Hey folks
i just discovered that the MK3 is getting pretty cheap these days. Because of the huge tax on cars in my country (Denmark) its expensive to have a fun car.
But i was thinking about importing a MK3 from Germany. A year 2000 with about 200.000km for about 3200
I have been working on cars for 10 years so i have no problem during maintenance and other stuff. Have never been really deep into engine tuning, dissasembling etc.
But i though it could be nice to have the car for the summer and maybe next year turn it into a racecar for track use.
I have read alot about these 1zz engine failing due to oil loss.
But maybe i should just drive the car this summer and then look out for a 2zz engine to buy and swap into the car next year. I have my own garage with lift so it should'nt be a problem.
What do you guys think?
What year did the MK3 come with the 2zz engine or is it from another model? I read something about Corolla, Celica and Lotus.
I just dont want to spend alot of money on a car that have less mileage and better condition (no scratches on the bumbers, nicer interior etc), but still have the 1zz engine so its a bad engine to tune on for track use. If i want to use the car for track next year i will go strip the car anyway and put racing seats and roll cage in it.
Thank you guys.
MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
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Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
Get a post 03 car and your chance of engine failure will decrease significantly!
Having said that the 2zz is something I've seen several times as a conversion, I think there is even one in the for sale section...
Having said that the 2zz is something I've seen several times as a conversion, I think there is even one in the for sale section...
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
The "problem" is that the import tax is increasing the newer the car is. So thats why i would rather get a "old" 2000 with scratches for cheap and drive the 1zz engine for a yeah or so and then get a 2zz and swap into it. There also a huge difference in 140hp and 192hp.
But i need to know some more about the rules for track use. Dont know if the rules let you put in another engine and what about tuning, maybe put on a turbo or supercharger. Need to do some more research. I dont know so much about it. I just love cars and always wanted to have a track car, so it could be fun to have.
I would rebuild the 2zz before the swap so i dont need to do it twice. I know it needs a better oil pan and other stuff. Maybe get another flywheel, cams etc.
But i need to know some more about the rules for track use. Dont know if the rules let you put in another engine and what about tuning, maybe put on a turbo or supercharger. Need to do some more research. I dont know so much about it. I just love cars and always wanted to have a track car, so it could be fun to have.
I would rebuild the 2zz before the swap so i dont need to do it twice. I know it needs a better oil pan and other stuff. Maybe get another flywheel, cams etc.
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
Certainly in the UK an engine conversion would not affect your ability to take it out on track. As long as it as an MOT you're good to go.
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
Ok. Sorry for my lack of english, but does MOT mean?
Thank you for your replies until now
Thank you for your replies until now
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
It's just the UK roadworthiness test, I'm sure you've something similar over there...
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
Ahh yeah ok. Like TÜV in Germany. We have the same here. Every two year the car has to go to a check.
I have ordered plane tickets to Germany, so i will be seeing a MK3 next monday. Hopefully its good looking so i will buy it
I have ordered plane tickets to Germany, so i will be seeing a MK3 next monday. Hopefully its good looking so i will buy it
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
Sorry for the late reply.
I ended up buying a 2002 with a half busted engine which i found out i could not drive in for a year, so i bought a 2zz engine and 6spd gearbox from the celica gts. also got ppe header exhaust system and the car sounds like a racing motorcycle now and runs really fast.
I think im gonna have alot of fun with this one
I ended up buying a 2002 with a half busted engine which i found out i could not drive in for a year, so i bought a 2zz engine and 6spd gearbox from the celica gts. also got ppe header exhaust system and the car sounds like a racing motorcycle now and runs really fast.
I think im gonna have alot of fun with this one
Re: MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar
WOW, you just did the dream of any MR2 spyder owner come true! A busted engine MR2 and a 2ZZ with the 6 speed gearbox, I want the same... Please post some videos, a 0-60 run, response overtaking, could be inspiring.
Thanks!
Thanks!