The MKI SC

Specifications

The MKI SC

The MKI SC was introduced to the US in 1988 as a supplement to the MKI NA. It carried a 145hp supercharged and intercooled engine this being the main difference between it and the NA. The model was released earlier in other countries, as Canadians and others received the model in 1987.

Steve Bagdon Writes:

At the time, the SC (Supercharged) 4A-GZE engine was a unique way to solve one of few obvious short-comings of the early Mk I MR2 - not enough hp/torque to justify the high purchase and insurance costs. One of the first production automotive engines to utilize a roots-type positive-displacement supercharger, the 40% torque increase was enough to transform the MR2. With instant torque up to about 5500 rpm, throttle induced over-steer was not only a reality but a daily occurrence. And although a disturbing option to enthusiasts, the automatic transmission option transformed the car into a stop-light warrior - at any speed, wide-open-throttle and full-torque would shoot the car forward wherever it was pointed.

Many MKI enthusiasts like the SC a great deal, seeing as it was still the same great car as before, but it now had some extra power to boot. The use of the SC to boost HP was a somewhat novel and high-tech solution to make the unique car the Mr2 was even more unique. One of the SC's greatest advantages over the NA was that the supercharger gave the car a great deal of low end torque, and this was something the NA did not have.

Unfortunately, The SC also had some negative aspects vs the NA. The extra weight was a small penalty, along with the fact that Toyota had dialed in more understeer to make the car less tail happy. This understeer can easily be dealt with however, as many SC owners will upgrade suspension components to balance the car back out again. The T-top option which was introduced in 1987 was standard equipment on all SC models. In 1989 the Supercharged model received a new rear stabilizer bar.

Window sticker from an 88 SC.