What's the easiest way to identify a Turbo MKIII? [Archive]

Supraman

03-30-2005, 05:52 PM

Loki

03-30-2005, 05:57 PM

Just by looking at one you can't tell if it's Turbo or not. You could get the spoilers on NA's, the best way is either to check the vin. If it's MA71 it's got a Turbo, also check if it's got the boost gauge.

I looked at a pre '89 Supra this weekend and it had the wing, but had the volt meter so it wasn't a Turbo.

GrimJack

03-30-2005, 06:23 PM

Check on the dash. If the far right gauge is a voltmeter rather than a boost gauge, it's NA, unless it's had some pretty major work done under the hood.

Best bet is to look under the hood - the turbo isn't hard to spot, it's a big piece bolted onto the exhaust side where the NAs only have an exhaust header. :)

Supracentral

03-30-2005, 06:52 PM

I've been under the impression that only some Turbo cars have the Sports Package (which of course includes TEMS, Targa, ABS, LSD, and rear spoiler), meaning that if you see a car with a rear spoiler, it automatically is a Turbo--but you might have a Turbo without a spoiler. Is this correct? I'm helping a friend find his Supra, and some postings do not mention a Turbo when they do indeed have the spoiler, so I just want to confirm that my original thinking is accurate.

If this is wrong, please set me straight! Take note that I'd like to be able to identify Turbos without looking for the actual "Turbo" designation on the rear (not all of them have it anyway...I've seen a 1991 Turbo with no mention on the exterior, although it had the S.P.).

All turbo cars came equiped from the factory with the spoiler and some sort of badging that indicated it was a turbo.

Some N/A cars were ordered with the sport package and have the spoiler.

Since you are dealing with cars that are getting up in the years, with all the debadging, rebadging and riceriffic behavior, the only true way to know you are looking at a turbo car is under the hood. And that doesn't discount swaps, etc.

You can't even use the MA70 vs MA71 in the vin since, although Toyota originally planned to use all the MA70 chassis as NA's and all the MA71's as turbos, the unexpected demand for turbo cars caused them to just mix and match chassis & engine combo's as needed.

Loki

03-30-2005, 07:11 PM

You can't even use the MA70 vs MA71 in the vin since, although Toyota originally planned to use all the MA70 chassis as NA's and all the MA71's as turbos, the unexpected demand for turbo cars caused them to just mix and match chassis & engine combo's as needed.

I've never seen a Turbo thats VIN didn't say MA71 in it, but maybe I just haven't looked at enough of them. You are right, the only way to know for sure is to look under the hood.

Supracentral

03-30-2005, 07:14 PM

I've never seen a Turbo thats VIN didn't say MA71 in it, but maybe I just haven't looked at enough of them. You are right, the only way to know for sure is to look under the hood.

I've owned three MA70 Turbo cars - my current one is one of these.

Squid699

03-30-2005, 07:37 PM

MA71's were indeed the designated turbo chassis, but due to demand they began to use excess MA70 chassis. Later models went exclusively to the MA70 designation, If I rememeber correctly.

My 89 Turbo has a voltmeter..................but I fall under Grim's category of "unless is pretty major work under the hood" :)

MKIIINA

03-30-2005, 07:46 PM

look under the hood.... if theres a rather large snail (or 2) then its a turbo :) also check out the goofy second radiator in the front :p

DrakeMK3

03-30-2005, 07:47 PM

As stated by several others, the spoiler is usually a dead giveaway. I find the best way to tell if it's a turbo is to pop the hood.:)

88turboma71

03-30-2005, 07:55 PM

were only certain colors made with turbo's or could u get a turbo in any color?

DrakeMK3

03-30-2005, 08:04 PM

were only certain colors made with turbo's or could u get a turbo in any color?

I'm fairly certain that the only paint code changes ocurred with the year they were made and not necessarily the trim they came in.

Loki

03-30-2005, 08:15 PM

also check out the goofy second radiator in the front :p

That is actually a really good way, you can tell from looking at it without having to pop the hood. Didn't think of that :p

Supraman

03-30-2005, 09:23 PM

Hey, thanks guys! Supramania, before the big hack, was always the best place to get information--both the people, and the archive. Now that all we have are the great, knowledgeable members to rely on, you guys deserve special thanks. It's fantastic being a Supra owner :)

I'm glad to hear that all Turbos have the Sports Package, and that it's optional on the N/A. That means that the only thing we can tell from completely outside the car is that the car is an N/A if it does not have a spoiler, provided it has not been removed, or the engine overhauled/replaced by a 7MGTE.

For the moment, I'm content with my 1992 N/A, especially because it's in fantastic condition and the rarity of the '92. However, I'll be working hard to find my friend a great Turbo, because it's clear they are the way to go if available. When I was buying my car, no good-condition Turbos were available in my area.

Once again, thanks! I have more questions, including ones I posted on the old board but never got the answers to before the server was attacked...so I'll be posting a few more topics. Also, I hope to become an active member, and leverage my own knowledge of these cars.

-- Scott Goodson

Jeff Lange

03-30-2005, 09:28 PM

I've owned three MA70 Turbo cars - my current one is one of these.

Pic Please.

Note: MA71 should always be in the VIN of a Turbo car. The chassis code will always read MA70 for N/A's.

Since the VIN has nothing to do with the chassis code, and MA71 only ever shows up in the VIN, the supply/demand argument goes out the window, lol.

I've never seen a car that had MA70 in the VIN and it was an original Turbo, usually there's something that gives it away as being a swap.

But I'll agree with everyone else, chances are, now, the only real way to know is to look the car over yourself, and to know what to look for.

From my experience, with all the discussion I've seen, visits to Toyota, looking at EPC's and information, and all the cars I've seen, all the cars I've seen in pics, etc, etc, etc...

All MK3 Supras here in North America are MA70 chassis cars, and in the VIN (which has nothing to do with the chassis code), JT2MA70 is for N/A cars, JT2MA71 is for Turbo cars. I've seen a car with MA71 stamped onto the chassis, but it was not Toyota chassis code format, it was VIN format, it was an Australian car.

I've never seen a pic of a MK3 Supra with an MA71 chassis code stamped onto the firewall, and the only time I've heard of it, the person posts later saying they were wrong, or it was some car someone saw one time, or it was some car someone owned before, but nobody can actually prove anything.

Someone prove me wrong, but I've researched into it pretty heavily, and it doesn't seem like there is any inconsistancy in any way with any MA70 chassis codes, or with any MA70/MA71 VIN code setup. That I've ever seen.

Loki

03-30-2005, 09:44 PM

Note: MA71 should always be in the VIN of a Turbo car. The chassis code will always read MA70 for N/A's.

That's what I meant in my original post.

SuprA70

03-30-2005, 10:05 PM

Look for an intercooler.

ShagsSupra

03-30-2005, 11:38 PM

Pop the hood and look for a snail.

americanjebus

03-31-2005, 12:20 AM

I've never seen a Turbo thats VIN didn't say MA71 in it, but maybe I just haven't looked at enough of them. You are right, the only way to know for sure is to look under the hood.

my car is a ma70 turbo so your done, its a 92 so its probably one of the last models they probably just grabbed what was left in the assembly line and threw mine together just before starting the MKIV

mismatched or not i still love my car

Jeff Lange

03-31-2005, 01:10 AM

Post a pic.

Also, if you go to Toyota with your VIN, they'll be able to tell you if the car was always a Turbo model. :)

alloyguitar

03-31-2005, 01:13 AM

i have an 89 ma70 turbo car....

Jeff Lange

03-31-2005, 01:15 AM

someone post a pic.

I just want everyone to know we are talking about the VIN here, not the chassis code... the VIN.

Just want to make that clear.

Even without a pic, just the VIN would do.

Idealsupra

03-31-2005, 04:12 AM

yeah im gonna have to go with jeff on this one... VIN and chassis code are completely seperate issues of denomination.

if youre claiming the opposite of this... post pics or BAN ...that includes you mike :D

Boostaddctn

03-31-2005, 05:39 AM

Easy, just ask the owner if its Turbo or Not... aight peace

Squid699

03-31-2005, 11:55 AM

Personally, I was referring to chassis number - all the turbo VINs I've seen were MA71.
There are numerous MA70 chassis turbos since they didn't have enough MA71 chassis

Supracentral

03-31-2005, 01:58 PM

Yea, same here - the Chassis code on the firewall is what I was referring to - not the actual VIN on the title.

kulangflow

03-31-2005, 02:07 PM

VIN on my 91Turbo shows MA71, but MODEL shows MA70 .. I'm assuming that MA70 is the chassis .

http://hondahunter.com/videos/Brian/Supra%20Pics/Supra%20new%20VIN%20Sticker.jpg

americanjebus

03-31-2005, 02:10 PM

my argument was chasis. i need to check on the vin. having ma71 vins on all turbos would be a peice of cake for toyota i was talkin chasis.

Jeff Lange

03-31-2005, 06:22 PM

Yeah, so now that we've cleared that up.

All the chassis codes are MA70, none are MA71.

suprarcr89

03-31-2005, 06:29 PM

I agree the only way is under the hood.... my car was a n/a and now it has the 7mgte turbo engine, r154 turbo 5spd trans and the turbo differential so in every aspect it is a turbo car now....

IJ.

03-31-2005, 06:36 PM

I have the urge to say "It's the one up on blocks with a BHG" but that might be tempting fate considering I only just got mine running ;)!

Jeff Lange

03-31-2005, 06:45 PM

heh, good one, One J.

garrettrowe

03-31-2005, 07:56 PM

If you are just walking or driving by, look at the exhaust. I've yet to see a big exhaust (not including the tip) on an n/a car

Jeff Lange

03-31-2005, 08:08 PM

If you are just walking or driving by, look at the exhaust. I've yet to see a big exhaust (not including the tip) on an n/a car

That's hardly a good way to tell, lol.

I have the stock catback on my Turbo. :p

Squid699

03-31-2005, 09:02 PM

Jeff - I'm pretty sure I've seen an ma71 turbo chassis code.....but the majority are ma70.

suprarcr89 - you did the same thing I did...changed everything out in the car. No more NA for us!

Jeff Lange

04-01-2005, 01:05 AM

Jeff - I'm pretty sure I've seen an ma71 turbo chassis code.....but the majority are ma70.

suprarcr89 - you did the same thing I did...changed everything out in the car. No more NA for us!

Yeah, pretty sure... that's all I've ever heard, it's never gone any further, ever.

SupraMkiii24

04-01-2005, 09:53 AM

I put a voltmeter in place of the stock boost gauge in my turbo Supra :)

suprarcr89

04-01-2005, 10:00 AM

Jeff - I'm pretty sure I've seen an ma71 turbo chassis code.....but the majority are ma70.

suprarcr89 - you did the same thing I did...changed everything out in the car. No more NA for us!

nope the only thing in my supra left n/a is the volt meter because i have an aftermarket boost gauge and hate redundant gauges....

Squid699

04-01-2005, 10:00 AM

same here....:)

lanky189

04-01-2005, 10:21 AM

nope the only thing in my supra left n/a is the volt meter because i have an aftermarket boost gauge and hate redundant gauges....

same here.... :)

Its a match made in heaven!

I'm with 90SupraT ask. It's just a phone call away..

If you want to find out if its been swapped check the vin. Or check out the inner fender walls for scratches and scrapes..that'll give you an idea how much work as been done..

superiorsupra

04-01-2005, 12:02 PM

I have three mk3 turbos, one 87 and two 89, and they all have the ma71 vin number. My old 86.5 n/a had a ma70 vin number. Best way to tell is the intercooler in front.

Idealsupra

04-01-2005, 03:39 PM

I have three mk3 turbos, one 87 and two 89, and they all have the ma71 vin number. My old 86.5 n/a had a ma70 vin number. Best way to tell is the intercooler in front.

unless someone decides to hot pipe it...which is feasible for about 7-8psi...

ive seen a couple like that ;)

toyota_supra_1988

04-01-2005, 09:17 PM

best bet, check under the hood, if you can see the turbo then its a turbo, or just listen for it

RacerXJ220

04-02-2005, 09:51 AM

Just poke your head in to see if it's got an intercooler... Very easy.

wulfstan

04-02-2005, 04:06 PM

Intercooler definetly, but if the owner doesn't allow you to look well, don't buy it.

You are the buyer, take charge, walk away.

Oh, you're just asking about visual. Well, pop the hood. Be ready for whatever pops out. G'luck

Orion ZyGarian

04-02-2005, 07:35 PM

Let me try to make this like oldschool SM:

Lets suppose you cant talk to the owner or just see one. Rather than asking and quite possibly getting a lie, you could quickly

[] Find the "2nd radiator". Also, the oil cooler should be next to it.
[] I have seen a MA70 VIN with a stock turbo, it was an 89, had the boost gauge, turbo badge on the back, 89 spoiler, blah blah blah. However, they are quite rare, so chances are that if it has a "JT2MA70" VIN then it is N/A and "JT2MA71" it is turbo.
[] Pre89's have a "turbo" badge (with the same text that is on the 24 valve intercooler turbo badge under the hood) on the driver side rear next to the tailight. However plenty (including myself) no longer have this badge.
[] Look at the exhaust under the car. N/A's had two pipes coming out of the exhaust manifold, mating into a thick cover plate thing, bending at the bottom to a single pipe paralell to the ground. Turbo exhausts (stock) have only 1 pipe from the turbo back. You can also tell the tranny type from this thing, but I dont have the pic with me now to show the difference.

Jeff Lange

04-02-2005, 07:48 PM

I have seen a MA70 VIN with a stock turbo, it was an 89, had the boost gauge, turbo badge on the back, 89 spoiler, blah blah blah. However, they are quite rare, so chances are that if it has a "JT2MA70" VIN then it is N/A and "JT2MA71" it is turbo.
Wasn't a factory turbo then, or the VIN was swapped. ALL Turbo VIN's have JT2MA71.

TONY!

04-02-2005, 09:46 PM

Well, if it is stock,
You can also weigh it, I am sure that a turbo would weigh more.
or
Take it to the dyno.

Easy as that.

Slow_Sc3

04-02-2005, 10:02 PM

look to see if there is an intercooler.

IHI-RHC7

04-02-2005, 10:04 PM

Jeff I have an MA71 Chassis code.
I SWEAR!
If the car was at my house I'd get a pic. Someday I will prove you wrong.
;)

Squid699

04-02-2005, 11:03 PM

I'm trackin down a couple.......

JerzeySlowpra

04-03-2005, 12:27 AM

a turbo version of any car always looks alot more aggresive for 1 and im pretty sure all turbo vin numbers had "ma71" in it oppose to the "ma70" n/a vins

Squid699

04-03-2005, 12:32 AM

'look more aggressive'? stock for stock, take off the wing and they look the same....

DrakeMK3

04-03-2005, 08:26 AM

a turbo version of any car always looks alot more aggresive for 1 and im pretty sure all turbo vin numbers had "ma71" in it oppose to the "ma70" n/a vins

While I think this is true as well, I have heard of a few instances where someone with an MA70 vin has had a turbo version without a swap being known of.

sammydafish

04-04-2005, 09:23 AM

You can't even use the MA70 vs MA71 in the vin since, although Toyota originally planned to use all the MA70 chassis as NA's and all the MA71's as turbos, the unexpected demand for turbo cars caused them to just mix and match chassis & engine combo's as needed.

this isn't correct. The use of NA chasis for turbo cars did happen, but the VIN of a turbo car will always be MA71. If you look on the firewall of some turbo cars with an MA71 VIN, the firewall chasis stamp might say MA70. This means the factory used a chasis originaly destined to be an NA as a turbo car. Since the chasis are identical save for the stamp, it's no big deal.

If you're checking for VIN swaps and engine swaps, an original turbo car will have MA71 in the vin and on the vin plate and on the EPA sticker.

Every option that a turbo car had, an NA could have if ordered. The only turbo specific items are the engine and tranny, engine management, rear ratios and the supra monitors are different on cars that were so equiped. Every other option is identical on Turbos or NAs.

Jeff Lange

04-07-2005, 09:06 AM

If you look on the firewall of some turbo cars with an MA71 VIN, the firewall chasis stamp might say MA70

Correction:

If you look on the firewall of all turbo cars with an MA71 VIN, the firewall chasis stamp will say MA70.

Toyota starts all Chassis codes from 000000. If there were any with MA71 chassis codes, (which some people apparently have seen at some point, but nobody can ever prove, :p), the chassis codes would be so low, lol.

Toyota ALWAYS does this, I don't know why all the Supra guys don't want to accept it, but the chassis code rarely matches up with the VIN "code". My Corolla has AE86 stamped on the firewall, but has AE88 in the VIN, because it's a GT-S model. It still has the AE86 chassis. The Supra turbo has MA71 in the VIN, but it's still an MA70 chassis.

Someone prove me wrong, lol. Someone post up a pic of a car with an MA71 chassis code on the firewall, or even a chart with MA71 chassis codes relating to production months, like exist for the MA70, JZA70, and GA70...