88 Blue Turbo restoration/upgrade story

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Austin
Next:

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Different tranny mounts. My old one on the right and the one that came with my "new" trans on the left. There is a large heavy rubber thing that once mounted doesn't actually touch anything and gets in the way of the exhaust support bracket on my car.

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Box of cleaned parts

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Freakin' mess

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Ready for the EGR block off plates LMK if anyone needs a relatively new EGR (Had a new one installed during the first engine swap)

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My old extension housing all nice and clean. The "new" one was all bashed up

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Not quite there yet

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I LOVE IT when shit cleans up so nicely

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"new stuff on the left, old stuff on the right... crazy how my old stuff is in much better condition with barely any rust on the T/C at all

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Scrubbed the "new" trans for a whole day... and compared to my old one? Still looks worse -_-

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Rusted parts on the "new" trans

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non rusted, just dirty parts on the old trans

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ugh...
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
995
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Austin
More:

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Stripping the block

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I gaze at my princess and despair :'(

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The Gates hose are impossible to get off... ruined this one trying now I need a new set of coolant hoses FML

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Random picture of my gourmet ramen. le fuck yeah

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Leaking PS hose, gonna replace with braided hose from driftmotion... or make my own. I am not a fan of braided steel... I want the braided nylon hoses for the stock look

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Leaking AC lines

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So if I delete my egr system, does that mean I can delete all hoses to this point?

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This one too?

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And this one?
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Austin
And here is the perplexing stuff:

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"new" valve body

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Internals of the "new" trans

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Old valve body still mounted

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Old oil pan. I have no idea why it was so dirty... remember I had just performed a flush when I installed the cooler. I want to say this is dirt that cam from the t/c when I pulled the engine that flooded out of the t/c and got into the rest of the trans. This will probably mean that the internals of my old trans are completely shot now, right? a340e experts lmk plz

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"new" internals on the left, old on the right. You can clearly see the differences. The "new" one has three similar accumulators that differ greatly from the accumulators in my old trans. My old trans also seems to have a very different third accumulator. I know for a fact the "new" trans came from a Supra, but the old one I have no idea where it came from. it was included with my JDM 7M. Or it could very well be my old trans. I can't remember if the guy that did the swap used my old trans or the new one with the engine. I doubt he used the old one, since he probably pulled the trans with the engine (hence my 3 broken grounds out of 4), and never touched the new trans.

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Accumulators in both trans were filthy and muddy.

So I have no idea what to do here. The "new" trans has much less play in the clutch packs (they moved less when I tried to slide stuff around). Not sure which valve body I want to send to Devin because the new one looks shady while my old one looks nicer. I will probably swap my old extension housing, kickdown cable, gear select assembly (where the shifter meets the trans outside the housing) to the "new trans", have my old torque converter rebuilt and old valve body rebuilt for the "new" trans. Then later in the future, I will buy an IPT rebuild kit and rebuild my old trans, then reswap all the stuff back to my old trans. What I need to know, is if these differences between my two transmissions make something unfeasible etc etc.

Also I will soon post a comprehensive parts list of everything I want/need/have for all time to put on the supra in any length of future from now.
 

suprarx7nut

YotaMD.com author
Nov 10, 2006
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www.supramania.com
Clean car, save the seats, lol. Seats can make a huge difference on the feel of the interior. Getting yours recovered or replaced should really pull that interior together.

As always, enjoying the pics and keep up the good work. :) Seeing your thread has been good motivation to get my ass out in the garage and clean up my bay and interior. I always think my car is clean until I see threads like yours...
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
995
0
16
Austin
LOL thanks man, as for cosmetics, those will come later. For those of you who like lists, here is my comprehensive list of everything I could ever want to put on the MK3:

Here's my complete comprehensive parts list of everything I could ever want to put on my MK3
* = need before turnover to Sergio
i = need before startup
(MS) = Machine Shop provided
B = have/ordered/shipped

Supra Parts List


Engine Block/Oil/PS/AC:

*ATI Super Damper 370
BIC Poly Engine Mounts 149
Modified Oil Pan 280
Modified Oil Pump 375

Oil Driveshaft Bearings (MS) 45
*Modified D/S Retention Plate 90

ARZ Oil Supply Pipe 145
Oil Squirters 68

I/J Teflon Crank Scraper 180
Freeze Plug kit (MS) 36

Timing Belt Tensioner 38
Rear/Front Main Seals 57

Rod/Main Bearings (MS)
Eagle Rods/JE Pistons/ARP bolts 1200
ARP Head/Main Studs 230
Oil Filter Relocation Kit 100

B&M Oil Supercooler 58
Oil Pressure Sender 43
AEM Temp Gauge/Sensor 159
AEM Oil Pressure Gauge/Sensor 211
Beech Billet Pulley Set 340
*HKS Stopper MHG 380
Gates Racing Timing Belt 72
Alternator Belt 15
Powersteering Belt 9

A/C Belt 10
A/C In/Out Lines 126
A/C Drier 27


Engine Head/Fuel/Iginition:

Gasket Set 99
Cam Seals 18
Injector O-Ring Set 13

FIC SS PnP 550cc Injectors 485
NGK Laser Iridium S/P 70

Heat Shielding Gasket 52
Valve Stem Seals 40
Exhaust Stud kit 70
EGR Block Off Plates 28

Ferrea Valve Train 1500
CPS Rebuild Kit 50
Billet CPS Cover 69
AEM Tru-Time Cam Gears 330
AEM Fuel Pressure Gauge/Sensor 211
AFPR Kit 265
Full Braided nylon hose upgrade
Dual Walbro Hangar
Second Walbro Pump

Turbo/Intercooler/Intake/Exhaust:

57 Trim CT-26 575
Gasket Set 13
Braided Oil Lines 149

AEM Tru-boost Gauge/Controller 319
AEM EUGO Wideband 211
AL Straight Pipe 2.5in 14
AL Straight Pipe 2in 13
AL 45 Degree Pipe 2.5in 14
AL 45 Degree Pipe 2in 13

HKS 3K Pipe 100
HKS SSQV 4 248
Silicone Accordion Hose 125
Custom Intake Ducting
Reducer Coupler 2.75in-2.5in 22
Reducer Coupler 2.5in-2in 22
Coupler 2.75in 6
45 Degree Coupler 2in 36
SS T-bolt Clamp 2.75in x3 19
SS T-bolt Clamp 2.5in x4 25
SS T-bolt Clamp 2in x2 13

LIPP Intercooler Plate 107
BIC DDP 550
Test Pipe 63
Tanabe Touring Medallion 610
Lexus AFM 35

FFIM
FMIC

Transmission/Drivetrain:
Upgraded Valve Body 250
Upgraded Torque Converter ~600

Larger Oil Pan 100
AEM Temp Gauge/Sensor 159

Gasket Kit 69
IPT Rebuild 2875
One Piece AL Driveshaft 370
Speedo Elbow 89
LSD rebuild kit
LSD upgrade to TRD

Suspension/Subframe/Brakes:
Energy Poly Bushings 145
Ronnie K Subframe Bushings 465
Beech Front Swaybar Endlinks 100
Beech Rear Swaybar Endlinks 100
Beech Rear Traction/Toe Links 400
Beech Camber Arm 200
Illumina II TEMS shocks 424
RSR Race Springs 200
B&G Springs 200
Tein Flex Coilovers 1615
ARZ Wilwood BBK F/R 2830
Master Cylinder Brace 80
Master Cylinder Rebuild 199

Cosmetic:
New Windshield
New Window Trim all around
Complete Respray w/ Engine Bay
Body work for flaws
Fire Blanket Refresh
Tint Windows w/ Detail @ EVS
Clear Bra @ EVS
New Targa Seals
New Hatch Seals
Leatherseats.com Kit
Extra leather for inserts
Black Carpet/Mats
Sound System Upgrade
LED Retrofit of all lights
LED Console/Dash
Rewire 89+ Cruise Control
Paint Faded Plastics Black
 

suprarx7nut

YotaMD.com author
Nov 10, 2006
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Arizona
www.supramania.com
Holy crap, have you totaled all those parts? That's like $16k without the cosmetic section. That'll be one hell of a mk3 if you can make 1/2 those things happen.

My dream parts list isn't too far from what you've got listed. I'll be anxious to see this come together. :)
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
995
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Austin
OK. I just need to make a note of this. It is really starting to piss me the fuck off. This stupid ass disparity between Supraforums and Supramania. I'm trying to research information and on one forum people will say one thing and bash on the other, while the other forum says something else while still bashing the other. It's fucking impossible to figure out which information is more reliable. FUCK!!!
 

suprarx7nut

YotaMD.com author
Nov 10, 2006
3,811
1
38
Arizona
www.supramania.com
lithium14;1794125 said:
OK. I just need to make a note of this. It is really starting to piss me the fuck off. This stupid ass disparity between Supraforums and Supramania. I'm trying to research information and on one forum people will say one thing and bash on the other, while the other forum says something else while still bashing the other. It's fucking impossible to figure out which information is more reliable. FUCK!!!

FWIW, I've spent many hours on each and I haven't found a single instance where the old farts on here were wrong and somebody on SF was right. For factual information, SM is impossible to beat on mk3 information. For viewing wealthy people's rides and projects along with random idiotic comments, SF is great. Keep in mind how many young clueless kids are on SF. SM is a little more dull and I think that really keeps the idiots down to a minimum. :dunno:

Not sure what information you're reviewing, but there's my 0.02. :)
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Austin
LoL I can't remember what spurred that outburst, but it was some other threads I was reading...

RANDOM: my definition of a perfectly cooked egg nomnom

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...and the real question. There are three sensors on the waterneck, I broke the middle one, can anyone tell me what sensor that is? and what the other two are? I'd like to replace them... they look super beat up

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lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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16
Austin
and yes, in that previous pic you can see my CPS is leaking oil. I already went ahead and ordered the rebuild kit from beech =D
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Austin
oh wow thanks!! dunno why I couldn't find that... I'll get it from driftmotion... they have it for $33 =D... but in their pic the plug is green... mine is brown o_O both pre89 and 89+ are green
 

Supra28

Supramanian
Aug 17, 2006
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Columbus, OH/Kansas
I have to say, that is one hell of a list man! If I came up with a list, it'd be identical to yours haha. I noticed you're after a lot of the parts I am, like the AEM gauges for example.

I see you have a lot of work ahead with the trans, hope it all goes according to plan.
 

planemos

New Member
Apr 22, 2011
559
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Slocan Park, BC, Canada
I think it's a good sign. A sign that you will understand every aspect of your supra when you are done. It's actually quite painful to have a huge list like that and know how much money it adds up to being!
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
995
0
16
Austin
Thanks guys!!

As for the list, it's definitely not set in stone... I've already made quite few changes (I'll post later, or edit)... and it is quite depressing when I think about how much it will all cost me in total. And of course things will change as I learn more and more... like gauges. I will use AEM for now, but in the future when it is time to go super advanced into electronics, EMS's etc etc, I think DEFI gauges or ... I can't remember what brand... Omari or Omani something like that... is the path I will take. I also plan on converting a digital dash to lhd as well. That will be fun.

As for what's going on currently, I just want to note that I had originally not planned on adding any more power until the rest of the car was restored. But due to rod knock, I have decided to go all out on building the bottom end of my block in anticipation of future power. I am definitely overbuilding for what a 57-trim can offer. Once I get the car running reliably again with a semi-built transmission, I will revert back to the original build schedule. As a matter of fact I may even up some of that to now since a buddy is parting out his build, and he has LOTS of parts I want. I am of course referring to the complete restoration of the subframe with RonnieK bushings and Energy bushings as well as poly bushings for the sway bars and steering rack (which is why I may do that NOW , while the engine is out). Once that is done... it's time for wheels/suspension and brakes, all at the same time (meaning I will only install these once I have ALL of them, no point installing any one without the others). As for wheels, my heart is set on Volk GT-S in any color that is not bronze or plain silver (I prefer the Volk unique RMC) 18x10 all around. Aggressive as fuck. LOL!!!! and then.... it will be time to hunt for a well-known reputable body shop in Austin that I can trust to perform a full restoration of my exterior (fix the dents, rust spot in engine, minor flaw in rear trunk panels) and respray it without ruining my custom trim and spoiler mounting. I will of course dish out the money for brand new trim all around... it may cost me more than I could ever imagine (about 4kish) off ebay, but damn if it means I have brand new trim all around, by all means it is worth it. Also a new windshield at this point.

After all that is said and done... on to the interior I go. reupholster everything. All leather will be black, blue trim will be retained. Plastics will be painted black. All lights converted to led (inside and out... can anyone say resistors, lol), digital dash project started (jdm rhd converted to lhd), sound system, black carpeting, auto up down for both sides on driver panel as well as passenger panel... uh oh here I go again. rambling on and on about my future plans lol. but you get the point. My goal is to have the most epic MK3. EVAR.
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Austin
I used evercoat poly-flex, but I can't vouch for how well it worked because the body shop that did the paint said they had issues with it coming off when they blew with compressed air while prepping for paint. I found this statement rather suspicious, perhaps they were doing something wrong, bending the pieces too much etc etc. As you can see in my pictures, I used 80 grit to really rough up the bonding surface. It MAY have been one of the pieces where I used too much hardener. Either way, if it does fall out, you can just glue it right back in, I don't see how that wouldn't fix the problem. Once you apply a couple layers of primer, then base coat, then clear, I highly doubt it will fall apart. Time will tell with mine. As I stated before, complete bodywork is in the future for me, so any problems will be fixed at that time. As of now though, everything is fine. The trim has survived triple degree weather for a month or so, and temps below freezing... with no issues.

I ended up using this due to recommendation from Mobes, who was recommended by someone else who has had trim just like mine for several years with no issue. I am of the opinion, if you can, do it yourself so other people can't fuck up your hard work.
 

lithium14

Member
Jan 7, 2011
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Austin
Oh thank you!! I found a similar thread on SF, but it was not as detailed as the one you provided. I haven't yet had a chance to tinker with the wires yet as I'm still focused on just getting the car running, but I will definitely refer back to said thread when it comes time for me to do the wiring.