Buying MK3 Supra after blown head gasket

[stikky_p]

Hey guys.. I'm new to the supra end of things.. I've been doing a ton or research and possibly buying my first MK3. I've had many other cars including a 240sx sr20det.. I want something new and different and i LOVE the targa idea..

Anyway... Ive found a 1988 Toyota Supra Turbo that has has the engine replaced. The engine that went in was out of another Supra but has the ARP studs and metal head gasket. The owner has a local JDM shop here and has many many cars and parts kicking around. He's seems very professional and i can't find anyone to say its a bad shop.. My concearn is rod knock or other issues from the earlier blown head gasket.. The supra is $2900 but has a blown ct26 turbo.. Body is in great shape with loads of aftermarket parts.. What should i be careful for.. How can i protect myself and make sure this car isn't a complete pile?

The supra is a new world for me so please excuse my ignorance. :1zhelp:

 

[xzeror]

possibly do a compression test/ leak down test before buying, and try getting him down atleast 500 or more to cover the rebuild on the turbo. And to have the turbo rebuilt/upgraded will be around 500+ Driftmotion is an awesome site. They are also an authorized vendor on this forum. http://store.driftmotion.com/static/i-57trimct26turbo.php

You could also buy with the intentions of doing a full rebuild, or with the intentions of doing a jz swap.

 

[radiod]

I'd start by finding out how long it's been running since the head gasket job. I'll second that compression/leak down test as well.

The turbo being blown is kind of a downer. That is still a good chunk of change to get the car running properly again.

 

[stikky_p]

He wanted more money previous but he settled at $2900.. Was upfront with the turbo needing replaced.. Things i dont like is the cost to get it going, possibility of more engine damage and RON BURGANDY INTERIOR...:: angry ::

 

[PureDrifter]

so wait, does this car have like full suspension/wheels or something, or are you about to pay $2900 for a supra with both a BHG AND a blown turbo?

or did i misread? (ie-define "many aftermarket parts" please)

 

[stikky_p]

Its on Greddy coils and thrust struts.. i beleive.. i'll have to get all the specs.. newer wheels.. and its got the Metal headgasket and ARP studs done to it... The engine is fine now except for the blown turbo... I'm just shaky about the longterm reliability of the engine now that the headgasket has gone... I'm not sure if i'm digging into it too much..

 

[radiod]

There's not really much you can do to "inspect" the bottom end condition without ripping the engine apart unfortunately

 

[PureDrifter]

ahh then yeah, i'd be concerned with how in depth the rebuild was post-BHG as well as how bad the BHG got/how far the car was driven in that state.

 

[stikky_p]

ahh then yeah, i'd be concerned with how in depth the rebuild was post-BHG as well as how bad the BHG got/how far the car was driven in that state.

So where does it stop??? If thats the case then most if not all turbo cars would fall under the same issue's?? I'm ok spending my money on a project car but not 300zx kinda money..

 

[IJ.]

Car would need to be Mint for that kind of $$$ and the aftermarket parts would need to have been installed correctly or they could be worthless, not to mention the "rebuild" would had to have been done by someone with half a clue and not by one of the less knowledgable members here.... :nono:

 

[stikky_p]

So i should look elsewhere or possibly buy it with the realization that i "may" spend big money fixing?

 

[Backlash2032]

I spent 3k on my supra with stock everything and 215k miles, rebuilt motor, no bhg and torqued bolts. I would pass personally

 

[oldsking]

Yeah for what this guy is asking, Id tell him to eat the car, thats to much for a blown up car. Now if he was talking 1800 to 2k it MAY be worth it.

 

[GrimJack]

If the car was parked after getting the BHG, or there wasn't much coolant contaminated the oil, it will be fine. If not, but the shop replaced the bearings at the same time as the head gasket, it'll likewise be fine.

If they slapped a metal head gasket on an unprepped block and heat with ARP hardware, it'll last a month... maybe.

That's not a stock turbo, either. Try to find out what kind of turbo is on it.

 

[Smartparts]

$2900 is alot. My mk3 is a little older and most likely had more miles on it, but it was only $2000 for an 87 turbo good body condition, no rust, and it actually ran. Granted I've got it torn apart but I'm building for performance. Shop around some more. $2900 is not really a good price for it.

 

[stikky_p]

Its a cheap ebay turbo.. apparently.. thats why it was blown.. It scares me because why go to the effort of a BHG repair with arp studs and metal gasket and keep a ebay turbo?? Maybe speaks for the minds behind the engine..

 

[GrimJack]

$2900 is alot. My mk3 is a little older and most likely had more miles on it, but it was only $2000 for an 87 turbo good body condition, no rust, and it actually ran. Granted I've got it torn apart but I'm building for performance. Shop around some more. $2900 is not really a good price for it.

Depends on your location. Supras have kept a lot more value in Canada than they did south of the border Camaros, on the other hand...

Its a cheap ebay turbo.. apparently.. thats why it was blown.. It scares me because why go to the effort of a BHG repair with arp studs and metal gasket and keep a ebay turbo?? Maybe speaks for the minds behind the engine..

I'm wondering if the turbo was big enough to pop the head gasket because it's under fueled, and weak enough to self destruct shortly thereafter. Size on the turbo would help... then, if it's big enough to require fuel mods, you can look for those... and if those don't exist, you've got your probable cause.

 

[te72]

Grim brings up some good points. My personal experience would suggest that you run an Autocheck, Carfax, etc, on the car before you buy it. Nobody likes a hidden and undisclosed major accident that's been covered up.