1987 Toyota Supra MKIII 350 Chevy V8 Vortec 700R4 Project Car

[Vacationtime247]

Here's my project car build up. Found a 92k mile 1987 Toyota Supra for sale $600. Have a 400hp Vortec V8 Chevy with a built 700R4 from another project (ran 12.8's in my '84 Vette). Also have a large aftermarket aluminum radiator. So far I've got @ $2k in it, not including the engine, tranny or radiator.

$600 for the 1987 Toyota Supra MKIII
$200 B & M Megashifter
$150 ($50 tow dolly, $100 gas / other expenses) towing it from Loiusville, KY to Muncie, IN
$430 Welding done to secure the engine plates, fab up a transmission crossmember and align for the driveshaft / differential.
$35 towing to the welder
$40 towing back
$20 Electric paint gun (for the engine bay)
$40 Rustoleum paint
$150 Grant GT Steering Wheel
$200 Miscelaneous parts (steel plates for welding and fabrication)
-----------------------------------
So far....$1865 or right around $2k

Still need to get a driveshaft and have it modified to work. Get an exhaust system that will fit. The minimal front accessories like the water pump, alternator and power steering pump. I'm estimating mid to high 12's in the 1/4 mile and a total cash outlay of $3500 or so. Anyway, here are the videos I've posted on Youtube.com in order that they were posted. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jalkpCrrD2I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsRxh7A3JT8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVoVNRaJmQI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2QtXIKyXH8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hacynXk4T8g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbDVRxTUJZk

VT247

 

[Doward]

Interesting

How about a 383 with an LT4 Hot Cam?

 

[Vacationtime247]

No 383, but I do have the HOT cam installed already. Its a 350 Vortec Engine full roller. Hot cam, roller rocker arms, Edelbrock Performer RPM intake, 750 Edelbrock Carb. Cheap and easy build.
VT247

Interesting

How about a 383 with an LT4 Hot Cam?

 

[Mo87NA]

Looks great! Ditch the Fram filter though

-Mo

 

[mk3design]

Cool project, did you just have the engine sitting around or was it something you wanted to do?

 

[Vacationtime247]

The motor was just sitting around collecting dust. Still turns over freely though. But yes to your second question as well. I wanted to do this project. Always thought the MKIII Supra was one of the coolest style of cars. Funny that more people haven't done this project. It's really not hard at all. Everything clears easily. Now I'm chomping at the bit to finish this sucker!
VT247

Cool project, did you just have the engine sitting around or was it something you wanted to do?

 

[Vacationtime247]

A few pics. Should of got a beginning picture. Started wrenching on it as soon as I got it home. It was faded blue. I'll be painting it (very cheaply) myself and will be Rustoleum gloss black with a middle red stripe.
VT247

 

[Vacationtime247]

Another few more pics. The engine is a 350 Chevy Vortec motor ($500). Mods include, cut valvestem guides for more lift ($50 machine shop), +.500 inch lift roller camshaft ($300), Vortec heads with LT4 Springs ($50), Roller Rocker arms($150), Poly locks for rocker arm bolts($40), Edelbrock Performer RPM intake ($200), Edelbrock 750 CFM Carb($200), Dual roller timing gear, Good for @350-400 hp It was cheap to build to. Should of gone for a 30 over bore and pop ups. But I'll add a 125 shot of Nitrous ($400) and should see low 12's high 11's.
VT247

 

[NIXmx]

Very nice. I'd love to see (and ride in) this car. Especially on the track.

 

[mk3design]

Are you doing the roll-on rustolium or are you using a gun?

 

[Vacationtime247]

Not sure yet. I have an electric gun, but I think the paint will run. Could get a compressor and an air gun and shoot it myself, but that's just more money out. The roller job causes less runs, gives good coverage and it's cheap. I can fix any dents, scratches, etc easily this way too. Seems the metal is pretty easy to bend and dent on these cars. The way I abuse my hot rods, I'm sure the body will need to be fixed again in the future. Rustoleum gloss black is pretty easy to match too, even with a rattle can.
VT247

Are you doing the roll-on rustolium or are you using a gun?

 

[Vacationtime247]

Making progress. Still need to get the right V belts (length), the driveshaft made and a flexible transmission dipstick / firewall mount. The exhaust is getting a small section cut out for more clearance They clear, but are pretty close to the fabricated steel plates / motor mount. Here's a few more pics of where I'm at now.
VT247

 

[zurud]

Don't do roller paint job . For the sake of other Supra owner.

 

[Mk3runner]

haha, I like this build. Thumbs up on will smith playing in one of the vids.

 

[Vacationtime247]

I've certainly got a better reception than over on the Toyota Supra Forum! I know the roller paint job sounds bad, but it really isn't so terrible. I have to make do with what I have available. Trust me, after investing all this time and money on making the swap, I want a nice looking ride as well. I'll smooth all the dings and dents out first, then paint it. Right now though, I'd drive my Supra with no lights, brakes, doors or seats, that's how bad I'm ready to be driving it. But, patience is a virtue and hopefully I'll be blessed with a nice looking car that'll run mid 12's on motor for $3500-$4k
VT247

Don't do roller paint job . For the sake of other Supra owner.

haha, I like this build. Thumbs up on will smith playing in one of the vids.

 

[ask92]

looks like a fun project,should have a sick result!!goodluck with build

 

[Vacationtime247]

I'm exhausted. Spent most of the day working on the car again. Took the gas tank down to remove the in tank fuel pump. Going to run a Holley external fuel pump & pressure regulator. Mount it right next to the tank where the rear exhaust heat sheild was. Won't be needing that shield, I'm going with sidepipes. Extended the fuel pick up tube with a clamp and a piece of hose. Will have a filter mounted prior to the pump.

Wired up the electric pusher fan, the starter cables, power for the accessories and ground cables. Bolted the starter back on. Bolted the exhaust headers on. Took out the spare tire. Cleaned up the garage.

Tomorrow, bolt on the fuel pump and pressure regulator. Screw in the spark plugs. Unbolt the flywheel to torque converter (2500 rpm stall). Fill the engine with oil and antifreeze. Tighten up the alternator belt and wire it up. Spin the oil pump with the oil pump primer. Install the distributor. START IT UP!

Only things left to purchase to make it driveable is the driveshaft and the rest of the exhaust. Sooooo close, I can't wait. Just in time for summer.

looks like a fun project,should have a sick result!!goodluck with build

 

[honestabe]

Nice project bro. I sure hope you have that motor a bath, it looks filthy. It's good to see that you're making progress and not letting it just sit.

 

[Vacationtime247]

You're right, there are a few parts that need hosed down and spray painted black. Like the alternator bracked and water pump. Here's a few more pictures of it. I got it running today! I'm loading a picture to Youtube.com and will post it up shortly. Should make this thing a rocket sled on wheels.
VT247

Nice project bro. I sure hope you have that motor a bath, it looks filthy. It's good to see that you're making progress and not letting it just sit.

 

[Vacationtime247]

Here's another Youtube.com video of the engine back up and running again. It'll be stupid fast. I think a Nitrous tank would fit in nicely where the spare tire used to be.
VT247

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCFLwjqT3HQ