bhp):
o Ah, now we’re talking! The 3S-GE was the most common choice for MR2 enthusiasts. With 165 horses under the hood, it brought the right blend of performance and reliability. Rev-happy? Absolutely. It sang a sweet tune as you pushed it through the gears. Think of it as the MR2’s caffeine fix—a shot of adrenaline for twisty roads and spirited drives.
3. Turbocharged 3S-GTE (225bhp):
o Brace yourself! The 3S-GTE was the rock star—the one that made your heart race and your palms sweat. Borrowed from the Celica GT-Four, this turbocharged beast unleashed 225 horsepower. It spat flames, hugged corners, and whispered, “Hold on tight!” The MR2 Turbo was like a caffeinated cheetah—swift, agile, and ready to pounce.
4. Fun Fact:
o The MR2 Mark II wasn’t just about raw power; it was about balance. Mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, and those perfectly tuned suspensions—it danced through curves like a salsa champion.
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Spares
The quest for MR2 Mark II spares—a noble pursuit indeed! Whether you’re fine-tuning your mid-engine masterpiece or nursing it back to health, let’s explore where you can find those elusive parts in the UK and Ireland.
1. AutopartsPro:
o AutopartsPro is like a treasure trove for MR2 aficionados. They offer original MR2 spares at reasonable prices. From brake pads to wheel bearings, they’ve got you covered. You’ll feel like a kid in a candy store—only this candy is made of gaskets and strut mounts.
o Website: AutopartsPro MR2 Parts
2. Breakeryard:
o Picture this: a virtual junkyard where MR2 parts await their next adventure. Breakeryard offers both new and used MR2 components. Value? Check. Quality? Double-check. Prices? Wallet-friendly. So, whether you need a strut bearing or a spotlight bulb, they’ve got your back.
o Website: Breakeryard MR2 Parts
3. Autodoc:
o Autodoc is your online pit stop for MR2 II (SW20) parts. They’ve got a warranty on their offerings, so you can shop with confidence. Whether it’s engine mounts or radiator thermostats, Autodoc knows its way around MR2 innards.
o Website: Autodoc MR2 Parts
4. Ultimate Styling:
o If you’re all about style (and who isn’t?), Ultimate Styling has your MR2 covered. Brake pads, wiper blades, oil filters—they’ve got the essentials. Plus, they know that even a mid-engine marvel needs a little TLC.
o Website: Ultimate Styling MR2 Parts
5. Toyota Parts Direct:
o For genuine Toyota MR2 parts and accessories, Toyota Parts Direct is your go-to. Secure payment, stock availability, and next-day delivery—it’s like Christmas morning for MR2 enthusiasts.
o Website: Toyota Parts Direct MR2 Section