MK3 for daily driver and later as a racecar

[gldrsh]

Hey folks

i just discovered that the MK3 is getting pretty cheap these days. Because of the huge tax on cars in my country (Denmark) its expensive to have a fun car.

But i was thinking about importing a MK3 from Germany. A year 2000 with about 200.000km for about €3200

I have been working on cars for 10 years so i have no problem during maintenance and other stuff. Have never been really deep into engine tuning, dissasembling etc.

But i though it could be nice to have the car for the summer and maybe next year turn it into a racecar for track use.

I have read alot about these 1zz engine failing due to oil loss.

But maybe i should just drive the car this summer and then look out for a 2zz engine to buy and swap into the car next year. I have my own garage with lift so it should'nt be a problem.

What do you guys think?

What year did the MK3 come with the 2zz engine or is it from another model? I read something about Corolla, Celica and Lotus.

I just dont want to spend alot of money on a car that have less mileage and better condition (no scratches on the bumbers, nicer interior etc), but still have the 1zz engine so its a bad engine to tune on for track use. If i want to use the car for track next year i will go strip the car anyway and put racing seats and roll cage in it.

Thank you guys.

[tonigmr2]

Get a post 03 car and your chance of engine failure will decrease significantly!

Having said that the 2zz is something I've seen several times as a conversion, I think there is even one in the for sale section...

[gldrsh]

The "problem" is that the import tax is increasing the newer the car is. So thats why i would rather get a "old" 2000 with scratches for cheap and drive the 1zz engine for a yeah or so and then get a 2zz and swap into it. There also a huge difference in 140hp and 192hp.

But i need to know some more about the rules for track use. Dont know if the rules let you put in another engine and what about tuning, maybe put on a turbo or supercharger. Need to do some more research. I dont know so much about it. I just love cars and always wanted to have a track car, so it could be fun to have.

I would rebuild the 2zz before the swap so i dont need to do it twice. I know it needs a better oil pan and other stuff. Maybe get another flywheel, cams etc.

[tonigmr2]

Certainly in the UK an engine conversion would not affect your ability to take it out on track. As long as it as an MOT you're good to go.

[gldrsh]

Ok. Sorry for my lack of english, but does MOT mean?

Thank you for your replies until now

[tonigmr2]

It's just the UK roadworthiness test, I'm sure you've something similar over there...

[gldrsh]

Ahh yeah ok. Like TÜV in Germany. We have the same here. Every two year the car has to go to a check.

I have ordered plane tickets to Germany, so i will be seeing a MK3 next monday. Hopefully its good looking so i will buy it

[gldrsh]

Sorry for the late reply.

I ended up buying a 2002 with a half busted engine which i found out i could not drive in for a year, so i bought a 2zz engine and 6spd gearbox from the celica gts. also got ppe header exhaust system and the car sounds like a racing motorcycle now and runs really fast.

I think im gonna have alot of fun with this one

[aguiloco]

WOW, you just did the dream of any MR2 spyder owner come true! A busted engine MR2 and a 2ZZ with the 6 speed gearbox, I want the same... Please post some videos, a 0-60 run, response overtaking, could be inspiring.

Thanks!