MR2 Spyder Monster V8 Swap - part 1

Introduction to my MR2 engine swap - A monster v8
Looking forward to hearing this run! a long way off yet though
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[@RearWheelZeal]

3rd gen MR2's are one of the great underappreciated gems in the world of affordable compact sports cars. Such a shame they weren't as common or well supported when new as the likes of the Miata. To see an incredibly well executed build on one feels a bit like peering into an alternate timeline.

[@droboyjr]

Shhh! 🤫

[@eiansiddiqui6329]

Dude dude relax!!! 😅

[@moomoo9611]

V8 - Ok now you have our attention Thanks for sharing Love your work

[@bibana06]

That IS a crazy project ! I'm looking forward to seeing how this Monster Can fit in a little MR2.

[@SpyderLEE]

It’ll squeeze in. Just need to lose a few bits… like the fuel tank

[@drgibs347]

I absolutely love mental engine swaps like this. I can't wait to see the results! It's very unique 👌 and thats what makes it awesome.

[@carlmcginnisii8209]

I've been waiting 10 months, where the hell is the swap video? Or maybe the update video?

[@bizinc4493]

Thank you for updating us on your most recent project and future car plans, it’s fun watching the potential of these little cars being realized on your channel. Great video, I look forward to the build 😁

[@dbz-dredd255]

Thank you so much! Your videos are great and I’m glad someone’s shining some light on the Spyder. I’ve been wanting to do a project on this car and haven’t felt like I’ve had all the right info so this is fantastic

[@DerKaktusAvant]

Im an Audi tech and I think you are absolutely insane. Can’t wait to see how you approach it!

[@WoodsportPaul]

In my opinion you're using the wrong gearbox there, the OB1 A5 gearbox will save you 8" of forward space, ie the engine can sit 8" further back, I've uses the OB1 twice now and the OE1 once with audi v8 engines, consider the OB1.

[@SpyderLEE]

You are not the first to mention the ob1. I thought it was a little longer to be honest. I’ll definitely look into that.

[@WoodsportPaul]

It's the fact the axles exit right at the bellhousing face that helps with a mid engined fitment.

[@SpyderLEE]

@@WoodsportPaul ah I see. Thanks Paul I’ll look into it. The o1e only has 3 bolts that match up to the engine. Does the ob1 bolt up better too? Would you recommend anyone for making a flywheel? Any advice from yourself is very welcome.

[@2jzmr246]

@@SpyderLEE Hi lee, im using a 2jz vvti and a O1e box on my sw20 project, If you intend to put turbos on it then as you mentioned 600ish bhp is going to be a limit, Tho its probably the torque that's the important factor. ive already planned the next step and that's o1e sequential, its about £10k to get one. however I shouldn't be limited then.

[@SpyderLEE]

@@2jzmr246 thanks. It’s definitely something to think about. My initial thoughts are to just get it in NA and get it working. From there I think the costs will significantly jump so at that point I’ll rethink things.

[@AdamMGTF]

Think the algorithm sent me here after watching Stav do his 20v mr2s. Looks a cool project and we don't see V8 swaps in any car very often here in the UK so this is awesome

[@celicacustomz9738]

Looking forward to seeing how this project goes although I suspect it may be a little while until it is complete! 😄

[@SpyderLEE]

Yes I also suspect it may take a while

[@MKwan82]

@@SpyderLEE Transverse V8? Or are you using an adapter plate or Porsche trans?

[@jasonsthilaire5214]

Very intriguing, I can't wait to see the outcome. I agree about the sound. 👍🏽👌🏾

[@ramanmonkey]

This is the most wicked mr2 gen 3 ive ever seen. Very beautiful build man

[@Heiznwulfwoodworks]

Omgoodness yes! I’m definitely subbed to this. Gonna be an epic build. And that V8 sound is gonna give goosebumps 🤤

[@SJR_Media_Group]

WOW... this brings back some old memories. Back in the early 80's, my friend bought a brand new Toyota MR2. First runs of car were the W10 series. It was a fun car to drive and just ride in. Had another friend with the Pontiac Fiero. It was so much fun too. MR2 had a inline 4 while the Fiero had a V6. MR2 was lighter and could keep up with the V6 Fiero which was a heavier car. I bought a Mazda Miata in the early 2000's. It had a inline 4 with tuned intakes and exhaust. It was light and plenty fast. Turned on a dime, stopped abruptly, and accelerated great. It too was a fun 2 seat true sports car like the MR2 and Fiero. I graduated from beginner's entry level sports cars and bought a Maserati GT instead. Ferrari made the engine, had a rear transaxle with ultra quick paddle shifters, and enough power and top end to leave everyone looking like a little dot in rear view mirrors and getting smaller by the second. Engines.... can't go wrong with SBC (Small Block Chevy) I'm working on several. One is 4" bore and 3" stroke 302 CI / 5.0 Liter. Another is 4" bore and 4" stroke = 402 CI / 6.6 Liter. Both have compound forced induction: Twin Screw Supercharger being fed pressurized air from Turbochargers. No lag, linear boost curve, and power in excess of 1,250 hp / 932 kw. Just started work on the SBC 502 CI / 8.2 Liter. We haven't made final pick of engines for a project car 10 years in the making. 5.0 Liter is cutoff displacement for certain racing classes. Initial design was twin SCC's 302 CI / 5.0 Liter 1,250 hp. Both front and rear mid-engine layout with center crash resistant cockpit. With 2,500 hp it might be world's fastest 'street legal' car. Only speed limitation are tires. Keep us informed... great project to be part of.

[@shaneblacklord3313]

II just found your channel as I love mr2's. I subbed immediately! Fantastic motor for a mr2. I cannot wait to see you working on this project.

[@khmerxbxboi]

1:36 = Toyota Engine Cover = Best way to hide from Smog Police lol

[@snick9314]

I usually dont like how these look but the kit u have makes it look pretty stellar. Good job

[@arbabgoharghayas]

Oh My God. Cant hardly wait. Good Luck, be patient and go 1 by 1. Cheers and Best Wishes.

[@davids7556]

First time viewer, I like your style :-) you earned a sub, can't wait to see the swap!

[@SonOvaBoss]

i love everything about this cant wait for the update

[@duckamuck1756]

Great Project! Looking forward to seeing the build.

[@SpyderLEE]

Me too 😂

[@sharkamov]

Just found your channel Lee, and that MR2 looks just wicked!!! 👌 Can't wait to see the RS-plant installed, what a genuine _beast_ that would turn out to be!... Best of wishes from 🇳🇴 (Needless to say, you got yourself a brand new sub! 😉👍)

[@dsrrenrodgers6964]

Can't wait to see this, great video again

[@beaches2mountains230]

LS WITH A T 56 IS SOMWTHING I ALWAYS WANTED N A MR2 FOR PARTS AVAILABILITY, DURABILITY AND RELIABILITY BUT WHEN THOSE AUDI V8S ARE RUNNING THEY ARE A DREAM!

[@suchoi61]

Hello Spiderlee I can't wait too see the engine swap . V8 in a mr2 thats rocks 👍👌🤙🤙

[@rosscullen531]

Just subscribed. Saint Petersburg, FL. Love your build. It's definitely going to be nice and I think the drivetrain is fitting for the car. Can't wait to see how it goes.

[@shawnsamson286]

Looking forward to seeing more from this project!

[@dimitriliving]

If you manage to pull it off, it'll be one wild MR2.

[@YouTubeTV-rx4ck]

The front looks gorgeous and the rear. The rims also looks great.

[@stephanarizona9094]

Thats super awesome! Back in the day I had a 1992 MR2 Turbo, bigger turbo, injector, inner-cooler. Over the years I have really respected the guys who did built V6 swaps, there is one on KZbin somewhere, MK2 White, TRD Wide Body Kit, 3.4L V6 swap from a Tacoma/Tundra and Supercharged making over 500hp. After my MR2 I got into Porsche's and have a 996 & 997, V8 swaps in the 996 are popular with the LS3 being the engine of choice but I would love to drop a V8 Cayenne Turbo engine into the 996.

[@hasasanator]

Mate this is going to be absolutely bonkers when it’s done, best looking mk3 mr2 is now going to sound amazing also 😍😍😍

[@bncio]

Bro you have the most interesting and incredible combinations of cars I’ve ever seen anyone own 🫡

[@CedricParker]

Can't wait to see the build

[@rogerlee2771]

I love "one of" builds. It's a process, have patience and the car gods will bless you with a journey that's not so hard.

[@NuttGreez]

Gonna be a sick little "baby 918 Spyder" ! All the "weight weenies" gotta relax... It's not like H-swaps or RB-swaps have never been done. 200lbs added will not destroy your cars ability to drive haha, especially not with a decent bump in torque! Mr2 swaps are for the big boys down for a challenge...

[@chrisprice4658]

properly loved seeing this car on all its different gizzes 💜☮️💙

[@goldenghost2369]

Wonderful job I love it MR2

[@Skooby59]

Love the attitude bout the “zedd” bit lol

[@blackhulk947]

Definitely looking forward to this cannot wait to see how that goes,i would love to do that to my Turismo Avalance GT definitely needs something like this good luck with the build 👍🏾

[@SpyderLEE]

Would be awesome on a car with that kit

[@eloheem1801]

100% I have turbo kit to go hopefully the same power as your current engine then maybe a twin turbo set in the future Keep the content going great work 👍🏾

[@noproblem858]

love it, this will be awesome 🙌

[@michaelraypick1444]

u hav earned yourself a subscriber my friend!

[@thegirthquake8574]

Holy shit, an actually interesting V8 swap-- most people just LS swap so color me impressed.

[@ruselltribe4725]

You sir are a nutter! Love it 😁

[@SpyderLEE]

I think it will be quite a handful

[@dcswings]

looking forward to this build

[@cadaverdogblix7448]

Exciting built, i will live vicariously through your efforts, ⏳🔧😮 🤞

[@garage79r]

Ambitious project. I totally dig it

[@SpyderLEE]

Yes it’s not going to be easy or quick

[@Kj16V]

Damn, that's a really nice looking late MR2. First time I've ever desired one.

[@gavinwilkes3702]

Mega Lee fair play this will awesome 👌 👏 👍

[@1neWayCru-xj2eq]

Toyota/Lexus UR/UZ V8 is my guess- and if my man spent the time and money to do this, he’s a true legend.

[@butterfliesandtape]

brilliant mate. been keeping upwith the mr2 but only on YT. very nice idea to keep your interest in the mr2. planning something for my new AW11 project and have aquired drivetrain, engine,brakes and subframes. Now need a shell 🤣

[@ImUrOBGYN]

I didn't pause it. You're not the boss of me. Now that's out of the way, good luck w/the build! These are such great little cars and I'm sure it's gonna be Beast when it's done. Btw, I woulda never guessed that V8. haha

[@-MacCat-]

"... I think it'll probably fit in quite well ... " heralds fun, and a fair share of frustrating, times ahead! Good luck with it all as, on paper, it has the potential of being a cracker of a project and eventually a very enjoyable car.

[@frankhernandez6524]

Holy moly, nice!

[@Carios182]

excited for this

[@Sergeantgrunt]

I love it. I'm sure someone in the US would say drop in an LS. Audi V8 is damn nice and perfect for this car!

[@samster978]

please document everything, can't wait to see this

[@SpyderLEE]

Will do. Be a whole before I properly start it though

[@robremini333]

Cant beat that packaging/transaxle

[@Eireannach1988]

Lovely lil Mr2 & I think the engine in it will be the dogs 🥜🔥🔥

[@tokirak]

Any updates?

[@butterfliesandtape]

holy mackerel!!!!! 4.2 hahahahahahahaaaaa..... its so compact.... reminds me of paul woods' V10 monster (that we never really got to see....!) GOOD LUCK LEE!!!!!! Can't wait for further updates. Looks mega.

[@scottweisberg6958]

He's back

[@chrisgpoe9412]

One thing about the 2nd revision 1ZZ-FE motors... CHANGE OIL EVERY 3000 MILES (for regular driving). If you go out for a good hoon on the track, change it when you get back. Half the 1zz's ive seen in other cars tell you to change every 4-6k miles with full fossil/synthetic blend and 7k with full synth. Load of BS. I can't remember what the standard of oil change intervals is in the MR-2 Spyder but if I am not mistaken, it is a similar story. It has been too long since my MR2 has been on the road. Had a Toyota master tech tell me all of this after I cooked my second engine. OH!... also, do away withthe stock pre-cat exhaust manifold. They cook, fall apart and clog the primary cat. this will load your cylinder with soot and ceramic dust in turn destroying your rings and scoring your cylinders. I love a good V8 Swap though! Can't wait to see this.

[@stephengraham6194]

😳 your going to need a NASA driving licence for that if you get that in 😱 I would recommend putting a porta potty under the passenger and possibly drivers seat to save any embarrassment. This is going to be an epic build!

[@SpyderLEE]

😂😂

[@jordanbrown351]

I love the uniqueness of your engine swap at the same time the k series would have been a amazing chose bang for buck

[@jamiemr2255]

Wow this is going to be epic 👍

[@SpyderLEE]

I think so too 😁

[@SiameseFighter37]

what the V8 that's mad. 280 HP is already more than enough been Watching you for a while Lee good luck with the swap mate I have a MR2 also can see it on my channel work in progress

[@Mother_Lover]

nice ride 👍

[@kylefenske2498]

Bro I've owned my spyder since 2001 straight off the truck literally I live what you have done with yours through the years I live in California USA here we have so many smog laws I can't even swap a 2zz in a v8 would be str8 nutty but fun can't wait to see when done might invest in a track only spyder with v8 myself thanks for all the tips and help you give the community

[@stanleybacklund5614]

You can swap a 2zz legally. Its a certified "package". You just need all the emissions equipment (including evap).

[@SpyderLEE]

Cheers 👍😁

[@apashe974]

Almost welcome to the european world where you can’t do anything

[@uberpelaaja]

Interesting idea, i hope it works out!

[@georgef1176]

Those are such chick cars, but holy crap did you make a true man’s beast. What a great build.

[@rhubarbpie2027]

Before watching: my guess is the twin Hayabusa V8 used in the Jun Subaru BRZ 😅 edit: those Audi 4.2 engines are supposed to be great. Interesting choice!

[@robertjcashworth4712]

Loved the video. Cannot understand a word of the technical stuff. Wish I could. Have a big standard mk111 but can always dream

[@B_Well32]

Hell yeah! Giving me ideas for my AW11

[@CalebPierceFun]

Great job. I am across the pond and I love my mr2 even though I have the c8 corvette

[@SpyderLEE]

I’d definitely be drawn more towards the c8

[@ntroukyt2778]

Looking forward to how this turns out. I've never seen a v8 Mk3 before! Good luck with it! And when are those cheeky twin turbos going on??👀

[@SpyderLEE]

Lol once it’s done twin turbos would have to be next!

[@kalmmonke5037]

@@SpyderLEE a bit like a mid engine lexus lc500 or lotus exige/evora with lc500 engine

[@kalmmonke5037]

@@SpyderLEE if u like electric cars, theres aptera motors

[@Weimerica8841]

There's one guy in the US who did it a long time ago and posted a single video of it driving down the street. Never heard anything more about that car though

[@randomtoyotadude8952]

Paul woods made simular in a mk1 mr2 years back.. there is something with v8... love it.. v12 not so much.. Going to be xiting to follow this build

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

Two Zed Zed not Zeeee yes I’m from the Uk brilliant and well said 👍 first time I’ve seen your channel from a KZbin recommendation….new subscription here 👍

[@Cobruhcob]

That’s going to fly!!!!

[@loops01]

Check the EMU black ecu and loom from RRR, could be a good start point. Im using on the 1zz before dropping a different engine in.

[@skuastone9698]

Now that's a project.

[@inclusivelove5165]

Over kill for this application. Lol. 👍👍👍

[@5150_Designs]

Jesus! This might be a first in the MR2/MRS community.

[@SpyderLEE]

I know of others but not any that’s actually driving around.

[@5150_Designs]

@@SpyderLEE I'm looking forward to seeing this come to fruition! Beautiful MR2!

[@Ledroo]

Could that V8 be from Yamaha's? The one they used in Volvo XC90s and S80s 😎 edit. Wow, I was totally wrong on that one 😁 Maybe the Yamaha 4.4L V8 is bit too exotic even for your project! Good to see you mate doing once again these two awesome projects! Cheers!

[@AmirPomen]

Thats what im thinking too.. Yamaha v8 . From volvo xc90/s80 car... Much more compact dimension But engine sourcing is pretty hard...not much layin around...transaxle fitment gonna be some headache

[@JTthestreetking]

I didn't know the xc90 v8 was a Yamaha. They used that same motor in the Noble m600 or one of the Nobles.

[@big0animebiddies344]

Sooo sickk!!!!

[@SpyderLEE]

😍

[@MysticMCWizard]

Been wondering how this project was getting along.. then I had a thought.. why don't you get your hands on a 'donor chassis' MR2 mk3 to use as a dummy to build and test the setup before you go proper on your pride and joy. So if you do make any mistakes, they can be identified before any unnecessary cuts are made on your main car. Just a thought, I know this is going to be a very expensive project, but we don't need it to be too costly 😎👍 Keep up the great vids 👍

[@evilthorne]

A possible work around with the throttle bodies is to put a modified Plenum on. It and run one very large throttle instead. You could route it so that it faces the back of the car instead.

[@the-real-zpero]

I really don't think that engine fits in the tiny MR2 but I look forward to being proven wrong, can't wait! 😁

[@nicksmith8557]

In my opinion you're using the wrong chassis 😁 ....SW20 surely? In all seriousness Lee, its going to be great when finished. Keep at it.

[@spinmoto180]

This is going to be Epic! Just found your channel, looking to buy an Mr2 Spyder for this expressed purpose! Your's is my BluePrint . . . What is that BodyKit on your Car? Looks Perfect!

[@bladelee193]

Used to have one with a 2zz turbo and it was at 345hp and manual ofcourse.

[@theglassarrow_]

Honestly the MR2 is underpowered but can look amazing in a good build (like this one). putting a LS3/LS7 in it would be amazing to help it perform the part. Took me a second to remember that this isnt a super car but can look the part.

[@N4CR5]

Ls3 is tricky to fit without cutting lots. Easier to put it in a better platform ultima/superlite and avoid Audi crap for a track car.

[@markwalton8644]

It'll be interesting to see if you can shoe horn this into the Mr2! If so imagine this in an Elise!!

[@jakobauger6805]

My guess is a Taurus SHO v8 because the 60° angle would seriously help it fit. 2gr swaps are hard enough.

[@kpraz]

good but overkill. will be watching!

[@wiegraf9009]

The engine weighs 1.42 times as much as the 1ZZ-FE (225 lbs) + a full gas tank (81 lbs). Then you're going to put a gas tank up front. I would put some ballast in the back and front to see how the car feels to drive with the new weight distribution. The original weight distribution is supposed to be 43/57 and it will be a challenge to maintain that, although I guess with some ballast and the gas tank in the front it's not impossible. When fuel burns off the car will become more and more rear biased and prone to oversteer so that's something to think about. Anyhow, good luck! It should be a rocket!

[@IFORBIDANYDATACOLLECTIONTOALL]

My guess without looking at comments or looking ahead is the 1UZ-FE. I have one in my gs400 and it's a fantastic motor. In an mr2 it would be sublime

[@fitnessnoob2271]

You're a mad man, I LOVE IT! How much would a project like this cost?

[@inaNis_]

There was an AW11 back in the day that had this very swap but done with a lower output version of the 4.2, I think it was a 40 valve version, but it was sick. Videos oughtta still be on youtube actually

[@redauwg911]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6OaamCjgZyCosU

[@dannoyes4493]

Brilliant! I dream of such projects. You actually do them. You might want to look into some sort of traction control (2000 lbs / 444 hp) Well Done!

[@SpyderLEE]

I have traction in the car now. It’s the racelogic. I could use that as it’s the 8 cylinder version