Using the right oil and oil filter in your Toyota MR2 SW20 is incredibly important.
There are loads of different choices out there, so how do you choose the correct one?
In this article we are going to be looking at some of the best engine oils for the Mk2 Toyota MR2 (SW20), and the best oil filter as well.
Carry on reading below to find out more about the type of oil and oil filter you should use on your SW20 MR2.
Table of Contents
What Engine Oil Should I Use in a SW20 MR2?
This is always a hot topic for discussion. Everyone has their own opinions on what is best, and the ‘correct’ engine oil can actually depend on a number of factors from the age of the car, to the environment it lives in and whether it has any modifications.
Engine oil viscosity is notated using the common classification “XW-XX”. The number proceeding the “W” (winter) rates the oil’s flow (viscosity) at -17.8 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). The lower the number, the less the oil thickens in low temperatures.
The numbers at the end (the XX part) indicate the viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius and represent the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures.
If we compare a 5W-30 grade oil vs a 10W-30 grade we will find that the former thickens less in colder weather. However, a 5W-30 grade will thin out quicker at higher temperatures than say a 5W-40 grade.
What this means for your MR2 is that an oil with a lower winter viscosity will generally be better in cooler environments/months. In hotter environments an oil with higher viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius should be better.
So, What Is The Best Engine Oil Type For Your Toyota MR2 SW20?
It is generally recommended that you use a 5W-40 or a 10W-40 engine oil in the SW20 Toyota MR2. If you have a modified MR2 you may want to go with something like a 0W-40 (for cooler environments) or a 10W-60 grade engine oil.
MR2 Oil Recomendations
Below we have listed some of our recommendations for the best engine oil for a SW20 Toyota MR2.
Fuchs Titan Supersyn 5W-40
This is an excellent higher end engine oil for stock NA and turbocharged SW20 MR2s. It is synthetic and its grade is 5W-40, so it is a good general engine oil for the MR2.
Castrol Edge Sport 0W-40
If you are looking for something slightly better for cooler environments or cold starts, Castrol’s Edge Sport 0W-40 engine oil is an excellent choice. Castrol claims that it has superior engine protection vs conventional synthetic blend oils, and it will be perfect for both modified and stick SW20 MR2s.
Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 10W-50
For those with modified engines or who live in hot environments, Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 10W-50 engine oil is an excellent option. While this engine oil has got a higher viscosity, it can still be used in colder temperatures as well. If you track your MR2 regularly, this is a great option.
When to Change the Engine Oil on a SW20 MR2?
When the MR2 first launched, Toyota recommended that the oil be changed every 4,500 km (2,500 miles) for both NA and turbocharged models. However, with modern synthetic oils like the ones we listed above many owners change the engine oil less frequently.
An oil change every 6,500 – 8,000 km (4,000 – 5,000 miles) is often recommended by MR2 owners and enthusiasts (if you are using synthetic). You can definitely get away with longer periods between oil changes if you are using synthetic, but this is what we would recommend.
What is the Best Oil Filter for a Toyota MR2 SW20?
It is recommended that you use a Genuine Toyota Oil Filter with the part number 90915-YZZJ1. Some other aftermarket oil filters such as Purolator’s L14476 Filter will work, but you do need to be careful. The oil filter should be changed with every second oil change, however, some extra careful owners like to do it every time they replace the oil.
If you are interested in buying a Toyota MR2 SW20 check out our buyer’s guide here.
Owner of a 93 Turbo since 93. Have changed the oil every 3,000 miles from day 1. Switched to Mobil 1 synthetic after the first timing belt change. No oil related issues, just decided to make the switch. I noticed immediately that I picked up 25 to 35 miles of extra range per tank depending on the city / highway driving ratio. I reset the trip OD on every car I drive at every fill up so it was easy for me to verify this increase in mileage.
Thanks for the input Matt – glad to hear of your real world experience. We are big fans of using quality synthetic oil! Would love to see some pictures of your 93 Turbo if you’d consider sending in?