I read a big article about how it's better to find a N/A because they are less likely to be abused and with swapping in the 3zgte (IIRC) you spend about the same

I figured with the short wheelbase they would be "snappy"

 

You will find more "virgin" n/a's I'm sure, however it's a pita to convert them to turbo. You have to swap everything. I wouldn't want to do that, however there are some that do I guess. At that rate I'd almost rather put a camry v6 in it with a blower.

 

Wheelbase + MR layout = spinny
I can vouch for that. I'm on my 4th MR2 now, only took one of them to end up in the dirt for it to motivate me into researching more about the layout.

Honestly, it really won't matter which you buy. Might be easier to find a N/A, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't molested. It's a sports car, people buy sports cars to drive them for that reason. You'll want to do bushings and suspension when you buy it regardless, really brings the fun out in the car.

The 3S-GTE swap isn't that difficult. There is a 'forum famous' tuner/installer right here in Virginia Beach. There is tons of resources on the MR2oc.com board as well. The price comparison of buying NA-2-Turbo Swap, or just a factory turbo is relatively close. If I could go back again, I'd just buy a factory turbo one and rebuild the motor/stroker motor/etc.

 

get a mkI and swap a 20V and boost it very reliable and quick as shit...plus they are lighter

 

Or just do a mk1.5 ... talk about reliable.

 

MR2 = Lots of fun in a car.

 

MR2's are very fun to ride in....

 

haha yeshh or order a 4agze and put it in :-)

 

I have a '93MR2 turbo hardtop I purchased with the sole purpose of using as a dedicated track car (roll bar, race seats, etc). It does great on smaller tracks, a little down on power on high hp tracks like VIR full (I only have intake, 3" exhaust/dp, CT-20b turbo, IC and raised boost; engine could use more torque. Side mount intercooler tends to heat soak on very hot days (even my upgraded turbohoses.com/Spearco IC). Engine stays cool thanks to the large qty of radiator fluid used since radiator is up front. Brakes on the '93+ turbo model are VERY good for a stock setup. Suspension/chassis is pretty good/firm, but I have a hardtop model with a welded in rollbar, so that helps. My biggest complaint is lack of fender room for bigger tires (I run 255 rear/225 front) and lack of quality coilover choices (by quality I don't mean Tein, etc); best option is Toda, but $$. All in all, very fun track car; wish I wasn't going to be selling mine.

 

I have one and i love it taking turns in my mr2 are so fking awesome just don't step on the brakes when ur taking a turn or u will spin.