Car Stories: Russell Turnbull

Here's a little background on my MR2, technically my 3rd MR2, but my first mk2 after a couple mk1's. My Dad and I flew to San Diego, CA so I could purchase this car. When I bought it I had always planned the 2GR V6 engine conversion even though that swap was relatively new to the MR2 community. The car was purchased in September of 2009 and I had the 3.5L V6 swap(from a Rav4) running in June of 2011 (with a manual transmission swap done in summer 2010). It's undergone a lot of changes as it was pretty much stock when I bought it. The engine swap really made the car come alive, the instant response and great torque really makes this car move! I found the supercharger on a Lotus forum late one night, after getting it installed and all the ancillaries together and the car dyno tuned it's made everything that much better. It's fun, unique and it makes people do a double take when they pass by an open engine bay at a car show.

I've done just about all the wrenching on it myself, but the car wouldn't be half of what it is without the help, support and camaraderie of the members of our local BCMR2 owners group, and of course, my loving, supportive and tolerant wife. The car is a regular of our local coffee meets, the annual '2 the Beach meet in Ocean Shores, Washington and the Toyotafest car show in Long Beach, California, where it's been shown for 7 years in a row. That trip is usually about 3000 miles round trip, and there's always a few detours to enjoy some of California's finest canyon roads. Since 2011 I've done about 75,000 miles and well over 60,000 are with the 2GR engine. It's been a ton of fun to own and play with over the years, and I can only anticipate more good times ahead. Russ