Toyota Celica Swapped AW11 MR2: An Incredible $450 Engine Project Car

The AW11 MR2: A Raw Driving Experience

• 💡 The AW11 Toyota MR2 is often overlooked but offers a raw and engaging driving experience, sometimes mistaken for the Pontiac Fiero.
• 🎯 This particular build features a Toyota Celica GTS 2ZZ engine swap, transforming a car rescued from the woods into a lightweight, mid-engine track weapon.
• 🔑 The owner, Justin Brown, shares the car's journey from a neglected state to a meticulously swapped project.

The Celica GTS 2ZZ Engine Swap

• 🚀 The 2ZZ engine, known for its high-revving nature and Yamaha tuning, was chosen for its compatibility with the MR2's design intent.
• 🛠️ Sourced from a 2001 Celica GTS, the engine and its six-speed transmission were swapped into the AW11, which originally came with a five-speed.
• ⚠️ A significant challenge was the transmission rebuild, as the donor car's transmission had no second, third, or fifth gear, despite the engine and transmission being acquired for a low cost of $450.
• ⚙️ The swap required specialized modifications, including adapting K20 S2000 headers and lifting the car over the engine for removal and installation.

Driving Dynamics and Design

• 💨 The 2ZZ engine is praised for its high-compression, naturally aspirated performance and an 8200 RPM redline, offering a distinct 'but wait, there's more' power delivery.
• ⚖️ The car's lightweight construction, around 2150 lbs, is enhanced by the lighter 2ZZ engine, contributing to its agile handling.
• 🌟 Visibility is surprisingly good, and the interior, with its original seats and intact dash, showcases Toyota's durable interior design from the era.
• 🛣️ The car features SSR wheels, modified headers, and adjustable coilovers, providing a balanced and predictable driving experience, even with factory brakes.

Project Car Philosophy

• 🌱 The owner emphasizes the relatability and attainability of this project car, focusing on power-to-weight, fun, and reliability over extreme performance.
• 💰 While acknowledging that even free project cars can be expensive, this build exemplifies saving a car from the elements and creating a complete package.
• 📈 The owner has launched an Instagram page, 'the 2ZZ AW11', to document the community's interest in this unique build.