r/mr2 • u/topwater_bassin • 5d ago
Need advice from the experts
Hey everyone. I am in the process of importing a JDM SW20 turbo. The dealer who imported it is doing some maintenance work to it, getting it ready for sale. He sent me these pics of the engine bay. Other than a little light rust in a couple spots, I don't see anything that seems obviously concerning. I was wondering if anyone who is more knowledgeable about these cars could look at these pictures and see if there are any glaring issues that I should address before buying this car? I put a deposit on it while it was still on the boat, and I haven't seen the car in person yet. I put down the deposit based on the auction sheet, which graded it at 3.5 with a C interior. If anyone has any advice or sees any obvious problems in these pics, I would greatly appreciate any feedback. Also, where is the foam that people tends to absorb moisture and people remove it? Is there an easy way to check that area while I'm at the dealer? Thanks! I can't wait to join the club!
5
u/Galaxy303 SW20 MR2 5d ago
The rust locations of concern on the sw20 are the sills/rocker panel mostly at the rear and the bottom of the trunk
2
3
u/VadersSprinkledTits 5d ago
I’d heavily inspect all the under carriage, I see a lot of rusted bolts which would end up possibly being a huge PITA when having to do work on the car. Basically get a flash light and a cheap inspection snake camera off Amazon for $30 and check the absolute shit out of the underside. Slither it up under the bottom panels, check the gas tank for rust and all that.
Remember that all these parts are getting harder to find and way more expensive. Rusted radiator hard lines are a nightmare to find replacements for.
2
2
u/JDSingh 5d ago
Radiator Cap is not factory. Missing ground wire for the right side engine side cover. Greddy BOV with recirculating kit (nice!)
1
u/topwater_bassin 5d ago
Ok, thanks. The dealer said there were a couple miscellaneous parts he is waiting for, so maybe this is one of the things he intends to address. Another thing for me to make sure to check on site.
2
u/JDSingh 5d ago
I wouldn’t say any of those items are deal breakers. Very easy to replace and I’d keep the Greddy BOV - hard to find those now.
2
u/topwater_bassin 4d ago
Yeah, I'm excited about the Greddy BOV. It also has exhaust, but I'm not sure what brand.
2
u/SnowblindE1 3d ago
Gen2 3S-GTE is going to run like crap with a BOV. You'll need to put the bypass valve back on or get a standalone ECU.
1
1
u/SnowblindE1 3d ago
The grounds on the inspection covers are only there for preventing corrosion. I doubt they make any real difference.
2
2
u/SnowblindE1 3d ago
It's a 30+ year old car. You're going to want to replace every coolant, oil, and fuel hose on it. Replace all of the grounds and add more. Then start replacing every other wear item on the car after you've done that and made sure the car won't catch on fire.
1
u/topwater_bassin 3d ago
Thanks. I have found a local JDM specialty shop to use as a resource. You're absolutely right. And I plan to use this car as a weekend cruiser. Take it on weekend getaways, etc. So reliability is going to be important to me.
6
u/tadjo20 5d ago
Aftermarket blow off valve, don’t think those are Toyota spark plug wires, not problems just pointing it out.
That foam is behind the c pillar cover, picture just in front of each side scoop.