[Mk2] [Turbo] Rev2 standard tubby mods

[TheDockter]

So im picking up my 3rd MR2 next weekend, first tubby though and was wondering what people recomend as first mods? Its completely standard engine i think...

I wont be busting my wallet on it but would like to get the most i can out of it!

Thinking induction, decat, emanage piggyback, chargecooler...

What else? Thanks

[slipping clutch]

If your tuning it then first of all replace the head gasket for a MLS one - however the first thing I would do with it is drive it for a few weeks without doing anything to it - that way you will get used to the power delivery and any nasty surprises if any will show up before you spend money on upgrading it. Hope that's helpful - just read it back and it seems as though it may come across as a bit patronizing - its not meant too!
P.S. should have said check to see if the basics have been done before you start tuning - i.e. cam belt, water pump etc. all need to be in good order before you start upping the power.

[jimGTS]

As mentioned, get used to the way it drives first in all conditions.
There have been plenty of people who've gone from Na to turbo and written the car off within weeks!

I would get service items only for the time being.

[TheDockter]

Yeh thats a good point actually... Is it a huge power difference?

Yeh i will be doing a full service on the engine as soon as i get it... I have been looking into the best service parts and there seems to be a big debate on spark plugs? What would you recommend?

Cheers

[jimGTS]

Big enough to send you flying into a ditch. There is a lot more torque and will come in differently to a Na.

Stamping on the throttle mid corner in a Na won't cause you much bother, but will do in a turbo. (To a certain degree)
You'll need to adjust your driving style.
So before upping power get used to its characteristics.

Oil filter, geniune toyota.
Oil. A good fully synthetic
Spark plugs, a lot go for copper bkr7e
Check coolant condition.
Tyres, make sure some decent quality rubber is on there. With wet season approaching you need good tyres.

[TheDockter]

Ill flush the coolant and replace it all, its gunna be on the drive for a few weeks so might aswell do the best job i can...

Yeh ive got some original rev3 alloys with new tyres to put on...

Fully synthetic 10w40?

Cheers

[jimGTS]

Yeh that's fine for oil.
Titan pro s is a top oil.

Coolant, needs to be the correct stuff
ethylene-glycol based. Toyota forlife or find stuff with this solution in.

[androo007]

Frequency of changes > fully synth oil IMHO. Fully synth wasn't even around when these engines were designed!

100% agree with putting servicing first - I bought a v v good condition standard tubby, but still clocking up £700+ in servicing and refreshing older parts..... Which I think is money much better spent personally.

[JAAASH]

Yeh thats a good point actually... Is it a huge power difference?

Like night and day. I dont think i stopped grinning the whole way back when I picked up my turbo, and it was a 5 hour drive

[Marmalade]

To echo other posts, just get the car home, give it a proper service and enjoy it.

If you then decide you want more power, you need to think about cooling, the more HP you want the more seriously cooling becomes.