Need to know on supra

[phantom]

Hey ya,
Im new here, well lets get right down to things, ok so i want to buy a supra but i need to know a few things first:

First: Where there any Supra rz model imported into the usa, and which model was imported over.
Second: How can you tell the difference of Supra rz from the rest.
Third: If there turbo are they automatic or manual.
Fourth: What year is the best year for supra.

Im planing on getting a 95-98 year but which is best.

[Jeeves]

1) The RZ was never imported (IIRC), but due to the fact the Mk4 itself has DOT crash ratings and such, it wouldn't be AS costly to bring it over.
2)

1993 Brochure
SZ 16" wheels, 5M or 4A (optional LSD)
RZ 16" wheels, 6M or 4A (Torsen LSD on 6 speed)(optional LSD on auto)
GZ 16" wheels, 4A (Torsen LSD)

1996 Brochure
SZ 16" wheels, 5M or 4A (optional LSD)
SZR 16" wheels, 6M (Torsen LSD)
RZS 16" wheels, 6M or 4A (Torsen LSD on 6 speed)(optional LSD on auto)
RZ 17" wheels, 6M (Torsen LSD)
no GZ

1999 Brochure
SZ 16" wheels, 5M or 4A (optional LSD)
SZR 16" wheels, 6M (Torsen LSD)
RZS 16" wheels, 6M or 4A (Torsen LSD on 6 speed)(optional LSD on auto)
RZ 17" wheels, 6M (Torsen LSD)
no GZ

Other than that, I've got no clue. The RZ/etc. were only in Japan and will often be called by Supra RZ, Supra RZS, etc.
3) Turbo, of course. And yes both.
4) Depends on what you're looking to do.

I think you don't know enough about how much that will cost. Especially since your tag says you do live in the US.

[phantom]

hey thanks but which year is best and which model was imported here.

[bgrieger]

Year? Hard to say, as we got basically the same offerings year over year. 98 got slightly different taillights and headlamps, but otherwise were the same to my knowledge. I'd say buy the best condition you can afford. As to model, we didn't get different levels other than normally aspirated or turbo.

[Jeeves]

Way to not read my post.

[*01 TRD Camry*]

Originally Posted by Jeeves

1) The RZ was never imported (IIRC), but due to the fact the Mk4 itself has DOT crash ratings and such, it wouldn't be AS costly to bring it over.
2)


Other than that, I've got no clue. The RZ/etc. were only in Japan and will often be called by Supra RZ, Supra RZS, etc.
3) Turbo, of course. And yes both.
4) Depends on what you're looking to do.

I think you don't know enough about how much that will cost. Especially since your tag says you do live in the US.

Jeeves posts up everything u need to know and u still didnt understand? Well here you go and read again my friend.

[Wreckless]

The JDM 4th gen Supras are inferior to the US models. The RZ-S was the top of the line sports version, with an updated TEMS- like adjustable suspension but it had smaller brakes, slightly shorter gearing in the 6-spd (via a 3.23:1 rear diff instead of our 3.13:1) smaller injectors (440cc high impedance instead of 550cc low impedance), inferior ceramic turbine turbos, lower stock power output, less agressive cams, etc.

The only thing nice about the JDM 4th gen Supras started in around 99 with the tiptronic style autos, factory navigation, etc, along with the fact that the vast majority of them are hardtops, which is desireable to me personally from a performance standpoint. Here in the states MK4's got a cosmetic upgrade with a different front bumper, side markers, headlights, and taillights in 97-98, with a more attractive dash and steering wheel on '98's as well. For modding, the best years are 93-95 to avoid the OBDII ECU, in US models anyway.

The VVT-i 2JZ-GTE's in the later years have been proven time and again to be inferior to the previous non-VVTi for modding, as there are no aftermarket cams and unlikely to be because of the VVTi's dependance on the stock camshaft profiles in its stock tune. It also went from a coil-on-plug system, found in the first gen and US delievered 2JZ-GTEs to a wastespark system like that on the 7M-GTE. also, the more advanced ECU its much more difficult to fool/tune for larger turbos, injectors, etc.

As far as importing it goes, because Supras got here is meaningless to the DOT as right-hand-drive cars no longer qualify as "substantially similar" to a US model unless the manufacturer would be willing to send a letter to the NHTSA and DOT assuring them that it would meet all crash standards. i.e. not going to happen.
Do some reading on what's required:

EPA : http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/quikover.htm
DOT : http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/import/
US customs : http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/xp/cgov/import/

So I'd just start saving your pennies and get a US delievered MK4. TT autos can be had starting around $18,000+ and TT 6-spds around $20,000+ Naturally, I think you'd be better off budgeting another $5k or so more than those prices to find a decent one.
Good luck.