Meet Roslin - My 2001 Toyota MR2 Spyder

/ neprojectgarage
I bought my MR2 Spyder in July 2015, and it turned out to be a bit more of a project than I was banking on. Here's what's been replaced/updated so far:
1ZZ engine out of a Toyota Matrix
New clutch
New flywheel
New struts
New Tein lowering springs
New misc suspension pieces
Rota wheels
Dunlop Direzza summer rubber
New shifter cable and base bushings
New Che underbody brace plate
New eBay exhaust header
New Magnaflow catalytic converter pipe
New Che Lotus-style exhaust
New brake rotors and pads
New PPE cold air intake
New/refurbed alternator
Celica GTS seats
All new fluids
I like autocrossing and tinkering on it, and I still have a ways to go!

[@johnirvinsantos7026]

You bought another 1ZZ for it? You could've bought a 2ZZ instead.

[@krukov100]

12:23 the button is for seat lumbar adjustment. It took me 3 days to figure it out. You hold and press it.

[@sicchuckie]

Thanks for the tip on closing the frunk when buffing lights.

[@fastdude2002]

I bought an MR2 new in 2001. A year later I bought a 2002 Honda S2000 and sold the MR2. The S2000 still sits in my garage with 7,500 miles on it. MR2 was a fun car to drive but can’t compare to the S2000s engine.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

For sure, and I don't think it was ever intended to compete directly, was it?

[@Jofunukun]

I think your Spyder looks great the way it does! Kudo's for not ruining it with over the top bodymods!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks! There aren't many mods I'd ever want to do, I'm mostly happy with it as-is.

[@shanebeaudrot777]

I think you and your father in-law did a good job, all the way around. Wheels look good, exhaust sounds good👍 I to recently bought a 2001. Pretty much the same situation as you. However, I wanted a project car, I got one.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks!

[@colliedogjoy]

Great job -well done. Just bought one on a whim, 2001, EML lit up as soon as I left the stealership - getting the 02 sensors replaced right now.. really hoping the engine isn't toast.. 98k miles.. ah well! Didn't do much research and am frightened for the future.. It looked so nice.. when will I learn!!!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Keep an eye on the oil consumption. If it's burning more than 1qt/1000 miles, start making plans. It might hang in there for a while. Mine was burning much faster than that.

[@AdamShaw]

man... I'm really thankful my '02 Spyder I bought last year hasn't needed as much work. I really didn't consider it a risky purchase.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Most aren't, but if you haven't gutted the precats, I'd look in to it!

[@mattruss4]

Loved your vidIm that guy too, I have always wanted a Lotus. I'm familiar wit Toyota manufacturing principles and love Toyota products., when I saw mine at a garage sale for 2k AU I bought it. Its a gokart lol, I want to replace the 1zz to a 2zz turbo upgrade.As it sits now its So much fun to drive.

[@buznee17]

totally onboard with you on the oil burn issue. mine was burning about the same amount. I actually pulled the head and oil pan out without pulling the engine, honed the cylinders, modified the pistons, replaced the rings and rod bearings. doesn't burn a drop of oil now. :) By the way, your exhaust sounds fantastic. I installed the hard dog roll bar and OEM hardtop on mine with some larger sway bars. check out my channel for my track day with the car.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Your track day looks great! Props on the Hard Dog roll bar, I think that's beyond my capabilities right now.

[@michaelreagan2232]

Great Video! I just bought one Nov 2016, so I have a project car

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Good luck! What are your plans so far?

[@jorelc6]

clearly the Potato Masher wins again.... I mean.... great video ! I really like it! imo NEPG sounds neat :D

[@HeyitsMartyn]

Complains there isn’t enough lumbar support - immediately asks what the lumbar support switch does. Hahaha

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Maybe that's why I don't like the lumbar support....the switch didn't do anything.

[@thetumanshow]

I like your setup. I was searching exhaust setups and yours is identical to what I have but with a 2ZZ. MWR swap header-> Magnaflow CA legal cat/ midpipe ->..??.. and was looking for the Lotus style exhaust.

[@lisamead5595]

I just bought one its the best 900 pounds iv ever spent , i live in the highlands of Scotland it is a race track in every direction from my place , I love my Mr2 mk3 , im going for a turbo and bigger 2zz engine

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

You're going to turbo a 2ZZ?

[@Raevenswood]

Sounds like you bought a lemon. You make it sound like these things are pieces of crap. They are actually really reliable there is just one fault and that’s the pre cats breaking down and sending debris into the head and onto the engine screwing up the rings and causing massive oil burning like yours. If you find one in good shape it’s gonna last a long time. Glad you got it back together and running well though good job! Sounds great too

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Mine wasn't a lemon, it had that exact issue. All the other things I replaced were either because of age and wear, or to improve performance.

[@the14thearlofgurney84]

Stick at it man. It never ends. Black with gold looks cool. Got a Mk3 myself. Spent loads on it. Mid engine cars are rare at this price point.

[@johnallen2771]

I had an 84 MR2, I think it was 84, and it was one blast to drive. The car doesn't need a lot of HP because it is so super light. Mine would go 0-60 in like 8 seconds. Crazy light, and you do feel like you're driving an inch off the road.

[@vdtogt]

Thanks for a good video. Nice job!

[@mortisvan]

I hope to pick up 2003 MR2 with 76k miles on 4/11/2022. My buddy who is a mechanic is doing to tutor me on how not to screw up a project car. Wish me luck.

[@jimmiemitchell9980]

antenna raise and lower switch at 12:23....100 percent right. believe me

[@PibrochPonder]

Aparantly you should get the facelift cars not the first gen.

[@kila_whale]

Next visit to your in-laws would be for a 2ZZ swap hopefully 😂👌

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

That would have been fun, but the Spyder's been gone for a bit over 3 years now, so unfortunately not!

[@kila_whale]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage damn dude... Do you miss the car?

[@shanebeaudrot777]

You've done a good job 👍

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks!

[@dashmaple2504]

Why sell the subie? I wish I could find a Manual Subaru wagon where I'm at. They basically don't exist

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

My in-laws needed an AWD or 4WD backup vehicle after they moved, and at 210k miles, I didn't want to rely on it as much for our daily commuting car. It was a good fit, and I still get to visit!

[@kignacio]

I sold my 1999 2.5rs Coupé for $4000 about when you posted this comment 😭

[@matutolaYT]

your coolant is the wrong color...

[@TinoushGTR]

From potato masher to mr2. Wow we meet again. 😂👍 guess same interest.

[@cullencarlson3918]

Why did not do the 2zz swap?

[@2zzlow]

saw the whole video, very interesting... those older 1ZZ are garbage. i had one that i got to 290,000 miles and later changed it to a 06 Matrix 1zz because it was burning oil bad.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I mean, any engine that gets to 290k can't be all bad...

[@LSmiata]

Hello Never Ending Project Garage, You must have the best sounding 1zz on the planet! Planning exhaust and find too many builds use the low/left or duel low (under rear fasica). I am looking for exhaust to exit on both sides of license plate! In my minds eye, it would look very good and believe there is more than enough room to support. Happy motoring, Mr. P

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks! Here's an exhaust video, if you want to check it out again: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npLHZJShq9F1iKs

[@MouseCIick]

you should keep the car. these type of car is going to be rare and it is pretty underrated which might make it a little bit more special. no one in their right mine would make these kind of car again. especially a mid engine rwd that is even lighter than the mx-5. also why you swap another 1zz in it? or it doesnt have the pre cat failure? why not 2zz? or does 2zz pass smog in a mr2?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I decided to spend the money it would take to do a 2ZZ on handling upgrades, since all the 2ZZ gains are up top and the torque profile doesn't change enough for me to enjoy it any more.

[@hamsterbrigade]

surprised you didn't put a 2zz in there.

[@jimmiemitchell9980]

Its the antenna lower/ raise lever

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks!

[@MrBloodyinsanity]

Get a front strut bar! It makes a huge difference and the handling gets even more direct... Clearly the best mod i've done after the turbo...

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

+MrBloodyinsanity I've been eyeing a TRD front bar!

[@KarfontaAlec]

That mystery button is for lumbar support in the stock seats. It inflates some kind of tube in the seat.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I wish I knew that before I got rid of the stock seats! It wouldn't have fixed them, but it might have made them a little better.

[@MrBloodyinsanity]

My 2000 model doesn't have that switch and doesn't have a lumbar support at all. Its a EU-Model...

[@chrisr6038]

With all those leaves around the frunk, you presumably get heaps on the back of the car too? SO you need to be careful of leaf residue clogging up the drain flaps (behind the side vents). If you don't catch it in the time, the first warning you will get will be a lot of interior water and a damp that will take months to clear....

[@shad1949]

I have a 2002 MR2 that I have put 130,000 miles on with no problems what so ever. (knock on wood).. The mystery toggle switch to the right of the steering wheel is the lumbar support adjustment control for the driver's seat.

[@SupahtrippX]

Subbed, my mom autocrosses a Hyundai genesis coupe 3.8l v6 350hp, it's a beast

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I've heard those are really fun cars to drive, I'd love to try one someday.

[@kaitosage6034]

Can the lowering springs go on any suspension?

[@zokusharuuku1091]

Wow this is almost the story of my mr2 lol minus the engine swap but thats on the to do list😂 had wheels stripped the neon green off, same exhaust, celica gts seats, tein springs, kyb shocks in the front and koni in the rear. I ended up buying 17x9 wheels and put 70mm fender flares, only big differance is i had a big carbon fiber wing and then switched to a smaller low one and smoked tail lights. Glad to see another person also enjoying their spyder after all the headaches!

[@drstone367]

Is it wrong this reminds me of Johnny Cash's "One Piece at a Time"?

[@denizyilmaz5381]

Isn’t that button for the radio antenne? I have a red button there, if I turn it on/off it lowers down the antenne when the radio is on

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Maybe...maybe my antenna was just broken the whole time I had it.

[@LSmiata]

Be happy in your purchase. I purchased from a dealer and both front and rear hood latches did not work. Got car home via trailer and was 1qt low on oil. backed of trailer and drove 5 miles and check-engine light illuminated grrr. I am going 2zz. Mr. P

[@LSmiata]

Left out my discovery of the right bank (Cyl 1 & 3) pre-cat being gutted, left pre-cat intact, and engine code showing down-stream O2 not responding to heater circuit. Removed rear bumper/fascia to get good access to rear/down-stream O2 sensor as it would not budge trying to get from bottom. Replace down-stream and now hoping to drive/check when insurance road insurance starts...plan 5/20/17. Hope this fixed my check engine light, but still have issues, plan to gut pre-cat at cyl 2&4 and hope for the best on oil burn (car has 59K/miles) Mr. P

[@KSAutoofficial]

Love your channel just subbed! I own one of these same year actually with 100k and I got lucky since the precats were just starting to fall apart when I bought and I did the same header for mine.

[@Internetianer]

What a sweet-ass car. The best cabrio I got to drive in (as a passenger) was a 1995-ish BMW M3 Convertible. It was in horrible condition though :c

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

My first car was a 1992 325i. Not a convertible, but it was a sweet 4-door and I drove it until it was truly impossible to maintain on a young guy's budget. Great driving car!

[@灰灰-d9f]

same thing happend to me. just got the new engine in, ready to get catless header

[@RichardsMUP]

This is why you have a good look at the pre-cats before you buy it. If everything looks good, you gut them right after. They burn oil regardless, as long as you keep them topped up, they should last a long time.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

The pre-cats were gutted when I bought it, so I thought I was in better shape. It looks like the previous owner may have gutted them too late.

[@KSAutoofficial]

Seeing further into your video, I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THAT EXAUST! The fitment wasn't spot on and my tips ended up looking a little off to the left exactly like yours lol I have a video of me complaining all about it

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

My FiL said he's never put together an exhaust that didn't need some tweaking to fit "right," and he's been working on cars for decades. I guess some variance is expected. Fortunately, no one stoops down to look at it that closely :-)

[@BrewAndBiscuits]

i think the switch is for front or rear fog lights

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

It doesn't have either, they weren't available in 2001.

[@sam4cookies]

if your car is left hand drive, that button should toggle the traction control. But you've probably figured that out by now.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

My car doesn't have traction control. Someone else said it controlled the lumbar in the stock seat. Unfortunately I can't test that anymore!

[@gopherchucksgamingnstuff2263]

Great work , have ab01 myself , went thru hell with 2 new gen minis . Lol this car is candy in comparison

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

It certainly hasn't felt that way... but I've also owned a German car and I think I know where you're coming from :-)

[@avery379]

Fun Video thanks for sharing!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@marcelmotorzoneza9626]

I got my MR2 spyder last week. I'm as happy as can be. Previous owner only used it as a weekend car and been parked in a garage every night. Its a 2001 with 65 000 miles and looks like new!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

That's awesome! Have you checked to see the pre-cats condition yet?

[@marcelmotorzoneza9626]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage no not yet. What are tell tell signs of a bad pre cat?

[@kayhanyegenoglu]

Do you still have this car? Haven’t seen recent uploads.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I don't still have it, there's an update video on the channel but I wrecked it about 2 years ago.

[@kayhanyegenoglu]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage Sorry to hear it man. Was a nice driver.

[@doomkid02]

Really nice mr2 dude! My future project is currently my daily lol. I was able to get a rebuilt single turbo converted 2jz vvti engine for $1500. I thought it was stupid cheap so i got it and hope to one day put it in my mk3 supra. But to start doing that I need a 2nd car while i gather more parts lol.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

That's how it goes! Did you get an ECU with that engine?

[@doomkid02]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage nope, no ecu. Its just the motor. I still need a transmission, a turbo, driveshaft, harness, new clutch kit possibly, motor mounts, and other stuff lol

[@reptiledisfunction9232]

Why not swap in a 2zz instead? Could’ve had a smol Elise!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I considered it, but decided to spend the money difference to upgrade the handling on the Spyder.

[@blazza1920]

I brought yesterday with the same problem yesterday that iam going to do a vid on

[@robertsetting7036]

Dude...Iam looking at many of these cars ar this time.... which is the best time to buy in the Northeast due to weather.... I am so worried about this catalytic converter thing though.... I will def be buying and installing one of those che manifolds..... for $229.00 bucks its a no brainer.... How much did the manifold and that used engine cost ... I am looking at 01's and 02's with higher mileage that I would rather get on the cheap and make these exact mods. Thanks for making this awesome video....

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

The manifold was about $120, and the engine was $900 shipped from a place that drilled and tapped the block for the Spyder axle carrier. The engine was from a late 2000s Matrix.

[@robertsetting7036]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage Gotta love it bro... My fave thing getting bargains and gaining awesome information from dudes like you.. thank you! Btw watched the Landcruiser vid you put up... very cool. The things you talk about on Toyota like things before their time on that model cruiser is spot on... I'm 53 been driving Toys for 30 years... recently test drove an 02 spydee sense that had 64 k on her n pics looked gr8 went to meet the people selling it to test it priced at 8700. Took one ride in it n knew it was beat.... they said their son had it for years in Florida. Check engine was on and the trusty obd reader I have came up with a catalytic code and the oil was 1/2 down. I've noticed they're a lot more for sale with prices droppin hard to sell em quickly on East coast with winter coming.. thanks for telling me what you paid that's exactly the route of what I want to pay... take care bro... be safe and take care.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

You too, thanks for watching!

[@Boaxiho]

52nd Subscriber right here

[@tatsumaru12345]

2nd subscriber! Weee

[@Brian02447]

Great video man. Would you recommend this car as a project? swap it fir a 2zz or save up for something else?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

If you want this particular configuration or want to do a 2ZZ swap, sure! If you just want a car like this general style, Miatas have a much bigger aftermarket and they were never plagued by the oil burning issues.

[@christianherrero8053]

For corkys breast plate did you get it with hardware ? I got mine used without any was wondering if you knew the sizes of the bolts

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I don't think so, I think I just used the bolts that held the old bracing in.

[@christianherrero8053]

Never Ending Project Garage ahh okay after some deep deep digging I found the correct size m8 1.25x25mm it's a decent amount longer than the oem bolts I had on mine

[@LA6UOA]

I love what you have done! Thanks for the video! I need to remove the PreCat in my 2000 Mr2!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

If you haven't yet, do it before it causes damage!

[@jordandavenport7553]

Honestly why I'm gonna buy a good one for hopefully little over 7k I'm in love with it but own 4 cars

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

You should be able to find a good one for way less than that!

[@alansmilealot]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage there was one in Atlanta for $6000. I tried to talk him down, it has 135k on odo.looking at some other states I found one at $4200 same miles. What should one pay for a mr-s in decent shape?

[@Crutches_Bob]

I remember wanting an MR2 Spyder when I was in high school. didn't realize they were such a hassle. Edit: It looks like it's an ignition switch www.mr2oc.com/2-mki-84-89-na-sc/327596-flip-switch-push-button-start.html

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Most aren't, unless you get one that's been abused and/or has the early oil burning issues. Most of the parts are Corolla/Matrix stuff, so it's not that bad.

[@Crutches_Bob]

Well that's good to know. I wound up getting a 2001 MX-5 instead. I remember being teased by some friends because of it back then. Oh how little they knew of it's awesomeness.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

They're great cars, don't let anyone tell you different!

[@muhammadshamiqsaeed2027]

What did you use to clean up the headlights? Mine are exactly yellowed like yours were but im getting mixed suggestions on what product to use

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I used a Mothers polishing kit, but they're yellowed again. I'm researching a new method I'm going to try this winter, hopefully get some more success.

[@muhammadshamiqsaeed2027]

Never Ending Project Garage ive been told that they need to be coated with a UV protection after polishing then else they start yellowing again. I will be trying a clear coat lacquer after polish and see how it goed

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

That's probably what I'll try next too.

[@synthbent715]

Awesome car man, keep it up.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks!

[@janrico904]

How much did it cost you for every repair ? Total

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I didn't tally them, but probably somewhere around 3k.

[@kannan6495]

How much he paid for the car and make short what happen

[@kignacio]

Yeah I agree

[@mellonman9299]

What percentage of 2000 mr2s have the cat issues?

[@robertsetting7036]

Matt is that accurate 80 freaking % of 01's.... 🙄

[@StaVrosRaf]

Pretty nice video mate enjoy your 1000th subb.. Do you plan an update on the mister 2?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I made one a month or so ago.... it was totaled unfortunately.

[@StaVrosRaf]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage yeah i figured anyway your content is very good continue your nice work mate!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks!

[@LouisMPissiosPC]

Great intelligent informative video. Thanks!

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Glad you liked it!

[@excaliburnhd2079]

I swear I'm the second sub

[@danielfulop]

why do you have the voice of Joe Rogan? :o

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I don't think I do, but thanks!

[@ismailhammani756]

great vid and at 5:32 i was thinking u will hit that tree lol

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Thanks! No trees yet, we'll see what the future holds.

[@TrackShoesLife]

Any reason you didn't do a 2zz swap? Money and time i'm guessing?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I went back and forth on it right up until I ordered the 1ZZ. Given that I'd already bought a few 1ZZ-specific exhaust parts before I decided to swap, and since the 2ZZ is only more powerful when you're in lift, I decided to take the extra money and put it in to handling upgrades and replacing other worn parts on the car. A month before I knew I was going to have to swap, I passed on a wrecked Celica GTS for $1500. I'm still kicking myself a little!

[@MR2SpyerJournal]

Good job! By the way, the 2ZZ does have higher compression. It does feel slightly more torquey across the rev range.

[@kila_whale]

@@NeverEndingProjectGarage 😂 save up for 2zz please!

[@mrbigmel3]

Thanks pal

[@zxzhao5]

You can swap a 2 zz-ge engine in it.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I considered it, but I decided to stick with a 1ZZ and spend more on handling upgrades.

[@LeviHeizer]

RIP

[@halokiller711]

why 3rd gen over the aw11 or sw20?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Handling, safety features, ease of finding parts, a few other reasons. I like the other gens fine, I just like this one a little more! Also, I've always wanted a convertible.

[@halokiller711]

Where are you located where there are more 3rd gens? In my part of California there is only sw20's and shitty aw11's but rarely a zzw30.

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Ease of finding parts, not the cars themselves. The number of 1st and 2nd-gen MR2s for sale is about the same as ZZW30s here.

[@TheCxcivic]

The switch is for the driver seat lumbar...which may not be on the new seats. -Neal

[@ozmo69]

dude u in Georgia?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

Nope, sorry!

[@georgeadams6254]

12:15 fog lights

[@excaliburnhd2079]

Some random persob

[@dikbuttbutt]

how much did you pay for the car and how much was invested into getting it running again?

[@NeverEndingProjectGarage]

I paid $3800 and while I'd need to verify with receipts, I believe I spent about $3000 more to get it back on the road. However, I could have saved about $1500 of that, I bought a better intake, bracing, muffler, springs, etc that could have just been re-used.