MR2 engine swap?

So I have this MR2 Spyder that I am kind of bored with. I have had it on craiglist for a while with not too much attention (There are 3 on there right now and mine is the highest miles and slightly modded, cheaper but still). So I have been thinking about some sort of engine swap to make it a little quicker (or a lot). The 2zz is a well traveled swap but it makes no torque and here in central MO those motors are scarce and cost upwards of 2K, no thanks. There are other swaps (1mz, 2gr, honda K series) that have been successfully completed but I am curious about other options. I would love a 6, mainly do to sound. Which leads me to one of the yota power plants or maybe a KL of some sort or one of the Ford duratecs or cyclones. Another thought I have had is the neweset GM 60 degree v6 which has good support and is CHEAP. However, I wouldn't mind a better 4 cylinder either (2.3/5 Duratec?) What does the think tank have to say?? Any and all ideas are welcome. This is a long term project (assuming that it actually happens) and would be focused around bang for the buck because the wife runs a tight ship!

Honda f22c or use forced induction and turn it into an exige. How much do GM quad 4 engines go for? Out of curiosity, how much are you selling it for and what is done to it already. I won't have the cash until January, but I have been contemplating picking one up if I can't find an aw11 I want and the price is right.

Listed now at 5400. It has re11 Bridgestones, magnaflow cat back, tokico springs, gr2 shocks. Nothing major, but it seems to scare off the old folks. It has 142k. I think that is pretty fair.

Also, I don't think f22 is cheap enough for me

I think I have serious issues as my first thought was a turbo motor from a K car. Ya I know I think I should seak professional help.

However a newer dodge turbo motor may be an option. For the 4 cylinder I am thinking duratec, need to look into transmissions though.

altima 3.5 with 6 speed=] (cheaper to do earlier max 3.5/6 speed actually)
watch for oil leaks and it'll do okay. Plenty of power

I thought there was an established Toyota six swap, from a Camry? Or is that already in the alphabet soup in the first post?

That is the 1mz mentioned above. It is also mainly for the gen 2 cars. Not a bad choice but has VERY limited aftermarket. However, I think there is a bolt in axle solution which is nice.

For the gen3 cars, the established V6 is the 2gr. The 3.5.

I would suggest that. You won't need aftermarket for it afterwards. The 2gr Spyders are STUPID fast.

That is true. I need to research how these have changed since the last time I looked into these. Not having to come up with custom axles would be handy.

The FR-S engine seems a logical choice. And by logical, I mean dropping it in front to make a dual-engined MR-S.

In reply to pinchvalve:

I was wondering where you were going there. And no.

2GR is the way to go if it fits your budget. I put a 1MZ in my SW20, and love it. It's not blisteringly fast, but you can drive it flatout and it sounds great. The grunt and smooth idle are a hoot around town. The E153 gearbox donor from the Turbo car is a little on the short side for the V6, but is a bolt-on affair.

If you don't love the car now, you probably won't love it long just by adding power.

Spend the money and time on something you'll love...

The worst part about all this is that i just want to take the car off your hands and you're asking a very fair price for it.

well it really isn't going anywhere.

A Zetec would fit nicely.

+1 for 2GR. Lotus approves.

Get that 2gr swap done and then get tired of it do I can buy It at the end of next year. Yeah, thats the ticket.

1MZ or even 2GR make for awesome swaps

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote: The worst part about all this is that i just want to take the car off your hands and you're asking a very fair price for it.

Agreed! Especially if the car does not have rod knock and the pre-cats are gutted. If this were january it might be mine already.