Is a 940kg Toyota MRS the ULTIMATE Grassroots Racer?

"The closest we've got to a mechanic is a panel beater." - Has this group of friends on a budget built something quicker and more special than many big chequebook builds ever will be?

Most people overlook the third-gen Toyota MR2 (MRS), but Justin from Close Enough Racing has spent years turning his into a proper grassroots weapon.

From a modest 1ZZ track car to a 450kW turbocharged 2ZZ build with APR widebody aero, a Jubu Racing close-ratio gearbox, and Porsche brakes, this is a fully developed MRS that competes on the world stage at World Time Attack Challenge.

You’ll learn how Justin and his mates handled the powertrain setup, aero evolution, and suspension development while working around the MR chassis’ limitations and strengths.

The car features a Gen 2 Garrett G35-82R turbo, factory-based poly bushed mounts, and a 3582R-based turbo system pushing 35 psi through a built 2ZZ engine. The team worked with brands like CMS Performance for tuning, APR for aero, Shockworks for suspension development, and even adapted Porsche Boxster calipers using custom dogbones.

Despite not being professional engineers, this group of friends put together a car that can compete with far more expensive, professionally built competition.

If you’re building your own track car and want to see how to combine smart part selection, testing, and a bit of ingenuity to go fast on a budget, this one’s worth your time.
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TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – Justin from Close Enough Racing
0:11 – Why Choose an MRS Chassis?
0:28 – Trust Your Mechanic
0:47 - Grey Import Love
1:20 – Drivetrain Overview: 2ZZ and C60 Jubu Gearset
1:59 – 1zz vs 2zz
2:27 – Factory Mounts with Poly Bushings
2:51 – Garrett GTX3582R Gen II Turbo Setup
2:50 – 600hp, 35 PSI
3:15 – Final Weight: 940kg
3:25 – Close Ratio Gearbox for Boost
3:50 – APR Widebody and Carbon Panels
4:47 – Aero Evolution and DIY Testing
6:00 – Splitter, Diffuser, and Wing Tuning
6:35 – Wing Choices
7:15 – Suspension Setup and Ride Height
7:45 – Shockworks Development and Damping
8:10 – Factory Geometry
8:30 – MRS Handling
9:07 – Porsche Brakes and Manual Pedal Box
9:44 – Brake Bias/Balance and Sizing
10:02 – Spring Rates, Sway Bars, and Aero vs Mechanical Grip
10:28 – How a Group of Friends Built a World-Stage Car
11:35 – CMS Performance Tuning Support
12:05 – Outcome After Years of Development
12:25 – Where to Follow: Close Enough Racing / @cermr2spyder
12:34 - Send It Boys!
13:01 – BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE