It’s easy to assume that the SW20 Toyota MR2 has been altered in every conceivable manner. That was my impression until I came across this one boasting a literal turbine in the engine compartment. It’s not your typical K-swap, which is precisely why I wanted to chat with the owner: to discover the details about this aviation-inspired sports car that opts for something beyond traditional turbos.
“My passion revolves around jet engines,” Dustin Brice shared during our phone conversation. “I was in my garage one day, watching a Fast and Furious film featuring a car that mimics this concept. It has a small jet engine situated at the rear, powering a device on the vehicle. And I thought, ‘Wow, that’s amazing!’
“Then it hit me: ‘Well, I’ve always dreamed of installing a turbine in a car. So, why not harness the wind power from the turbine to supercharge a piston engine?’ That’s how this concept originated.”
Fortunately, Brice is a machinist for a research organization focused on jet engines. This explains how he acquired an auxiliary power unit from a Chinook helicopter. Instead of replacing the 2GR-FE V6 in his MR2, sourced from a 2008 Sienna minivan with a 3.5-liter engine, he chose to merge the two. The APU from the aircraft now operates as a blower in the truest sense, generating between 6-8 psi of boost.
The challenge lay in modifying the turbine to produce air instead of electrical or hydraulic power, as it typically does in helicopters. Fortunately, there’s a different variant of the turbine Brice utilized that does supply air, so he merely needed to replace a few components. While I may lack knowledge about this type of equipment, he clarified, “There are various types of turbine engines made for air. They all function similarly—different configurations of the compressor and power section, but it’s a standard type of engine.”
It operates on jet fuel (what else?) stored in a frunk-mounted seven-gallon tank. Brice doesn’t activate it constantly, comparing it to nitrous injection. Unlike a conventional belt-driven supercharger, it functions independently of engine power, and unlike a turbocharger, there are no limitations from exhaust flow. “I still use an intercooler because the discharge air from the turbine is extremely hot,” Brice noted. “It reaches over 400 degrees Fahrenheit.”
“I don’t operate the turbine frequently,” Brice clarified. “I primarily use it when tuning, typically on the highway—just when I’m casually driving—because I can toggle it on or off when noise isn’t a concern. Otherwise, the flame you see is merely for aesthetics and not always active.
“Besides the sound, you wouldn’t really notice it’s running.”
Brice emphasized that the car’s current configuration serves more as a proof of concept than anything else. It results from late-night tinkering sessions in his garage, aimed purely at experimenting with a turbine functioning as a supercharger on a piston engine. The 2GR-FE has proven to be an ideal test subject, as it doesn’t require upgraded internals to manage the level of boost generated by the Chinook APU.
If you’re curious why someone would take this route instead of fitting a turbo or a standard supercharger, I’d say it’s about the experience. Cars aren’t merely built for maximum performance, although that’s a goal for many. Some individuals undertake projects purely for the enjoyment it brings them. Observe the entirety of Brice’s car, and you’ll notice that the jet-fighter aesthetic takes precedence over sheer efficiency. It would be significantly easier to achieve high speeds without the yoke steering wheel, heads-up display, and bulky joystick shifter. However, you know what? It would also lose a lot of its cool factor.
When I inquired how Brice addresses critics with supposedly superior ideas, he simply responds, “I’m a fan of Toyotas and I love the sound of jets.”
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### Toyota MR2 Modified with Chinook Helicopter Turbine for Enhanced Performance
The Toyota MR2, a compact sports vehicle manufactured by Toyota from 1984 to 2007, is renowned for its mid-engine configuration, lightweight frame, and responsive handling. However, through an extraordinary blend of automotive innovation and aviation technology, certain enthusiasts have sought to elevate performance by fitting the MR2 with a Chinook helicopter turbine engine. This groundbreaking alteration not only boosts the car’s performance but also highlights the possibilities of unconventional engineering in the automotive sector.
#### Overview of the Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 was conceived to provide an exhilarating driving experience, boasting a rear-wheel-drive configuration along with a mid-mounted engine. Throughout its three iterations, the MR2 developed a reputation for sporty handling at an affordable price point, making it a preferred choice among car aficionados. Its lightweight build and balanced weight distribution contributed significantly to its agile performance, endearing it to both casual drivers and motorsport enthusiasts alike.
#### The Chinook Helicopter Turbine Engine
The CH-47 Chinook helicopter, instantly recognized for its iconic twin-rotor structure, is propelled by two Honeywell T55 turboshaft engines. These engines are engineered for substantial power output and dependability, capable of generating over 3,000 shaft horsepower. The incorporation of a turbine engine into a vehicle is rare, as these engines are typically utilized in aircraft due to their impressive power-to-weight ratio and efficiency at higher altitudes. Nevertheless, their use in automotive engineering brings forth various challenges and opportunities.
#### Performance Enhancements
Fitting the MR2 with a Chinook turbine engine considerably amplifies its performance capabilities. The turbine engine offers a tremendous power boost, permitting the lightweight MR2 to reach remarkable acceleration and high speeds. The elevated RPM range characteristic of turbine engines results in swift throttle response, granting the vehicle exceptional speed off the line.
1. **Power Output**: The integration of the turbine engine could potentially elevate the MR2’s power output to levels surpassing traditional automotive engines significantly. This leads to remarkable improvements in acceleration and overall performance.
2. **Weight Distribution**: While turbine engines tend to be heavier than standard car engines, meticulous engineering and placement facilitate the preservation of the MR2’s desirable weight distribution, ensuring that its handling remains uncompromised.
3. **Distinct Sound and Experience**: The sound produced by a turbine engine is unique and exhilarating, offering an auditory experience that distinguishes the modified MR2 from its competitors.
#### Engineering Challenges
Despite the appealing performance advantages, the modification also introduces several engineering hurdles:
1. **Cooling Requirements**: Turbine engines emit considerable heat, requiring sophisticated cooling systems to avoid overheating and ensure dependable operation.
2. **Transmission Compatibility**: Modifying the MR2’s transmission to endure the power output and torque characteristics of a turbine engine demands tailored engineering solutions.
3. **Fuel System Modifications**: Turbine engines generally necessitate aviation-grade fuels, which may require renovations to the fuel system to support various fuel types and delivery methods.
4. **Regulatory Compliance**: The alteration of a vehicle with a turbine engine prompts inquiries regarding road legality and emissions compliance, issues that must be resolved to ensure the vehicle is roadworthy.
#### Conclusion
The Toyota MR2 outfitted with a Chinook helicopter turbine engine embodies a daring and inventive approach to enhancing automotive performance. Despite the substantial challenges tied to such a modification, the potential for unrivaled power and unique driving experiences renders it an enticing venture for automotive enthusiasts. As technological advancements continue, the fusion of aerospace engineering with automotive design could set new performance standards and redefine the boundaries of sports car capabilities.
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