looking to buy a supra mkiv

Sapar · 08-12-2010, 08:44 AM

If you have some time to check the car over there are a few tricks that you can do.

Compression : easiest way to do this without taking out the spark plugs, is to undo the fuel pump plug in the boot. Its pretty easy to get to and the only visible plug in the boot/trunk well. Unplug the fuel pump and start to the car and wait for it to run out of fuel.
Then simply turn the engine over with the started motor. It should have an even sound if the compression is the same for all cylinders. A sort of quick burst noise will let you know that one cylinder is lacking compression, which could mean Bad Head/Rings/Valves

Turbo : a sort of way to tell if it is ok is to drive the car and listen to the noise the turbo makes. Should be an even whoosh noise. Any whining will indicate that the turbo is going. Also when you BACK off after boosting, look in the review mirror, if you see clouds of smoke then also a bad turbo.

Bottom End : When you first start the car, listen carefully for any ticking/knocking noise. This indicates that there is a bad bearing/pinion. Can be an expensive job to fix ($2000-$5000)

Head : open the radiator cap while the car is idling an watch for any bubbles. Bubbles indicate there is exhaust gas leaking into the waterways.

Oil : Do an engine bay check for any visible signs of leaking oil. Oil is to be expected as the oil filter is hard to get to and it leaks a bit when you replace it, expect a trace amount around the head/rocker cover and a little in the intake pipes. Should not be any visible pools, just a smearing. Less oil the better! Also check the oil while you are at it, the guy might not change/check it often.

Gear box : this is done mainly by feel. The changes should be smooth and not notchy. Also test the syncros by changing from 3rd to 2nd at a fairly fast speed. The syncro should spin up the gear box and it should be a smooth change. If it is hard to push it into gear or worse grinds a bit then the box is getting bad.

Radiator : check this by inspecting the underside of the water cap. Should be free of rust/gunk. Don't stress too much as a new radiator and flush and coolant is not that expensive.

Could check plugs but that involves tools...

Main thing is to listen to the engine when you are driving it or test reving it. Should sound uniform and smooth. any unusual knocking/buzzings are a bad sign.

2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE are very similar in strength and build. So no real concern that he has turbo'd it. The compression is lower on the GTE's though, so ask if he used a space on the head. If not then you prob have higher than normal compression. Not a bad thing just it will wear quicker and put more strain on the bottom end.

Thats a fairly comprehensive check list, could also check what oil he uses, service dates, accidents that sorta stuff. Also a clean interior means that he respects the car, and does proper maintenance.

Anyways good luck with your buying! Supras are great cars... Just wish mine would go at the moment

Hope I helped you out.

08-12-2010, 08:44 AM	#3
Sapar Stock Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Perth Posts: 8	Helping out If you have some time to check the car over there are a few tricks that you can do. Compression : easiest way to do this without taking out the spark plugs, is to undo the fuel pump plug in the boot. Its pretty easy to get to and the only visible plug in the boot/trunk well. Unplug the fuel pump and start to the car and wait for it to run out of fuel. Then simply turn the engine over with the started motor. It should have an even sound if the compression is the same for all cylinders. A sort of quick burst noise will let you know that one cylinder is lacking compression, which could mean Bad Head/Rings/Valves Turbo : a sort of way to tell if it is ok is to drive the car and listen to the noise the turbo makes. Should be an even whoosh noise. Any whining will indicate that the turbo is going. Also when you BACK off after boosting, look in the review mirror, if you see clouds of smoke then also a bad turbo. Bottom End : When you first start the car, listen carefully for any ticking/knocking noise. This indicates that there is a bad bearing/pinion. Can be an expensive job to fix ($2000-$5000) Head : open the radiator cap while the car is idling an watch for any bubbles. Bubbles indicate there is exhaust gas leaking into the waterways. Oil : Do an engine bay check for any visible signs of leaking oil. Oil is to be expected as the oil filter is hard to get to and it leaks a bit when you replace it, expect a trace amount around the head/rocker cover and a little in the intake pipes. Should not be any visible pools, just a smearing. Less oil the better! Also check the oil while you are at it, the guy might not change/check it often. Gear box : this is done mainly by feel. The changes should be smooth and not notchy. Also test the syncros by changing from 3rd to 2nd at a fairly fast speed. The syncro should spin up the gear box and it should be a smooth change. If it is hard to push it into gear or worse grinds a bit then the box is getting bad. Radiator : check this by inspecting the underside of the water cap. Should be free of rust/gunk. Don't stress too much as a new radiator and flush and coolant is not that expensive. Could check plugs but that involves tools... Main thing is to listen to the engine when you are driving it or test reving it. Should sound uniform and smooth. any unusual knocking/buzzings are a bad sign. 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE are very similar in strength and build. So no real concern that he has turbo'd it. The compression is lower on the GTE's though, so ask if he used a space on the head. If not then you prob have higher than normal compression. Not a bad thing just it will wear quicker and put more strain on the bottom end. Thats a fairly comprehensive check list, could also check what oil he uses, service dates, accidents that sorta stuff. Also a clean interior means that he respects the car, and does proper maintenance. Anyways good luck with your buying! Supras are great cars... Just wish mine would go at the moment Hope I helped you out.