Super cheap '87 5spd turbo? What to look for?

sd88supra · 03-30-2013, 08:52 PM

I can pick one up for $700... of course, it looks like garbage. The interior will need to be completely redone (blue, yuck), as will a new paint job, get matching wheels and new tires, missing cylinder lock, cracked dash, etc., looks more like a track car. In addition, it needs to have the subframe rebuilt/replaced.

The good? I happen to have an '87 NA that I've been using for parts. Hence, I won't have to spend much on non-mechanical parts.

My concern is the engine - what should I look for (aside from it running smooth)? This will be my fourth MK3, but my first turbo. I knew what to look for on the 7MGE when I bought my second and third Supras, but I'm not sure on the 7MGTE. The car has 155k miles, so my guess is the headgasket had to have been redone (*crosses fingers*).

03-30-2013, 08:52 PM	#1
sd88supra 3" Exhaust Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 190	Super cheap '87 5spd turbo? What to look for? I can pick one up for $700... of course, it looks like garbage. The interior will need to be completely redone (blue, yuck), as will a new paint job, get matching wheels and new tires, missing cylinder lock, cracked dash, etc., looks more like a track car. In addition, it needs to have the subframe rebuilt/replaced. The good? I happen to have an '87 NA that I've been using for parts. Hence, I won't have to spend much on non-mechanical parts. My concern is the engine - what should I look for (aside from it running smooth)? This will be my fourth MK3, but my first turbo. I knew what to look for on the 7MGE when I bought my second and third Supras, but I'm not sure on the 7MGTE. The car has 155k miles, so my guess is the headgasket had to have been redone (crosses fingers). __________________ -1987 5 spd N/A with TEMS: low miles! All stock with the exception of electric fans and an '89 front bumper, Yokohama 225/50/16 with stock rims. It's a mess and in the garage. -1987 5 spd Turbo with TEMS: miss-matched tires, needs lots of work, but it runs! Project car. -1988 N/A auto targa: all stock except 18" rims with Falken 265/35/18 in rear and 225/35/18 in front; daily driver.