Originally Posted by
Verbal
I read a big article about how it's better to find a N/A because they are less likely to be abused and with swapping in the 3zgte (IIRC) you spend about the same
I figured with the short wheelbase they would be "snappy"
Wheelbase + MR layout = spinny
I can vouch for that. I'm on my 4th MR2 now, only took one of them to end up in the dirt for it to motivate me into researching more about the layout.
Honestly, it really won't matter which you buy. Might be easier to find a N/A, but that doesn't necessarily mean they aren't molested. It's a sports car, people buy sports cars to drive them for that reason. You'll want to do bushings and suspension when you buy it regardless, really brings the fun out in the car.
The 3S-GTE swap isn't that difficult. There is a 'forum famous' tuner/installer right here in Virginia Beach. There is tons of resources on the MR2oc.com board as well. The price comparison of buying NA-2-Turbo Swap, or just a factory turbo is relatively close. If I could go back again, I'd just buy a factory turbo one and rebuild the motor/stroker motor/etc.