20v swaps are common, I have a silver top in my 1988 Aw11. once u get a set of coils, good tires, lsd, tighter Ratio gearbox and good geometry the car ends up feeling like a tarmac rally car from the 80s. This car taught me how to race in the rain!!!
This and the CRX I feel are the best 80’s lightweight cars you can get for the money. Prices to my surprise hasn’t reached AE86 insanity levels. Below 150 HP and under 2500 pounds really are the best for fun without getting into trouble.
@@air_ your right and it can be a unforgiving car especially in the rain. Wasn’t just the Mk1 AW11 that was a dead trap even the EF/CRX are death traps themselves.
Thank you @Zygrene for making these types of videos. The AW11 MR2 seems to always get overshadowed by it's ae86 cousin. Thank you for helping keep the aw11 relevant. Great review as usual 👏.
The MR2 is the funniest car I’ve ever owned out of 25 cars I’ve owned. I miss it terribly. One day, I’m going to buy it back, the 1986, in blue!❤️❤️❤️❤️
I daily mine since 2012, and I love it. With Eibach springs, Kony shocks and poly bushings all around is a completely different car. That and good rubber (Yokohama, Toyo, etc) is all that you need. Nice video!
@@PeterPangea Looked pretty similar to the one in the video but was optioned without the sunroof or wing. Stupidly sold it to buy my 2nd NA Miata (Black 94) because it had rust in the typical spots. Looking back it was perfectly salvageable. I still keep in contact with the guy I sold it to though. It supposedly blew a head gasket and received a 20V swap.
@86DRIVE I’ve had close to the same experience. I had V6 swapped SW21 and a MR-S. I loved both! Similar, yet different in their own ways. Would love to try an AW11.
I've owned a couple. One of my favorite cars to drive and own. For a long time it was my dream to own a slick top with a blacktop & 6-speed manual transmission.
I grew up on an 89 Mirage hatch in the Appalachian mountains. 2000lbs, 5spd, manual steering, skinny tires, 90 hp.... still miss driving a car like that and the AW11 is of a similar era
MR2’s are great cars. I haven’t experienced an AW11 but have owned the other two generations and I can say I miss them both. Definitely want to try an AW11. They can look pretty sexy with minimal changes too.
I had a 1985 AW11 NA back in 2002-03. Since then I've been through more than 10 cars and the AW11 is still on top of my list in terms of driving fun. I miss it so much.
I had a co-worker who bought a new MR2 just like this one. While I understand the desire to modify cars like this, I'd put my money into replacing worn items with new(er) wherever possible in order to achieve the best representation of how this car was delivered from the factory. Not so much to showcase as a collectible, but simply because it's the closest thing to stepping back in time as if I were driving my co-workers car back in the day. Much respect to the owner for keeping this one stock
I had one that I drove year round, even got to drive it flat out on a frozen river with studded snow tires. One of the funnest cars I've ever driven, I can't recommend these enough if people enjoy driver oriented cars.
One of these cars saved my life once! (not in a crash). Could probably use some bushings and a good alignment, it would respond faster. Even in my lightly modded BRZ, with the 17inch wheels and nice tires, it was too easy to push too hard. It was egging me on to go faster.
@@christopherjohnston6343 sorry, my ADHD getting me again, lol. I was standing on a street corner looking at an AW11 waiting at the intersection and didn't notice the signal to cross the street. A lifted jeep comes flying around the corner (bush in the way, no visibility). If I had stepped off the sidewalk when the signal turned green, I woulda been toast.
wish I still had my 86. loved that car and I drove way past when the odometer stopped at 186k. Always dreamed of a 20V and 6spd swap. and those pop ups❤❤❤❤❤
You would probably love the supercharged model, the low end torque feels like a small V6 and once you slightly modify these they wake up. Running my 1988 SC model on TRD springs and Koni yellow adjustables with Advan A052s and it's an absolute monster in the mountains. My dreams to own a NA1 NSX someday. But for now I enjoy my SC.
Yes there are quite a few 20v 4AGE swapped AW11s out there, you should also look for one with bike carbs or ITBs on it (such as the 20v) for the pure symphony the 4AGE can put out with that sort of setup haha
cool review. the 2ZZ is also a great swap. my '86 hardtop weighs in at 20xxlb without me in it and it moves really well with the 2ZZ and C60 6speed. with fully refreshed suspension and coilovers, they're pretty capable. just need a quick ratio rack.
The obvious comparison to me is this versus NA Miata. Classic FR double wishbone roadster versus mid-engine fixed roof car with highly tunable engine. I almost bought a mint blue early AW11 that had a for sale sign in it at the front of my parents neighborhood, but allowed myself to be talked out of at the last minute. It would have been my first stick car so the test drive was pretty jerky, but I remember how sporty and spritely it felt. One of my only automotive regrets...
NVH is a good thing. The 80s had MR2 Aw11, AE86, NA Mx5, and FB RX7. Those were the affordable true RWD lightweights. Today those are the cars you can drive near the limit without hassle from the cops. In a lot of ways they are better than the modern lightweights.
Thats just rumour, after the sucsess with Yaris and Corolla GR, they wont make a new Mr 2 hybrid!! Toyota started listening to the fan base.. thats why this huge pluss for GR..
The AW11 was designed by Dan Gurney and members of Lotus. It’s a true sports car designed by legendary race car drivers. They’re exceptional cars and although not high powered it begs you drive it quickly and push it to its limits. Which are awesome. It‘s really not a slow car either it does 0-60 in 8 seconds.
Like the Italian Fiat X19, German Porche 914, and American Pontiac Fiero, the slightly higher tech Japanese MR2 was a fun affordable 4 cylinder mid engine 2 seater. Although I've never owned one of these cars, I've driven them all at one time or another. IMO none were what I would considered a particularly successful sports car but out of this group, the MR2 stands head and shoulders above the other. A friend of mine on the east coast had a Pontiac Fiero... That car was an absolute turd on a stick.
@@matthewgallant3622 Interesting story Matt, but where do you get your info? Dan Gurney retired from race car driveing in 1970. Wiki does says Toyota got Dan to test an early SA-X prototype at Willow Springs in 1981. Wiki goes on to say Akio Yoshida designed the AW11. The suspension and handling were also designed by Toyota in house with the help of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Turns out neither Gurney or any active/retired race car driver had anythingto do with the design engineering of the MR2. Sorry if it sounds harsh but Wiki also says the AW11 was not a successful sprots car in rally or road racing.
@@matthewgallant3622 Test drivers give feedback on what's being working on. . No hate here Matt, just correcting your reply that "The AW11 MR2 was designed by Dan Gurney" and that it was "made by race car drivers." My neighbor Todd has an SCCA Street Modified turbo MR2 solo event car. I've worked on it with him and I've done laps in it a few times. Fun, but not my drug of choice. I might be bias though, because I've been building, racing, and lusting after Datsun 510s for 40 years. My solo event car th-cam.com/video/GZtp6PiFlTI/w-d-xo.html
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20v swaps are common, I have a silver top in my 1988 Aw11. once u get a set of coils, good tires, lsd, tighter Ratio gearbox and good geometry the car ends up feeling like a tarmac rally car from the 80s. This car taught me how to race in the rain!!!
This and the CRX I feel are the best 80’s lightweight cars you can get for the money. Prices to my surprise hasn’t reached AE86 insanity levels. Below 150 HP and under 2500 pounds really are the best for fun without getting into trouble.
It's gained a reputation for being a death trap and it wasn't in initial D lol
@@air_ your right and it can be a unforgiving car especially in the rain. Wasn’t just the Mk1 AW11 that was a dead trap even the EF/CRX are death traps themselves.
The catch is finding one. People hold onto them and its mostly older folks
Mr2 or CRX?
Thank you @Zygrene for making these types of videos. The AW11 MR2 seems to always get overshadowed by it's ae86 cousin. Thank you for helping keep the aw11 relevant. Great review as usual 👏.
The MR2 is the funniest car I’ve ever owned out of 25 cars I’ve owned. I miss it terribly. One day, I’m going to buy it back, the 1986, in blue!❤️❤️❤️❤️
You can't help but smile on one of these. My Dad bought one new in '85 and I still have it. Possibly more fun than my '94 NSX.
87 AW11 was my first project car. Taught me so much. I miss it!
I daily mine since 2012, and I love it. With Eibach springs, Kony shocks and poly bushings all around is a completely different car. That and good rubber (Yokohama, Toyo, etc) is all that you need.
Nice video!
Totally agree, suspension maintenance/upgrades and sticky rubber TRANSFORMS these cars.
Put everything on hold, Zygrene has reviewed another AW11!!!
I’ve owned 9 cars and the only one I ever regret selling was my 1985 MR2.
Didn't know you had a mr2 back in the day!
@@PeterPangea Looked pretty similar to the one in the video but was optioned without the sunroof or wing.
Stupidly sold it to buy my 2nd NA Miata (Black 94) because it had rust in the typical spots. Looking back it was perfectly salvageable. I still keep in contact with the guy I sold it to though. It supposedly blew a head gasket and received a 20V swap.
I've driven an 88 with the t-top and the sport steering wheel. I loved it. They're great. I loved the engine. Smooth, free reving and nice sound.
Love the MR2s (and all your MR2 content!) I’ve owned 2 of the 3 generations but never the AW11. They’re all great cars for different reasons.
@86DRIVE I’ve had close to the same experience. I had V6 swapped SW21 and a MR-S. I loved both! Similar, yet different in their own ways. Would love to try an AW11.
I've owned a couple. One of my favorite cars to drive and own. For a long time it was my dream to own a slick top with a blacktop & 6-speed manual transmission.
I grew up on an 89 Mirage hatch in the Appalachian mountains. 2000lbs, 5spd, manual steering, skinny tires, 90 hp.... still miss driving a car like that and the AW11 is of a similar era
MR2’s are great cars. I haven’t experienced an AW11 but have owned the other two generations and I can say I miss them both. Definitely want to try an AW11. They can look pretty sexy with minimal changes too.
I had a 1985 AW11 NA back in 2002-03. Since then I've been through more than 10 cars and the AW11 is still on top of my list in terms of driving fun. I miss it so much.
I had a co-worker who bought a new MR2 just like this one. While I understand the desire to modify cars like this, I'd put my money into replacing worn items with new(er) wherever possible in order to achieve the best representation of how this car was delivered from the factory. Not so much to showcase as a collectible, but simply because it's the closest thing to stepping back in time as if I were driving my co-workers car back in the day. Much respect to the owner for keeping this one stock
I'm a 80s child and couldn't agree more.
Zygrene taking me back to my childhood. One of my neighbors had one of these back in 87, and I would always ride my bike over to his house and gawk.
I had one that I drove year round, even got to drive it flat out on a frozen river with studded snow tires. One of the funnest cars I've ever driven, I can't recommend these enough if people enjoy driver oriented cars.
One of these cars saved my life once! (not in a crash). Could probably use some bushings and a good alignment, it would respond faster. Even in my lightly modded BRZ, with the 17inch wheels and nice tires, it was too easy to push too hard. It was egging me on to go faster.
I feel like you can't just be like "car saved my life" but not tell us the story lol
@@christopherjohnston6343 sorry, my ADHD getting me again, lol. I was standing on a street corner looking at an AW11 waiting at the intersection and didn't notice the signal to cross the street. A lifted jeep comes flying around the corner (bush in the way, no visibility). If I had stepped off the sidewalk when the signal turned green, I woulda been toast.
@@cjones7854 saved by your good taste in cars!
Mr2 is one of my fav jdm cars wish I could find one here for my next build
wish I still had my 86. loved that car and I drove way past when the odometer stopped at 186k. Always dreamed of a 20V and 6spd swap. and those pop ups❤❤❤❤❤
Wow another AW11 video, its a miracle!
You would probably love the supercharged model, the low end torque feels like a small V6 and once you slightly modify these they wake up. Running my 1988 SC model on TRD springs and Koni yellow adjustables with Advan A052s and it's an absolute monster in the mountains. My dreams to own a NA1 NSX someday. But for now I enjoy my SC.
Just picked up an 1987 Chevy Nova. Also known as a Toyota Sprinter. 1.6 4ac and 3 speed auto. Runs like a top. Still runs 70-75 easily. Gets 27mpg ish
Yes there are quite a few 20v 4AGE swapped AW11s out there, you should also look for one with bike carbs or ITBs on it (such as the 20v) for the pure symphony the 4AGE can put out with that sort of setup haha
cool review. the 2ZZ is also a great swap. my '86 hardtop weighs in at 20xxlb without me in it and it moves really well with the 2ZZ and C60 6speed. with fully refreshed suspension and coilovers, they're pretty capable. just need a quick ratio rack.
The obvious comparison to me is this versus NA Miata. Classic FR double wishbone roadster versus mid-engine fixed roof car with highly tunable engine. I almost bought a mint blue early AW11 that had a for sale sign in it at the front of my parents neighborhood, but allowed myself to be talked out of at the last minute. It would have been my first stick car so the test drive was pretty jerky, but I remember how sporty and spritely it felt. One of my only automotive regrets...
NVH is a good thing. The 80s had MR2 Aw11, AE86, NA Mx5, and FB RX7. Those were the affordable true RWD lightweights. Today those are the cars you can drive near the limit without hassle from the cops. In a lot of ways they are better than the modern lightweights.
You should try the 4agze supercharged aw11. It is a completely different beast. 145 hp and tons of low-end power.
Cars like these can always do with a few light mods they make a big difference to how it feels
Sounds like one of the gland nuts is loose on one of the shocks causing that clunking over bumps because the shock inserts can move around
*heard rumours that Toyota will bring back the MR2. but in hybrid form*
Toyota is on fire lately! A hybrid MR2 is better than no MR2
Thats just rumour, after the sucsess with Yaris and Corolla GR, they wont make a new Mr 2 hybrid!! Toyota started listening to the fan base.. thats why this huge pluss for GR..
God I wanted one of these so bad when they first came out!
今現在AW11を所有してます、このレトロフィューチャーなデザインの車が路上を走っているというだけで楽しい。
I always wanted that mr2
Also a 3sgte swapped mk1 (MK 1.5) can be a serious weapon.
That sounds like a blast.
That gear stick looks crap. Please refit the original joystick gear stick. I owned a light blue MR2 AW11 1989. Loved it but not in the wet.
The AW11 was designed by Dan Gurney and members of Lotus. It’s a true sports car designed by legendary race car drivers. They’re exceptional cars and although not high powered it begs you drive it quickly and push it to its limits. Which are awesome. It‘s really not a slow car either it does 0-60 in 8 seconds.
Nice old car. Would be fun in the mountains. What was that twin charged MR2 you drove before?
Just search "1988 Twincharged MR2" on TH-cam! It's an old and cringy video, but the car was legit.
OH HELL YES!
Like the Italian Fiat X19, German Porche 914, and American Pontiac Fiero, the slightly higher tech Japanese MR2 was a fun affordable 4 cylinder mid engine 2 seater. Although I've never owned one of these cars, I've driven them all at one time or another. IMO none were what I would considered a particularly successful sports car but out of this group, the MR2 stands head and shoulders above the other. A friend of mine on the east coast had a Pontiac Fiero... That car was an absolute turd on a stick.
The AW11 MR2 was designed by Dan Gurney and people from Lotus. It’s a sports car made by race car drivers.
@@matthewgallant3622 Interesting story Matt, but where do you get your info? Dan Gurney retired from race car driveing in 1970. Wiki does says Toyota got Dan to test an early SA-X prototype at Willow Springs in 1981. Wiki goes on to say Akio Yoshida designed the AW11. The suspension and handling were also designed by Toyota in house with the help of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Turns out neither Gurney or any active/retired race car driver had anythingto do with the design engineering of the MR2. Sorry if it sounds harsh but Wiki also says the AW11 was not a successful sprots car in rally or road racing.
@@Datsun510zen Test driving is working on. If you don’t like the AW11 don’t drive one.
@@matthewgallant3622 Test drivers give feedback on what's being working on. . No hate here Matt, just correcting your reply that "The AW11 MR2 was designed by Dan Gurney" and that it was "made by race car drivers."
My neighbor Todd has an SCCA Street Modified turbo MR2 solo event car. I've worked on it with him and I've done laps in it a few times. Fun, but not my drug of choice. I might be bias though, because I've been building, racing, and lusting after Datsun 510s for 40 years. My solo event car th-cam.com/video/GZtp6PiFlTI/w-d-xo.html
@@Datsun510zen Datsuns are cool, I personally like the 2000 roadsters. Very underrated sports cars.
3sge is a great swap for these
Loafs of people do the 20 valve. It's pretty much the go to
Good to know. I need to review one!
It should be painted before making the video. It looks like it was abandoned. I had this same car, same color. I wish I can have it again.
For some reason less rare than the ae86 yet it was the more expensive car at that time
He wonders if anyone has done a 20v swap smh 🤦♂️.
This is just a sportier AE86 imo
Actually feels quite different outside of the engine
I promise you will drive my 20v 6spd mk1b. You will hate the ride, lol
I'll need to trailer it since it's gone full race duty
Yes, you love 1980s JDM but probably drive a 1980s J-USDM car. 😃
I use the term JDM loosely haha