A BMW V10-powered Volvo is one bonkers swap, but this Volvo-powered Toyota MR2 Spyder is the antithesis of that monstrosity. That’s because the owner, Joe Bristow, who has dedicated his YouTube channel to Volvo T5 swaps, decided to shoehorn the five-cylinder mill behind the seats of the mid-engined Toyota.
While recent T5 designations have described a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in cars like the XC40, the T5 swaps carried out by Bristow relate to the older 2.3-liter five-cylinder turbo motors from famous 90s machines like the 850 T5R. The goal, however, is to produce 500 horsepower in his incarnations, a fair step up on what they left the factory with.
According to his other videos, he did some work for the engine swap off-cam, but the motor fits well and comes with a G30-770 Pulsar turbo. He also had to cut into the chassis to achieve the swap and fit the gearbox. Meanwhile, the interior and exterior of the Japanese sports car remain stock but with a slight suspension drop and a set of aftermarket wheels.
