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*).

sd88supra · 03-30-2013, 08:54 PM

I forgot to ask, could I run a diagnostic after driving it like I would on an NA?

cre · 03-31-2013, 01:28 AM

At that price and in that shape I wouldn't count on ANYTHING being "good". No, 155K doesn't mean the head gasket's ever been redone, some people got lucky and made it as far as 200K before it went. Do a compression check, check for contaminated coolant and oil. Yes, check for diagnostic codes after going for a drive. Don't plan on your N/A being a donor for anything drive train related... A lot of it just won't work.

sd88supra · 03-31-2013, 10:02 PM

Well, I bought it. I got it with some aftermarket gauges and a turbo timer. I have yet to do a compression test, but it seems to run fairly smooth albeit a vacuum leak.

It will stay parked until I study the Haynes manual thoroughly. We'll see how far I go before I give up :P

cre · 04-01-2013, 02:41 AM

Haynes?

Haynes?!

Haynes?????!?!???!?!?!!

Toyota Service and Repair Manual (aka TSRM) for the MKIII Supra.... The ONLY way to go. http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/TSRM/MK3/

sd88supra · 04-01-2013, 04:49 AM

I should have specified both, actually. While the TSRM is best, I'm still a noob in many aspects which will require me to use the Haynes as a reference. The TSRM assumes some prior knowledge, while Haynes assumes you're a noob.

MA70-3.0GT · 04-03-2013, 12:33 PM

Just be aware that both TSRM & Haynes have some glaring omissions & errors in torque specs (the main one being the head bolts which are specced as 58lb/ft but should really be more like 75lb/ft IIRC)

Also if the Haynes is anything like all the others I've read as a kid learing my hobby (it will be, they never seem to change!) then it will have other errors that could potentially kill you or others (like the Austin Allegro one with backwards brake M/C seals

) so anything you're not sure of or is contradicted by the TSRM you're best checking up first before believing either one of them

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.

03-30-2013, 08:54 PM	#2
sd88supra 3" Exhaust Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 190	I forgot to ask, could I run a diagnostic after driving it like I would on an NA? __________________ -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.

03-31-2013, 01:28 AM	#3
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	At that price and in that shape I wouldn't count on ANYTHING being "good". No, 155K doesn't mean the head gasket's ever been redone, some people got lucky and made it as far as 200K before it went. Do a compression check, check for contaminated coolant and oil. Yes, check for diagnostic codes after going for a drive. Don't plan on your N/A being a donor for anything drive train related... A lot of it just won't work. __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

03-31-2013, 10:02 PM	#4
sd88supra 3" Exhaust Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 190	I bought it! Well, I bought it. I got it with some aftermarket gauges and a turbo timer. I have yet to do a compression test, but it seems to run fairly smooth albeit a vacuum leak. It will stay parked until I study the Haynes manual thoroughly. We'll see how far I go before I give up :P __________________ -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.

04-01-2013, 02:41 AM	#5
cre Toyota Racing Development Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 5,038	Haynes? Haynes?! Haynes?????!?!???!?!?!! Toyota Service and Repair Manual (aka TSRM) for the MKIII Supra.... The ONLY way to go. http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/TSRM/MK3/ __________________ If something breaks or you need to contact a member of the administration please post HERE. Unless it's a private or administration matter please post it on the forum. It benefits no one else if car related questions aren't posted for future users and takes away from the time I'm able to spend helping on the rest of the forum. If you're so inclined I'm always more than happy to accept tips via PayPal. Tip Jar --->

04-01-2013, 04:49 AM	#6
sd88supra 3" Exhaust Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Diego, Ca Posts: 190	I should have specified both, actually. While the TSRM is best, I'm still a noob in many aspects which will require me to use the Haynes as a reference. The TSRM assumes some prior knowledge, while Haynes assumes you're a noob. __________________ -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.

04-03-2013, 12:33 PM	#7
MA70-3.0GT 12psi boost Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Crewe, England Posts: 356	Just be aware that both TSRM & Haynes have some glaring omissions & errors in torque specs (the main one being the head bolts which are specced as 58lb/ft but should really be more like 75lb/ft IIRC) Also if the Haynes is anything like all the others I've read as a kid learing my hobby (it will be, they never seem to change!) then it will have other errors that could potentially kill you or others (like the Austin Allegro one with backwards brake M/C seals ) so anything you're not sure of or is contradicted by the TSRM you're best checking up first before believing either one of them __________________ '89 MA70 Supra GT aero 3.0turbo JDM, Rebuilt motor, K&N intake, 3" stainless turbo-back. New turbo and braided line kit... '89 Honda NC27 400, NC23 cams, open pipe, PC36a shock & possibly Showa USD forks... '83 Yamaha 29R XJ750E-II, number 69 off the line, only runner in the country? Original except Koni shocks '95 Honda PC26 CB500R, Winter hack, hateful, trying to sell it I'm not paranoid, they really ARE after me!!!

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