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View Full Version : MR2 mk1 - 1NZ-FE conversion?


CrankyOldMan
10-16-2015, 01:14 AM
I've got a mk1 MR2 that needs to have the engine rebuilt. I'm considering doing an engine swap instead of just rebuilding, and would love to be able to re purpose my stash of aftermarket stuff for the Yaris. While my initial thought was to go V6, It seems that the 1NZ is very close to the original performance specifications of the 4AGE, with the bonus of being a lighter block.

For the V6, the cost of the gearbox and all the extra hardware puts it in the price range of just buying an MR2 with a better motor. I'm thinking that an xB would be the best donor as it has a cable throttle and likely won't have an immobilizer. I've got a second Ogura compressor in my parts bins, so boosting the little bastard would be a snap.

The questions then:

ECU: AT or MT?
Wire harness: any goofy sensors or things that I would have to bring in from the xB to make it run?
Probably more, I can't think of any.


No, it's not the "best" engine swap for the platform, but it gives me lots more options to use the existing parts in my collection and simplifies the number of spares that I would need on hand to repair either vehicle.

Any critical items I'm missing?

invader166
10-16-2015, 07:01 AM
My vote is on the 1NZ for the same reasons you stated.

There's an entire thread on this forum about someone who did a 1NZ-FXE swap from a Prius and was very happy with the results.

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/2005-prius-engine-into-1986-mr2-mk1-1nzfxe-27266.html

Lux
11-05-2015, 11:49 PM
The performance market for the 4A-GE places my vote on the sticking to the venerable A engine. There are 1'600 cc 4A-GE engines that crank over 230 ps in Japan, completely naturally aspirated. 1'600 is a class restriction for Japanese N2 racing. The NZ, while newer, would not have the same potential performance unless you one-off everything for it, which is not feasible.

py4age
12-07-2015, 10:16 PM
I would drop a blacktop 4age before a 1nz-fe.

jcboy
12-18-2015, 01:05 PM
the nz-fe family is designed for efficiency, so if the chassis is heavy, there might be less of the fun factor for you.

CrankyOldMan
12-19-2015, 01:32 PM
the nz-fe family is designed for efficiency, so if the chassis is heavy, there might be less of the fun factor for you.

I know, I've just got some level of experience with the 1NZ as well as lots of accessories. The stock MR2 weighs about the same as a stock 2nd gen Yaris hatchback, and I'm very happy with the fun factor (with the S/C) of mine.