Driving a car I built for the first time - Toyota MR2 mk1

After making engine assembly, transmission rebuild, wire harness restoration and many more overhaul videos, I think its finally time I make a video of me actually driving my 1987 Toyota MR2 mk1 AW11.
I actually managed to get it started a few days ago and it was unreal. I managed to take out an engine out of a car, get it machined, assemble it myself and put it back in. And the car actually drives. Unreal.
There was some troubleshooting in the begging because I had stabbed the distributor a tooth off, but after that was resolved the car started just fine. I took it for a few short drives, changed the oil twice already, but this video is me driving the car on a nice open road for the first time, and its the longest drive I had with so far definitely.
My now stock-ish 4age bigport engine seems really healthy, but I think I can squeeze a few more hp and improve the power curve by playing with the adjustable cam pulleys and maybe even ignition timing some more.
What I will definitely be changing in the very near future is the obnoxiously loud exhaust that got on my nerves after 20 minutes of driving. It doesn't sound bad but its far too loud to be enjoyable.
Other than that my MR2 feels really great. Its not overheating, it goes, it stops, it accelerates which is beyond amazing for me. 2.5 years ago I didn't even know how to change the oil and now I'm driving a car I built myself. I am probably repeating myself here but I just have to.
So overall the car feels really nice. Its a proper driving experience without any electronic aids. My MR2 is fully analog and that makes it beautiful. Mid-engined, no power steering, no ABS, no ESP. The car and driver connection can really be felt.
So, after all the hard work and rebuilding its time to start another chapter in my journey, one where I actually get to drive My MR2 and rev that 4AGE engine instead of just looking at it in the garage all the time.
Subscribe and join the journey.
Check out my blog for more: www.driving4ans...
Music:
ミカヅキBIGWAVE - Pure Heart 幻シンデレラ
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#d4a #firstdriveoftheoldengine #4age #4age16v #aw11 #ae86 #4agebigport #mr2mk1 #mr2 #toyota #jdm #celica #corolla #starlet #ke70 #fx16

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

Congratulations, a great achievement, looking forward to more videos

[@Burden-THE]

After several years of dreaming it, I'm about a year into a rebuild, myself. It's discouraging at times, as if it seems it may never really go back together, or blow up when I'm done, "and what's the point of all this struggling," or "maybe I should have just started with a Chevy small block like everyone told me I'd have to do to make real power?" ... Hah! Locally, a first gen MR2 just came up for sale, and I thought back to that KZbinr, and this video... How in the world has it been 5 years? I've forgotten that it was your video. I'm pleased to revisit your channel in a new way, instead of watching whatever piques my interest at the time. So many curious ideas that I've had, you've covered, including the recent Honda GTP engine videos! The underdog build is something I'm very keen on seeing. Your videos have been an inspiration for a long time coming, and in my life goals to understand engines and different systems. Your videos have been a keystone for my progress into a new career, hobby, and passion. I intended to comment in a brief and concise manner, and overshot a bit. Thank you for your content!

[@RichardStefanits]

Whatever you build yourself is always better than anything you buy as finished product. Why ? Because it gave you a learning curve, experience, knowledge, a feeling you have spent your time well, and the feeling you created something with your own hands. Those are something money cannot buy.

[@hickslightfoot]

I 100% understand your love for this car... I have a 1988 SC, that has been a project car for the past 3 years... the difference is that your doing the work yourself which I admire tremendously ... and yes I also have driving gloves I use when I drive it :) I highly recommend taking it to a proper track when you feel its mechanically sound... Enjoy the journey...

[@d4a]

Thank you! A few track days are definitely set as future milestones. Its awesome to get comments from people who understand what I'm talking about.

[@codygay3412]

Very proud of you brother, the first car I built was a 1990 eclipse gsx awd turbo. I didn't rebuild the motor because the block was capable of handling over 600hp with I successfully made right about 550hp at the wheels. I removed the balancing shafts, installed a fully programmable ecu, 780 injectors, a garrret 20g turbo with all custom piping I did myself and a boat load of other work thats too much to list. It was running at 36psi @89bls of fuel pressure with a custom street tune i did myself(looking back on it now I would have had it professionally tuned at a dyno) it was dyno'ed but never had them tune it. But in the end when you turn the key and it fires right up the very first time and you drive it for the very first time there is no. Better feeling in the world. Right now I have a 2000 bettle GLS with a 2.0 non turbo that I plan on putting a vr6 into and converting it to awd. I'm going to be starting my a KZbin channel to document my journey with everyone as well as how is it is to drive around in Las Vegas. Congratulations, the car is beautiful and can't wait to see more!!

[@d4a]

Thanks man! Sounds like a channel might be a good idea, you got lots to show. Best of luck!

[@sadakotube]

Congratulations, it's the best feeling in the world trusting something you built with your own hands.

[@d4a]

Thank you! It is truly something special, hard to put into words.

[@bobbyemerson46]

Congratulations on your build! I absolutely love it! I know its a great feeling to finally be driving your baby! Love it bro!!!

[@d4a]

Thanks a lot man! I really appreciate your comment.

[@77magnuss]

Nice job. Going through the process myself on my first rebuild. You don’t understand until you do it.

[@wesleycardinal8869]

Well done! Keep the car, improve it, treasure it. If you haven't seen the video of Jack Olsen with his Porsche 911 it is inspirational. One guy, one car, one garage. None of this consumer cr@p of buying a new car every year or bolting on expensive parts. The best car is the one you have; love the one you're with. 👍🇦🇺

[@viseth89]

Inspiring!!!! And now I'm inspired, Bought an 89 last week

[@802Garage]

My favorite style of MR2. :) Love the wheels too. I am impressed, and jealous.

[@802Garage]

Had never changed oil?! Super impressive. And no glove judgement from me. I feel like we have a lot in common. We want to do something ourselves, we look it up, research it, and do it right. Plus, we both love the best looking MR2. :D

[@d4a]

A few people told me they like the wheels. They came with the car and I don't really like em, they're just a bit too low on the priority list at this moment. Not much to be jealous about.... yet :)

[@d4a]

Thanks for understanding. Objectively the mk2 might be the best looking, but for me subjectively the mk1 is way more attractive. There's just something about wedgy angular cars from the 80s with pop-up headlights and a jet-fighter complex. I have occasional mental affairs with other cars, but this is the style I always keep coming back to, it seems I'm permanently in love with it.

[@802Garage]

driving 4 answers Oh I'm fully with you. The Mk1 is definitely the best, or at least coolest, looking MR2. The Mk2 definitely has its charms, looking more like a mini Supra or super car, but it just doesn't do the same thing for me. The Mk3 is definitely a sexy little sports car, and it is probably the best MR2 objectively, but still doesn't have the same grabbing look for me. So really, I understand. I definitely want to own a Mk1 in the future, I keep gravitating towards them, I just don't have the money. I'm hoping to buy one while decent examples are still cheap! As for the wheels, free and not awful is much better than free and crappy. :) Great job again.

[@802Garage]

Yeah exactly! I love the shape of the AE82 and similar vintage cars. The times of sloped windshields and pop up headlights were just the best, hahaha, and most of them were made just before I was born. So psyched to have just added an '85 MR2 to my stable, engine troubles or not.

[@Raevenswood]

Not only is the car special because you built it back to a workable state but it's also just a very special car! Great car actually!

[@d4a]

Raevenswood Thank you for your kind words!

[@rogersgonc]

really awesome! I've been watching lots of your videos about engines... then I decided to watch all of your vids. Really cool stuff! And congrats on the rebuild - I Know it's been some years by now. Anyways... Regards from Brazil.

[@charging7]

What you got from this experience can't be bought and rarely duplicated in a lifetime, congratulations to you. Nice to see that some from a younger generation getting after it and going after what you want

[@elobiretv]

I remember driving my MR2 home after buying it last year after wanting one since I was 14 and it was the same incredible feeling your talking about here. Unfortunately mine turned out to be full of rust so it's going to be at least another year before I will be able to drive it again.

[@javierbroger2635]

Congrats! Been following this build for long time, and don't worry for the missing things you are going to get them from time to timr

[@d4a]

Thank you! Thanks for following. It will all come together I know, its part of the journey and that's what makes it fun.

[@bladder1010]

Congratulations on a major milestone. Honestly, I'm a lot more impressed with a car like yours than seeing someone drive around in a fancy new car, simply because any idiot can buy (and likely borrow money) to buy a Mustang or BRZ, etc. It takes real brains and ingenuity to build a machine like yours that has some soul, and it brings a lot more appreciation and satisfaction than simply making payments. Good work.

[@rizalmantovani5128]

i can see your smile after the engine done , such a fun car, i miss my 4age small port ae92 sedan very fun car too

[@d4a]

Hard to hide the smile :) Smallports are awesome, easier to squeeze more power out of them than the bigport.

[@lixtronicgarage9156]

predobar je auto *.* mora bit odličan osjećaj kad ga prvi put provozis :D sretno u daljnjem radu i pozdrav iz hr od cijele ekipe, svi te pratimo i podržavamo, samo naprijed !!!

[@d4a]

Hvala legendo!

[@aztecred92]

Congratulations from a fellow MR2 owner!

[@d4a]

Hey there. Thank you. I remember your profile pic from another one of my videos. Happy to see you again. Thanks for staying tuned.

[@Vortrex99999]

Wow, your story is almost exactly the same as mine. For the past 2 years I was restoring the body of my 1988 MR2. Lots of rust everywhere :( But I completely understand the your feeling of driving the car for the first time. I am almost at the phase that I can run it legally on the road. hopefully at the end of this month. But wait when you get 2nd gear and 3th gear to 7k rpm you will love it even more!

[@d4a]

They do like to rust don't they. I have a few spots I need to tackle soon as well. I hope you'll get yours on the road and enjoy as soon as possible :) I can't wait to spin that engine.

[@davegt27]

I followed you on and off working on and posting vids of your MR2, good job

[@d4a]

Thanks man. But this is a super old video, back from the first time I rebuilt the engine. Here's the first drive of the new bike carb rebuild: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l33RfaF_i8doqNU

[@shayanvasseghi]

i think this video, is one of the coolest videos in D4A 😍👍

[@stasfs]

Very impressed! Even with all this defects it looks great.

[@d4a]

Thank you!

[@CodewortSchinken]

Congratulations, I know this feeling from my similar project. I discovered your channel just a few days ago and really like it, even if I haven't watched all your videos, yet. One of the rare motor-channels that are weather filled with product placements, nor attention seeking posers talking nonsense. Just someone, who knows what he is talking about.

[@d4a]

Thanks so much for supportive comment. Car channels on KZbin in general are a bit full of self-indulgence. Hi guys today I'm gonna talk about my seat adjustment lever for 15 minutes. There are awesome exceptions of course.I try to make content that I would enjoy watching myself instead of suffocating people with trivial information. I am still far from happy with my own performance and the content but I will work hard to make it all a lot better in the future.

[@yuriilitvin3306]

Finally, man!! Congrats!! This is amazing filling, I know because I did the same with my car! I wish you more inspiration in future and don't give up!!!!

[@d4a]

This is a really old video :) When I rebuilt my engine for the first time.

[@yuriilitvin3306]

@@d4a aaaaaa, that's why!! I watched it while I was heating up my car today in the morning. at those moment maybe I didn't mentioned. Anyway I wish you finally ride your car!! And also, your channel is a good staff , I like watch your progress

[@d4a]

It's happening soon and this time around it will be a lot better! Thanks man.

[@04dram04]

most underrated car of all time

[@d4a]

+04dram04 True. I fall in love with it more and more every day.

[@cardude7777]

Great! Look forward to future vids. Looks like a really nice road to drive on too.

[@d4a]

Thank you! This is an amazing mountain road I love it to bits.

[@playlistforkids]

congrats on the build. Love your videos, keep it up

[@d4a]

playlistforkids Thanks man, will do.

[@mastertweeker]

Well done mate, for all the work you did and for all you learnt! I learnt all about cars just like you, just experimenting alone :) At the moment rebuilding my Golf mk1 GTI

[@d4a]

Thanks mate! Good luck with the mk1 GTI, my favorite Golf by far.

[@slep5039]

Congrats, hope you're happy with it! Must feel amazing!

[@d4a]

Thank you! I am and it does :)

[@cousinsgarage9209]

Congratulations one more time :) So happy to see this, but remember, this is only beggining of journey :)

[@d4a]

Heeey!!! Thank you :) Indeed, only the begging.

[@lorollinls]

Congrats on the rebuild! The feeling you get from this is the whole reason that I became interested as well.😎

[@d4a]

Thank you! Stay tuned, there's more fun stuff coming.

[@lorollinls]

Sounds great!

[@culooc]

:) Good to see it running, you've done awesome. I'm build my first motor which is also a 4age. Your videos and Jafromobile have inspired me to do my own port and polish work. Your a top bloke

[@d4a]

Thank you! I'll do my best to do your words justice.

[@Noisesoft]

Great job! I'll start to rebuild my SW20 next august and it'll be a long project too. Once again, great job! Keep it going!

[@d4a]

Thank you! Good look with your mk2!

[@Noisesoft]

Thanks! I have to tell you that I got great ideas from your videos. For example the poly engine mounts. I'll do the same for my mk2.

[@theoriginalafroninja]

awesome results! In the future.you might wanna consider swapping from AFM to MAP since the flap in the AFM causes a lot of air resistance or if you're a cool guy swap some 20v itbs in!

[@d4a]

Thank you. I have yet to enjoy it as is, winter is on its way. Itbs sound cool tho.

[@Bitonio]

What a nice engine !

[@d4a]

Thank you. She sure is.

[@JeffReeves]

Congrats on getting your AW11 all back together! I've been following you since you first set up your website and your KZbin channel, and I've been going through the same journey with my MR2 out here in the US. I'm super jealous of your rebuilt engine and transmission! Even with the crazy exhaust you have, your car sounds amazing to hear it rev, and the supercharger sounds nice as well! I can't wait to see more from you =D

[@d4a]

Hey again. True, you are my oldest follower/subscriber. Really happy you stayed :) Don't be jealous, there's a lot more to be done, this is just the begging. The exhaust is horrible I hate it, but it is amazing to hear the car breathe. Wait.....I don't have a supercharger. This is just an NA :) You probably got confused by that absurd sound of the exhaust.

[@JeffReeves]

Thanks for the highlighted comment! I am certainly going to be sticking around for the long haul. I had a bit of a scare recently with thinking my engine was needing a rebuild due to low oil pressure at idle, but it turns out it is likely the oil pressure relief valve being stuck open due to gunk. I'll let you know how it goes this weekend and what it turned out to be. Yeah, I thought you had an 87' SC for some reason. It probably was that silly exhaust lol. I'll have to go through your motor mount tutorial again in a week or two to fix my busted ones. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos!

[@Darkaltayr]

"So are you impressed? You are probably not impressed" Said the guy that rebuilt engine,trasmission,wires,etc Most people do not even know how a car works so yeah, we are all impressed

[@chrischibilyan8518]

Good job buddy keep it up it all around the journey have fun

[@d4a]

Thank you!

[@lukiradom]

great job!

[@d4a]

Thank you!

[@zkramka7643]

That car looks great

[@d4a]

Thanks a lot. Its gonna get even better.

[@rageu]

great work mate! it is great

[@d4a]

Thank you!

[@ariyapol1111]

Could you make a video about the engine sound once you already broken in the engine? I would love to hear that engine pulls all the way to 7000 rpm.

[@elliotn3967]

can't wait for more content!

[@d4a]

+Elliot N Really happy to hear that. More fun stuff is on the way :)

[@d4a]

+Elliot N Really happy to hear that. More fun stuff is on the way :)

[@harindugamlath]

You are an inspiration! Thank you for awesome content.

[@d4a]

Thank you! Comments like this inspire me to work harder and make better content.

[@harindugamlath]

I seriously meant it. I heard you say "few years ago I didn't know how to change oil" well that was same for me too few years ago. Couple of weeks before repaired the power steering rack, took out control arms, replaced driveshaft boots and did couple of more little things in the front end all by myself. I know it is not a lot of work. But for me when looking at the past, the satisfaction was priceless. I closely followed your engine and gearbox build and now will do mine myself.

[@ReinaldoGonzalezreix2x]

1000 likes to this video, it is like gearhead motivational

[@vincentbaelde-millar670]

If you think that's unimpressive you should see mine :P I'm still pulling my engine apart and measuring. Learning new things every day.

[@d4a]

That's me a few months ago. That's fun too. Its all part of the journey and one should enjoy every part of it.

[@banpeinet]

Congrats on getting the car back on the road! I was wondering about those plates earlier, whether you put them on again. So I had to laugh really loud in the last minute. :D

[@d4a]

Hahha! So glad you got that!

[@snappedbydan]

awesome, i've had 4 mk2, but i need to own a mk1 soon :)

[@tuksee]

Congratulations. I have also rebuild 4A-GE with megasquirt in my KE70. Great engine. Whats your next step? Turbo? Next summer I am gonna put my 4A-GZE block and head to my KE70 with a turbo

[@d4a]

Thank you. For now I want to break the engine in nicely and enjoy it. Won't go turbo too soon, I'm a huge NA fan and believe a lot of fun can be had with it. Your car sounds really cool tho. I love KE70s, post a video of it when you can.

[@ovais909]

Its beautiful :-)

[@d4a]

Thank you!

[@larco777]

What you don't explain what was the problem of your first video 6 years ago.

[@bearphoto3656]

ponovo ti kažem bravo i nadam se da ću imati priliku te vidjeti nasmijanog po ulicama u zujalici pozdrav

[@d4a]

Hvala!

[@strifu808]

nice holy shit

[@d4a]

Thanks :)

[@strifu808]

driving 4 answers hey man, I look up to you so much, I commented on your recent vid, I was only 17 when I commented this omg, I never thought I would have my very own mk3 mr2. I want to rebuild my engine too, someday when I have enough money 😂 when I commented this I still had a bicycle that I would fix and “rebuild” myself, removing bottom brackets, sprockets, getting my hands dirty and pretending it’s my car. You’ve inspired me since I was a kid, Thank you!

[@japraptcars5338]

was the 60a polyurethane good or too soft? :)

[@d4a]

PGT Underground it was good, a bit on the hard/loud side for me. I have oem ones ready for a comparison video I just can't find the time to make it.

[@japraptcars5338]

Thank's for the lightning fast answer! Think I will give 60A a try then, was looking at way harder duros than needed I guess :) Your AW11 is such a nice car, nice work!

[@d4a]

PGT Underground Thanks for watching, glad you like it. I'll do a detailed walk around of my aw11 soon, people keep telling me its nice, I wanna show them just how much more work remains to be done :)

[@pisslwhipper]

Way to go man! This is what cars are all about. There's nothing as satisfying as driving something that you've built. I'm in the process of rebuilding the engine of an 86 AW11 that I picked up a while back, and I'm getting really excited to almost be done. Congrats again on the build!

[@d4a]

Thanks man! You're spot on. I wish you the best of luck with your build.

[@VvvDoubleDvvV]

you should boost it :)

[@d4a]

+MikMizer Not yet. I'm a big fan of NA anyway. But later down the road... Who knows :)

[@d4a]

+MikMizer Not yet. I'm a big fan of NA anyway. But later down the road... Who knows :)

[@slep5039]

Where do you live?

[@d4a]

Balkans. Eastern Europe.

[@evoTimer]

80sHero on Instagram for more inspiration on your build. He has an MR2 and a 4Runner. Cheers!

[@d4a]

I saw his car. Have a folder full of pictures of it, the car is called Lil' Red I believe. Love those tartan seats and everything else about it. So clean and awesome. Hope to get where he is one day.

[@Burn377]

WiP

[@d4a]

As in work in progress? Definitely! But aren't all cars owned by car guys like that?

[@Burn377]

Yea that's a pretty good point :P