Project MV8R: V8 MR2 Engine Swap

How to Assemble Carbon Fiber T-Tops for the Toyota MR2 and MR2 Turbo: part 1

Chris — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:09:15 +0000

A comprehensive guide with photos for assembling carbon fiber t-tops for the Toyota MR2 and MR2 Turbo . . . → Read More: How to Assemble Carbon Fiber T-Tops for the Toyota MR2 and MR2 Turbo: part 1Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Redesign and rebuild driver’s side (left side) mount

Chris — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:16:48 +0000

I’m currently redesigning and rebuilding the driver’s side mount. I don’t like my original mount because I am placing the urethane trans mount block (an item I purchased off-the-shelf) in tension, and its not really designed for tension.

I’m doing this for peace of mind. There are so many unknowns in this project that if I can eliminate as many as possible, so much the better. Plus, its within my current budget (of $0) to . . . → Read More: Redesign and rebuild driver’s side (left side) mountShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Auto parts at a discount!

Chris — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:56:27 +0000

As you can imagine, I buy a lot of auto parts. Recently the transaxle went out on my green 93 MR2 Turbo (not the V8 engine swap car, as that is the red car), so I am buying lots of parts related to swapping in a new trans, and I am also fixing my AC as summer is here.

As some of you know, I am trying to find a way to make some money . . . → Read More: Auto parts at a discount!Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Performance Car Secrets

Chris — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 19:36:28 +0000

In an earlier post, I talked about how tires are one of the most important keys to high performance with a car. After all, you can have all the horsepower in the world, the best suspension, and so on, but if you use crappy tires that have no grip, none of it will matter. I also stated that you could take an ordinary car, and if you put really good rubber on it, it will . . . → Read More: Performance Car SecretsShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 15 of 15: last video in this series

Chris — Sun, 22 May 2011 18:33:29 +0000

This is the last video in this series on installing a V8 into the MR2. This is NOT the final project video. This is just the last video on this aspect of the project. There is still a lot more to cover in Project MV8R, such as EMS (engine management systems), modifications to the car itself such as fuel filler pipe, engine coolant piping, and so on.

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 14 of 15

Chris — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:28:38 +0000

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 13 of 15

Chris — Sun, 01 May 2011 18:27:39 +0000

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 12 of 15

Chris — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:26:36 +0000

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 11 of 15

Chris — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:24:50 +0000

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 10 of 15

Chris — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:23:20 +0000

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 9 of 15

Chris — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 03:56:54 +0000

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How to Build a V8 MR2 part 8

Chris — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 01:55:55 +0000

How to Build a V8 MR2 part 8:

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How to Build a V8 MR2 part 7

Chris — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 01:54:05 +0000

How to Build a V8 MR2 part 7:

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How to Build a V8 MR2 part 6

Chris — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:09:17 +0000

Sixth Video in the series on How to Make a V8 MR2

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How To Build A V8 MR2 part 5

Chris — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 08:24:18 +0000

How To Build A V8 MR2 Video part 5

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How to Build a V8 MR2 part 4

Chris — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 20:05:26 +0000

Part 4 of my video series on How to Build a V8 MR2

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How to Build a V8 MR2 part 3

Chris — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 07:00:35 +0000

V8 MR2 video part 3

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How to Build a V8 MR2 part 2

Chris — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 18:42:28 +0000

Video #2 on How to Build a V8 MR2!

Check back here for more videos (LOTS more videos coming!)

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How to Build a V8 MR2, PART 1 of 15

Chris — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 08:18:10 +0000

PLEASE POST COMMENTS (at the bottom)!

This is the first in my video series where I give an overview of the swapping a V8 into the Toyota MR2 Turbo (or NA). Please note that this is not meant to be comprehensive instructions, just a quick overview. Even so, this series will be many videos long.

Be sure to check your e-mail for your confirmation request when you subscribe to my newsletter!

In this video I . . . → Read More: How to Build a V8 MR2, PART 1 of 15Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Video of world’s first V8 MR2 engine swap, runs and drives!

Chris — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:00:54 +0000

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Here’s a video of Mike H.’s V8 MR2. Not counting the Sard MC8R’s, This is the world’s first known running/driving second generation (1991-1999) V8 Toyota MR2.

the Sard cars were purpose built ultra custom cars on custom chassis.

Mike’s car started out as an OEM PRODUCTION MR2, and he installed the Audi V8 and Audi transaxle into it. I posted about it before here.

Original Video – More . . . → Read More: Video of world’s first V8 MR2 engine swap, runs and drives!Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Wheels and Tires

Chris — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 09:00:17 +0000

I was recently asked by a reader of my site what wheels and tires I am running on my green 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo (Project MV8R is the red 91 car).

Back in 2005, when I bought my 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo, the first first modification I did, the same day I picked up the car, was to change the wheels and tires. I removed the stock 15″ wheels, and put 17″ forged aluminum wheels . . . → Read More: Wheels and TiresShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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V8 MR2 engine swap Clutch The Test itself

Chris — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 09:00:26 +0000

In this video I demonstrate the actual test.

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V8 MR2 engine swap Clutch test details and conclusions

Chris — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 09:00:52 +0000

In this video I explain why I am doing this test, what the test will tell me, and what I hope to accomplish.

I need to determine if the MR2 clutch master cylinder is compatable–moves enough volume of fluid, to actuate the GM F40 hydraulic Throwout bearing. I also need to know if the throwout bearing has enough travel to fully disengage the clutch disk. I also need to determine if there is enough self-adjustment . . . → Read More: V8 MR2 engine swap Clutch test details and conclusionsShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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V8 MR2 Clutch test introduction

Chris — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 09:00:14 +0000

Today I ran a test to determine flywheel adaptor thickness for my V8 MR2 engine swap project. I am also testing the hydraulic throwout bearing that came with the GM F40 6-speed manual transmission (transaxle) to determine if it is compatible with the clutch, pressure plate, and the MR2 clutch master cylinder. I also determine the exact thickness of adaptor plate I need for the flywheel.

This is the introduction

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For subscribers to MV8R: Tech info on the GM F40 6-speed transmission (transaxle)

Chris — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:41:09 +0000

Lots of photos in this post!

I just posted the following PDF’s in the subscriber’s area. You will need to sign up to gain access.

How To Install a 6 speed in a Pontiac Grand Am GT GM F40 Bellhousing Details 2006 F40 (MT2) GM_F40_TrannyInfo

The first PDF is a copy of the thread from the Pontiac Grand Am forums, and has a lot of valuable info . . . → Read More: For subscribers to MV8R: Tech info on the GM F40 6-speed transmission (transaxle)Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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V8 MR2 Engine Swap Newsletter/Subscriber area

Chris — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 05:57:32 +0000

Be sure to sign up for the Project MV8R newsletter to the left or go to this page.

Its FREE and I will NOT spam you, or sell or rent out your e-mail!

I cover all aspects of this V8 engine conversion project such as tools needed (jacks, welders, types of saws, drill presses). I also discuss the automotive parts needed for this project, and where to buy them. I talk about the clutch and . . . → Read More: V8 MR2 Engine Swap Newsletter/Subscriber areaShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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V8 MR2 project photos 1

Chris — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 18:35:31 +0000

1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo with a V8

Left side of my V8 MR2

underside of the V8 MR2 engine swapTop side of the V8 MR2 Engine SwapV8 MR2 axlesMR2 Turbo crossmembers

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Engine Swaps for the Toyota MR2 Turbo (other than V8)

Chris — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 09:35:20 +0000

I have discussed the 4 cylinder engine swaps in my first post on this subject, and the V6 options in my second post.

In this third post, I am going to present you with a really powerful idea.

First, a little background:

I have seen many people say something like: “Hey, why not put a two-jay-zee in the MR2?” The 2JZ was featured in the original “Fast-N-Furious” movie so its well known. Many people don’t . . . → Read More: Engine Swaps for the Toyota MR2 Turbo (other than V8)Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Engine swaps for the Toyota MR2 (other than V8) part 2

Chris — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 20:27:43 +0000

This is a continuation of my discussion of other MR2 engine swap choices. I started the discussion here.

In addition to the third generation JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) 3SGTE, there were a few other engines offered in the JDM MR2. These engines can be bought by JDM engine importers, but be sure to check with smog officials in your area before attempting to buy one of these and put it into an MR2.

There was . . . → Read More: Engine swaps for the Toyota MR2 (other than V8) part 2Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Engine swaps for the Toyota MR2 (other than V8) part 1

Chris — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 19:24:47 +0000

I know many of you don’t want to tackle stuffing a V8 engine into the MR2, so you might be wondering what other choices there are. It turns out that there are quite a few.

When looking at Toyota engine names, the designation of FE usually refers to thier “normal” performance engines. The 1UZFE (property called the 1UZ-FE) was their 4.0L V8 used in the Lexus SC400 and LS400 in the early 90′s.

The 1MZ-FE . . . → Read More: Engine swaps for the Toyota MR2 (other than V8) part 1Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Do I have any other V8 choices?

Chris — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:28:10 +0000

The Cadillac 4.9L V8 (predecessor to the Northstar) bolts up to the F40. The starter is in a different location than the Northstar.

Check out Pennock’s Fiero forum for more details. Keep in mind that the 4.9 is another .5 inches longer than the N*, and makes a whole lot less power, and is not really that much more compact in spite of having pushrods.

Its not really a good option. However, the Caddy forums have a section for . . . → Read More: Do I have any other V8 choices?Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Audi V8 and gearbox bolt pattern

Chris — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 08:21:23 +0000

PLEASE POST COMMENTS (at the bottom)!

I am using a 1995 Cadillac Northstar 4.6L V8 and GM F40 6-speed gearbox (from the 2006 Pontiac G6 GTP) for my project. However, Mike H in Florida built his V8 MR2 by mounting it longitudinally (North-South) instead of transverse (East-West) like a stock MR2.

He used a mid to late 90′s Audi ABZ 4.2L V8 and Audi Gearbox.

A helpful reader sent me some info that has to . . . → Read More: Audi V8 and gearbox bolt patternShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Project Diagram side view, engine mountings

Chris — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 07:48:48 +0000

Here is another diagram I did to show the forces involved under full acceleration.

Its the side view of the Toyota MR2 or MR2 Turbo sports car, and shows how the V8 engine and transmission and other automotive parts like the engine mounts are arranged. This is identical to how the stock Toyota 3SGTE (3S-GTE) or 5SFE (5S-FE) were mounted in the car originally.

Its a “free body diagram” that engineers use to analyze the forces. . . . → Read More: Project Diagram side view, engine mountingsShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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What year Cadillac Northstar V8 for this project?

Chris — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:31:19 +0000

There are several things to consider when choosing which year, and which "flavor" of Northstar V8 to use in this engine swap project. . . . → Read More: What year Cadillac Northstar V8 for this project?Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Project MV8R website revamped!

Chris — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 02:36:25 +0000

This month I have revamped the whole look of my site. In addition . . . → Read More: Project MV8R website revamped!Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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The Secret to a High Performance Car

Chris — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 09:40:29 +0000

Its not horsepower (even though more is better). Its not the engine. Its not the transmission. Its not the suspension. Its not the chassis, nor is it the body. Quite simply, its . . . → Read More: The Secret to a High Performance CarShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Where to get Automotive parts?

Chris — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 07:45:53 +0000

You might be wondering where I buy my auto parts. I buy a lot from my local auto parts stores, but if I want to save money and have some time before I need the parts, I usually get them from . . . → Read More: Where to get Automotive parts?Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Project MV8R diagram: top view

Chris — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 07:44:01 +0000

Here is a sketch I found in my project files. It gives you a very good idea of the arrangement of the major automotive parts such as . . . → Read More: Project MV8R diagram: top viewShare on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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Can the average Joe do this V8 swap?

Chris — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:12:25 +0000

This project CAN be done in your garage

I don’t want to discourage anyone that wants to take on this project. I just want you to have a full understanding of what it is you are getting into, BEFORE you get into it.

Welding is required. If you cannot weld, you should take some lessons and/or practice. Alternatively, you could have someone else do the welding for you, possibly a mobile welding guy. Cutting . . . → Read More: Can the average Joe do this V8 swap?Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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What does my blog cover?

Chris — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 02:04:08 +0000

l will cover all aspects of this project. Here is a list. . . . → Read More: What does my blog cover?Share on Facebook Retweet this Stumble this Reddit this Submit this to

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