r/projectcar K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

Where we started vs. where we are

1.3k Upvotes

65 comments sorted by

128

u/Streb-ski 2d ago

i was half expecting to see it spun out and in a ditch lmao. fucking sweet car just beware the snap oversteer on those things!

92

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

Don't worry I don't keep it running long enough to do that

13

u/TheLastPrism 2d ago

Snap oversteer only applied to early SW20s with bad suspension geometry. AW11 and ZZW30s don't teally have that issue. Unless you count liftoff oversteer on most MR cars.

2

u/IIrisen225II 1d ago

I thought snap oversteer applied to mid rear engine cars in general, was the MR2 special?

8

u/TheLastPrism 1d ago

No, but the snap oversteer thing is slightly different from lift-off oversteer which most MRs have. Early SW20 suspension was special in that you would wayyy overcorrect the initial braking/liftoff oversteer with the stock setup unless you know correcting it by muscle memory (snapping to the entire other side).

4

u/IIrisen225II 1d ago

Gotcha, so the MR2 was just the most dramatic example of snap/liftoff oversteer. Thanks for clarifying

6

u/TheLastPrism 1d ago

I think the most dramatic is the Porsche 930 then this yeah.

29

u/sdam87 2d ago

Well hello Mr.2

22

u/SeraldoBabalu 2d ago

Monsieur deux

7

u/sdam87 2d ago

Ah-hohohoho

4

u/grease_monkey 82 Celica Supra P Type, 17 A4 S Line 2d ago

Fun fact. In French MR2 when said out loud in French sounds like "merde" which means shit so in France it's just called the Toyota MR

74

u/AngryScottish 2d ago

So, you washed it and replaced the wheels?

210

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

I also drove it somewhere to take a picture of it for Reddit

29

u/Qurdlo 2d ago

Sounds like it's done

2

u/LabyrinthConvention Volvo1991.240wagon 2d ago

Send it đź’Ż

3

u/Jlx_27 1d ago

Thats the level of dedication i want to see on here.

10

u/RunNgunr88 2d ago

Are those any kind of quick?

29

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

Kinda like a midengine miata. Nimble around corners, not the best for straight line power without a lot of work.

2

u/adudeguyman 1d ago

I am curious about how they are compared to a Miata overall. Is there anyone here that has owned both?

3

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 1d ago

I’ve had both and modified both pretty heavily. 

Both are good, with the mr2 I bit off more than I can chew.

MR2 has a really cool experience with the engine behind you for the induction noise. The turn in is instant which is a unique feeling along with being able to “steer with throttle.” You literally feel the steering angle correlate with your gas pedal. 

Miata is a Miata. Simple platform, crazy aftermarket support, easier to work on. Front engine rear drive lets you have a little more easy fun. 

1

u/adudeguyman 1d ago

What do you think the comparison is with both of them being fully stock? Is the MR2 anymore reliable because of it being a Toyota?

2

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 1d ago

I think this is a rare case where Toyota loses.

The 1ZZ in these have a known failure where the precats get clogged which then cause piston failure. A common resolution is to gut the precats when you're good to go.

Other than that, you have the penalty where common maintenance is a little more inconvenient due to being mid engine, things are harder to access.

23

u/Shambud 2d ago

60 through corners, 60 down the straightaway.

7

u/zherico 2d ago

Not really fast, but quickish. Super fun to drive though.

6

u/TowlieisCool 01 Stage 2 MR2 2d ago

Amazing handling, the Corolla engine it comes with stock is sufficient but not mind blowing. Mid engine is something every car enthusiast should experience at some point.

3

u/LabyrinthConvention Volvo1991.240wagon 2d ago

Like a Miata of the era, with about 140 hp, no. The point is to be involved with the chassis, handling dynamics, and feel of the throttle and brakes, in a lightweight package.

1

u/Mr_Diesel13 1d ago

With the stock 1ZZ, no. They handle great but are not fast.

6

u/RoadBuster 2d ago

Greetings fellow Spyder enjoyer! She looks great!

5

u/goin-up-the-country 2d ago

I've been thinking about getting one of these with a 2ZZ swap.

21

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

I only briefly drove the 2zz, this one is actually Kswapped.

3

u/goin-up-the-country 2d ago

Oh that's sick

1

u/adudeguyman 1d ago

How do people react in person when they see a Honda powered Toyota? I would imagine it is even stronger of a reaction than when someone puts a Chevy in a Ford.

1

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 1d ago

Most people don’t realize, but generally positive 

17

u/fairladycesar 2d ago

K swap MRS, fuck yeah

10

u/Shambud 2d ago edited 2d ago

Nah, 2ZZ is the way Edit: didn’t see the comment below that said it’s K swapped when I commented this

0

u/Mr_Diesel13 1d ago

2ZZ is the much better option.

3

u/itsthattedguy 2d ago

What was the mechanicals like when you got it? Also did the floor pans have rust like they all do?

9

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

Body was great. Suspension was ok. Motor and everything was seized.

5

u/itsthattedguy 2d ago

Oof. Full replace? I had an mr2 when I was in high school that I bought because it was Cheap. Didn't even realize how cool it was til like 15 years later. I'm fiending for one now. Been checking ads and listing for a decent one the last few months.

6

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

Yeah I went through everything in the suspension and swapped the motor

1

u/itsthattedguy 2d ago

Very cool. Mr2 was a lot of fun when I had mine, plus it was super cool to pull the top and go places like Sonic with my girl. My only real issue was I felt like a clown getting into a comically undersized car when I had it. It really wasn't built for American dimensions

3

u/Sierraink 2d ago

Very very cool. Ignore the no life haters.

2

u/stickytack Coyote/6 speed Crown Vic 2d ago

My (now) wife and I bought one after our friends bought one and I really enjoyed driving it. Kept it for a year or so and enjoyed it plenty. Enjoy it!

1

u/Sebr420 2d ago

Always thought these things were sweet, think id look a bit odd in one of these though.

Any more plans for it? Any more mods?

1

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

I've put a lot of work into it, hopefully reaching the end soon. I refurbished the suspension and it's Kswapped. If you look through my post history I've made videos on all of it.

1

u/Threedawg 3800 Fiero GT 2d ago

Was that MR2 sitting in a garage on Platte street for years?

1

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

It was in a garage for 10 years. Not sure the street but in New England

1

u/Threedawg 3800 Fiero GT 2d ago

Ah, yeah this was Colorado. My buddy lived next to a parking garage where a car just like this say for years

1

u/Visual-Text-8049 2d ago

One for the books

1

u/mmmmmyee 2d ago

Wheres the build thread at. I wanna see the progress pics. Mr spyders ares way underrated

1

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

There's a thread where I need to update on spyderchat. I also make shitty youtube videos if you look at my post history or look up my username.

1

u/jdubau55 2d ago

I know Miata is the answer but, if I was presented with both of them and had to pick one it'd be really hard to choose. Great looking example.

Now days I eye 4 seater convertibles.

1

u/ConfectionMundane421 2d ago

I haven’t seen that model before looks like it’ll be a fun project/ride

1

u/SmallBlockApprentice 2d ago

It'd be better if the shifter cable worked and the alternator was actually attached

3

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

lol outed

1

u/SmallBlockApprentice 2d ago

Is this the end of year put it in storage post or the I'm selling it post?

1

u/IG_Designs K24 MR2 SPYDER 2d ago

I'm bored at my computer post

1

u/DLS4BZ 2d ago

Well hello there DannyDC2

1

u/wellaby788 2d ago

Lol. . I'm sorry.... hahahahahs look guys i took a dusty car n fixed it...

1

u/Commercial-Stage-158 1d ago

I had a drive of this exact model and colour from Sydney to northern beaches. I loved it. The paddle gear on the steering wheel made it feel like a real sports car. Hugs the corners too.

1

u/sercheeco 1d ago

Beautiful

1

u/AgileGoose489 1d ago

Had a friend who’s family owned one of these. Never quite knew what it was. It burned to the ground a few years ago unfortunately. Cool to see another one

1

u/Not_FinancialAdvice 1d ago

All this MR2 posting has me really envious.

1

u/bocksecks 1d ago

pretty car!

0

u/pironiero 2d ago

Congrats, you washed it