88 Supra - BHG - Questions...

[Sam1990]

Found a 1988 Supra for $1,900. Black, clean title, turbo, automatic, 125k miles, no rust (according to seller), and pretty clean (from looking at pictures). I haven't taken a look at it physically or talked to the seller about the price yet. Only problem is the BHG and I haven't asked how long it's had the BHG or if it was driven with it. He did say it does start and run, I'll ask some more question though.

Anyway... I plan on taking a look at the car this week. What are some things I should look at, questions I should ask, etc? What would be a reasonable price?

My goal with it... is to do a 2JZ-GTE swap within a year or so and I do have a daily driver so no worries there. Even though I plan on swapping the 7M-GTE with a 2JZ-GTE, I would like to have this motor fixed up and enjoy the car for a little while, with the possibility of selling or parting out the 7M-GTE later down the road.

 

[Another MkIII]

Honestly, when buying a BHG motor, expect it to need a rebuild. Everything should be machined, block and head decked, ARP studs and a MHG. That will cost roughly $1200-$1500 minimum, and it can go up from there. If the body and interior are in really good shape, then maybe $1500, but generally you don't want to pay more than $1000 for a non-running MkIII. A lot of the price is based on my opinion, some members will disagree. It really comes down to how much it is worth to you to own a Supra, and how much time and money you are willing to put into it.
-AM3

 

[Sam1990]

Honestly, when buying a BHG motor, expect it to need a rebuild. Everything should be machined, block and head decked, ARP studs and a MHG. That will cost roughly $1200-$1500 minimum, and it can go up from there. If the body and interior are in really good shape, then maybe $1500, but generally you don't want to pay more than $1000 for a non-running MkIII. A lot of the price is based on my opinion, some members will disagree. It really comes down to how much it is worth to you to own a Supra, and how much time and money you are willing to put into it.
-AM3

Well I want to do a 2JZ build with it, which is the main reason for wanting to buy it. Judging from the pictures the interior and exterior is in great condition, but I'll confirm that when I actually go look at it. The seller did say it runs and I'm waiting for a reply on more information about the BHG, but basically if I end up buying it and it's a lot more work than just slapping a head gasket on then I'll just sell the motor or junk it and proceed with my swap.

So I guess the real question is, how much would you pay for a rolling shell?

My original plan was to do a 2JZ swap in a 240sx but seeing as I can get a MK3 Supra for cheaper than a 240sx and the actual swap will also cost less, why not?

 

[Another MkIII]

Well I want to do a 2JZ build with it, which is the main reason for wanting to buy it. Judging from the pictures the interior and exterior is in great condition, but I'll confirm that when I actually go look at it. The seller did say it runs and I'm waiting for a reply on more information about the BHG, but basically if I end up buying it and it's a lot more work than just slapping a head gasket on then I'll just sell the motor or junk it and proceed with my swap.

So I guess the real question is, how much would you pay for a rolling shell?

My original plan was to do a 2JZ swap in a 240sx but seeing as I can get a MK3 Supra for cheaper than a 240sx and the actual swap will also cost less, why not?

Typically, most people will agree with the general rule, don't pay more than $1000 for a non-running MkIII, but that can vary widely. But it really depends on the shell and how bad you want to build one. Like I said, I paid $1600 for mine. It had no rust and minimal body work needed. As I'm sure you are aware, in Illinois, we go gung ho with the salt in winter, so a rust free shell is worth a bit more there. If you want to post a link to the ad for the one you are looking at, I can tell you what I would pay for it, but that is really a moot point to you since that is derived largely from my opinion.
-AM3

 

[jdemara]

Still amazes me, seeing all the new posts pop up about BHG, Rod knock, and what to do/not to do when doing a BHG repair. :nono:
If there isnt already (too much work to look if there is), there should be a Q&A info sticky about what TO do, and what NOT to do with 7m motors to keep things running reliable. :evil2: