88 Turbo Old Man Project Car

[supradad]

I read through the info. Outstanding porting writeup. I liked the pictures. Can a dremel tool and associated grinding bits be used? I'll study it more in the next few days. Really, I'm interested in trying this. Like I mentioned earlier, I've been wanting to do this since I was a teenager (remember the visible V8 Models?)

If I understand correctly, the following should be my next steps.

1) Buy some mic's
2) Strip head
3) Have head hardness tested measured for flatness, and overall height
4) If motivated, port the head
5) Have head lapped down for the MHG.
6) Assemble the head
7) Should it be flatness tested again?

Then we can move on to the block and piston issue. Once the engine is done, I'll think about the transmission. Again, I really don't know what I have yet. I drove it from the trialer into my driveway.

On a seperate note, my crankshaft and exhaust helicoil and stud kit arrived today!

 

[HommerSimpson]

I read through the info. Outstanding porting writeup. I liked the pictures. Can a dremel tool and associated grinding bits be used? I'll study it more in the next few days. Really, I'm interested in trying this. Like I mentioned earlier, I've been wanting to do this since I was a teenager (remember the visible V8 Models?)

If I understand correctly, the following should be my next steps.

1) Buy some mic's
2) Strip head
3) Have head hardness tested measured for flatness, and overall height
4) If motivated, port the head
5) Have head lapped down for the MHG.
6) Assemble the head
7) Should it be flatness tested again?

Then we can move on to the block and piston issue. Once the engine is done, I'll think about the transmission. Again, I really don't know what I have yet. I drove it from the trialer into my driveway.

On a seperate note, my crankshaft and exhaust helicoil and stud kit arrived today!

were do you live? I got a junk head i can send you to practice on...but shippin might be to much to make it worth your while.. but head is free if ya want it and lota cheaper to screw up a junk head then a good one :}

drimel and 25 dollar cable ext hang drimel from something about work bench...

 

[supradad]

Homer, thanks for the offer! I live in Maine. Not sure how much it would cost. I think that's part of my problem. I have only seen one MK3 here in the last few years!

I only paid $600 for the entire car. So, I went into this not knowing if I could pull it off. I'm a type of mechanic in the Semiconductor business. I do work with tools, but I wear a cleanroom suit an two pairs of gloves. I think if I get the right type of grinding heads an the extension tool you mentioned, I'll be able to at least mildly polish the ports. Mabe not as far as p5150 showed in his pictures. This also gives me a good excuse to tear the head apart as well. Prior to this I was going to take it in and have someone else do it. I like seeing thing apart so I know how they work.

I do have a 88 Supra manual that I bought back in 1990 when I had my first 88. I try to keep referring back to this as well.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[p5150]

Make sure you check out the www.cygnusx1.net website if you havent yet. Almost everything you need to know about your supra is on there.

I dont really recommend using a dremel tool. It doesnt have enough surface area on the bit so it can cut in really easy too far and it will take longer to get it done. You are better off with an air powered die grinder.

1. Disassemble head.
2. Take head to machinist for inspection and cleaning. (Not good to port a junk head)
3. Port head. You dont want to port the head after the valves have been cut and lapped in. Its too easy to nick the seats.
4. Give head back to machinist for valve job, etc.
5. Assemble it yourself (Save 200 bucks) or have him do it if you dont feel comfortable.

 

[HommerSimpson]

Well maybe post in parts wanted JUNK head to practice on in northern us area .. might get something and not hit ya up for shippin to much..
Enjoy and it sounds like you are having fun.. its not that hard to do if you plan it right..and spend money :} lol.. but you are on a good start... get head and block both checked same time... that way you dont spend alot on one and then find out you need another... or both...dont forget there is always the 1J & 2J swaps and or rebuilt long blocks... short blocks...

Greg :}

 

[supradad]

I'll take your recommendations. I don't have a compressor, so I'll think about that. In the meantime, I'll concentrate on pulling the pistons and crank from the block and inspect the bores. I'll also disassemble the head. When I get that done, I'll post pics. It'll be at least 2 weeks. In the meantime I'll be shoopping for tools.

Thanks again guys!

 

[Facime]

An air compressor that can keep up witha die grinder woundnt be cheap, but one that you can do spits and spurts can be had for under $300. My air compressor and tools are lifesavers and I would never be without them ever again. I would highly recommend getting one.

It wouldnt be the end of the world if you dont get your head ported.

 

[IJ.]

Electric Die Grinder
(think Dremel on roids)

 

[gtsfirefighter]

Awesome build. You got a great car for just $600 bucks! I'll be 39 years old in June and yeah, I've loved Supras since the 80's. I think our age group is the only one who truly appreciates these cars. I just put a gte in my 86.5 and am loving it. It's pretty much stock too except for the exhaust. I will be subscribing to this thread for sure. Just promise us you'll stick with it no matter how frustrated you get. We've all been to the point of wanting to set our cars on fire and you will be too. Just take a breather from it for a few days and reapproach with a fresh attitude. Once you get it running and take it for a drive you will be thankful you stuck it out. Even a wore out supra still gives a nice ride.

Just remember the saying, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor? A Supra will."

Good Luck.

 

[GrimJack]

Awesome build. You got a great car for just $600 bucks! I'll be 39 years old in June and yeah, I've loved Supras since the 80's. I think our age group is the only one who truly appreciates these cars. I just put a gte in my 86.5 and am loving it. It's pretty much stock too except for the exhaust. I will be subscribing to this thread for sure. Just promise us you'll stick with it no matter how frustrated you get. We've all been to the point of wanting to set our cars on fire and you will be too. Just take a breather from it for a few days and reapproach with a fresh attitude. Once you get it running and take it for a drive you will be thankful you stuck it out. Even a wore out supra still gives a nice ride.

Just remember the saying, "When you turn your car on, does it return the favor? A Supra will."

Good Luck.

Some of us have actually set it on fire!

 

[Supra7MG]

Old man my ass! There are more than a few elders in here. I'm 40, and so is Supracentral...

Looks like a nice starting point, and you've come to the right place for advice.

Where does that statement leave me?
I'm 54.
Don't tell.

 

[Supra7MG]

Supradad,
I wish you the best on your project. You can be rest assured that you will receive the best advice and support available from the members of this forum.

 

[GrimJack]

Where does that statement leave me?
I'm 54.
Don't tell.

You're HOW old? That's freaking awesome, I've always wanted to meet someone who remembers first hand what the dinosaurs looked like up close.

 

[supradad]

Thanks for the coments. I feel young again. Took a few more pics today. Here is the new crank, versus the old one. Also received my water pump and exhaust stud kit from driftmotion.

 

[supradad]

With the talk about porting the head, I took a closer look today. Figured you would lke to see the carbon buildup on the intakes of the head. There wa a lot of it. I took two shots of the valves themselves. Hopefully I can get them clean.

 

[supradad]

Here are some worn connecting rod bearings. I'm new to this, but some of these did not look good.

 

[supradad]

Here are pics of the pistons. Very dirty and carbon covered.

 

[supradad]

Now, here's the shots of the cylinder bores I was waiting for. Looks like I'll be boring out the cylinders instead of honing them. You can see the engine must have been sitting for a while buy the water and rust stains on the walls.

With the knowledge and advice provided in this forum, my plan for now is as follows;
- Strip the head
- Have head and block cleaned and checked out that it is functionally OK and flat.
- Order pistons and rings, maybe rods. If I don't order new ones, I'll have the originals checked out. I will replace the bearings.
- Possibly port the head, and continue on.

 

[supradad]

Where does that statement leave me?
I'm 54.
Don't tell.

We are all young at heart!

 

[supradad]

Supradad,
I wish you the best on your project. You can be rest assured that you will receive the best advice and support available from the members of this forum.

Thank you. Everyone has been a big help with plenty of advice.