Clip;1129919 said:
build it back to stock and maintain it, it'll be great as long as you take care of the thing.
.
Get it rebuilt to stock specs, maybe do some head work(at least mill it), put on a stock Toyota HG(or even better MHG) with ARP studs and you'll have a reliable motor.
Keep the oil
at least at or just above full on the dipstick.
An aftermarket intake (Apexi kit made for mr2 is what I have) can make a small difference. I've played with mine by taking it on/off 2 times now and there is a noticeable difference. It definitely
sounds meaner. It's small and relatively minor, but there
is a difference in response going WOT and the power doesn't die out as quickly. Stock seems to plateau at about 3.5-4k rpms while the Apexi seems to be pulling harder to about 4.5-5. Rough estimates, might be pretty far off, but you get the idea.
2.5" exhaust and suspension is next on my "to do" list and should help a tiny bit, but honestly, if you want power... well.... you know. I am heavily debating going turbo, but I still think my NA could be plenty of fun with a 2.5" catback and new suspension.
My .02.