Soon to be a new owner of a Supra

[Chkn Sanwch]

Hey everyone, Im new to these forums, and Im just introducing myself and everything. Im Matt, 17, just graduated highschool, and a complete car enthusiast, as I love working on them, learning about them, and of course...driving them. By the end of the summer, I will have purchased a MK3 Supra Turbo...not sure of year, as Im waiting to find the best one in my price range on craigslist or any other local dealer.

Currently, I am a proud owner of a 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL, and I am also a member over at 3SI(a 3000GT/Stealth forum). I love that car, as my uncle gave it to me as a present last year in October, and Ive done some work to it, such as intake, downpipe, high flow cat, and custom catback. Its a sweet car, but $1000 later, and Ive only gained about 20 hp at best...

So, Ive recently been researching the MK3 Supra, and Ive found that this is absolutley a car I really want. Looking into the performance aspect, it seems as if I can get some really nice performance gains for relatively cheap. The styling is flat out badass, and is a very unique looking car. Its a car Im really excited about owning, and I cant wait to become a proud owner of one and work on and upgrade here and there.

But the reason I am posting this before I even have the car is because I would like to know some things before hand that way I know what Im getting myself into. Im aware of the head gasket ordeal, and my first thing I do is buy a MHG, ARP studs, and change all the fluids. Is there anything else I should check for maintenance wise/potential areas that need attention that are typical for a Supra Turbo of this generation? For example, the 3000GT is notorious for lifter tick...but mine ALSO has at least one burnt exhaust valve and low compression in that cylinder. From what I have found, the 7mgte engines are pretty much bullet proof with a MHG and ARP studs, and of course, proper, on time maintenance(which is a no brainer).

Any input on this would be highly appreciated. I also have some other questions about a few things, but Ill bring them up/ask whenever I find myself at that point.

Thanks,
Matt

[JDMMA70]

When and if you do a MHG pull the engine out to have the block deck you do not want to do this a second time. The Stock turbos at least the ones ive dealt with are usually on their way out so its best to get them rebuilt or upgrade (57 trim ct26). If you really want to be anal on maintenance pull the head have it rebuilt/machined, hopefully the block has been cared for if you pull the motor out to get machined they will have to take the rods and pistons out so might as well get new bearing and rings and do a light overhaul. Have the injectors cleaned. Flush the coolant system completely and put in Toyota red. I may have missed some stuff so im sure other will chime in or you can ask questions.

and Welcome!
~JDMMA70

[Chkn Sanwch]

Alright, thanks for the heads up man. Sounds pretty pricey, but hey, for piece og mind and a healthy running engine, I can definitely justify that.

Any more input or tips are welcome.

-Matt

[ForcedTorque]

If you don't do the MHG correctly, and put the money into having the head AND block decked, you would have done better with a stock gasket. Do not ever give a seconds attention to the TSRM torque spec for the head. That is the cause of the notorious BHG with the 7M. If built right, the 7M IS reliable! The stock gasket, with 72 ft-lb, is good for close to 400.

Don't buy a turbo first!!!!!!! Buy the supporting mods first, and be sure that your motor is healthy enough to raise the boost. Your first mods should be intake, 3" exhaust, and a boost controller. You'll be well on your way to selling the 3000, so you can buy more mods.

[Chkn Sanwch]

Yea, Im not really planning on going with an aftermarket turbo really...maybe a rebuilt or slightly upgraded one(if the old one is going), but Id rather keep the stock turbo on there. My goal is to safely acheive anywhere to 300-350hp without upgrading the turbo. As for the 3000GT, my mom says she reallys wants it and her excuse is "God gave her too much testosterone". Hahaha. That, and Id love to see the car stay in the family.

Unfortunately, I have to see if I can take a loan out from the bank after I turn 18.

[IJ.]

Pics of Mom? ;)

[tbcmorris]

ij you dog

[IJ.]

woof ;)

She might be a hottie!

[2quickk]

^^ lol welcome to SM good luck finding a nice supra!

[dmd0652]

I have an MKIV so I can't be much help but my brother (supra0089) has an MKIII and one thing he recently found is once you break a certain hp mark with the auto's you're going to run into some issues. So you might want to look into that before you decide what you get. Good luck.