A Blitz intake along with a NUR spec exhaust system now gives the MR2 a whole new reason to breathe. Relieving any built up pressure in-between shifts or coming to a halt is a Blitz blow off valve. With additional boost at any time, Fousekis knew that a little bit of fuel pressure adjustability would let him rest assured that his MR2 would see many more miles. An SX fuel pressure regulator was installed for peace of mind.
Helping produce close to 300whp, a Blitz boost controller gives Fousekis the adjustability when he wants to cruise or blast off. For those that are familiar with Toyota factory turbocharged applications, you all know that the factory fuel cut level is set at a bare minimal as a failsafe procedure. As hardcore enthusiasts wanting every bit of performance out of their vehicles, HKS developed a Fuel Cut Defencer and Fousekis took advantage of it. Properly raising the factory fuel cut level, higher boost levels are easily obtainable. To tune the entire system, the A’PEXi Power FC was utilized.
Looking at the vehicle and wondering what else would need replacing, Fousekis knew the stock clutch would be toast after over a decade of driving. Tossing out the antiquated clutch, Fousekis called upon Exedy for their Hyper single clutch kit. Perfect for this application, the clutch easily holds up to the power without putting too much strain on Fousekis’ left leg. A B&M short shifter makes shifting a snap and a blast while shifter base bushings ensures everything is nice and tight in the drivetrain.
When cruising the streets of Southern California, Fousekis sometimes enjoys the hum of his NUR spec exhaust or the ear-piercing shrill that emanates from the Blitz blow off valve. Other times Fousekis prefers to turn up his stereo comprised of Rockford Fosgate products. An in-dash DVD player along with a component set and 10-inch subwoofer provides plenty of ear-candy for Fousekis. All of it is powered by a matching Rockford Fosgate amplifier.
Honorable mentions go to Fousekis’ interior as well, with the basic necessities swapped out for more race ready comforts. The stock seats and steering wheel have been replaced with MOMO pieces along with a carbon fiber shift knob. Suede door inserts helps rejuvenate the interior as well as the leather shift boot. The only thing the interior lacks is that new car smell!
It’s never an easy task to fix up any car, mind one that was new when Will Smith was still sitting on his throne as the Prince of Bel-Air. At the same time, you want to try to preserve the heritage of what made these cars so special to begin with. Fousekis did the best job he could with his MR2 – restoring the exterior to a brand new finish, adding ample power to the stock motor to keep up with the cars on the streets today, and treating the exterior to a complete refresher course. And like most endangered species, this mid-ship runabout sure is tasty – if a bit forbidden. At least PETA won’t give him a hard time about abusing this one.