Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

  1. Tips and Mechanics
  2. Mechanics explained
  3. Junkyard V6 Turns Toyota MR2 into 350 hp Track Car

Junkyard V6 Turns Toyota MR2 into 350 hp Track Car

27 Jun 2025
  • How did the 2GR V6 go from a junkyard engine to a performance-ready powerhouse?

Some builds are just wrench and bolts, others are full-blown resurrection stories. That is exactly what happened when YouTuber Ben from Gears and Gasoline decided to bring a long-forgotten 2GR V6 engine back to life. Pulled from a tired old minivan and showing every sign of mechanical failure, this engine had no right to run again. But with grit, vision, and a lot of skill, Ben turned it into the heart of a track-ready Toyota MR2. What started in an Ohio junkyard could soon dominate the corners of a racing circuit.

A New Life for the 2GR V6

A New Life for the 2GR V6

The 2GR V6 that once powered an old Toyota minivan arrived covered in failure signs. It had blown head gaskets, internal coolant-oil mixing, and failed compression tests. But instead of calling it quits, Ben tore down the engine and inspected every inch. To his surprise, the cylinder walls were intact, the crankshaft was clean, and the rotating parts were reusable. He used CNC machines to modify the high compression pistons for valve clearance and even fine-tuned the cam phasers to allow more aggressive timing angles. These changes were not just repairs; they were upgrades built for serious power. The result is an engine expected to push beyond 350 horsepower, ready to breathe new fire into the compact and agile Toyota MR2.

Ahd Kamal

BY Ahd Kamal

Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.

Ferrari Purosangue and the Science of Magic Ride Control

15 Jun 2025
Ferrari Purosangue and the Science of Magic Ride Control

Renault Horse Hybrid Tech Turns EVs into Smart Hybrids Without Redesigns

04 Jun 2025
Renault Horse Hybrid Tech Turns EVs into Smart Hybrids Without Redesigns

Why the Chevrolet Tahoe V8 Still Dominates the SUV World

02 Jun 2025
Why the Chevrolet Tahoe V8 Still Dominates the SUV World