Keep me from buying a SUPRA

[SR20DET240]

Hey guys.

I have been planning on a '92-93 240SX and swapping in the SR20DET.

I just went over to my cousins house for a party and was talking with her boyfriend who is the most mechanically inclined person I know under 25 besides myself.

He asked if I wanted to see his car. So we went to his house and uncover it. 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo targa top. (removable hard top). Power everything and 117k miles on chassis. Got it from his uncle in Nevada who is the original owner. He has only had it here in IL since August. Is outside covered and hasn't been driven in the snow. The car doesn't have a spec of rust anywhere. Couple panels are a tad "sand blasted" looking because it was a nevada car. Other than that the car is spotless in and out.

Its got the JDM 7M-GTE turbo engine. The radiator crapped out in the desert on the original motor and caused the block to crack. He replaced it himself. Its a very clean install and I trust his work because I have seen how good of work he does. So the car has a new radiator also.

Has a full stainless 3" downpipe and a stock exhaust which will be replaced if i get it. The car is a total sleeper. He raced an Integra running NOS and beat it. Boost gauge shows that turbo maxxes @5-6psi so a boost controller would do wonders.

5 spd transmission is still original so I would eventually replace that. Has newer clutch. Only thing wrong with the car is that the power steering rack leaks and needs to be replaced.

Hes asking $6k, says he'll sell it to me for $5500. That also includes an extra turbo if I want (YES!!) and the original engine and accesories if I want.

What do you guys think I should do? Go with the Supra or stick with the 240/sr20 plan? I know you guys are biased, but I want your true opinion. Thanks.

[Snarlynx]

Sounds to me that you already made the decision to buy it and are just rationalizing at this point. I say if you dig the car go for it.

[SR20DET240]

Well, here are the things holding me up:

1. The supra is the dark red color. I don't really care for it. Performance comes before color in my book though.

2. The car rides like it is heavy, which i would assume that it is heavier than a 240sx. Is the JDM 7MGTE equipped supra faster than the sr20 equipped 240sx?

3. The car still needs some work. It needs a rack. It needs some new shocks. Is $5500 a good deal?

4. 1987 is older than 1993, but the supra has no rust while a chicagoland 240 might.

What it comes down to is I have a limited budget because I am a student that works part time. What car would be better for the dollar?

[themadscientist]

Enough with the JDM, it's a dime a dozen stateside model 7M supra, unless the steering wheel is on the right in which case that's the only notable difference.The body is built like a tank and is as heavy as you think it is. This slows it down off a stop but rock steady at top speeds like highyway racing.The 7M is a real grunt motor, real strong and reliable except for the head gasket, they always blow. Figure a metal head gasket into the purchase price which is too high by the way.Whether it is better or worse than a 240 depends on what you plan on doing with it. If you do buy it I have a short shifter and exhuast manifold off my old one I would love to sell.

[SR20DET240]

wait, so there is no performance difference with the jap engine?

also did the japanese engines have the head gasket problem too?

how much should I offer?

now, im starting to lean back over to the 240sx.

i know the 240 weighs about 2800 lbs. anybody knows what a supra weighs?

i'll be using the car for a daily driver that like to street race. maybe see the strip now and then.

[Daunttless]

I'll sell you a non-running 7M-GTE for 1000 bucks. : ) It has head gasket problems.

[Structure240sx]

i know the newer supras weigh about 3500lbs so figure around there. and the 1/4 times stock are like 15.1. a 240 with a stock sr is in the mid 14's. my friend jsut got his non turbo 88 supra on the road not bad but the interior is so ugly. i'd say go with the 240

[ZeAl240]

In this case in would depend on what u really wanna do ?? drag race .. street race.. drift .. those would be a few 2 consider .. The supra is ok but i would go 240 .. thats just me though

[ItzGenX]

My cousin owns an 88'. That thing is so problematic that he left it there to rot. First the headgasket blew, then the turbo seal, then the headlights decided to not come up etc. After fixin each thing as they came along, MORE things came along. Also, that thing isn't as fast as it felt. It weighs as much as a Cadillac. The beast couldn't keep up with my STOCK 89' 240SX SE at the autocross. It just lugged behind and went SLOW around those corners. They have said it already, it is built like a tank. This car has been in a fender bender and the FENDER ISNT BENT! The civic that was involved in this wreck had a folding hood, blown out head light, smashed bumper and rolled up fender. The supra was more like a F150 then a sports car to me. Interior is ugly too .

[lucky]

If you want a supra, you should buy my 4th Gen

[Silviagirl79]

I'll sell you a non-running 7M-GTE for 1000 bucks. : ) It has head gasket problems.

How much does the head gasket cost to replace?

[Silviagirl79]

Well, here are the things holding me up:

1. The supra is the dark red color. I don't really care for it. Performance comes before color in my book though.

2. The car rides like it is heavy, which i would assume that it is heavier than a 240sx. Is the JDM 7MGTE equipped supra faster than the sr20 equipped 240sx?

3. The car still needs some work. It needs a rack. It needs some new shocks. Is $5500 a good deal?

4. 1987 is older than 1993, but the supra has no rust while a chicagoland 240 might.

What it comes down to is I have a limited budget because I am a student that works part time. What car would be better for the dollar?

Umm I'd say if you're going for looks get the 240sx. But think about it....the sr motor you'll be getting will be prolly under 40k, this one has 117k, AND a few problems to tackle. It's a heavy boat, prolly 3000lbs. The 240sx with SR and a few basic mods WILL be faster than this car...so why would u buy the 87 Supra. Now if the car was being sold for $4000 or less you should consider it, but 5500 is wayy to much.

[lucky]

How much does the head gasket cost to replace?

It shouldn't cost much to get the head gasket fixed but just MAKE SURE you buy a metal headgasket...MK3 supras are very bad with blowing head gaskets.

[SR20DET240]

okay, more info.silvia girl, the 7M-GTE he dropped in only has 30K miles on it.

oh, I now remember that he replaced the head gasket with a metal one as a precautionary measure and did arp studs while he was at it.

i think you guys are right and I will probably go with the 240 now. '87 is just too old for me and the interior is not the best design ive seen. im in love with the 240s interior because its a real nice layout: has everything you need and nothing you dont. (well cupholders would be nice, but lamborghinis dont have cupholders:pface )

thanks guys for setting me back on track! 240 it is!

[Silviagirl79]

okay, more info.silvia girl, the 7M-GTE he dropped in only has 30K miles on it.

oh, I now remember that he replaced the head gasket with a metal one as a precautionary measure and did arp studs while he was at it.

i think you guys are right and I will probably go with the 240 now. '87 is just too old for me and the interior is not the best design ive seen. im in love with the 240s interior because its a real nice layout: has everything you need and nothing you dont. (well cupholders would be nice, but lamborghinis dont have cupholders:pface )

thanks guys for setting me back on track! 240 it is!

Np, and I wasn't being biased either, cuz who doesn't love a Z? :ylsuper Also, I think cupholders would be the least of my worries if I owned a Lamborgini. :ylsuper

[harryhood]

In case you're wondering, a 1990 supra turbo weighs 3534 lbs according to edmunds. in other words, go with the 240!

[Silviagirl79]

damn that's too heavy

[RPS13Sideways]

I hate those Supras (Ugly Appearance, Ugly Interior, and Just UGGGG)......RPS13s Roxorz my White Soxorz off....

[SR20DET240]

What puzzles me is I thought that japanese cars are faster than american ones. He said that the JDM engine has more power than US version. Anybody know how much more?

Oh yeah, I priced it out and performance per dollar goes to the 240sx so thats what im doing.

[Structure240sx]

you made the right choice

[Nils]

the MK3 Supra is a heavy pig..... I'd go with a sr20det powered 240 anyday over a MK3

take care,nils

[Snarlynx]

off topic - if you had a Lamborghini you'd drink in it? I'd carry a plastic bag in the glove box so passangers could put their shoes in there... if anyone brought a drink within a 3 foot radius of the car I'd kick their a$s.

on topic - I think the 240 is the way to go too.

off topic - 100 posts... w00t!!!1

[y3llows14]

Hey Duanttless.....you wanna trade blown 7mgte motor?

[bob marley]

I could be mistaken, but I thought some mk3's came with the 1jz-gte. I know it came in the Soarers (Lexus SC). It's a 2.5L twin turbo I-6, correct? I don't know too much about that engine, but I think its 250hp. The 7m is a pretty nice engine, except for the head gasket problem. I know that all to well, I had 3.

They are nice cars, but my vote is for the 240 w/ det

Nils is right, it is a heavy pig

Johann

[themadscientist]

1JZ, 280hp advertised. They did come in the 70 series body, and there are a lot of sick-fast ones. One guy around here has a 1.5JZ dynoed at over 700hp in his, very nasty. The 1.5JZ is a 2JZ short block with a 1JZ head.

[KRPSICHI3]

Toyota makes very good engines. I had a 1987 Toyota Supra targa top. It had a 1g-gte engine 2.0 Twin Turbo. Before the guy who bought it from me junked it they decided to give the engine a little test. They took the muffler off and rev'd it up as high as it would go before hittingh redline and ran it for several minutes. They had to stop because they were shooting chunks of the cat out the back of the car from the heat. Shut the car off and it ran perfectly the engine had over 100,000 miles on it. Point is Toyota makes a damn good engine. but, the car is still a land barge. I think you remeber that day huh 1bad180sx?:ylsuper

[1bad180sx]

That car actually caught on fire from the heat. Engine was still running fine when we started it back up.

I need to address so many points I saw in here. I will do my best now:

JDM vs USDM models: Usually, the body of the USDM model will weigh 150 to 200 pounds more than the JDM. This is due to 5mph bumpers, sidebeams, etc... All safety features that keep morons alive. Then 7M-GTE engine, if it makes any difference in HP, it probably about in the 5-10hp range. This would be because it was tuned for 100 octane gas (around 97 or 98 american octane), which you are not going to be using. Of course, if you have the USDM computer on it - it will be tuned for 92 or whatever.

USDM 1987 Supra curb weight: Keep in mind, the Targa top means the frame had to be strengthened so the car won't sag in the middle. So, you factor in the targa, you're looking at another 150 pounds probably. Put your skinny *** in the car with a full tank of gas... Hell... you might as well get an SUV and enjoy a comfortable ride to go get groceries and take kids to soccer practice. We're already in the landbarge territory. (Pushing 4000 pounds. maybe?) The 240sx with you in it is gonna be right about 3000 pounds. Do the math on those numbers.

The Headgasket Problem: Hmmm... These cars have a tendency to blow the head gasket, especially from highway driving. High speeds for extended periods make them overheat (hence, blown radiator) and the headgasket blows. You won't get away from this problem I think. I know someone who said the way you solve this problem is put in a metal headgasket, and torque the head bolts down 50-100% tighter than stock specs. His never leaked after he went to double the stock torque specs.

This guy keeps this car under a tarp... sounds like he's probably afraid to drive it because it will break. $5500 for a 1987? Hell no.

[themadscientist]

Mine fired right up after sitting for over four years. Toyotas are tough!

[blk90s13]

mine blew a head gasket after 3 weeks of my driving :ylsuper

1988 turbo targa

[KRPSICHI3]

Themadscientist is a moderator uh oh there goes the Forum. :help

blk90s13What is this "It's all about the Jaydm Shiat" I guess you must like JDM parts do you have any or would you like some let me know I can get you some.