I'm new to the Supra way of life, and locally an 86.5 5spd non-turbo is for sale for $6500. It's a one owner car with 75k miles, and collector's tags. The thing is in pristine condition. I haven't driven it yet, so that is to be deteremined.

I would like the car to drive (stock) for a few summers, and then would like to swap in a turbo engine and do some minor tuning. What in your opinion would be a reasonable price to pay for this vehicle? Any particular reasons why I should wait for something else?

My estimated budget for mods down the line would be in the 6-10k range. Is this workable?

Thanks.

Ben

If it's seriously in pristine condition, I'd pay that for it. Most MKIII owners wouldn't, though.

Something you'll come to learn, is that 95% of MKIII Supra owners are cheapskates. Never want to spend money where it's needed, then blame the car when it fails.

It's REALLY hard to find a car in that good of shape, especially considering it's age. I'd buy it in a heartbeat. Most wouldn't, unfortunately.

Oh, and I nearly forgot, I'm NOT one of those cheapskates, and I refuse to be grouped with them!

I definately agree that $6k is reasonable for a mint condition dependable 20 year old sport car. I'd make sure it's what you want though. Despite the age of an MK3 there are alot out there in very good shape for the same money, so take your time.

Also if the car is that nice and that collectable then you would be an ass to mollest it with aftermarket parts and a different engine. These cars are going to be worth lots of money one just wait, because everyone destroys them from half ass dreams of drifting and racing. My advise to you if you buy this car is to lock it away for 40 years. Be different, dont be retarded with your piece of history.

Well let me ask this, how fun is the NA version to drive? That will be a large determining factor in when and what mods take place. And in all reality, the car will be a fair weather daily driver over the next 3-4 years to give the V8 4Runner some much needed time off (13mpg).

What things should I look for when driving this vehicle?

Ben

How fun it is I can't say. But i can tell you it's only a 30-40hp difference. Maybe Shaeff will show you his parking lot video of his car before he went turbo, I think that will answer you question.

Now my mind has changed again. I found an 89 turbo with 160k on the clock that was well maintained. The price seems right so I think I may pull the trigger.

Ben

I'm sure we'll be hearing back from you. Enjoy your new ride and welcome to the scene.

quote:

Originally posted by DigityD'87:
How fun it is I can't say. But i can tell you it's only a 30-40hp difference. Maybe Shaeff will show you his parking lot video of his car before he went turbo, I think that will answer you question.

You're a bit off on a few things here. Yes, it's only 30hp difference, but the REAL difference is in the TORQUE (which is really what we like) Turbo 7M's have 254ft lbs tq compared to 180ft lbs of the N/A. Those extra 74ft lbs make a HUGE difference in overall power! (and by adding an exhaust, intake, and MBC to a turbo car, you can make around 300hp) Can't do that with an N/A.

On another side note, the parkinglot video of my car was just AFTER I did the turbo swap.

Mods included: Clutchmaster's stage 3 clutch, Fidanza aluminum flywheel, BIC ddp, and that's about it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3oSD64y2ec

Oh, i thought something was up with that video. You are definatly tearing up asphault.

As for torque, i'm well aware of its importance. Horsepower represents more of a top speed, while torque is what pushes you through the finish line. Thats why built american V8's are so impressive, most have at least 100ft. lbs. more torque than horsepower. I just stated the difference in horsepower because thats what most uneducated racers relate to.

LOL, yeah.

I gotcha. I just wanted to make sure.