[Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
Anything and everything to do with maintenance, modifications and electrical is in here for the Mk2.

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jazzyD

[Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by jazzyD »

I had a 1992 gt tbar turbo import and it blew on me after a very short time.Now i have read a lot of reports that the turbos give a lot of heartache.What i want to know is the rumour that the uk spec NA cars are 'bulletproof' true?
I love the lok of the mr2 but can i have looks and reliability in one package by going NA??
Also is it a big difference performance wise between the standard turbo (rev3 240bhp forexample) and the uk NA models??
Obvisously the NA isgoing to be slower but just by how much??
I also hear it is a smoother ride without the turbo lag??
ANy advice out there guys??
Jaspa
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by Jaspa »

The only reason that so many people have problems with their Turbod MR2's IMO is that they are playing/upgrading them to get that little extra from them.

With an NA, most people will stop at the exaust and filter.

My thoughts only.

Stuart
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way. So I stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
foxy-stoat
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by foxy-stoat »

Think a lot is down to luck and how its been treated from birth !

As other peoples have said before, you only read up on the bad points. just scanning thru recent posts, theres a few n/a's that have died and turbos with problems.

You just gotta get one with as much history as possible and preferabley a standard one where the boost hasnt been breathed on, getting a turbo from an imocer would be the best place to start......

oh, just to go back to my second paragraph, drove from Hastings to Hailsham yesterday, (lots of straights and a few twistys) and didnt have one problem, just lots of bbbbbbbbbbbbrrrrrmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, bbbbbbbbbbrrrrrrrmmmmmmmm.....brmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmHOWL :)
We ALL make mistakes !!! :)
Stefen
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by Stefen »

The only way is to go for a spin and make your own mind up.

I have a Rev 3 N/A and Skytek has a Rev 3 Turbo (which he is selling I might add!). So if you want maybe we could arrange for a spin?

It has to be said that there is marked difference between the two cars. The turbo feels miles faster.
dawolf
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by dawolf »

I think the N/A is a much better and cheaper everyday car and is generally more reliable. You also don't have the hassle of having to let it cool down after a drive. The turbo is great as a weekend car and is considerably quicker, rev 3 onwards especially but I personally don't like the way it suddenly kicks in. My mate had a rev 3 with hybrid turbo and I didn't like the way it just suddenly bolted you back in the seat, was quite scary. Lol. I prefer a smoother drive so it has to be an N/A for me. V6 or Beams are the best option.
Bobby (aka Shaggar)
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by Bobby (aka Shaggar) »

the NA has less to it to go wrong so yes, probability wise, it will be more reliable.

having said that a nicely kept and respected Tubby left in oem state and driven well will define the word 'bombproof'. Just expect that word to drift in and out depending on the choice of engine mods some add.
adamshaw
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by adamshaw »

I would say a standard turbo in OEM state will be just as reliable as an N/A to be honest.

When mods happen then i suppose you ask for a few more niggles.

However if the car is well looked after, serviced properly and respected i see no reason why you should have any more problems than an N/A

Generally....look after your car like the misses and it will look after you

And be a whole lot cheaper in the process :D :thumleft:
jazzyD

Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by jazzyD »

i am still undecided,there are so many mixed opinions in here.

Was reading up on some stats and there doesnt appear to be a major difference below 70mph between the two.

Can anyone confirm any different?

Has anyone driven both?? :)
dawolf
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by dawolf »

Yes I've driven my N/A for just over 2 years and have test driven several different turbo's. I don't think a standard rev 1/2 turbo feels all that much quicker than an N/A but rev 3+ does seem a fair bit quicker. 0-60 is about 2 secs quicker in a turbo compared to an N/A so yes you can feel the difference but in this country with all the speed bumps and camera's is it worth the extra running costs for that bit extra? I think maybe not but it's up to you.
mattcambs
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by mattcambs »

I am getting a rev3 turbo soon, and have driven my mates rev3 (chr15py on here). I didn't think that the acceleration was that savage. I thought it was quite nice and linear really - certainly not scary or in any way uncontrollable - but bl00dy fast if you need it to be. Off boost I found it very nice with plenty of torque under 3000rpm to nip around town with ease.

Having recently driven my uncle's S2000 I can say that when that thing goes onto its high lift cam it is quite savage (what an engine though - more character than the turbo's). Seemed about as quick as a tubby when ragging it, but needed a lot more concentration to drive fast.

If you can afford all the aspects of owning a turbo you should get one without doubt. I'm not slating NAs.

My 2p worth :)
Martin F
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by Martin F »

it is the luck off the draw.had a rev 1 turbo for a year and had so many problems with it,bought a rev3 turbo about a year and a half ago...added many mods and sometimes driven it quite hard but had no problems whatsoever with it.never let me down.
as for an n/a the engine internals go through a lot less stress so you should be less prone to engine failure but its just a case of the car having loving previous owners,not easy to find out a cars past..if your not interested in having loads of power when you want it then an n/a otherwise be carefull when choosing a turbo,get a good one and ull have a permanent grin....lifes short so enjoy :thumleft:
Don Cool
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by Don Cool »

In my view it all boils down to economics. I would love to have a tubby but I'm doing over 25k miles a year in my N/A and I can't afford the running costs. Yes, my N/A a little disappointing off the blocks but the car looks so good and handles so well on bends and roundabouts that I forgive it.

It's done 116k and it feels exactly the same as it did at 70k. Engine-wise, since I've had it I have changed the plugs twice, the clutch once and re-cored the radiator - but these are things that you have to replace on any car. The cam belt is due in the Summer and I have no worries that I will get my moneys-worth out of it. The engine seems as sound as a pound.

It's only ever failed to start once since I've had it. Don't understand why though. After recharging the battery and jump starting it it has been fine ever since. I guess we all have bad days :?
DC
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Andy Champ
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by Andy Champ »

Don Cool wrote: Yes, my N/A a little disappointing off the blocks but the car looks so good and handles so well on bends and roundabouts that I forgive it.


"off the blocks" isn't where I'd say any MR2 was lacking. As I start on my 3rd set of tyres at 27000 miles I'm trying to do a bit less of that... and TBH often the acceleration limit is her in the passenger seat - "My neck hurts"

Andy
GeoffC320
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by GeoffC320 »

Andy Champ wrote:
Don Cool wrote: As I start on my 3rd set of tyres at 27000 miles I'm trying to do a bit less of that... and TBH often the acceleration limit is her in the passenger seat - "My neck hurts"


I used to get through rears in 6,000 miles...same for the front pads. :-k

Not saying it's anything to do with my driving style but...
paul port
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by paul port »

Turbos can be reliable...
Turbos can have a nice linear power delivery...

The Rev3 has ECU mapped boost, so rather than dumping boost on you with a VSV Switch (like Rev 1/2) the ECU blends it in with throttle as RPM rises.

The Rev3 also has a more complex, higher capacity ECU-Fuelling system - should you choose to tweak it up a bit.

I have owned my Rev3 since Jan 2000 @ 40K miles, and have personally put over 100K miles on it with numerous trackdays as you all know....

I'm still on the original CT20 Turbo,

Regular quality oil changes are the key :)
Always Fully-Synth oil, Always a Toyota oil filter!

Paul
jazzyD

Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by jazzyD »

So many different opinions,i dont know what to do.Arrrghhhh.

As for looks they are identical arent they??? :?
mattcambs
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by mattcambs »

Apart from the raised engine lid vents on the turbo
robbie_742003
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by robbie_742003 »

Right, if you want better fuel economy, less insurance and maybe a cheaper option of day to day running then an NA is for you.
If you dont mind fuel burnt up a bit quicker, bit more pricey insurance and POSSIBLY more bits and bobs to pay for then Turbo is the way! Rev 1/2 turbos are significantly quicker than NA's, with Rev 3's only slightly quicker still.
As for leaving my car to cool down after a run, i arm it then leave it to cool safe in the knowledge its secure.
All depends on your circumstances mate, if you have $$$ to spend, do it properly!
jimGTS
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Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by jimGTS »

to give an example of the difference in power....

my mate used to own an na, found out i had the turbo, i took him for a spin in mine (with old ct26 turbo on it), one week later he had the na up for sale, and bought a tubby 2 weeks after that.....
:eye:

in oem spec, they will both be realiable, but the tubby engine, is much more tunable, and given the fact if you hover the site, you will want to mod it....
which will of course make it "possibly" less realiable, but the gains you get are massive...

as said, 2+ seconds to 60 difference, is alot.....
there is no lag on the stock turbos, and depending on the mods, will come in very smoothly....
i dont know what stats your reading, but there is a fair old difference.

but the na is bombproof it has to be said...and looks the same...
jazzyD

Re: [Mk2] [Turbo] Reliability??NA or turbo

Post by jazzyD »

I read on here that the NA is much cheaper day to day running car,exactly what are we talking here?A bit of a difference?or a hell of a 'oh my god,theres the wages gone again' difference in fueling and other running costs.

Also i have read somewhere that the NA requires Unleaded while the tubby requires (super) unleaded.

Does the fact that the super is in brackets mean it is mearly just recommended to use it?or is it a neccesity?

What are you tubby guys using bearing in mind i am in Northern Ireland and cant get that really high grade stuff you get in the mainland,its a toss between Unleaded or Super Unleaded.
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