Thinking about joining the boost side of the world *buying 87 Supra Turbo*

[Camry_rider]

Ok, For years upon years I've been in love with this guys MkIII. Tonight I saw an ad in the paper about a MKIII Out of curiosity I called. It turns out its the Supra Ive been wanting since I was 13.
Hes only asking 2,200 for the car, its the same color as my Camry, 5 speed turbo with a sun roof. The engine has been rebuilt at 94,000 miles and it has 104,000 on the clock now. He also had the a/c redon and it has aftermarket rims on it. Its all stock. I was just wondering if anyone knows of any tell-tale problems that I could look for when looking at this Supra or test driving it, such as suspension problems, turbo problems engine noise etc etc. I was also wondering what should the boost read at on a stock 7m-gte engine? Thank you in advance. -Zach

[Camry_rider]

I went and test drove it about 15 mins ago. I got in the car and started to drive it around town....everything was checking out fine, boost was boosting around 2,200 rpms then kick at 3 k. I got it out on the highway and let her rip w.o.t. I got to about 4,500-5,000 rpms Wasn't really looking and the car kinda lost power for a second and then kicked back in. I feel kinda embarased because Im not sure if I was hitting red-line or not, I did it a few more times and the same result. Im not sure if this is "overboosting?" But the engine light came on each time, also these lights above "tems" kept coming on also. The car is more than I can handle right now financially so Im just gunna stick with the Camry.

[Rolla97]

well i do know that the 7M-GTE has problems with headgaskets so you'll wanna get that checked out.

[cdnsupra]

yes, the head gasket is a concern. it is about the only thing i have had to spend money on for either of my 2 mk3 supras. the 87 i have had since 88, and it has 350,000kms, all on the same block, pistons, and turbo.

the head gasket i replaced a few times, and eventually replaced the entire head.

the yellow engine light tells you the engine has stored a code in the ecu. you then put a wire or paperclip in the diagnostic port on t and e1. you then turn the ignition on, and read the codes. you can check the codes at www.supras.com easily.

from what you said, it was fuel cut off that you experienced. `usually caused by running boost over 12psi on stock fuel and air, but can be caused by other things too, like an air leak.

to check for BHG(bad Head Gasket), you'll wanna check the oil for bubbles or coolant smell, and check the coolant for oil or oil residue. chacking comporession is also a good thing. rust will start on the rear fenders right above the wheel. if it is good there, it will be good everywhere.

on stock boost, the needle should goto 5.75 to 6.25psi. that is the number they show in the manual.

overall, the car is great, and if maintained and given respect, it will run forever.

hopefully, you will get the chance to buy it again or another someday.

[SuperDerek]

I just purchased a MINT 1990 Supra Turbo.

Man I love that car.. as for the head gasket, i think it doesn't matter, coz you need to deal with it sooner or later.. if you can push the guy on the price for 400 bucks more, you can at least cover the cost of labour to replace that HG, I think replacing it will make you worry free for a long period of time.

Cheers

[bgrieger]

$400 for a HG...whooo...you're in for a rude awakening. That might cover removing the head and slapping a gasket in there. To do it right, a machine shop visit is a must. You're looking at much closer to $1000 if it is almost perfect but for a leak found very early.

DIY, if I cheaped out I could have had it all together for about $750 using Toyota parts. Instead, it was closer to $2500 with all the odds and ends you should do, as many can't be reached with the engine assembled...


Some get away cheaper than the $750 DIY...not that many last long

Bob

[cdnsupra]

Originally posted by bgrieger
$400 for a HG...whooo...you're in for a rude awakening.

Bob

Well, he did say 400 to cover the labour of doing a HG. but at 80cdn per hour at most shops these days, 400 doesn't even go too far.

its good to hear from you on TN again bob. i think i need to get out to a supra meet soon.

[bgrieger]

Absolutely...we're going through a Ben withdrawl. I made the last month east end TN meet with George, and were surprised you weren't there (actually, george had the 89 out...I thought it was you when I first pulled in).

Sounds like you had some fun in vegas too...can't wait to hear about it.


Bob

[cdnsupra]

thats funny, a ben withdrawl. i'd expect my neices to feel that way because i spoil them with attention so much, but not you guys tooooo.

[-=m3th0d=-]

U can get a turbo, but its a hassle, just replacing the spark plugs are a big hassle. I would stick to the N/A tuned side, but turbos are faster, and if u're looking for speed and not skill, go for it. Good luck with ur decision. just my two pennies.

[Drift_that_b]

well, i just purshased 89 Supra turbo, 7psi for now, 5sp, its junk for now, but i love it, will fix it and then.....kill it..