Need info. New to toyotas/toyota nation/supras.

[nerm]

Hey all,
I just bought my first Toyota, a 1989 Supra non-turbo. I had a Porsche 928 previously that I wrenched on but I'm not really good at working on cars.

I used to use a really great Porsche board where I got help with various projects. Can anyone point me in the right direction as far as where to buy parts? I specifically need the right side sport-roof clamp that attaches to the rear trunk wall.

What's the best shop manual(s) to buy? Any supra weaknesses that I should look into before the car explodes?

The car is in great shape and I've always wanted a Toyota. The Acura I used to drive was pretty meh.

thanks in advance

[bgrieger]

Places to search for information: supraforums.com, supramania.com, torontosupraclub.com, here. remember to use search features and faq's, especially on supraforums. lots of historical information, but quite a few arses as well.

Shop manual: TSRM (toyota service and repair manual) from Toyota. Expensive, but covers everything.

Weakness: Head gasket. The only thing the TSRM got wrong. Torque on the head bolts should be 70-72 ft/lbs, Toyota used 56. Big difference, and the source of almost every head gasket failure these cars are ridiculed for (every MK III supra will get one if left factory...no question on that).

Enjoy the car!

Bob

[nerm]

Thanks bob. I'll start cruising those sites and will check my heads. I bet I'll have to call a bunch of junkyards to get the sport-roof clip.

[bgrieger]

Try the for sale sections of those sites. Come to think of it, I might have a couple laying around from the parts car. Where are you located?

Bob

[nerm]

I'm in the Bay Area, CA. If you do have some, please let me know what they're worth to you. thanks!

[bgrieger]

Not already part of BAS (Bay Area Supras)? There are a ton of guys in the Bay area that meet regularly and they appear to have quite the stock of parts laying around. I'll look for mine, but do a quick scan of supraforums for the BAS posts and pm one of them. I'll guarantee someone has them, and you can meet up with the guys to talk cars as they are always getting together. The group are pretty good wrenches as well, and almost weekly have engines on the floor.

Bob

[repinS]

Originally posted by bgrieger
(every MK III supra will get one if left factory...no question on that).

There are three certainties in life, death, taxes, and the 7M BHG

[Jeeves]

Some, (I repeat) some N/A's get by w/o the BHG...

[repinS]

I dunno, I haven't really seen a non-low miles MX83 Cressida without BHG, or imminent BHG... maybe you Supra guys have it a bit better

[bgrieger]

Nope. Supras have it just about as bad in NA trim...just takes a few more heat cycles, where us turbo guys heat em higher every time and they fail faster. Reality is, even if the failure rate is statistically lower, they are still highly prone to failure, and it is a cause for concern in any one of them now. Better safe than getting a tow 100 miles from home!

Bob