need help, 79 celica supra

[Sloth]

ive got about 1500 dollars to mess around with, i need new brakes, tires, battery, clutch (maybe), and some engine work like a new intake maybe, can anyone help point me in the right direction of what i should be looking for that will fit my budget?

[bgrieger]

Sweet classic. $1500 will cover those pieces with ease. Brakes...I assume you only need rotors, pads and a bleed. There will be no performance options out there, short of custom and that will end the budget. NAPA might carry them, as might Toyota. Autozone or pep girls may even carry some, but don't be surprised to find Toyota the most pricey, and in every case you may have to special order the parts. All other parts listed should be available from the same sources. Again, OEM parts will not be a problem. For the intake, there is no kit, so you will have to find a filter and adapt it. Check celicasupra.com as they may have a list of easy to find parts already.

Bob

[Sloth]

Originally Posted by bgrieger

Sweet classic. $1500 will cover those pieces with ease. Brakes...I assume you only need rotors, pads and a bleed. There will be no performance options out there, short of custom and that will end the budget. NAPA might carry them, as might Toyota. Autozone or pep girls may even carry some, but don't be surprised to find Toyota the most pricey, and in every case you may have to special order the parts. All other parts listed should be available from the same sources. Again, OEM parts will not be a problem. For the intake, there is no kit, so you will have to find a filter and adapt it. Check celicasupra.com as they may have a list of easy to find parts already.

Bob

thanks a bunch, cant wait to get this car running the way i want it

[turbo MKI]

I wrote up a long list of upgrade ideas and suggestions over on the celicasupra forums;
http://forums.celicasupra.com/showthread.php?t=25019

[bgrieger]

I stand corrected...thanks Damon!

Bob

[Doctor J]

For engine: check condition of the head gasket
Adjust valve clearances
Remove,clean or replace timing chain tension plunger
Make sure that radiator is not plugged
Use good quality brake pads for front, pads same as on 78 to 81 celica
The master cylinder internals are same as in cressida and celica
The hose from the fuel rail to the cold start injector as well as fuel pulsation damper may leak fuel
The idler arm may need new bushings

Former owner of 79 Supra for 14 years

[stepho]

Install a larger brake master cylinder.
It won't actually make it stop better but the feedback to your foot is much better and the better driver confidence will translate into less panic in emergency conditions.
If you have 13/16" then go up to 15/16".
If you have 15/16" then go up to 1".
Good brake shops (not the type that just swap pads) will have a selection.
Here in Australia, a brand new MC goes for about AUD100 (about USD75).
Buy new, it's cheap insurance.

Don't forget to have the front wheels professionally aligned after doing suspension work.
Fighting the steering wheel takes the fun out of driving.

If you have any left over money (ie after the safety stuff is done) then get an aftermarket exhaust manifold.

If you are buying new front brake parts anyway, then why not convert to Hilux (aka pickup, truck) LN106 4 spot callipers and Pug vented discs.
Do a Google search on XT130/RT132 struts and Hilux LN106 callipers.
A friend did this to his 76 coupe (same front end geometry as the 77-81 models) and my eyeballs nearly went through the front glass on the first stop.

Doctor J,
I know the 81-85 Supra has a slightly different angle on the front spindle compared to the 81-85 Celica.
Has anyone had any trouble with camber on a 79-81 Supra after doing this brake upgrade using RT132 struts?
I checked the parts manuals and the strut and spindle seems to be the same for the RA4# and MA4#.

- Stepho