Toyota MR2 SW20: The Ultimate Guide to Toyota's Mid-Engine Beast
Avishka Chandeepa
Posted 29 May 2024
In 1989, the MR SW11, the only mid-engined sports car from the Japan domestic market (JDM) underwent its full model change giving birth to the new and improved MR20 SW20 that was just as fun to drive and surviving twice as long in production with a few improvements and iterations along the way!
The second generation Toyota MR2 came with a larger 2.0-liter engine, a slightly larger rounded body, and an 80mm longer wheelbase. The engine was the same as the Toyota Celica, adopting a variable intake system (ACIS-II) and generating 165ps with a straight 4 DOHC 16 valve 2-liter 3S-GE engine. The same engine was fitted with an intercooler, making it the strongest domestically produced 2-liter class at the time, the 3SGTE managed to produce a whopping 225ps.
- Model 1 (1989 October – 1991 December)
- Model 2 (1991 December – 1993 October)
- Model 3 (1993 October – 1996 June)
- Model 4 (1996 June – 1997 December)
- Model 5 (1997 December – 1999 August)
Purchasing and importing from Japan.
The MR2, both SW11 and SW20, can be imported into the US, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and many other countries mainly due to it being over 25 years old. Unlike the Supra or the Chaser though, the MR2 is a much more affordable and cheaper option if you’re a Toyota fan.
Plenty of them are coming up in the Japanese auto auctions ready to be bought and imported. I wish I could give you an estimate of how much it is or how much it would cost, but it depends on the vehicle’s condition and mileage and more importantly, the market after this article is published. But, if you’re interested in importing your own MR2 SW20, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll give you an outline of the costs to be expected and get you the perfect one for you!
Model 1 (1989 October – 1991 December)
It was released with an exterior intended to minimize air turbulence with a two-stage rear spoiler and tail lamp fins to improve lift and crosswind performance. All cars were equipped with a T-bar roof while the interior had a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and shift knob. Everything inside was made with high-quality materials.
The GT had genuine leather seats made using Ecsaine leather as standard in the GT (turbo version) The MR2 GT series produced 225ps/6000rpm with 31kg/3200rpm (maximum horsepower/maximum torque). The MR2 G series produced 165ps/6800rpm and 19.5kg/48000rpm. The GT and G-LTD were also equipped with 6J front and 7J rear aluminum wheels while all models were equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes as standard.
| GT | G-Limited | G | |
| Engine | 2000 TWINCAM 16V TURBO | 2000 TWINCAM 16V NA | 2000 TWINCAM 16V NA |
| Vehicle Type | |||
| 5 speed M/T | SW20-ACMZZ | SW20-ACMQF(L) | SW20-ACMQF |
| [SW20-AJMZZ] | [SW20-AJMZZ] | [SW20-AJMQF(L)] | [SW20-AJMQF] |
| 4 speed A/T | - | SW20-ACPQF(L) | SW20-ACPQF |
| Total Length (mm) | 4170 | 4170 | 4170 |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1695 | 1695 | 1695 |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1240 | 1240 | 1240 |
| Wheel Base (mm) | 2400 | 2400 | 2400 |
| Tread Front (mm) | 1470 | 1470 | 1470 |
| Tread Rear (mm) | 1450 | 1450 | 1450 |
| Minimum Ground Clearance (mm) | 135 | 135 | 135 |
| Vehicle Weight (kg) | 1240 | 1180<1210> | 1160<1190> |
| Engine Model | 3S-GTE | 3S-GE | 3S-GE |
| Inner Diameter x Stroke (mm x mm) | 86.0×86.0 | 86.0×86.0 | 86.0×86.0 |
| Displacement (cc) | 1998 | 1998 | 1998 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.8 | 10.1 | 10.1 |
| Max Output (ps/rpm) | 225/6000 | 165/6800 | 165/6800 |
| Max Torque (kg-m/rpm) | 31.0/3200 | 19.5/4800 | 19.5/4800 |
| Gear Ratio 1st | 3.230 | 3.285<3.643> | 3.285<3.643> |
| Gear Ratio 2nd | 1.913 | 1.960<2.008> | 1.960<2.008> |
| Gear Ratio 3rd | 1.258 | 1.322<1.296> | 1.322<1.296> |
| Gear Ratio 4th | 0.918 | 1.028<0.892> | 1.028<0.892> |
| Gear Ratio 5th | 0.731 | 0.820 | 0.820 |
| Recession | 3.545 | 3.153<2.977> | 3.153<2.977> |
| Reduction Ratio | 4.285 | 4.176<2.892> | 4.176<2.892> |
| Suspension Front | Strut-type coil spring | Strut-type coil spring | Strut-type coil spring |
| Suspension Rear | Strut-type coil spring | Strut-type coil spring | Strut-type coil spring |
| Front Brake | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| Rear Brake | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc | Ventilated disc |
| Front Tire | 195/60R14 85H | 195/60R14 85H | 195/60R14 85H |
| Front Wheel | 14X6J PCD114.3 Aluminum | 14X6J PCD114.3 Aluminum | 14X6J PCD114.3 Steel |
| Rear Tire | 205/60R14 87H | 205/60R14 87H | 205/60R14 87H |
| Rear Wheel | 14X7JJ PCD114.3 Aluminum | 14X7JJ PCD114.3 Aluminum | 14X7JJ PCD114.3 Steel |
| Vehicles with T-bar roof | [SW20-AJMZZ] | [SW20-AJMQF(L)] | [SW20-AJMQF] |
| A/T Vehicles | - | <SW20-ACPQF(L)> | <SW20-ACPQF> |
These data are relatively unchanged throughout the iterations. Model 2 (1991 December – 1993 October) A new turbo model variant was introduced called the GT-S. Slight changes to the body were made by enlarging the front spoiler, changing the color of the side moldings, and changing the design on the lower back finish panel. Recaro seats and peach steering were optional features available in the GT, GT-S, and G-limited.
A canister purge control was installed in all models to improve fuel evaporative emission control and TRC (Traction Control) was available as an option for the turbo MR2. The suspensions were improved and the clutch was redesigned. The E153 transmission was equipped with a Limited Slip Differential as standard, and a triple cone synchro mechanism was added to the 2nd and 3rd gears. The undercarriage has been greatly improved from Type I.
| Specification | 2000 TWINCAM 16V NA | 2000 TWINCAM 16V TURBO |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | GT | GT-S |
| Vehicle Model | 5-speed M/T | SW20-ACMZZ |
| [SW20-AJMZZ] | ||
| 4-speed A/T | - | |
| - | ||
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (mm) | 4170 | 4170 |
| Width (mm) | 1695 | 1695 |
| Height (mm) | 1235 | 1235 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2400 | 2400 |
| Track (mm) - Front | 1470 | 1470 |
| Track (mm) - Rear | 1450 | 1450 |
| Minimum Ground Clearance (mm) | 130 | 130 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1290 | 1270 |
| Engine | 3S-GTE | 3S-GTE |
| Bore × Stroke (mm × mm) | 86.0 × 86.0 | 86.0 × 86.0 |
| Displacement (cc) | 1998 | 1998 |
| Compression Ratio | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Max Power (ps/rpm) | 225/6000 | 225/6000 |
| Max Torque (kg-m/rpm) | 31.0/3200 | 31.0/3200 |
| Gear Ratios | ||
| 1st Gear | 3.23 | 3.23 |
| 2nd Gear | 1.913 | 1.913 |
| 3rd Gear | 1.258 | 1.258 |
| 4th Gear | 0.918 | 0.918 |
| 5th Gear | 0.731 | 0.731 |
| Reverse Gear | 3.545 | 3.545 |
| Final Reduction Ratio | 4.285 | 4.285 |
| Suspension | ||
| Front | Strut with coil spring | Strut with coil spring |
| Rear | Strut with coil spring | Strut with coil spring |
| Brakes | ||
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Tires and Wheels | ||
| Front Tires | 195/55R15 84V | 195/55R15 84V |
| Front Wheels | 15X6J PCD114.3 Aluminum | 15X6J PCD114.3 Aluminum |
| Rear Tires | 225/50R15 91V | 225/50R15 91V |
| Rear Wheels | 15X7JJ PCD114.3 Aluminum | 15X7JJ PCD114.3 Aluminum |
Model 3 (1993 October – 1996 June)
The body was reinforced from the inside. The back panel, the spoiler and the interior shape and design of the seats were also significantly changed with the model 3 release of the MR2. Toyota also introduced the “Sports ABS'' which was now an option for the GT series.
The engine was overhauled to a completely different beast. The GT series had its turbine and fuel injection system changed along with improved intake and exhaust valves. The GT series produced 245ps/6000rpm and 31kg/4000rpm (maximum horsepower/maximum torque) The G series produced 180ps/6800rpm with 19.5kg/4800rpm (maximum horsepower/maximum torque).
| Grade | GT/GTS | G-Limited/G |
|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 3S-GTE | 3S-Limited/G |
| Compression ratio | 8.5 | 11.0 |
| Maximum output (ps/rpm) | 245/6,000 | 180/7,000<170/6,000> |
| Maximum torque (kg-m/rpm) | 31.0/4,000 | 19.5/ 6,000 |
Model 4 (1996 June – 1997 December)
No major changes. All models now came with double airbags and Sports ABS as standard features. It also had some safety changes.
Model 5 (1997 December – 1999 August)
The fifth model came with an adjustable large rear spoiler, which would give you a downforce of 180km/50kg at the most upright position. This also bought interior minor changes to the door lining, seats, meter panel text color, shift knob, and steering wheel. The NA (G series) model was equipped with a new VVTi (Continuously Variable Valve Timing Mechanism) engine that generated 200ps/21 kg. Changes to the brakes were also made
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