MK1/2 differences

[CelicaGT4]

Alright chaps and chapesses. Can someone point me to a decent list of the differences in running gear behind the MK1 and MK2's, other than engine and the obvious bodywork. I'm sure it's been covered a million times so I might get flamed a bit here, hence looking for links to more info rather than actual answers. I'm looking at taking an MR2 and using its parts for a new life in a kit, and I'd set my mind on the MK2 for parts availability etc but im not sure thats a sane choice. Are MK1 parts cheaper/easier to find or harder to find? As you can tell by the name I'm a Four man (185) so while I know the insides and outsides of that like the back of my hand, I'm not so familiar with things like the running gear on the MR2. Any help in the field would be greatly appreciated as I have spotted an ebay MK1 that might be suitable, in my area, as it's body is a mess but seems like a good runner (though I'd still be dropping in a 3sgte).

[JMR_AW11]

You would have a much shorter list if you listed all the things that were the same between models.

eg there's probably a few common bulbs and nuts and bolts.

Some essential parts never made it across to the mk2. eg the Chav Filter was omitted on the mk2

[jimi]

Try the 3rd sticky post at the top of this forum

Better with a 1b (87 onwards) some 1a suspension parts are getting hard to come by.

[CelicaGT4]

I'd looked through the sticky but it doesnt compare MK1 with MK2 which was my main concern I suppose, looking for a good donor car I want cheapish light parts and long lifespan. MK1's seem to go for buttons in bad condition (good old early toyota rust/paint!) whereas MK2's seem to hold a fairly high value even when bent.

I wasn't aware of the facelift variations of the MK1 though, so glad I visited, that could have caused a few headaches!

[jimi]

Sorry I misunderstood, I didn't realise you meant MK1/MK2
There's very little in common between the two about the only suspension parts I can't think of that are common to both are the bottom front ball joints which are the same (at least on the early MK2's not sure about the later ones)
If your going to use a 3S-GTE engine it may be worth considering MK2 running gear as that would limit any compatibility problems with drive shafts and hubs. Also worth noting that the MK1 hubs are i4 x 100 pcd and the MK2 are 5 x 114.3 pcd so again MK2 may offer you more options.
Another consideration would be power steering, MK1's don't have it, most but not all MK2 have.
HTH
Jimi

[Tiamat]

If your going to use a 3S-GTE engine it may be worth considering MK2 running gear as that would limit any compatibility problems with drive shafts and hubs. Also worth noting that the MK1 hubs are i4 x 100 pcd and the MK2 are 5 x 114.3 pcd so again MK2 may offer you more options.

You can buy an adaptor for the MK2 turbo drive shafts so they will bolt straight into the MK1 hubs, very common modification for those installing a 3SGTE or V6 into their MK1

[jimi]

Your right I was thinking more of wheel choices, a lot would depend on the track width of the kit and how that compares with the MK1/MK2