1987 supra turbo ?'s

[DaBoss07]

Alright im thinking about buying this supra later on this week and I just wanted to know a couple of things. this is a little description about it first off.

-Nice little 1987 toyota supra with turbo. 5spd, 7mgte motor, Has about 168,XXX miles, runs good. the top comes off, power windows/locks. nice inside, Needs a little work done to it but a nice car. Taged and ready to be on the street. CLEAR TEXAS TITLE IN HAND If you need any more info just give me a call at or just send an e-mail. Asking $2000 O.B.O please no scams and tire kickers. thanks.-( found out that the radio does not work or the passenger window does not roll up....easy fix though )

So I read the sticky about what to look for when looking at the car but do you all think this is a good buy? He sent me some pics the inside looks real good but the outside paint is worn and scratched up and everything i believe is stock. Im thinking about offering him 1500 for it. I just needed some insite from some pros up on here.

Thanks

[DaBoss07]

Can anyone help please?

[DaBoss07]

about on average on the 7mgte does the milage get to before stuff starts going bad. Dont get me wrong it is going to be a project car for me. Just getting as much info as I can. Also about what milage is the average to go get it looked at (i.e. tune up, belts, etc...)
thanks

[Vacationtime247]

A blown head gasket can happen at any time. You'll have fun tearing the engine apart and putting it all back together if and when it goes. A front balancer bolt that is a fun time to remove. Awkword angles to fit in extensions. Stripped bolts on the head. Other items that should be replaced are the timing belt. If it's the original, take into consideration that the belt (and everything else on the car) is 20 years old.

If you like the MKIII Supra, turn to the dark side. Buy one cheap but in nice condition. Rip that POS 7M engine OUT! Put a 350 Chevy or a LS type motor down in there. It's a lot less headache to convert one than fix the 7M. You can convert one for around the same cost as you could buy a running MKIII for. Something to also consider, is if you do purchase one running, how long will it continue to go before catostrophic failure?
VT247

Originally Posted by DaBoss07

about on average on the 7mgte does the milage get to before stuff starts going bad. Dont get me wrong it is going to be a project car for me. Just getting as much info as I can. Also about what milage is the average to go get it looked at (i.e. tune up, belts, etc...)
thanks

[DaBoss07]

Originally Posted by Vacationtime247

A blown head gasket can happen at any time. You'll have fun tearing the engine apart and putting it all back together if and when it goes. A front balancer bolt that is a fun time to remove. Awkword angles to fit in extensions. Stripped bolts on the head. Other items that should be replaced are the timing belt. If it's the original, take into consideration that the belt (and everything else on the car) is 20 years old.

If you like the MKIII Supra, turn to the dark side. Buy one cheap but in nice condition. Rip that POS 7M engine OUT! Put a 350 Chevy or a LS type motor down in there. It's a lot less headache to convert one than fix the 7M. You can convert one for around the same cost as you could buy a running MKIII for. Something to also consider, is if you do purchase one running, how long will it continue to go before catostrophic failure?
VT247

Yea your right. I do love this car dont get me wrong I have wanted one since I was like 15 so you can see where I am coming from. But would it really be easier just to take the entire engine out and replace it with a LS type? Or just to take it and have it rebuilt....cause wouldnt that cost about the same?

[Vacationtime247]

I'm in the same situation. I like the MKIII. The body lines and styling are A1. The engine, is another story. Just taking out the 7M is a pain in the arse.

A stock running MKIII with a 7M GTE will run @$2500-$5000 and get you down the 1320 ' (1/4 mile) at best in the mid to low 14's

A converted MKIII with a 350 Chevy or any type LS engine will run $2500-$5000 and turn 12's or faster.

Let's say you got $5k to spend on this.

Spend $5k on a running and driving Supra in decent condition. Mileage will probably be in the 100k range. Sure, you can get in and drive it. But when and where will it decide to quit out on you. Then, you'll still have to rebuild the motor (or have someone else do it) at an exhorbent cost.

Spend $1000 on a Supra with a blown motor. It won't be that hard to find one. However, with any Supra purchase, you'll have to travel some to pick it up. Now you got $4k to spend on a conversion. An LS engine will no doubt cost more than a 350 would. But, the LS engines make wicked power for their size. Even a mildly built 5.3 truck engine can be built for @ $2500 and pump out 450+HP. You'd be looking at mid 12's in the Supra with that combo. Remember that the Supra's came with 3.72 or higher rear end gears. Most with 4.11's or higher. Great for the torque V8's put down.
VT247

Originally Posted by DaBoss07

Yea your right. I do love this car dont get me wrong I have wanted one since I was like 15 so you can see where I am coming from. But would it really be easier just to take the entire engine out and replace it with a LS type? Or just to take it and have it rebuilt....cause wouldnt that cost about the same?

[DaBoss07]

Originally Posted by Vacationtime247

I'm in the same situation. I like the MKIII. The body lines and styling are A1. The engine, is another story. Just taking out the 7M is a pain in the arse.

A stock running MKIII with a 7M GTE will run @$2500-$5000 and get you down the 1320 ' (1/4 mile) at best in the mid to low 14's

A converted MKIII with a 350 Chevy or any type LS engine will run $2500-$5000 and turn 12's or faster.

Let's say you got $5k to spend on this.

Spend $5k on a running and driving Supra in decent condition. Mileage will probably be in the 100k range. Sure, you can get in and drive it. But when and where will it decide to quit out on you. Then, you'll still have to rebuild the motor (or have someone else do it) at an exhorbent cost.

Spend $1000 on a Supra with a blown motor. It won't be that hard to find one. However, with any Supra purchase, you'll have to travel some to pick it up. Now you got $4k to spend on a conversion. An LS engine will no doubt cost more than a 350 would. But, the LS engines make wicked power for their size. Even a mildly built 5.3 truck engine can be built for @ $2500 and pump out 450+HP. You'd be looking at mid 12's in the Supra with that combo. Remember that the Supra's came with 3.72 or higher rear end gears. Most with 4.11's or higher. Great for the torque V8's put down.
VT247

Yea that sounds like a good idea! well I have about 2500 bucks from my motorcycle accident and im just trying to find a new a to b car (but of course with some power to it) So im guessing 1500 isnt too bad for this car since it is in running condition. But that means ill have about 1000 to do whatever with and maybe make it look nice. But this is where im at for now. Thanks so much for the details

[DaBoss07]

But does anyone think that 1500 for this car would be good?

[Vacationtime247]

For $1500 that's a pretty good deal, it still runs and drives. Even if it has high mileage and some body / paint issues. Point out the flaws and the mileage. If it's been for sale for a while, he'll probably take the cash. Take the car out and drive it. If you get that feeling of insecurity or something doesn't feel right, move on. Best of luck, post some pics up if you get it.
VT247

[DaBoss07]

Yea dude of course I will