MR2 3S-GTE swap

DanMan2k06

DanMan2k06

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Damascus, MD
My buddy recently did a swap into his first gen MR2 and is having some issues. Lack of power, turbo not spooling as fast as it used to etc. We did a compression test and got some pretty funky number, at least in correlation to the FSM.

Spec says warm engine, WOT. Dry 128 minimum, 164 max, with 15psi variation between cylinders allowed.

We got (1,2,3,4): 175, 170, 145, and 168. All way above the min, and some above the max. Then we did wet. 180, 180, 154, 185.

I'm thinking there's a valve issue in cylinder three, but compared to the manual everything is still way within spec. Any opinions?
 
That is absolutely ridiculous. Twin engines lol.

Did a boost leak test, found a small leak by the IAC motor, there was no gasket. Replaced it and the problem continues. I think it might be his wastegate. The turbo will spool to 17psi, but it takes wayyy too long. He's already nearing redline by then. Whereas before it would pull hard as ish around 4k or so. We put my SnapOn vac/pres gauge on the manifold, and ran it all the way inside the cabin. Everything checks out. Idles at a STEADY 20in/hg, no needle movement at all. And just like his boost gauge pod was saying, spooling to 17psi. So the turbo is obviously doing it's job, just not at the appropriate time.

I'm still a little thrown off by the compression specs? Why 3 cylinders be above the max? 2 of which were WAY above the max?
 
I dunno the engine codes but my buddy put the early 90s camry 3.0l v6 in his early 90's mr2(2nd gen). I P&Ped the head and cast manifolds and knife edged the intake. He ended up putting 190hp to the wheels(what it was rated at the crank). He just sold that engine and is putting the newer 3.5l in this fall/winter.
 
I've always wanted to do similar things with a Fiero. Keep it all American and swap in the 3800Series II supercharged from a Bonneville, or just go after ultimate performance and swap in a Nissan or Toyota V6.
 
Darky said:
I've always wanted to do similar things with a Fiero. Keep it all American and swap in the 3800Series II supercharged from a Bonneville, or just go after ultimate performance and swap in a Nissan or Toyota V6.
Click to expand...

Used to be one running around here with a northstar, it was quick.
 
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