[DevRev]

Hey guys, I'm not a *Complete* beginner Mechanic, but I'm pretty close to it. I learn fast and generally have the patience to learn how to do something correctly before I attempt it. I know it will be a large learning curve, but of course if I'm stumped I could always request a person from a local forum to come out and show me.

Is the MK3 a good beginner platform to start out on in terms of the knowledge required? I'd be combining help on here with reading one of the manuals I found for the MK3.

I'm not exactly tight on cash, I'm only 17 but make around $2k a month, and I spend it very conservatively. (I'm sure other people do this -- Whenever I don't want to spend money I sit inside as a turtle and play games -- It works out quite nicely.)


I'm looking for a MK3 Supra Turbo 5 speed in the 4k to 8k range, I believe I'm right in the meat of "Crappy supra" to "Okay condition" with that price range, correct?

I'd like to have around 400 horses, possibly a JZ swap? I also don't want to take any shortcuts. I've heard the 7m engines seem to be some-what unreliable? Of course I take it that comes from someone who dogs the shit out of their car and does not take good care of it. I want to use nice strong internals, and have a clean engine bay.

So the million dollar question is, can I have "On the job training" with the MK3 or should I be looking at a alternative car? The problem with a "alternative" car is the interest, I won't be as interested in putting in work on a car I know I will just sell.

 

[bassjunkiens5]

It's not recomended as a first car. It would be a good idea to get another car as well as a back up. 7M can be as reliable as any other engine, it just had some unaddressed issues off the line. I'm a few hours south of you so if it comes down to it I can try to make it up there.

 

[57trimMKIII]

Small conversation from the clean MKIII's thread:

That is the number one reason that every kid should get a mk3 for their first car. If nothing else owning a 7m will make you anal about checking every fluid, and hearing every odd sound the motor/car makes. The 7m turns ordinary people into maintenance freaks, or bicycle riders/ride moochers/public transportation takers/ex supra owners

How did that saying go?

MKIII Supra: Making mechanics out of normal men since 1986

HAHA true, SO VERY true. I've learned everything I know off the supra. A good portion of the time waiting till things go bad and then replacing. Believe it or not still havent done a HG. (on my car at least)

+1 :bigthumb:

Going on 18 now, and I've learned quite a few things from owning an MKIII.

LoL I took over ownership of my mk3 end of last summer. you wouldn't believe the amount of knowledge I've had force fed into my brain within a years time... went from knowing pretty much nothing to doing my own HG job etc etc. now am looking forward to my first trans swap, steering rack/pump swap... oh boy

 

[DevRev]

Not my first car, I forgot to mention this will be a weekend car. I currently have 97 BMW 328is as a daily. Bass, that would be great if you ever did that, you'd definitely have quite a few bucks going your way, thanks for the quotes Hellraiser

 

[57trimMKIII]

Not my first car, I forgot to mention this will be a weekend car. I currently have 97 BMW 328is as a daily.

In that case, go for it!

And I don't want this to turn into another 7M vs. 1JZ thread, but...

Simply put: if you take care of your engine, it will take care of you.

Problem free 7M owner since 6/1/10 here (the day I picked her up).

 

[suprra_boy]

haha it sucks to rebuild if you know nothing trust me on that one

 

[DevRev]

haha it sucks to rebuild if you know nothing trust me on that one

I'll try and be nice about this but your posts even have me puzzled as if your being serious about what your posting about. People have offered extremely legit advice to you, you even said you don't like the FREE MANUAL someone posted for you? You have your opinion but if you ask for advice take it constructively.

 

[suprra_boy]

haha im srry i have just alway been told to get more than one side and the manual sucks for me i only said i didnt want its cuz i saw a free one that was simpler and easy to follow

 

[SupraCooled]

mk3 will make you a man

 

[huanab]

Let me just say that before I bought my supra, I only knew the basic things such as replacing battery, spark plugs and oil change. Since owning my supra, I've basically turned into a weekend mechanic and I frequent this forum to learn more.

I'm actually quite suprise that after I pulled my motor for a rebuild and put it back in, the car actually started up.

 

[ninjadude206]

$4-8K should get you a pretty nice MK3. I would opt for the nicer garaged car in the $6K range, because as you can see, these things can get expensive quick if you buy someone elses nightmare. I got mine for $5K with 80K miles on a brand new block, rebuilt transmission, newer paint, mint interior, targa, and it's a '91-'92 with the nicer wheels, climate controls, etc.

 

[Ryeno]

Yes it's a good platform and a lot better than other cars out there BUT if you want my honest opinion and I know this is the MK3 section.....

Unless you really love the MK3 Supra I'd get a Lexus SC300 instead. The SC300 is in the exact same price bracket as the MK3 built with the MK4 supra platform. It comes with a 2JZ-GE and some with W58. This is important because it gives you a lot more & easier options.

-Let's say you just want to go turbo, you can slap a turbo onto the GE engine,
-Let's say you want to go 2JZ-GTE / Auto well an Aristo swap cheap because you already have correct engine brackets, oils pans, fan clutch and you can use a SC400 driveshaft. Also your speedo works with the auto trans stock.
-Let's say you want to go 1JZ-GTE and R154 5spd well a Soarer 1JZ-GTE/R154 is a lot more common then a MK3 1JZ/R154 and it's a direct bolt in swap because the Soarer is the JDM version of the SC300.
-Or let's say your a boss and you want that Supra 2JZ-GTE / 6SPD set well it too fit factory perfect in a SC300, even the differential does. It can be made to work in a MK3 but it's not a direct fit.

Also the Supra TT brake calipers are a direct swap BBK. MKIV Suspension works too.

As for experience if you are astute and can learn what you're doing while you take apart the car and have a backup vehicle then go ahead.

 

[aaronc222]

Let me just say that before I bought my supra, I only knew the basic things such as replacing battery, spark plugs and oil change. Since owning my supra, I've basically turned into a weekend mechanic and I frequent this forum to learn more.

I'm actually quite suprise that after I pulled my motor for a rebuild and put it back in, the car actually started up.

+1. Before I got the Supra the hardest things I'd done were drum brakes and a fuel filter (95 Celica, didn't exactly need much work). Since having the Supra I've done suspension work, tie rods, head work...

Don't forget the other forum (supramania.com). They're more MK3 oriented. Most people are on both.

$4-8K should get you a pretty nice MK3. I would opt for the nicer garaged car in the $6K range, because as you can see, these things can get expensive quick if you buy someone elses nightmare. I got mine for $5K with 80K miles on a brand new block, rebuilt transmission, newer paint, mint interior, targa, and it's a '91-'92 with the nicer wheels, climate controls, etc.

Again +1. I bought my 87 for $2k. While I initially paid less I'm paying through the nose now with things like ripped seats, carpet, fading paint... Gonna cost a pretty penny.

 

[871JZ]

In short, no.

 

[foreverpsycotic]

8k for a MKIII will get you a super clean already modified one, probably swapped with a 1/2 jz and possibly singled.

 

[BrownMK3Kid]

from what i see, i say go for it.

 

[TerrenceLP]

So the million dollar question is, can I have "On the job training" with the MK3 or should I be looking at a alternative car? The problem with a "alternative" car is the interest, I won't be as interested in putting in work on a car I know I will just sell.

I say get one! But only spend $2k - $4k and avoid Prized Possessions... As with any used car buy, find one stock and go from there.

As for the information, if you read up you will be a Supra Jedi by the end of the month. Start Here - http://www.cygnusx1.net/Supra/Library/ToyotaTech/default.aspx

The 7m motor was ahead of its time, there is a lot of good learning from this motor. First you can learn how to maintain and troubleshoot, then fix all of the bad stuff with the MOD's from users, like the Oil System, PS Location, etc... cheap mods that make it better and more reliable. The other cool part is once you out live your 7m, you can move in to the JZ family.

So over all, it's a great car, fun to drive (even at super car speeds!) has a huge following, has many technical gremlins that can teach you allot.

I was in the same boat, wanting to take a HUGE step forward into a project... now I have a 87 turbo that has gone through some changes!

I'm now ready for a engine build and some Mega Squirt stand alone EMS to keep the fun rolling!

 

[foreverpsycotic]

2k is dangerously close to craptastic status. Find a knowledgeable member in your area and ask his opinion of any cars you find. It is always good to have friends that have been around supras for a little while.

 

[bluebullet89]

i say get one and for 8k you can buy mine lol










i'm pretty sure i probably wouldnt let it go. already put in too much work/love.

 

[RazoE]

Get an NA.

My 89 was NA when I bought it, bone stock except for some super-ricey stickers and an HSK SMP filter (surprising, considering I bought it off some old Guatamalan guy). Now it's not a beast, but it has plenty of go for what I use it for, and it's been for the most part reliable.

As for 4-8k, you could get a VERY nice MKIII for that, as prices seem lower than they should be.

my girl got her 86.5 for $700, I got my 89 for $1200, and my 92 for $1900.