Turbocharged V6 Toyota MR2 Unleashes Fiery Fury
The Toyota MR2 Spyder: A Love-Hate Relationship
The third-generation Toyota MR2 Spyder is a unique and quirky little sports car that has captured the hearts of many enthusiasts. Its low curb weight, mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and adorable design make it a fantastic find on the used market. However, one major drawback has always been its lack of power, thanks to its 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing a mere 138 horsepower.
A Boost of Power
Enter Brad Glasgow, aka G Mech, from New Zealand, who has been working on his MR2 Spyder for over two years to correct this issue. He started by swapping in a Mitsubishi 6G74 V6 engine with a massive turbocharger that produces a healthy dose of power and torque. The engine was paired with a four-speed sequential manual transmission, which made for a thrilling driving experience, complete with a boost of power and a turbo whoosh.
A Fire-Breathing MR2
But this wasn’t just any ordinary engine swap. Glasgow’s build was taken to the next level with the addition of a big port cylinder head from a different 1.8T and another huge turbocharger from a Volvo. The result was a fire-breathing MR2 that shot flames from its side exhaust during simulated launch control. Unfortunately, this level of power and performance came at the cost of comfort and drivability, making it a bit of a handful to drive.
A More Manageable Engine
In an effort to rectify this issue, Glasgow decided to swap out the V6 engine for a more manageable 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from a first-gen Audi TT. This engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission from a 2011 Volkswagen Passat diesel, which came equipped with a limited-slip differential. This setup promises to improve drivability and make the car more fun to drive.
Future Plans
Glasgow is also working on another MR2 project, an EV-swapped roadster using Tesla-sourced motors and batteries. However, this project has been put on hold while he focuses on completing the Audi-powered car. We can’t wait to see an update on this project and to finally see the car on the road.
Follow the Builder
To keep up with Glasgow’s projects and learn more about his building process, be sure to follow him on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His videos are always informative and entertaining, and he goes into great detail about his builds.
