JDM K20a swapped Toyota MR2 Spyder Drive Review

Spent a day driving the S3 Suspension Toyota MR-2 Spyder through the canyons. It has a JDM K20a swap that makes 217whp, which, in a car that weighs 2,000 pounds, makes for one very fast track day toy.
Check out S3 Suspension on Instagram: www.instagram....
POV Drive: • JDM K20A Swapped Toyot...
#k20 #honda #toyota

[@vizualmrs]

Had my MR2 for many years. Love that thing. Swapped out the engine, made me fall in love with it all over again. Definitely a driver's car. Very slept on.

[@veganwaffle]

What engine did you end up going with and how much did it end up costing? I have a spider and I have. No clue what I should do with it. I gutted the CC and that’s it

[@kingJim4]

If you missed getting in the S2000 market when they were reasonably priced, then buying an MR2 right now is the next best thing. They have been going up in value lately. I want to buy a 3rd gen MR2 but it's hard to justify buying one when I rarely drive my AP2.

[@scarea2691]

As a 2zz street 3 month daily driven owner.... get the damn car. Worst case you break even these cars while running are going up in $$$

[@RPG-oh1yf]

This hits hard man! I sold my S2000 in 2012 like an idiot. Got $17K for a 2002 with only 45K miles and like new! It would be worth $30K right now with those miles. I'm looking at the NB Miata K24 swap but this looks like another option...

[@kingJim4]

@@RPG-oh1yf yikes ! Nobody knew the value would skyrocket. But these MR2 Spyder are a lot of fun to drive.

[@stylerunner2959]

I never really liked the MR-S until now. Very classic

[@crazyorange49-OG]

Just now learned about the car yesterday after posting a car I’ve been admiring for 11 years on r/whatisthiscar

[@thomasharris5151]

Just get the MR2 Spyder and get a turbo or a Toyota Celica, Matrix or Pontiac Vibe 2ZZ engine swap and it’ll be an easier mod with the same or better performance. Plus it’ll be cheaper and be a more reliable swap… if you go with the Toyota engines. The $3k turbo kits are awesome in the car and out perform C5 /6 Vettes, 350Z, Porsche Boxster & other sports cars and it even in stock form it handles great with lil modifications.

[@youtubecomments5951]

@@thomasharris5151nah. K20 is a much better engine and has more power. Also much easier to extract power out of it.

[@vasco7751]

@@youtubecomments5951depends those 2zz are built for em but I do agree you can pull power out of them

[@danmcdonald726]

I bought one a number of years ago for 3k just because I didn't want the common miata. The seating position it so much better than the same Era miata. And coming from preludes, WRX's and a 6.0l G8, this is the most fun car to drive I've owned. It's down on power so a basic turbo on the stock engine will bring it to the low 4's. 0-60

[@MetalsForBrunch]

Toyota needs to collab with Honda. this car is the perfect example. I wish I had this one

[@izzy031096]

Na the 2zz does the job even better. Weighs about 100kg less than the k20 does so maintains the perfect weight balance

[@ynyfoodservice4456]

@@izzy031096 50-50 isn't perfect

[@Shadow1986]

@@ynyfoodservice4456 yeah but 50/50 with the supposed 100kg weight cut is better than 40:60 with a ton of weight

[@loganamurray64]

@@izzy031096 That's what I thought but everyone with a 2ZZ MR-S seems to agree that the K20 is better for some reason

[@trick_show9469]

If only Honda and Toyota worked on an engine, I really love Vtec but in economy engines VVTI is more aggressive... But a K series Vtec is phenomenal

[@stylerunner2959]

I love the sound of Honda motors

[@Toyota4Life]

* certain Honda motors most sound terrible

[@qevviii]

I was lucky enough to take this off Kevin’s hands. I absolutely love this car.

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

You lucky SOB. I debated buying it.

[@qevviii]

@@DriveBreakFixRepeat I blew the motor on my s2k and this happen to pop back up for sale so I just went for it. Your review is spot on btw 👍👍

[@aundrek7515]

Congrats, looking forward to subbing to your channel now and seeing some good content

[@MikeJ75]

how much did you buy it for? I have a k20a spyder also jw what mine would be worth

[@thetumanshow]

I almost bought it too... I’ll regret it but I’m happy with my Alfa now. Enjoy it

[@NeilVegetaDang]

I love this thing. Wish I had asked Kevin to let me drive it before he traded it lol such a solid build

[@LLbrker]

Whaat who owns it now ??

[@NeilVegetaDang]

@@LLbrker a different Kevin, lol @brakefast_kev

[@RedlineRicer]

I love this thing! I just finished up my k24 turbo mr-s on my channel and it’s so fun!

[@josiahnelson4373]

Looks like you got a gt300 kit on there when is this video coming bro? Would love to see the install/ how the build is going.

[@RedlineRicer]

@@josiahnelson4373 I’ll get the vid up this weekend!

[@PM_DraKKar]

if the rear end feels like giant "pendulum" waiting to swing around, you need to stiffen (higher spring rates) up the rear of the car because this is where the weight is located at. The pendulum effect is a result of soft suspension and will result in much more "roll oversteer" feeling. Once i did stiffer springs (10k) on my kswapped mrs the car felt significantly better and alot safer feeling.

[@laborawashere]

I'm flying 2k miles away to drive home a MR-S with a k20 in 2 weeks. Will have to keep watching your videos to hold me over. :D

[@pnsmexico]

i'm from LA and still got a 2004 black 6-speed SMT 1zz blacklabel turbo that makes 205 whp and 195 tq the last time i checked in back 2015. it has chrome rollbars like a TT, hardtop, C-One spoiler, stage one TRD bodykit, magnaflow exhaust, etc...Feel free to contact me and review it.

[@revmatchtv]

This thing rips! Nice review

[@FATmenDRIVEtrucks]

Perfect example 👍👍

[@deejaypee7o2]

Great video !! Mrs is the best :)

[@thomasharris5151]

Just get the MR2 Spyder and get a turbo or a Toyota Celica, Matrix or Pontiac Vibe 2ZZ engine swap and it’ll be an easier mod with the same or better performance. Plus it’ll be cheaper and be a more reliable swap… if you go with the Toyota engines. The $3k turbo kits are awesome in the car and out perform C5 /6 Vettes, 350Z, Porsche Boxster & other sports cars and it even in stock form it handles great with lil modifications.

[@thumbtak]

The 2ZZ is an awesome motor and definitely the easier swap, but even stock for stock the k20 is miles better

[@SgtStarSlayer]

When vtech kick in “it was at this moment he knew he fucked up!”

[@yfwcrypto7514]

Swap a 2gr on the MRS and you’ll have a different beast.

[@Markkreuzz]

2gr is mostly done on sw20 because its almost a touring car. 2zz is mostly enough for this mrs basically a drop in. Goung k series is borderline overkill for little gain from 2zz

[@MedellinNYC]

Your initial reaction is the only right reaction

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

I regret not buying this thing when Kevin sold it. :(

[@sundust459]

What front lip is that ??

[@terrywebster1666]

Car looks good want to know what company you bought the front lip from

[@andersonrodriguez2504]

4:58 🫨🤤 o m gosh

[@PlaneTMRS]

Very tasteful build!

[@jahbrake9791]

Wicked build!

[@mxalfon776]

Hi mate! Mental car!!❤❤. By the way which rims you told that they are? Enkei….cheeers

[@RPG-oh1yf]

The only reason I think an NB Miata with K24 swap is better is because it still has a damn trunk! The MRS is the least practical car I've ever seen. You would have trouble taking your S/O on a weekend trip in it due to no cargo capacity.

[@samster978]

the car has a frunk

[@GTS_-oq2op]

Nice car! 😍😍 Another great video man! by the way what’s the wheels and tires specs on this machine? TIA

[@Toyota4Life]

Don’t care for HONDA’s unless it’s a NSX or S2K. came for the Toyota. The prob is most likely the best handling Japanese car that doesn’t get the attention it deserves because it didn’t come fast stock but now it seems like people are realizing the serious potential of the chassis which should have never been doubted because this car is set up just like exotic cars. He should have put the Yamaha Toyota tuned 2ZZ with over 8000 redline

[@rgled10260]

Erm no, the K20 is a far better engine than the 2zz

[@p1fly]

Shut up

[@thankyoucaptainobvious7707]

@@rgled10260 I currently own a 2001 2ZZ with a supercharger that puts me just under 300 according to the dyno and agree. I wish I had a toyonda.

[@rgled10260]

@@thankyoucaptainobvious7707 nothing wrong with the 2ZZ, and I’d still love one in mine over the 1ZZ, especially with a charger like yours. But yeah I’d still rather have a K20 with a Rotrex charger making 400BHP 😀

[@evolicious-x]

Thinking about swapping over this k20 rsx type s i have to my spyder

[@TheBigChad]

Anyone can drive 500hp fast, but it takes someone with balls to drive 190hp fast

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

This guy gets it. 👌

[@feral4mr2]

Truth.

[@theregoesmiller389]

never knew a wing could flex so much at low speeds ( @1:50 )... i guess thats why people run the cross braces... i love my 2zz 01 frog. i should have went with s3s coilovers... i went with bc instead and ended up paying just about the same after all said n done... :( and thats withOUT the swift spring upgrade through bc. all because i was impatient ! kicking myself for that..

[@Franklopez85]

What lip is that? Can some one let me know

[@Dabber422]

Try 600 hp k24 turbo MR2 that's scary fast

[@veganwaffle]

How much would this swap cost? I have a sounder and I have no clue what to do with it.

[@vorpalbits7720]

A day like that with the top up, sinner....

[@itheus]

Great car. I got k24 in it instead :)

[@chasermalloy7406]

I only just bought a 2000 manual car because I came across it on F/B. Hadn't been looking but it caught my eye at $2200. Completely standard. I have a couple of SR20 det engines and think they might be a good option. I wonder if anyone has done that swap ?

[@mr220v]

The 3sgte is a fairly easy swap for these and does similar things vs the sr20det.

[@chasermalloy7406]

@@mr220v Is that the V6. ? I was tempted away from my MR2 but I intend to get another one shortly. I see a few with V6 and maybe with the SR20 turbo hardware the weight might be close to the V6 anyway ?

[@mr220v]

The 3sgte is another 2l turbo.

[@chasermalloy7406]

@@mr220v ah ok I'm out of date and I still have a few sr20det engines. I guess the others are all alloy engines too ?

[@millll111lllI]

Man this video would be so awesome with like 5 minutes of no talking

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

I have a POV drive video as well.

[@millll111lllI]

@@DriveBreakFixRepeat Thanks, just found it!

[@DoggosGames]

If you can't like a small sportcar unless its carbon fibre with a massive wing and a powerful engine, you dont want a small sportcar.

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

dang thats crazy

[@ThatDruidDude]

Wondering how fast 0-60 is

[@aKzJaKuL]

I have an mr2Spyder. Been thinking of doing a kswap too. I don't know where to starts. Any ideas?

[@Goregreet]

I need this car

[@thearenaschannel]

HOLA! QUE MODELO DE SPOILER DELANTERO ES ESE?

[@dragonlion108]

k20 its posible to moto carb 'ed ?

[@feral4mr2]

I run 225 45 front 245 40 rear nankang ar1's on my spyder. Great tyres. p.s. snap oversteer in mr2's is a internet myth made up by people that can't drive. ;-)

[@artuto5509]

Anyone know that front lip / splitter ?

[@Tony-ek5pf]

Does anyone know what front lip is on the car?

[@craftedbyalvint]

Snap oversteer and oversteer are not the same thing. You did not experience any snap oversteer at all.

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

Thank god Alvin Thai is here to explain things to me. Without you, I would be lost.

[@andysky5]

May I know what's the spring rates on this S3 suspension ?

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

Hit up S3Suspension on IG and ask, they're super responsive! I can't recall what rates they specced for this car.

[@andysky5]

@@DriveBreakFixRepeat Thanks bro

[@MitchDore]

Vtev baby

[@paulmickle1135]

Where is this video filmed

[@crxk20r59]

It appears to be filmed in Mexico.

[@paulmickle1135]

@@crxk20r59 looks like where I live

[@ZoneTelevision]

I'm not a violent person but putting a Honda engine in ta Toyota is straight up sacrilege. The 3SGTE would have been a much better choice for the Mr2

[@bagueteexd1383]

Me when irohazaka jump

[@TheRogerKyle]

I wish I was either rich or talented, sadly neither 😑

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat]

relatable

[@postmortemarg]

does someone know the brand of the front bumper splitter?

[@NeilVegetaDang]

C-one

[@postmortemarg]

@@NeilVegetaDang 10:34 It isn't. C1 doesnt look like that. I'm looking for one for my MR2, and no luck trying to find the name

[@Kmeacham7]

The bumper is from a JDM MRS with the added fog lights. The lip is a c-one

[@Fasthandsslowlaptimes]

360p gang

[@Toyota4Life]

The 2zz is a better motor it would be a Honda guy to say it’s mot

[@JohnFromAccounting]

1zz and 2zz to a lesser extent have reliability issues K20 is rock solid

[@izzy031096]

@@JohnFromAccounting The 2zz reliability issues are essentially a myth. You need to be pulling in excess of 1.5gs in quick succession to starve one side of the engine of oil, which most people struggle to reach on street tyres. I’ve seen many stock 2zz’s for sale here in my country with well over 400,000kms on the original engines. It is generally track cars that encounter the problem. An upgraded sump and oil pump gears (which can be done for $500) and you’ve got a rock solid track motor that won’t have any issues. Now the counter argument for any k series motor is that they’re all cast iron blocks, which are great for boost, but weigh a lot. The 2zz, like the 1zz, are aluminium blocks so weigh about 100kg less than any k series motor. That 100kgs is the difference between throwing out the weight balance or not.

[@TougeTime]

​No k20 is signifcantly better. The handling difference is minimal. Also k20 is aluminum lol.

[@littledevil1508]

@@izzy031096 If you want performance, go K20/K24. The K series engine has lots of aftermarket parts for performance upgrades. If you just want to increase reliability and drive experience, go 2zzge. While the 2zzge has some aftermarket mods, it isn't as good as K series. The 1zzfe are prone to issues so its best to replace to different engine.

[@frankflores1917]

Toyota troll 🧌

[@TheIronpusher]

You should be a bit more considerate of other drivers. Go do your review on a track.

[@ctr6224]

Slow 🐌

[@alejandr0031]

Can anyone tell me what front lip that is