Just got a 90 turbo

turboguy327 · 09-08-2009, 10:24 PM

I just got a 1990 supra turbo. It was converted from a automatic to a 5speed. But anyway. Since it was an auto it has TEMS. I have no need for adjustable suspention unless it really would make a huge difference. The reason I am here is I am wondering if I can just get rid of the modules on top of the struts and shocks and but regular shocks on it or am I stuck with TEMS?? Will it even work if I spend the extra money to get the TEMS shocks?? I know it needs them. Its very floaty at highway speeds. Doesnt handel well at all. I am gonna save money and get CA bushings and all that as I go. When I move the buttons on the console the lights on the dash light up as i go from sport to regular. Dont know which one is which because the markings are worn off. lol. But can anyone help me out??

btwilson86 · 09-08-2009, 11:32 PM

TEMS is an option that is available with either transmission. "Normal" is the left button, "Sport" is the right. 1 light on the dash is "Normal" mode, 2 lights is "Sport", and 3 is the extreme driving setting (automatically switches at WOT, hard braking, sudden steering). With the car off and the key in the "On" position, if you cycle the buttons you should hear the motors change the settings. It'll sound like a sort of click noise. If so, you're wiring is good, the system operates, and you can put TEMS compatible shocks in. If not, the wiring may be bad. I have read that you can put standard shocks in with little difficulty, as this is the path most people choose who use their Supra's for more "spirited" driving. However, if this is your daily driver, new TEMS shocks would make a nice, comfortable ride with decent handling capabilities.

turboguy327 · 09-09-2009, 12:25 AM

I thought TEMS was only available on automatic cars?? I have seen many supra's and never seem TEMS on a stick car.

btwilson86 · 09-09-2009, 04:54 AM

TEMS is available on either 5 speed or automatic Supra's. Perhaps you're thinking of "ECT"? Stands for Electronic Controlled Transmission, which is the automatic's power and economy settings.

Edit- re-read your post, saw you said TEMS and adjustable suspension, so it's obviously not the ECT. My friend has an 87 N/A 5 spd with TEMS, and my Blue 87 Turbo 5 spd has TEMS. It was available as an independent option, or as part of the sport package which also included headlight washer jets and a limited slip differential

turboguy327 · 09-09-2009, 09:17 AM

I dont have washer jets but I hope I have LSD. Didnt check cuz I have always been told all turbo models have the LSD. But anyway. Thank you for your help. All 4 modules over the strut towers make click noises. You can even feel it. So I guess the system works. Thank you for your help with that. Any recomended shock you guys like to go with??

btwilson86 · 09-09-2009, 05:12 PM

No problem. I haven't replaced mine yet (I really need to though), so I can't tell you what I've used. However, I have read that for a TEMS compatible shock alot of people run the Tokico Illumina II's. When I was looking at them they were about $110 a piece. They are getting a bit harder to find, I'm thinking they may have been discontinued or something. I would google it or check eBay and see if they have them.

Oh, and btw.... I do believe you're right; all turbo models have a LSD.

turboguy327 · 09-09-2009, 06:08 PM

Those shocks you named are the ones I have found recomended. Thanks for helpin a supra newbie out. I appeciate it. Ill check and see if I have LSD on the way home from work tonight

09-08-2009, 10:24 PM	#1
turboguy327 Stock Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Webster NY Posts: 10	Just got a 90 turbo I just got a 1990 supra turbo. It was converted from a automatic to a 5speed. But anyway. Since it was an auto it has TEMS. I have no need for adjustable suspention unless it really would make a huge difference. The reason I am here is I am wondering if I can just get rid of the modules on top of the struts and shocks and but regular shocks on it or am I stuck with TEMS?? Will it even work if I spend the extra money to get the TEMS shocks?? I know it needs them. Its very floaty at highway speeds. Doesnt handel well at all. I am gonna save money and get CA bushings and all that as I go. When I move the buttons on the console the lights on the dash light up as i go from sport to regular. Dont know which one is which because the markings are worn off. lol. But can anyone help me out??

09-08-2009, 11:32 PM	#2
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	TEMS is an option that is available with either transmission. "Normal" is the left button, "Sport" is the right. 1 light on the dash is "Normal" mode, 2 lights is "Sport", and 3 is the extreme driving setting (automatically switches at WOT, hard braking, sudden steering). With the car off and the key in the "On" position, if you cycle the buttons you should hear the motors change the settings. It'll sound like a sort of click noise. If so, you're wiring is good, the system operates, and you can put TEMS compatible shocks in. If not, the wiring may be bad. I have read that you can put standard shocks in with little difficulty, as this is the path most people choose who use their Supra's for more "spirited" driving. However, if this is your daily driver, new TEMS shocks would make a nice, comfortable ride with decent handling capabilities. __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels

09-09-2009, 04:54 AM	#4
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	TEMS is available on either 5 speed or automatic Supra's. Perhaps you're thinking of "ECT"? Stands for Electronic Controlled Transmission, which is the automatic's power and economy settings. Edit- re-read your post, saw you said TEMS and adjustable suspension, so it's obviously not the ECT. My friend has an 87 N/A 5 spd with TEMS, and my Blue 87 Turbo 5 spd has TEMS. It was available as an independent option, or as part of the sport package which also included headlight washer jets and a limited slip differential __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels Last edited by btwilson86; 09-09-2009 at 04:56 AM.

09-09-2009, 05:12 PM	#6
btwilson86 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Billings, Montana Posts: 1,034	No problem. I haven't replaced mine yet (I really need to though), so I can't tell you what I've used. However, I have read that for a TEMS compatible shock alot of people run the Tokico Illumina II's. When I was looking at them they were about $110 a piece. They are getting a bit harder to find, I'm thinking they may have been discontinued or something. I would google it or check eBay and see if they have them. Oh, and btw.... I do believe you're right; all turbo models have a LSD. __________________ 1989 7MGTE R154 Targa Top White Package w/Blue Interior Driftmotion 57trim CT26, Upgraded Intercooler, 2.25" Hard Pipes, 3" Turbo Back Exhaust with Test Pipe, HKS VPC w/GM 3 bar MAP sensor, APEXi S-AFC, Walbro 255lph fuel pump, ProSport EVO Series Boost / Fuel Pressure / AFR gauges, Lotek a Pillar Gauge Pod, HKS Type 0 Turbo Timer, Eibach Lowering Springs, Tokico Illumina II TEMS struts, custom powder coated Motegi Racing TrakLite wheels

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09-09-2009, 12:25 AM	#3
turboguy327 Stock Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Webster NY Posts: 10	I thought TEMS was only available on automatic cars?? I have seen many supra's and never seem TEMS on a stick car.

09-09-2009, 09:17 AM	#5
turboguy327 Stock Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Webster NY Posts: 10	I dont have washer jets but I hope I have LSD. Didnt check cuz I have always been told all turbo models have the LSD. But anyway. Thank you for your help. All 4 modules over the strut towers make click noises. You can even feel it. So I guess the system works. Thank you for your help with that. Any recomended shock you guys like to go with??

09-09-2009, 06:08 PM	#7
turboguy327 Stock Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Webster NY Posts: 10	Those shocks you named are the ones I have found recomended. Thanks for helpin a supra newbie out. I appeciate it. Ill check and see if I have LSD on the way home from work tonight