Owner's Spotlight: Keita San's EJ20 MR-S [4k]

Every once and awhile, I’ll receive emails asking me to come and film their story for Tokyo Tuner. Truth be told I wish I could film everyone, but due to my current financial limitation, that simply isn’t possible. There was one email however that I knew I couldn’t pass up. It read something along the lines of his name was Mitsuru Fujii, head of a engineering and custom fabrication shop in Mie, and he wanted me not to visit his shop, but to take a look at one of his employees. His name is Keita Suzuki, and he transformed his MR-S to a flame spitting monster in his free time after work and during the weekends. Besides building this car by himself at the young age of 26, he decided to throw in an EJ20 from a Subaru STI for added measures.
Thus with Cory Sparks (@Visual_kimono) on filming duty, we headed down to Mie to check out Fujii Engineering, and Keita’s crazy MR-S.
As always, remember to subscribe, like, comment, share with others, and most importantly
Enjoy~
*Special thanks to MotorLand Suzuka Circuit for allowing us to use their track for filming*
**Menclub Hong Kong asked me for permission to use the video on their site with special arrangements. Thank you everyone who has voiced concern about it^^ ~Ron**
Filmed By @Visual_kimono
Directed / Edited By @celestinephotography / @TokyoTuner
Song: Feeling My Ish by Boscoe Flux Beatz ( / boscoeflux )

[@wryyysespieces]

Lol it's basically a tiny Monster Porsche now

[@TokyoTuner]

That's what I was thinking when I heard about it haha

[@matthiasmartin1975]

yeah, a rough kind of 718..

[@04dram04]

Lotus Exige is much more acurate. And much better than a porsche

[@ranran2806]

@@04dram04 he called it a Porsche because it’s using a flat four engine and is mid engine. So this MR-S is more similar to a Porsche than a Lotus

[@Shadow1986]

@@04dram04 it's got lower centre of gravity and more torque than an exige now.

[@DriversSide]

That roof scoop is badass!

[@TokyoTuner]

It really is!

[@Kortik]

how or where do you buy one.

[@fudienm01]

@@Kortik It made by Keita. If you want to get it, please send a message to [e-mail] .

[@iamfee]

@@fudienm01 Would like to see more pictures of that scoop. Any additional pictures on website?

[@caiquealmeida5148]

Really interesting to see a great car that differs from the "regular" GT-R's or Supra's that always comes to our minds when we think of a Japanese sport's car, and of course, Keita seems like a great person, definetely respectable. Great job Ron !

[@TokyoTuner]

Thanks for watching! And yes, it was cool to find something way beyond the norm ^^

[@joseguerra4520]

Si buen chasis pero el motor 1zzfe es de juguete y el 2zzge es cutre chino

[@dovix9322]

Love these videos. Each person has a story behind their car and it's really relaxing for me getting to know how other car enthusiasts decide and tune their cars. Unlucky for me, tuning is almost considered illegal in Italy.

[@guitariste47]

same thing in France !!!

[@matrixhalox]

Your editing and directing skills are so good that I forget I'm watching on KZbin and not on Netflix. XD

[@TokyoTuner]

Haha thank you ^^ I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@ilcapitanoalexandr8698]

*Even without words, by the driving, you can see that he have passion.* *You deserve to drive a customised car.. the passion is there.*

[@TokyoTuner]

Bumped into Keita-San and Fujii San while working at Suzuka Circuit! Keita has made a few changes to his MR-S and took it to Suzuka Circuit for a proper shakedown. If you want to see his lap, you can here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3-9imNnaqiIhqM ***Menclub Hong Kong asked me for permission to use the video on their site with special arrangements. Thank you everyone who has voiced concern about it^^ ~Ron***

[@zzwk24]

Did he tell you how much torque was in the engine?

[@TokyoTuner]

@@zzwk24 I asked him if he changed anything to engine yet and he said not yet so I guess around the stock figures of the EJ20

[@agnarspilde7283]

Again Tokyo T. I feel like you truly captured the essence of what the bond between man and machine is. Great work. There's always a special touch with your videos. Loved it!

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you again for watching!

[@cj41079]

MR-SUBARU lol awesome

[@PeterXChhanX]

EJW30

[@silentspring222]

MRX

[@gabrielmalta1962]

Nice quakity content as always! Thank you very much for uploading! Suzuki-san has an awesome car! Also, that take with the drifting MRS looks super cool, always fun to see a smokeless MR slide

[@davidagcole]

Love what you have done to the MRS. Respect!

[@ryanh5712]

Your videos are a treat, I've watched all of them and always get excited when you upload a new one!

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for always watching ^^ I really appreciate it!

[@camerongraisbery8638]

Great work as always!

[@viviogt1]

He is amazing!　　一度だけ乗ったことがありますが、ボディがまったくギシギシ鳴かずに、まるで高級車に乗ってるような乗り心地の良さを感じました。ボディ補強のレベルが半端なく高い。　ちなみに、アクセルは踏めませんでした。怖くて（笑）

[@jacobedwards9706]

I can demonstrate some understanding of things like the flat four ej20, the mid engine MR-s with a rear weight bias, and other bits of knowledge, but I’m just a faker. I’ve done an oil change once and some break pads and don’t always know what I’m talking about. I’m a pretender. For this guy to have materialized this car is massively impressive to me. It’s a beautiful car and I admire this guy’s lifestyle.

[@jody024]

Another great story, car and owner.

[@thejackman82]

Awesome video and awesome car .. have one of those with 2zz engine in it from celica Good work man

[@goncalolourenco6989]

Awesome as always, its hard to find content as good as this on youtube :)

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for the kind words ^^! Definitely will keep trying to keep them coming

[@Koersch1902]

Great car, nice guy. Thank you from Germany

[@AI_Ralph]

This man took “a little over a year” to put a freakin EJ20 into an MR-S and customized the transmission to fit… that is INSANE. My jaw is just dropped.

[@NissanR33Ztune]

well produced and a great story

[@adanes1389]

That's one insightful driver!

[@M.asa.]

This is a nice story and love it.

[@marsredr100]

Very nice and thumbs up to the MR-S owner.

[@coscorrodrift]

Damn this dude is so cool

[@joshuaszeto]

this dude basically made a mid engine go kart. He doesn't even have anything to keep the stuff in the wheel well and the cockpit separate. I can see the road through the hole that the steering column goes into. I want this so much!

[@TokyoTuner]

Hahaha because race car. It's so much fun to drive

[@Haddedam]

I revccomend you pick one up, they are fantastic little go karts made to go to tight tracks and twisties. Cheap to run, cheap to build, punch up insanely well and if you crash, unlike the elise, all body panels are easy to replace - just undo a few bolts and done. But that Keita one must be a monster seeing how it makes near 300 horsepower in a 900kg or less car. This is serious speed

[@TokyoTuner]

@@Haddedam it would be cool to pick one up. I'm currently in love with the Honda S660 for that exact same go cart fun reason. Just they are so expensive for a k- car and I would have to buy another parking space haha.. *sigh* Tokyo living

[@Haddedam]

Looking to import a cappucino as a time attack car. Dissapointed kei cars never made it to europe where they definetly have a market. Still would sell kidneys to be able to move to japan and do what you do. Keep up the good work!

[@sepg5084]

@@Haddedam yup. swap a hayabusa engine into a Kei Car and turn it into a speed demon :)

[@timocallaghan4408]

initial turn looks amazing with this car!

[@RDSAlphard]

This is awesome!

[@mbchannel1037]

Woww just wow! 😍😍

[@juancortes7898]

What a dude. Good luck in whatever you do holmes.

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

Underrated channel. These are very well done and very interesting. I think it just needs a LITTLE bit more of an upbeat vibe. Not sure how you would do that, but it would go a long way in my opinion.

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for the kind words. Yea, trying to make this particular one a bit more up beat was a challenge but I agree, trying to make them a bit more will do wonders!

[@castle_3618]

Great video!

[@StanleyKubick1]

Incredible build from this young man, and a very well presented video. Subscribing!

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for watching and welcome ^^

[@kerwinwade1884]

Amazing stuff, I love this car, it is my dream car

[@boostedwilliam8923]

Awesome Video , as always and great timing because, in 20th August, its National Day in Hungary. Just good to know.

[@TokyoTuner]

Oh wow I didn't know that haha.! Thanks for watching!

[@horaciodiecast]

Good video and awesome car

[@MrTonyKratos]

Nice people, great car and a a kick ass vídeo.Thank You.

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for watching ^__^

[@jordanthomson7682]

Car sounds awesome cool man I agree with what you say

[@KevinTomFilms]

Yes! The Toyota MRS! One of my favorite cars I ever owned. Ridiculously fun to drive!

[@TokyoTuner]

This one turns the fun levels to ridiculous levels lol

[@KevinTomFilms]

@@TokyoTuner haha I could imagine. I'm currently still building my MRS, motor swap is next on my list (: oh great video as always! Keep up the good work!

[@ivervj631]

Something that got my attention beside this precious ride with that beautiful turbo blow off sound in every shift, is that this guy didn't use the heel and toe technique. I thought it was a most for every semi or full pro driver and yet he's a current champion and track record holder.

[@TokyoTuner]

I think because he was really testing some new changes out, he didn't really need to go 100% if you watch his video around Suzuka circuit, you can see more of his foot work I believe. But that would be a good idea to put a camera there the best time I'm filming on a track

[@ivervj631]

@@TokyoTuner Ok. Thanks bro and keep this awesome videos coming

[@LsnakeM]

Awesome!

[@franciscolozada1059]

Awesome video definitely subscribing

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for watching ^^! And Welcome!

[@ORS80]

Always more interesting to see some of the human side of the story as well as something different being built :) A lot more relateable than just some panning shots and a list of specs. Sooo much better than every other "generic cool cars at a show/ event with edm bgm video" on youtube these days.

[@TokyoTuner]

Haha thank you ^^> I really want my films to tell a story that people can relate to in one way or another.

[@thecomebackkid6]

You can feel the passion in his voice about his car .....

[@vm180trd3]

僕も免許とって初めて乗った車がMR-Sです！ この動画を見て電気が走ったかのように心が奪われました！ MR-S大好きです

[@kelv1n-799]

This is one hella brilliant swap I've never thought of it,swapping a boxer engine into a MRS

[@TokyoTuner]

Right?! When they told me I was like what the... But then I thought about it more and was like that's genius haha

[@pinut187]

The standard engine is too underpowered.

[@kelv1n-799]

@@pinut187 no 3sgte is one hella powerful engine and why did he went for the EJ instead of K-series,K is better than EJ in anyway reliability,power,tunability...so why did he go with the problematic EJ,well you see MR-S is a touge monster even with the stock engine but the owner wanted something more crazier he went with low center gravity engine and that's why he went for the EJ this swap is just beyond GENIUS!!!!

[@ChirpingChocobo]

I enjoyed meeting Keita and his Mr-20. Thank you for responding to the email, it became epic content! (Especially since i own a subaru lol) Flame Spitting Monster indeed

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for watching! It's always difficult for me to answer all and reply to everyone but you never know what you will find ^^

[@user-os1ln7il8d]

Awesome video

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for watching ^^

[@TheS0nztheallah]

Fave KZbin channel currently

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank youuu ^__^ Glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@JZS147_JZX90]

You're progressing Ron, I like it) Video is getting better and better) Oh and...actually I have a small request. Could you make a video about Mark 2 JZX90 and Aristo JZS147, please? Exactly on your channel I want to see these machines)

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you ^^ definitely trying to progress! I'm actually looking for a good JZX to film. Just has to have good story too! But I'm looking!

[@tirabbi1]

Nice car. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@yandlemanydo9033]

Well executed mrs ej balance midship layout Australia salutes you.

[@Beezy_Builds]

Man I love the way you edit, you can feel the passion behind the owners words, he expressed it so well

[@TokyoTuner]

Thank you for watching ^__^

[@jetlifex4355]

Awsome car

[@Vertignasse82]

What a clever idea. I always thought this engine would be a perfect match for the MR-2. The fact that it's flat and low is also a benefit (as well as the longitudinal placement).

[@TokyoTuner]

It really does seem logical once you get over the initial shock of sticking a STI engine behind you lol. It performed wonderfully tho

[@neuronaut8030]

@@TokyoTuner What transmission did you use?

[@abomala1607]

Impressive car... and driver

[@rogerlee2771]

Would love to see more details into this man build. I think he's my long loss brother.

[@hokulea8655]

Lovit!!👌

[@yujiin9850]

Nicely tuned MR-S. The vid seems relatively stable too. Still waiting on Omomuki's 911

[@TokyoTuner]

Haha it's cominnnnnnng

[@k00be]

ありがとうございます

[@Jollibuuu]

Mid engine configuration + Boxer engine = jdm porsche ?

[@TokyoTuner]

Right lol? Pretty damn close

[@invertedv12powerhouse77]

I had a dream about this and now i see someone with one.

[@TokyoTuner]

That means it's possible so you can do it!

[@divecolosio4988]

Dude, that roof scoop (channel air to the engine, right?) is awesome like 40 RAD!!

[@TokyoTuner]

Yes ^^

[@divecolosio4988]

Tokyo Tuner now i'm assured! Arigatou!

[@unicorntelecoms4387]

Yes!

[@takafumiarisawa70]

Only 67k subs? Criminal I say. I totally share Keita's approach to the MR S, my friends always asked me why I liked those and I just told them it's a well behaved machine and even if it's easy to deal with. It will show how well you can handle a car and not how well a car would hand you around.

[@nic1586]

wow thats incredible i absolutely need more information on the car and i have so many questions how tf did he put a longitudinally mounted engine and trans in a car thats originally transverse mount is the rear firewall cut out and the engine moved way forwards how to fit the large 4wd trans, is the engine or trans in the front of the car. this seems like the perfect engine for the car if the weight balance is still ok major respect to the builder i want to attempt to imitate that someday but its mind blowing how it might have been done

[@lucapuerari5006]

Wow man i like it so much! I own an mr2 too, but stock.. so i’m going to tune it, what kind of wheel rims are yours? Thank u🤙🏻

[@kageno]

MR-Sもお兄さんも素敵ですね(^ ^)

[@kheff46]

I love the fact you went with a subaru engine. Is there any more links with more build pictures and videos showing the drivetrain, specs, and custom work? I would love to know more about this build!

[@TokyoTuner]

I think he has a blog post about it but it will be all in Japanese. I need to ask him for it because others have been asking as well

[@stevenbitecofer9698]

As a MR2 Spyder owner, I would love to see how the engine and transmission fit in the chassis.

[@TokyoTuner]

@@stevenbitecofer9698 when I get back to my desk, I'll find some pictures I took and uploaded somewhere here

[@Penduga216]

I like the sound of the enjine...

[@RealKaiserBelial]

I'm very interested in seeing how he managed to stuff that in

[@linchester8464]

ah first when i saw the notification of Tokyo Tuner, I was like yes TT-San has uploaded a new video. I have been waiting for too long. But when i saw the video title, i was like o.0 NANI?! A Subaru EJ20 in a MR-S??? my mind just went kaboom at that moment at 0:10 min, aw I was expecting his MR-S doing a kansei drifto with that exhaust back fire to top it all off. we always see 2ZZ Celica GTS swaps in MR-S for better engine respond or the Honda K series engine for turbocharged applications and that extra turbo grunt which the 1ZZ lacks. But a EJ20 engine swap def make sense since the engine can be mounted lower into the chassis than normal inline 4s. And the boxer engine design used by Subaru and Porsche means the engine is balanced even with the stock crank and bearings. It def helps keeping the car Center of Gravity to be lower for faster cornering ability. I def impressed he did all the work on his car in just 1 year when he not working and many hours burn on the weekends to make this beast of a machine. I am really interested in the STi gearbox shifter linkages he have custom made to make it work like a normal STi shifter but in a MR setup, and how he also setup the rear diffs to make the STi drivetrain truly RWD. It nice to have parents who are supportive of your kids racing and motorsports hobbies. Who know he might be able to join a big league racing team if he keeps up and the big leagues starts to notice him. I will love to see Subaru EJ or FA swap kits for MR-S if he is able to develop kits for them. This will give MR-S and MR2 owners more choices of engine swaps if they want. The MR-S downfall was prob the weak engine that came with the stock car and also the suspension setup which makes it tail happy. If he is able to convert the rears to be double wishbone or the extreme pushrod setup, that will make a whole lot of difference to the handling of the car. with his gutted car, even around 330 to 350bhp from the stock engine will be plenty for this pocket rocket. I would suggest focusing on more strengthening of the internals, cylinder sleevings, new head gaskets, new head studs, forged piston heads, lighter con-rods and crank bearings. A good oil cooler, upgrade oil pan and oil pickup, better oil pump, timing belts, upgraded water pump, radiator and hoses. With a good tune and regular oil change, the EJ20 will last him for 100,000km and another 100,000kms with another refresh. Good video. :) Ps: incoming Blackbird Video!!!

[@TokyoTuner]

Hahah that's exactly how I was when Fujii San first told me about it. Was like O.0 wtf?!? But yah, it totally makes sense when you sit down and really think about it. Just getting it all to fit and work is they key. He let me drive it and it is unbelievably fast. I couldn't imagine if he added even more. I would have to ask him to tell me more about the linkage because when we filmed it, it was back in Jan and I can't remember all the details how he got it to work out. And yes, it's coming ^^

[@norgepalm7315]

Weeb

[@linchester8464]

normie

[@14energy]

Suzuka track record holder. Kudos to you!

[@zoegouyad6304]

@Tokyo Tuner Did you ever post more videos, pictures, etc. of the build on here?

[@DiscoFang]

Great in-car shots after the interview faded out!

[@DiscoFang]

Would have been even more awesome to see shots of the engine & engine bay or at least from underneath. It's the heart of the car. Maybe another vid focusing on the car.

[@TokyoTuner]

@@DiscoFang thank you! Yeaa , that would have been good. There was honestly wasn't much to see because it was crammed wayyyy in there. But getting a look u underneath would have been nice

[@infamousjuan7714]

Wow this is really a unique swap. How hard was it to do?

[@peza6982]

Hope they come out with the 4 wheel drive mr2

[@NN-pr8ru]

💕💕💕💕💕

[@RingerRacing]

why did the builder want a longitudinal engine layout? because of the gyro effect of the flywheel in longitudinal helps the chassis reacts better than a horizontal layout ? i know the mass is lower in a boxster motor but wondering why longitudinal was preferred also ...

[@TheKuncata]

What kind of gearbox is used in that project?

[@gramblingboy]

So he made a Japanese Porche? I like.

[@palmtree5971]

早く次の動画が見たいです！ お願いします！🙏🙇

[@TokyoTuner]

笑はい〜！今マレーシアに撮影仕事から行きますけど東京に帰りときに動画編集がやります！

[@rogerlee2771]

How do I get more details on this build. Looks excellent...would love a look in to the engine bay.

[@TokyoTuner]

I think he has a blog page that has more post about it. I'll have to hunt it down. It would be fully in Japanese though so.... Google Translate FTW??

[@mzondi1970]

Love the car sadly not much of a following in the US but would love to find a decent one

[@IsaacErik1]

Wow, it’s like a diy Porsche now

[@p_ineappl_e]

How are people getting these so fast? Are they 2zz swapped?

[@owenmckee4053]

What arches are those?

[@ihavenoname5800]

*Kai Kogashiwa Intensifies*

[@TougeTime]

Dam time to scrap the 2zz swap

[@TokyoTuner]

Lol!

[@shadowsaiyan]

Right? Makes so much sense! Can't believe no one ever thought of this before!

[@TokyoTuner]

Right?!

[@turbod15]

2zz bolt in

[@IIamigoII]

somebody knows the wheels and tires spec ?

[@bal_723]

Suyotus 718 moment (its a Toyota that was made with help of lotus and uses boxer engine from subaru but has boxer engine in middle like porsche 718)

[@verdaqq]

For the size of an MR2 i bet this thing feels so fast driving it XD

[@TokyoTuner]

Feels and Is haha

[@verdaqq]

@@TokyoTuner great video as always ;)

[@TokyoTuner]

@@verdaqq thank you!

[@marklewis8242]

I like the part where it goes "braaaapsshhh"

[@cebastienlarochelle8182]

280 hp in my gc is fast, i can’t imagine in a car that small and light!

[@TokyoTuner]

It's....dumb fast lol He let me drive it for a few laps and yah... I wasn't prepared to push it and end up in the wall

[@nippledemon]

+Tokyo Tuner you crashed that guy's car? that's kind of a big of a deal lol

[@TokyoTuner]

@@nippledemon uh? I said I didn't want to put it into a wall

[@nippledemon]

@@TokyoTuner ohh i must've misread lol i read that you ended up in a wall because of being not prepared

[@TokyoTuner]

@@nippledemon haha yeaaaahh. I definitely would have mentioned that (plus I'm sure other media coverage of me wrecking someone's car as would have said that as well haha) it's all good

[@DailyDriver.]

Unbelievable

[@christyngaston1518]

Sounds just like my ej207 v9 swapped Saab 9-2x aero

[@23905970]

snap oversteer right from the beginning of the video

[@nickamarit]

How come I never see EJ swaps into FR cars - only MR and RR.

[@clarix808]

Could you explain to me why you couldnt film the engine bay? This video was awesome until I noticed halfway into the video the engine bay wasnt filmed.

[@TokyoTuner]

Honestly it was a mistake on my part as a director. I had asked to get footage of the engine bay although you really couldn't see anything because of the location almost directly behind the driver. I never doubled checked that he had got it tho. So, I didn't notice that footage was missing till I started putting everything together :(

[@thepartypotatopooper6354]

need traction control or just add boost by gear

[@TokyoTuner]

Boost by gear would be fantastic. When it hits, it hits hard and kicks out. Hella of a ride tho haha