2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder - One Take

Check out the full line of TST Merch at:
www.teespring.com/stores/thesm...
This Toyota MR2 Spyder has a stock powertrain, but has been modified with every single JDM accessory available in order to make it look as close to the JDM model as possible, but without converting to right hand drive. With a 1.8L 1ZZ engine and a primitive sequential manual transmission, the MR2 is an oddity in the sports car world, but is light, tossable, and fun in its own unique way.
Check out AJ's custom wood shifter knobs at:
www.sigmaprojects.org/

[@ZDY66666]

"...with actual headers" Matt turns his head and looks at him in shock LOL

[@HulaHula85]

ZDY and theyre not even headers theyre a GARBAGE setup with a cat built in that loves to break apart and throw material back into the exhaust valves when you shut off the motor.

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

HulaHula85 True true, still, better than the garbage system some Nissans used that would take pieces of your cat' run it thru the EGR system and into your engine lol.

[@inflinirator]

@@ChroniclesofKToyoda Guess what the VVTI does

[@ChroniclesofKToyoda]

@@inflinirator it does overlap (among other things but this is the answer we're likely focused on), but VVT"i" does this intelligently, meaning extra air is allowed to flow in past not necessarily the reversion your hinting at at, whereas the Nissan system I was referencing picks up past the cat' where broken bits collect, than feeds that back into the intake (a bit worse than what Toyota does....)

[@inflinirator]

@@ChroniclesofKToyoda Fair enough, I learned something today :)

[@tommysk8r94]

"this is actually my buddy's".. Quote of the year lol

[@FreeForAllFreak]

Matt the type of guy to stall an automatic.

[@alansmilealot]

lol

[@maxxjettfilms6322]

It upshifts like a smart car. I would have stuck with the five speed manual

[@BlitzkriegRap]

True that.

[@TheTsAndre]

they were also offered in 6 speed manual

[@taakotruck1894]

maxxjett films I own a 5 speed. I love it

[@olliewebbuk]

Ah yes, the first gen. Smart, the gearbox forgets that it's actually a gearbox.

[@rarbona]

i actually drove smart car onc felt like every time it upshifted it wanted to throw my head through the windshield and by 30mph i was in 4th.. it was truly awful

[@PatrickHenryLibertyorDeath]

drove a stock one from new for 15 years then a dump truck with no insurance decided to crush it. brilliant car. Always fun to drive. Better as a manual. No issues. turns and stops at frightening speeds. It really does not need any mods.

[@CrunchyElbow]

What do you even do in that situation

[@andyjf89]

'It has a clutch....' 'It has a computer controlled clutch, there is no clutch pedal' .........DENIED

[@rocketn8]

Andy Forrest Still has a clutch though.

[@luiginazareno]

NO CLUTCH? NO MANUAL. NO CLUTCH? NO MANUAL.

[@rocketn8]

Luigi Nazareno It has a clutch. Therefore no need for a torque converter. But it doesn't have a clutch pedal. A clutch pedal is not a clutch.

[@ReubenHorner]

I think what he was getting at was that it is standard auto, not DCT

[@ChoPi-Eww]

and a stock motor. sad trombone. let's talk about reliability, maybe mileage...

[@suhdude6550]

"It's slow but it feels quick" sad compliment coming from the pro mx5 driver.

[@OptimusPlague]

ZZW30 MR2 is a poor man's Elise/Boxster. Which is why I own one. Six speed manual though...

[@AimForTheBushes908]

As soon as the whole auto-manual thing happened I paused and scrolled down to read comments.

[@jake_peterson]

minameise same lmao

[@phantommedia9964]

Same lol

[@TurboA41986]

Me too lol

[@audechilderes9402]

Same here

[@KidJaeProductions]

Just to read manual fanboys' ignorance

[@asparceproton1]

One of the guys at our local autocross has an MR2 Spyder with a K24 and Type R 6 speed. The thing absolutely rips, and the dude can really drive.

[@JETZcorp]

Holy God that sounds like a stone cold killer.

[@WelcomeToTheMadness]

"It feels quick...." Looks down at speedometer, well, not really. Signed, Reality.

[@Pickle312]

As a MR2 Spyder owner... the automatic sequential transmission is garbage, at least the 5spd sequential, with acceleration being noticeably slower compared to the manual.

[@AustinPatacsil]

Please do a 2zzge swap or k20 swapped mr2 spyder. Way better than the stock 1zzfe.

[@thealeksanderh]

agreed, the 2zz is already super easy to swap and comes with more power and has more options for tuning than you have on the 1zz. seems like an easy choice.

[@b1m3x8]

austin patacsil THIS. Stock is just a waste of time.

[@somanymods]

austin patacsil meh the 2zz is absolutely gutless below 6200 rpms. the 1zz has better mid-range.

[@AustinPatacsil]

somanymods true but the mr2 is so light that it really doesn't need much power to get going. I would rather go with the 2zz just because the aftermarket support is much better. Guess it depends if you're going for a n/a build or boosted build.

[@HarvesterUT2]

Best bang for the buck is to just add a small turbo to the 1ZZ engine. Can easily make 175-200whp and have a very quick car.

[@CanadianMax]

I swear, in the one flyby shot, i could actually see the grass grow...

[@Syncopia]

MaX83_ZA 😂

[@tjprovo24]

MaX83_ZA Acid will do that to you

[@Rocknium1]

rofl 😂

[@phantommedia9964]

At least it's safer than only 3 working breaks lololol

[@audechilderes9402]

Man this shitt had me rolling🤣🤣🤣

[@march11stoneytony]

Gotta love Matt and these one takes! Guy lives the dream

[@JayKanella]

This is a case of a marvelous chassis hamstrung by the gutless and unreliable 1zz engine. It should have come from the factory with the 2zz. It transforms it into a COMPLETELY different car.

[@ThungStudios]

Exactly. Toyota must've been smoking crack when they gave this the 1zz. The 2zz fits in just as well and would be so much better than the stock. Especially with the god awful pre-cat failure in the pre-facelift models.

[@tojiroh]

I've heard nothing but praise for its handling. What guts me is the way it looks like jalapeño butthole.

[@malrofo]

Really funny how they put the 2zz in the matrix and corolla but not in the actual sports car

[@iwindowz]

only reason they didn't stick the 2zz in is cause they would have KILLED lotus sales.

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

I just bought a 2000 Mr. Two today actually, then I find this One Take. It's an omen! 5-speed manual, like God(zilla) intended. My daily is a 2010 Audi S5. You'd think that going from 354hp to 138hp would be jarring...but it is honestly quite astonishing how fast 138hp feels in a MR2 Spyder. Power-to-weight baby! The power makes it feel like the perfect roadster. Not under powered at all, and not TOO much power. It's juuuust right.

[@LeoNardo-be6yh]

I'm listening to this while driving and a 2nd gen, seemingly tuned MR2 just passed me. Made me smile.

[@draytonPW]

At 3:13 when he said it has "ACTUAL" headers and Matt looked at him like wtf i died.

[@Kevhoe]

Wish it were a manual.

[@a.fellow7773]

I have a European spec 2003 6 speed manual and can't think of a better drivers car for the money!

[@JayPase]

My 1987 MR-2 remains my favorite handling car I've ever owned ! Toyota should have never stopped making them.

[@alansmilealot]

Jay Pase do u still have it?

[@JayPase]

Sadly no . . . one of my regrets in life was selling it

[@JustcallmeGnarly22]

I love it with the hardtop. This is how they should have come from the factory. In the US market anyways.

[@Rttuning]

Next time you are on the east coast I'd love to put you on a windy back road in my 2ZZ, Rotrex'ed Spyder. Take this stock car and imagine it with another 200 wheel horsepower.

[@donmerrigan2362]

R/T Tuning Erik I'm still waiting for a ride in that thing.

[@zecc81]

R/T Tuning I recently almost bought one to 2zz swap but California engine swap laws put me off it. It's possible but a total PITA.

[@jetirex]

Good Episode Matt. Even more enticing is the raft of vintage bintage in the background as you pull in to finish up!

[@PetrolHead1]

Rex Hylton just you wait 😈

[@StingrayOfficial]

Car looks fantastic with the hardtop.

[@S2kTi]

I like these! I road in one recently with this transmission and it seemed interesting. Wouldn't be what I would buy but I can see how it could be enjoyable

[@Asiantwinturbo]

I owned an MR2 Spyder and loved it. Not exactly my definition of "fast".... at all. BUT it handles like a dream. I recommend you drive the 5 speed manual. Shifting feels VERY solid and super easy to drive. Slap on a modest turbo or super charger and you're set! However, I would recommend building the internals if exceeding 250rwhp.

[@ehjhey7]

Anyone get so sick of the American Gods ads that you actually started to watch it and discovered it was actually amazing?

[@refirendum]

The MR2 Spyder SMT cannot shift up on its own accord. I have test driven one. It cannot shift gears on its own besides neutral to reverse/first and back to neutral. besides that, it will not ever shift without user input. it has no torque converter, as it uses a mechanical clutch with a hydraulic actuator. the gear selection actuator shifts using the same shift forks that a manual shifter would be connected to. standard manual clutch upgrades fit this transmission. it is a sequential manual. it is not an automatic. Many people actually un-install the hydraulics on the 6 speed SMT gearbox, swap the ECU to a manual ECU, and swap in manual shifter/pedal assemblies, resulting in a manual 6 speed with a traditional clutch and shift lever. the only way this is possible using the same gearbox is because it was a manual gearbox to begin with. a sequential is not an automatic.

[@MixMasterMaj]

100% correct. Some people really don't know what they're talking about when we say it's a "Sequential MANUAL".

[@Bacciagalupe]

Matt - "It has a computer-controlled clutch, not a clutch pedal". Thank you for bringing us back down to Earth - haha!

[@czook812]

Cool little car ya got there bub.

[@bunkaaa8726]

"yo man, so I need to film you doing a 'Drive Away' shot for me so I can give the viewers a taste of what it sounds like ok?" -Drives away slowly-

[@danny355]

I've got an MR2. Yes it's not a fast car in a straight line, but it is a lot of fun. I took a little convincing to buy one - because I too thought that 138bhp wouldn't cut it - but it constantly suprises me in terms of how much fun it is to drive. Not sure there's a more affordable way in to the mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration. Also in the real world, on a road like the one they're driving in this video, it'll happily keep up with much faster cars. Not so much on a more open road like the Canyon roads Matt does most of the "One Takes" on, but you would have an absolute blast in an MR2 on those roads.

[@mariuszanfir2298]

Holly shit! Porsche 356, Ford Sierra and that Merc... Keep 'em comin', Matt!

[@MrFixit1]

I would like to clarify some misconception's about the MR2 Spyder's sequential manual transmission or SMT. Yes it is a manual trans! Clutch, pressure plate. throw out bearing, flywheel, synchromesh gears, shift forks, detents and everything else you will find in a standard transmission. All controlled by a electrohydraulic computer driven robot that controls the clutch operations and the shift movements. Yes there is no clutch peddle but the shifts are initiated by the driver. The car will not shift from gear to gear on its own although it could if it was programed to do so.

[@samfoster2673]

This guy has the personality of a moth!

[@PipeOPhile]

Oh man, looking forward to that Merc

[@OldAssSax]

I just bought a five speed 2003 and it is a blast to autocross.

[@sleekskyline120]

Oh man is that a Merkur in the background parked? And the Mercedes, and the 356. This is gunna be a good week of one takes, assuming those are for this week, lol.

[@Robby94LS]

LoL Rappid Fire bicycle shifting FTW Matt! HAHA

[@BRock86]

Wow! never seen one with the had top. looks good!

[@fastede52]

I guess I'm only one with the James Dean edition. Mr2 spyder. Never have seen another!!! I Love it

[@joshuacoulter3663]

I drove a 5 speed mr2 spyder for 2 weeks I loved it compared to my mustang it was more fun to drive on a curvy road

[@SpyderLEE]

Gotta love a Spyder.... but I think mine is a better definition of modified 🤘😁

[@paynebabes123]

the smt is garbage. Why anyone would buy this car without a manual is beyond me.

[@tomhiggins4816]

Fiat x19 can always swap in the 6 speed manual and 2zzge from the celica

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

Fiat x19 That's murica for ya, buy an amazing car and order it in a manual.

[@paynebabes123]

Or you could just buy the right car and enjoy it and then if you want more power go 2zz. Problem with the 2zz is that is still has the same torque as the 1zz. 3vz or similar is a better option if you want more power (albeit more difficult than the 2zz swap)

[@alextrygg4670]

I agree. I got the 5 speed and its an awesome car to drive.

[@marshmap555]

My MR2 had the SMT as a compromise. Bought it as my first car wanting the experience of a manual in a household that was not friendly to that type of gearbox.

[@PicturedByEye]

looks pretty good

[@joeangel8960]

for a daily should i get an automatic or manual? i know how to drive automatic but i really wanna experience and try manual..any suggestions?

[@Beezy_Builds]

you need to do a 2zz swapped one and a Kseries swapped one Matt. these cars are so awesome best mr2 gen

[@carlosl5766]

@Brax_beezy yeah the 2zz and 2gr swapped ones are sick.

[@GlobSquad]

@Brax_beezy The MRS is shit. An sw20 mr2 turbo is the car to get.

[@Beezy_Builds]

1710 Glob Squad player the mrs was the lightest, balanced, and most capable mr2 toyota made....the reason why it doesnt have the cult following of the sw20 is looks which is subjective because I think they look brilliant. I will agree the 1zz is utter garbage

[@Beezy_Builds]

1710 Glob Squad dude i follow you on here and Instagram when I thought of the right one for him to drive I immediately thought of you.

[@Nippledozer]

@Brax_beezy j swap would be glorious

[@jeffreyrainey1015]

Hey Matt, quick question. Why is it that some of your one take drives start out in stereo, and then collapse to Mono once the trip is underway? Is it just incidental, with the positioning of cameras and sudden unpredictable movements that offset the audio? Keep up the good work!

[@DBGMLV]

A K-swapped second gen MR2 would be really nice.

[@SkarryTerry]

what it needs is a actual manual gear box and a turbo from the SW20.

[@vincevegacustoms8860]

Vidal Carrillo nahh k swap or nothing...

[@MR2SpyerJournal]

The Spyder is 400-500lbs lighter. If you like Kswaps, check out grumbanumba here on you tube.

[@mx5love460]

This car looks surprised all the time

[@ZiinokZzHD]

Ô o Ô

[@thecraneapparel]

Nice car buddy

[@eyeyron5007]

Matt be like "I'm gonna turn around here"

[@slaWterCH]

The cars in the background look really tasty!

[@nx_Exe]

looking at a spyder tomorrow. But a 5 speed.

[@detective3728]

WHO THE FUCK BUYS A AUTOMATIC MR2?

[@jody024]

This weird dude.

[@JMB-gt6of]

this guy looks like what you would think people in the comment section look like

[@KenCarTechMeow]

Not his car.

[@alansmilealot]

JMB8813 lmao

[@FrenchValleyAirport]

this weirdo lmao

[@matthewmohri9990]

I've read of a few K20A2/K24A2 swaps into these cars and the owners were quite happy with the swap. I believe they were in some old Modified Mag Issues.

[@bryantharris5914]

I had a first gen MR2 in college. Fun, fun car for the 80s. The second gen MR2 was gorgeous and had some serious power for the era, a sort of Porsche Cayman before there was a Cayman. The issue with the third gen was that they stayed with the strut suspension while the Miata gave you a real double wishbone/multi link set up. Any sort of adjustments with a strut suspension is a hassle and costs way more than it should. So if you wanted to do any racing the Miata was the way to go.

[@Mike7O7O]

AJ doesn't like to smile. Everrrrrrrrrrr. Don't be an AJ ;)

[@Hi.Im.Chucky]

Where can I see his full list of mods? Didn't catch it.

[@of_lion22]

XR4Ti spotted! :D And a beautiful looking W108. Hopefully a manual car.

[@SamFBM]

Matt how were the downshifts 😂

[@gsk5161]

I'm 6'4" and daily drive my spyder. A 2zz motor swap is overrated for city driving as you really don't get more power until 5000 rpm.

[@JETZcorp]

As a bigger guy who loves 2-stroke power delivery, both of the things you just said make me happy. That said, I planted my flag in the NC2 Miata and just can't bring myself to regret anything.

[@Contractnik]

My Dad had all the best Ferraris, Porsches, Jags, Corvettes, etc throughout his life. I had a 289 fastback 1965 Mustang and Porsche 944. My Dad's last car was a 2002 MR2 Spyder and it was fast and fun!

[@antrinh5525]

it's funny how the owner still thinks it's a manual, and the test driver told him "it's a computer controlled clucth"

[@andrasjuhasz7011]

Old video I know, but the rear suspension is not multi-link, only 3 links(2 lower links instead of an A arm and a trackrod), which counts as a mcphereson. Still, that doesn't mean it's bad, you can get nice camber characteristics out of mcpheresons too, but it tends to be more picky about tyres. Most of the time the limited space in the front of fwd cars ruin it, but it's not the case with the spyder. Porsche boxsters and caymans use mcpheresons all around too and they corner incredibly well.

[@danielallocca7770]

Not gonna lie - I thought this guy was a serial killer and that this would be the last one take. Good job surviving Matt.

[@mousiee7]

Always loved these, just didn't have the power I thought I wanted.

[@ErronKebabb]

Cool car, knew a lot about it even though his friend actually owns it!

[@Consleboy]

I thought it was a red Carrera GT by the thumbnail xD

[@supervexx-ly1jt]

Why do people keep saying its an Auto. Its clearly not an Auto, you have to shift the gear every time yourself. If you floor it in 1st it will redline and stay there. That's not what an automatic does, an automatic transmission changes the gears for you. I'd say an automated-manual is a more appropriate label for this type of transmission, where the clutch is automated but the gear shifting is still done manually.

[@sheenacuccia109]

It's called Semi-Automatic you dumb fuck, and it is a type of an automatic and is classed as such technically. Educate yourself brah, it ain't that hard to google shit lmfao

[@sheenacuccia109]

Manuals: Sequential Manual, Non-Sequential Manual, Preselector Manual. Automatics: Manumatic Automatic, Semi-Automatic, Electrohydrolic Automatic, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Saxomat Autoamtic, and Continuously Variable Tranmission. Technically (and when we're talking abut cars technicality matters) flappy paddles are autos and you don't know what you're talking about lol

[@supervexx-ly1jt]

Sheena Cuccia dumb fuck huh. fuckin dumb

[@sheenacuccia109]

I'm dumb? Coming from the dude who doesn't know the difference between an automatic and manual transmission? Nice. lmfao

[@supervexx-ly1jt]

Sheena Cuccia no, your childish comment is dumb. You really think I'm going to believe you whatever you're pulling out of your ass when you respond with shit like dumb fuck.

[@JEMHull-gf9el]

I love these MRs 3rd gens. You need to one take a 2 zed zed version next! or better yet a two zed zed turbo wide body!

[@ExNought]

As a BMW-owner with an SMGII I can sign the worse upshifts in respect of the amazing downshifts ;) I have to add: SMGII in E46 330i. Those are a tiny bit different to the amazing SMGIIs in E46 M3s. The 330i's are a fair bit slower but last longer as they don't ram in the gear as hard as would be possible (this is something the M3 can, this results in "80 ms shifts" which BMW advertised) I own my 330 for a bit more than a month now. I can honestly say I like the SMG, but yes, a manual would be way cooler as you have more control over your driving. You are dependent on your car to shift in, this sometimes is a bit rough when the car is very cold and / or takes ages when not in sport mode. Though: The downshifts with the revmatch are truly amazing. With my aftermarket exhaust this sounds bonkers. Especially in tunnels. -> BMW owners love tunnels ;) But I guess this is true for every good sounding car.

[@bassoonistfromhell]

I love MR. 2

[@PetePools]

that is very nice!!! what are those wheels? thanks

[@Cheeseypoofs85]

2zz and 6 speed swap with power FC needed

[@dabeast1246]

Please do a vid showing when u up shift n down shift. I wanna learn how to drive a sequential tran.

[@darringoodbrand6603]

Thought that the trip model of the mr 2 in Japan was the vvtl-i model ?

[@joeli27]

How's this smg shift compare to e46 m3 smg?

[@ftffighter]

Hey Matt, my mom owns a 2005 Toyota 4-Runner Sport Edition with the 4.7L V8 and 5-speed auto with manual shift controls on the shifter. It was the fastest and most powerful 4-Runner model ever thanks to Toyota giving it extra power in celebration of the racing done that year. Her setup is the exact same as this MR2 which is hilarious except for one crucial point. The shifts are the exact opposite. It up-shifts super fast but downshifts are kind of slow. Interesting that Toyota would do the opposite with the MR2 when you'd think they are backwards. Toyota just doesn't make sense sometimes :/

[@DanielRodriguez-kl1ls]

Any way to make the upshifts faster?

[@MylesHSG]

Now you need to do a MK1 AW11 Matt. Come over to the UK and do mine 😁

[@Username-sf1bk]

Plan in buying a ZZW by the end of this summer hopefully!

[@rogerdalton1549]

It has actual headers!

[@SkarryTerry]

finally, a Mr. Deuce.

[@Destitute77]

Damn, is that a Sierra Cosworth I spy? Cannot wait for that one take......

[@nicholashurse3484]

Nice toy I have one 2002 model looking for a body kit. Where did you get your from?

[@nicholashurse3484]

Where can you order that shift knob?

Auto MR-2. Moving on.

[@LowFyeArt]

And to thing I was looking into one of these back in high school. Thank god I never got it. Second gen mr2 is good though.

[@Jordan-rb28]

"Actually this is my buddy's"

[@metallicafn]

this is so painful to watch, its videos like this where I really feel bad for Matt, him having to keep a straight face and be nice when there is someone just talking out his ass the entire drive just shows how much self control he has for this nonsense

[@ngekseng]

yea man dual vvti..my friends altezza with a turbo sounded so awsome.like vtec..

[@deftones2684]

That's actually the cleanest Mr2 I've ever seen. Sucks that it's auto tho.

[@imademyownname]

Check out Mitch Dore's mr2. He has a channel essentially revolving around that and his Celicas

[@alansmilealot]

imademyownname what's the channel?

[@imademyownname]

"mitch dore" hope you find it! he's a fellow 2zz lover

[@iDayVids]

Mitches is nicer

[@alansmilealot]

thx "imademyownname" I found the channel

[@Vanbul1]

I'm 6,4 and own an MR2 Spyder. Not a problem in the slightest if you're over 6".

[@acalthu]

You have to put the LFA into neutral as well to start it, no?

[@oprikawize]

how did you fit Matt? I am 6'5 and I couldn't even enter the car. i drive an nb Miata....

[@audioamateur]

sergio sukhanov Matt is shorter than you

[@ryanjohnson8821]

I wonder if you could fix the up shift issue by removing the cable linkage and let it shift by wire all the time...

[@randallsmith8183]

I did that mod to my MR2, it makes a VERY small difference. Nobody has figured out a way to make this thing upshift much faster The general consensus is that we need the source code from the Bosch transmission computer to speed it up.

[@jackjr1]

You need to review an MR2 Spyder with a 2zz swap!!

[@KidJaeProductions]

This is dope