Intro
In JDM culture, the MR2 Turbo holds legendary status alongside icons like the Supra, NSX, and Skyline GT-R. Unlike its front-engine counterparts, the MR2’s mid-engine layout offered exceptional handling characteristics previously reserved for exotic European sports cars. Its lightweight chassis, turbocharged engine, and responsive driving dynamics made it a darling among enthusiasts seeking the purest driving experience possible.
This particular 1999 model represents the final evolution of the SW20 platform, featuring all the refinements Toyota engineers incorporated throughout the production run. As one of the last examples produced before the model’s shift to the drastically different third generation, this build preserves the raw, analog driving experience that defined 90s Japanese performance while incorporating thoughtful modifications that enhance rather than detract from the car’s inherent character.
Builder Profile
Growing up in Okinawa before moving to California at age 16, Takumi Nakasone developed a deep appreciation for Japanese sports cars while working at his uncle’s auto repair shop. Now 34 and a mechanical engineer for an aerospace company, Takumi approaches his MR2 build with methodical precision.
His tuning philosophy centers on balanced performance rather than chasing dyno numbers. “The MR2’s mid-engine layout is already special—my goal is enhancing what Toyota’s engineers created, not fighting against it,” Nakasone explains.
Active in both online forums and local Southern California meets, Takumi has become known for his technical write-ups and willingness to mentor newcomers to the MR2 community. His car maintains a period-correct modified aesthetic, inspired by Japan’s best late-90s tuner builds while incorporating modern reliability improvements.
Why We Love It
The MR2 Turbo represents Toyota’s purest expression of driving dynamism from an era when engineering priorities weren’t yet diluted by focus groups. Its mid-mounted 3S-GTE turbocharged inline-four—producing 200hp in export markets—sits just behind your ears, delivering throttle response with almost telepathic immediacy. The SW20 chassis communicates through perfectly weighted steering that reads the tarmac like braille, while its snap-oversteer reputation merely underscores what enthusiasts cherish: consequences for imprecision.
This final-year model perfected the breed after Toyota’s incremental refinements throughout the second generation. Its styling remains timeless—those low-slung proportions and fighter-jet greenhouse needing no superfluous addenda to announce its capabilities. The cockpit wraps around the driver with purpose, instruments angled precisely toward the pilot’s line of sight.
What separates the MR2 from contemporary offerings was its commitment to mechanical honesty—hydraulic steering, minimal electronic intervention, and a shifter mechanism that clicks through gates with the precision of a Swiss timepiece. As manufacturers increasingly abandoned involvement for insulation, the MR2 Turbo stood as a symbol of Toyota’s motorsport DNA, transferred directly from Group A rallying to a production car attainable by enthusiasts rather than oligarchs.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- HKS GT2835R ball bearing turbo
- TRD limited-slip differential
- GReddy Intercooler upgrade
- ARC titanium exhaust system
- Trust downpipe
- HKS Super Sequential blow-off valve
- HKS F-CON V Pro engine management
- Blitz oil cooler kit
- Samco silicone hose kit
- NGK Iridium spark plugs
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- Tein Super Street coilovers
- Cusco front and rear strut tower braces
- TRD anti-roll bar kit
- Brembo 4-piston front calipers
- Project Mu HC+ brake pads
- Goodridge stainless steel brake lines
- Cusco front member power brace
- Whiteline polyurethane bushings
WHEELS & TIRES
- Volk Racing TE37 17″ forged wheels (bronze)
- Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tires (225/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear)
- Project Kics R40 wheel nuts
- Hawk wheel spacers
EXTERIOR / AERO
- TRD rear wing
- C-One carbon fiber engine lid
- Seibon carbon fiber hood
- J-Blood side skirts
- APR carbon fiber mirrors
- Ganador side mirrors
- PIAA HID conversion headlights
- TRD clear rear lights
INTERIOR
- Bride Zeta III bucket seats
- Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel
- HKS boost gauge
- Defi BF Series gauges (oil pressure, oil temp, water temp)
- Cusco 6-point roll cage
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Nardi shift knob
- Alcantara dashboard cover
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- A’PEXi Power FC engine management
- Blitz SBC-iD boost controller
- HKS EVC-S electronic boost controller
- Pioneer DEX-P99RS head unit
- Alpine PDX amplifiers
- Focal component speakers
- JL Audio 10W6 subwoofer
- Carozzeria GPS navigation system
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
This MR2 Turbo embodies a thoughtfully balanced approach to performance enhancement, preserving the car’s mid-engine character while elevating its capabilities across all driving scenarios. The modifications create a cohesive package that transforms the already capable platform into a more responsive and confidence-inspiring machine.
The power delivery from the upgraded CT26 turbo and supporting modifications provides meaningful acceleration without overwhelming the chassis. Rather than pursuing maximum horsepower, the build prioritizes linear power delivery and throttle response, maintaining the car’s inherent balance. The uprated suspension components—Tein coilovers, TRD sway bars, and polyurethane bushings—work harmoniously with the stock geometry, offering improved feedback and precision without sacrificing daily drivability.
This MR2 represents a focused street-performance build with occasional track day capability. The modifications respect Toyota’s original engineering while addressing known limitations. By maintaining reasonable ride height, retaining functional interior amenities, and focusing on driver engagement rather than outright numbers, the car remains versatile enough for spirited canyon driving and comfortable enough for regular use.
The aesthetic changes complement the performance upgrades without overshadowing them, reflecting a philosophy that prioritizes function while acknowledging form. This is a build that celebrates what the MR2 Turbo was always meant to be—a driver’s car first and foremost.
FAQ
How reliable is the 1999 Toyota MR2 Turbo?
The 1999 MR2 Turbo is generally very reliable when properly maintained. With Toyota’s build quality of the era, many examples have surpassed 150,000+ miles without major mechanical issues. The 3S-GTE engine is robust, though turbo-related components and cooling systems require attention as they age.
What is the tuning potential of the MR2 Turbo?
The 3S-GTE engine responds exceptionally well to modifications. Stock output of 200hp can be safely increased to 300hp with bolt-on modifications (intake, exhaust, intercooler, ECU). With internal engine work and larger turbos, 400-500hp is achievable, though this requires significant investment and supporting modifications to the drivetrain.
What are the most common issues with the 1999 MR2 Turbo?
Common problems include: turbo wastegate actuator failure, pre-catalytic converter deterioration (which can damage engines if not addressed), snap oversteer in inexperienced hands, t-top leaks, and aging cooling system components. The stock clutch is also a wear item under spirited driving.
What are the best first modifications for an MR2 Turbo?
The most effective initial modifications are: upgraded intercooler, ECU tuning/boost controller, high-flow exhaust, and improved suspension components. For reliability, many owners prioritize preventative maintenance including replacing all cooling hoses, renewing the turbo system, and upgrading the clutch before increasing power.
Is the MR2 Turbo expensive to maintain?
Maintenance costs are moderate compared to European sports cars but higher than typical Toyotas. Parts specific to the MR2 (body panels, certain engine components) are becoming harder to find and more expensive. Budget for regular fluid changes, timing belt service every 60,000 miles, and proactive replacement of aging rubber components to avoid cascading failures.
How does the MR2 Turbo handle compared to modern sports cars?
The MR2 Turbo offers a raw, mechanical driving experience rarely found in modern vehicles. Its mid-engine layout provides exceptional balance and feedback, though without modern electronic aids, it requires more driver skill. The snap oversteer tendency demands respect, but properly set up, it delivers handling precision that remains impressive by contemporary standards.
Conclusion
The 1999 Toyota MR2 Turbo stands as more than just a relic of ’90s engineering—it represents a high-water mark in Japanese sports car development that continues to influence enthusiasts today. Its mid-engine layout, razor-sharp handling, and turbocharged performance create a driving experience that modern manufacturers still struggle to replicate at accessible price points.
In today’s landscape of increasingly computerized, safety-focused vehicles, the MR2 Turbo’s analog nature and direct connection between driver and machine make it not just relevant but coveted. Its value in the collector market has steadily appreciated as enthusiasts recognize what’s being lost in contemporary automotive design.
Within JDM culture, the MR2 Turbo occupies hallowed ground alongside icons like the Supra, Skyline, and NSX. Its distinctive silhouette is instantly recognizable at car meets, while its tunability continues to inspire a new generation of modifiers seeking that perfect balance of power and handling. As modern sports cars grow increasingly expensive and complex, the MR2 Turbo reminds us of an era when Toyota built affordable performance machines that punched far above their weight class—a philosophy that resonates deeply with enthusiasts who value driving purity over marketing hype.