I daydreaming about putting a 13b turbo in an first-gen MR2. The biggest problem (besides adapting the engine to the tranny/clutch/flywheel) is the interference between the exhaust ports and the axles/CVs.

With that in mind, what problems am I asking for if I build an adapter plate that rotates the engine 30-45 degrees, such that the exhaust ports would be facing upward at 30-45 degrees? This would locate the exhaust manifold and turbo above the driveshafts.

The main problem I see with doing this is the requirement for a custom oil pan and pickup tube.

What other issues are there with doing this? For example, will the oil drainback passages inside the engine still allow proper drainage?

What else?
Thanks, Mark

 

The problem with going "plugs down" is that the oil return passages from the bearings to the oil pan run diagonally from the oil filler tube area down to under the exhaust ports.

This is why aircraft guys like to mount their engines "plugs up".

Now, see, what I have been thinking, is that the Mitsubishi transaxles might be a good idea to play with. The engine is mounted on the other side of the engine bay, meaning the exhaust ports wouldn't be anywhere near the long halfshaft. As a bonus for a mid-engined car, the shift levers are on the *front* of the transaxle (as viewed in car).

How much torque a Mitsu 2WD tranny can hold is the main question.... that, and mounting a starter. Toyota transaxles seem like a good idea because you can mount the starter on the trans side of the flywheel, but as you've noticed the exhaust ports can be a problem.

I had a weird dream several months ago where I was working on some side-exhaust-port rotary that was in an OEM front trive configuration. It had a two-piece halfshaft on the long side for equal-length halfshafts, and the fixed part went THROUGH the exhaust manifold.

 

Wow! You guys must be mind-readers! I was just thinking of the same swap recently. Actually I was looking for a good home for my 12A B/C the body is rusting out from the bottom. Kit cars came to mind but hard to find a cheap one other than the Locost 7 that is light enough to bother with.

I also looked at 1st gen MR-2's and pondered using the stock transaxle with adapter plates and saw the same interference problems as you, mhwarner. The only solution I could come up with was to junk the stock setup and use a flipped VW transaxle!!!! Pretty tight in front and might have to cut some of the firewall not to mention the fuel tank but in E-Mod who cares!

Originally was going to use a Fiero (my godson will GIVE me one) hence the VW solution. Plenty of room in the Flearo... small blocks drop in! But the early Fleas have rotten, expensive to correct suspension problems so I thought about the MR-2.

Good luck if you decide to do this and keep us posted!

Sanspistons (and Sansence for thinking of the Fiero!)