How To: Choose Engine Swap

Why Engine Swap?

Engine Swapping isnt for everyone...but for those willing to take the dive...theres a plethora of options! More Power? YES! More reliablility? MAYBE! Lets take a look into what options might be for you!

What Engines are available?

  • 1zz
  • 2zz
  • K20/24
  • 2GR V6
  • 2ARFE
  • Many other swaps coming!

How to Choose:

How do you choose which setup is best for you? Well we know that the MR2 Platform handles amazing and is very light! The other benefit being Mid-Engine allows more weight over the tires for additional straight line traction!

Lets assume all engines are stock (unopened) and average Turbo setup Cost of $5,000...Lets review the below:

  • Average Cost: NA / Turbo
  • Experience Level: NA/Turbo (0-5 Rating)
  • NA WHP/TRQ:
  • Turbo WHP/TRQ:

  • 1zz Build

    • Average Cost: $0/$5,000
    • Experience Level: 1/5
    • NA WHP/TRQ: 120/112
    • Turbo WHP/TRQ: 230/200

    Reliably a 1zz NA is the choice for those novices just looking for some seat time or class restrictions. Adding a turbo can net up to 230whp with 200ftlbs safely. This is plenty of power for most people - however, other swaps net much...much more...

  • 2zz Swap

    • Average Cost: $4,000/$9,000
    • Experience Level: 2/5
    • NA WHP/TRQ: 170/125
    • Turbo WHP/TRQ: 300/210

    The 2zz is a fantastic Engine. Similar to a Kseries...It has VVTL (Lift) which activates around 6200rpm...with a High revving redline of 8200rpm...this is a blast to drive. With a turbo, they can safely reach 300whp with 210ftlbs. One major flaw however is the oil pickup. An easy solution is to add a MOROSO pan, or extend the oil pickup. Cam Wipe is another known flaw with the 2zz from improper maintenance among other causes. Prepare for this to feel very similar to the 1zz, but with less low end torque until 6200rpm. 300whp in the MR2 Platform is the perfect weapon for track or street! See MonkeyWrench Racing for a wonderful install Guide.

    See MonkeyWrench Racing 

  • K20/24 Swap

    • Average Cost:$5,000/$10,000
    • Experience Level: 3/5
    • NA WHP/TRQ: 220/160
    • Turbo WHP/TRQ: 500/413

    The Famous Kswap...Not much to be said here...one of the best swaps for the money that can be done...NA makes more power than a 2zz and has the reliability you expect from a Honda...Huge Aftermarket aswell. No real issues in NA form. Slap a Turbo on a kswap...expect up to 500whp 400ftlbs on pump gas with the completely bone stock engine. Be careful! Anything over 300whp in these cars can be more than some can handle!

  • 2GR Swap

    • Average Cost:$7,500/$12,500
    • Experience Level: 4/5
    • NA WHP/TRQ: 300/280
    • Turbo WHP/TRQ: 400/430

    The 2GR is an amazing NA setup for the MR2...Becoming wildly popular in the 2nd gen MR2. Spending a ton of money these can easily hit 400whp NA...Which is why we recommend the 2GR engine for NA setups....anything past 400whp its recommended to upgrade rods, pistons, and head studs....and at that point....the next weak point is the crank and block. You can find more information about this swap if you visit Frankenstein Motorworks.

    See Frankenstein motorworks 

  • 2ARFE Swap

    • Average Cost:$6,500/$12,500
    • Experience Level: 4/5
    • NA WHP/TRQ: 205/190
    • Turbo WHP/TRQ:350/???

    Frankenstein Motorworks developed this swap from the ground up. He offers many upgrades resulting in up to 270whp NA! There isnt much information out there about a Turbo'd 2ARFE, however 350whp seems to be the limit on the stock engine. You can find more information about this swap if you visit Frankenstein Motorworks.

    See Frankenstein Motorworks 

  • Other Options

    There are plenty of other awesome Engine swaps that have been worked on recently. Zurawski Motorsport has been working on a VW-VR6 Swap kit for the MR2 Spyder! Go check them out at their Facebook Page!

    See Zurawski Motorsport