PowerPages: 1991 Toyota MR2 Turbo

Dyno: Tune up

Pros
It never hurts to tune older cars more often than required by the manufacturer. Newer components will generally outperform older ones. Ignition is critical in turbo cars, and the cap, rotor, wires and plugs are all essential for a hot spark with each cycle. Clean lubricants are always welcome. We were able to gain 3.5 hp and 3.1 lb-ft of torque.

Cons
How can you go wrong when you teach an old dog new tricks?

Notes
The MR2 is surprisingly easy to perform regular maintenance on. The oil pan is easily accessible, as is the filler cap and filter. The ignition components are also accessed with little difficulty.

Tools
Ratchet, 5/8-inch spark plug socket, 3/8-inch extension, 10- and 14mm socket, oil drain pan

Parts
Spark plugs, wires, cap, rotor, oil and filter

Installation time
45 min

Temperature
Air temperature @ 72.8 degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run: +1.3 degrees Fahrenheit

2000 to 3500 HP range: 1 to 5
3500 to 5500 HP range: 0 to 7
5500 to redline HP range: 0 to 10

2000 to 3500 TQ range: 0 to 6
3500 to 5500 TQ range: 0 to 9
5500 to redline TQ range: 0 to 10

Peak HP: 152.4
Peak TQ: 161.7

By Richard Fong

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