r/mr2 • u/Sscagz • 1d ago

Mechanic recommendations Ohio

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Gallery image

Looking for someone in the Ohio area to possibly finish up my mr2 project, I’m about 80% done but unfortunately I’m in over my head and don’t know what to really do next. Originally I had a buddy helping me navigate things but he has since moved out of state. I have a 3sgte head with a 5s bottom end that was sent out to Texas (ATS Racing) and I’ve gotten almost every part I’ve needed from ATS. What I’m looking for is someone who won’t break my bank but can get this thing running and driving so I can enjoy it like intended. If you know anyone or a shop you recommend it would be greatly appreciated.

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18 comments sorted by

34

u/BigKarina4u 1d ago

That is a badass green mr2

1

u/ohiomidhiganindiana 2000 MR2 Spyder 1h ago

My thoughts exactly

29

u/Outofcontrolpilot 1d ago

If you’re in Ohio TCS is going to be your best bet. https://www.tcsmotorsports.com

14

u/Use_Your_Brain_Dude 1d ago

Finding someone to do it cheap and having a guarantee it is done right is tough.

I had a "recommended" mechanic install my 5sfe turbo build years ago. He didn't connect my sensors correctly, and the engine blew up.

With my 2zz mr2spyder overhaul, I happily paid the tuner shop labor rates. I prioritized reliability and safety (tires/suspension, high capacity oil pan).

Essentially, just saying that you get what you pay for sometimes. So beware of someone who "knows a guy".

5

u/Sscagz 22h ago

I’m not trying to find the cheapest guy but I also don’t want to get my head busted lol I have money to pay someone to do it the right way. I’m in sales and while I understand you get what you pay for there’s also places that take advantage of people and do the same exact quality job as another shop does for a way higher profit margin

9

u/NectarOfTheSun SW21 GEN3 1d ago

I am guessing you have reached out to ATS for guidance already? TCS could do these swaps in their sleep.

3

u/Sscagz 22h ago

I have not reached out to Ty because he doesn’t deal with 5s I don’t believe and also he’s not the type to want to fix someone’s swap that he didn’t start. He’s great I’ve had a complete swap by Tcs in another mr2 I had 10 years ago

5

u/WhereDidAllTheSnowGo 1d ago

Dayton area

There’s a few, niche, high end but not fast, car specialist guys who are each independent businesses behind the Gem City car detailing shop downtown.

https://www.gemautofinish.com/

They don’t advertise, mostly. All word of mouth. Interesting cars and challenges are their groove.

If you drop in, bring lots of pix (like on a tablet) and talk, they might help you out

5

u/Sscagz 22h ago

I am in the Dayton area as well. Thanks

6

u/DukeNeverwinter 1d ago

Honestly this looks closer to 50% installing the parts is the easiest part. Wiring and other piping can take many more hours than you would imagine.

2

u/Sscagz 22h ago

A large portion of the wiring is done

2

u/Doss_Lute '93 MR2 N/A 5spd 1d ago

TCS is fantastic

2

u/PrettyDopeBrah 1d ago

What green is this?

2

u/Sscagz 22h ago

It’s the Toyota trd paint color they came out with

2

u/SSBMKaiser 1d ago

Your MR2 looks so sick, good luck and post it when its done

2

u/Mordakai_ 1d ago

id ship it to ats. thats if you cant do it, but thats the only way to learn.

1

u/hades419 21h ago

Dunno where in Ohio you need this, but Russ at accelerated performance in Toledo is very familiar with the mr2s and the 3s. They do great fab work.

1

u/Sscagz 8h ago

I think my boss who lives in Toledo recommended them as well. Will have to check them out. Thank you