need expert help

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
Ok so right now i have a stock 7mgte in my 89 supra, and i need advice on which way to go with it for performance. i have a cap of about 3500 dollars. My first thoughts were standalone system, bigger turbo, fuel supply, exhaust, clutch etc.... then professional tuning. Got some advice on that from suprasport tech. A buddy of mine recommended just throwing in a swap engine, a jdm redtop or blacktop? I found a jdm 1j twin turbo for under 2k that is a complete engine with trans wire harness and ecu. Says its for a soarer will it fit the supra, and do i need the trans, i have an r154 now. I also found another 1j twin turbo that has everything minus trans for 1600? Please give me some expert advice on which way to go and what all would be needed for the swap if i go that route. thanks
 

92nsx

Supramania Contributor
Sep 30, 2005
2,957
0
0
Clearwater, MN
Stay with the torque happy 7m and not the torque less 1j.

As for starting to build a 7m, The very first thing to do is have the head rebuilt, and straightened. Then have the block decked, and install a MHG with ARP studs. As for going full standalone your going to need a bigger budget. Standalone and tuning can cost what your entire budget is.

For you budget I would go with basic maintenance first. Then have head and block worked over for the MHG. Once that is all done go with a upgraded ct-26turbo with a 57 trim in it. 550's injectors, Lexus AFM, AFPR, then a warlbro 255 fuel pump. Then pick your self up what ever flavor piggy back you like then get it all tuned in. You should be right at or around your 3500 budget depending on dyno time and tuning costs
 

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
the engine already has the mhg and studs. i got some prices and info from one of the techs at suprasport, and aem ems, turbo kit, fuel injectors, pump, and clutch is right around 4k. my budget is excluding tuning i got some connections on that, so i am focusing that money striclty on the upgrades. I wanted to go with aem ems mainly because that is from what i have read, a very tunable system, so whenever i wanna just go balls to the wall 1k hp i got the tuning capability. The tech at ss told me that most piggybacks can only handle up to 500hp without any issues said once you get over that it starts to fade a bit. i am pushing for 550 min at the wheels. But so far the swap is out the window. (even though the 1j is 280/315 and the 7m is 232/240)
 

ae86ma70

New Member
Jul 24, 2008
119
0
0
Atlanta
I don't really see you making 550 rwhp on your budget, but I could be wrong. T67 might get you there.

I recommend Driftmotion for the turbo kit, especially now since there's virtually no fabrication required for the 7M.

I have the T04 60-1 kit, primarily because I wanted to make good power without the lag associated with a T67 (or larger) turbo.

Their kit, all said and done with S&H will run close to $2K (maybe a bit less). Add an AEM UEGO for $300 (some might be less) and a EBC for $250 and you're at $2550. Big injectors will cost you another $250, bringing the total near $2800. This leaves you enough money to buy the Lexus AFM and a SAFC Neo, or you can just go with the MAFT Pro and do a speed density setup.

Right now I am using the SAFC Neo for fuel management and it works, but lacks some of the features needed for high-HP applications (timing control, etc.) I can tell you that the MAFT Pro is very attractive due to pricing AND a long list of impressive features.

Add this into the mix and you come out right at your $3500 target, with the SAFC being a little cheaper. This doesn't take into consideration the need for a bigger FMIC, or the larger diameter IC piping that you'll most likely want to run. Nor does it account for braided wastegate control lines and -AN fittings, or the sensors needed for the speed density setup.

Lastly, you WILL need a clutch. For 500 rwhp, you'll need a better pressure plate. It is possible that you can find someone to build this setup for less than $500.

All of this amounts to something in the $3750~$4K range.

IMO, a properly built 7M-GTE motor is just as good as a 1J or 2J motor any day, at least for the horsepower levels that most of us are trying to achieve.
 

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
i appreciate all the info very helpful and gives me more insite. I looked at the kit at driftmotion you suggested, price is good but ill have to add in the cost of fabbing up new ic lines or installing a new kit right? The boss sr setup from suprasport is right around 1600 with install kit for the T04E 61. and still uses stock ic. I def plan on going speed density, and getting a hold of the sensors is no problem for me. I already have bigger ic piping. Where did you find injectors for 250? if i can find that price that saves me 300 from the price i found. I have been looking into junkyards for 87-88 rx-7 turbo injectors, heard they were drop in just need new clips? I had everything priced up and it was just under 4k that including, AEM, turbo kit, afpr kit, clutch, fuel injectors, fuel pump. I talked to a tech at suprasport who is actually going to get the entire package setup for me, he is the one that builds the turbos there and has years of experience with high hp cars. With his knowledge he told me that right now my car can handle the power, as far as drivetrain goes minus clutch. said the only issues that i will have would be putting on any sort drag tire, it will cause death for the rear end or tailshaft of trans. I am hoping to hear back from him soon and ill post the info i get from him. Liek the thread supracentral referred me too, the tech said that i may buy parts i think are necessary when they arent.
 

GrimJack

Administrator
Dec 31, 1969
12,377
3
38
56
Richmond, BC, Canada
idriders.com
The order of upgrades has been pretty well worked out on the Supra for a lot of years now. We have a couple threads detailing exactly what to get and when - here is one of them.

http://www.supramania.com/forums/showthread.php?16-7m-GTE-upgrade-stages

I'll point out that there's no way I would buy a bolt on turbo again. You lose too much flexibility trying to stick with the stock exhaust manifold, wastegate setup, and downpipe flange. Also, if you're going AEM, remember that it's extremely picky about coils. As I recall, DrJ went through several sets of new coils before he found some that would work with the AEM.

Lastly, I'll also mention that setting your upper limit at 1000rwhp is a bit unrealistic. That kind of power is completely useless in this chassis.
 

ae86ma70

New Member
Jul 24, 2008
119
0
0
Atlanta
I may have misquoted the price of the injectors. I purchased my set of 700cc injectors from Five-O Motorsports for $389 almost a year ago. The same set can be found at the DriftMotion store for $410 http://store.driftmotion.com/static/i-700ccdenso7m2jzinjectors.php. I took them to FIC (Fuel Injector Connection http://fuelinjectorconnection.com/shop/ of Cumming, GA, shameless plug for great work and fast service) and had them flowtested**, and they all flowed a near perfect 720cc/min (@ 100% duty cycle, 700cc/min @80%). But I digress. My bad for mistaking the price in my earlier post.

**I would recommend against buying any injectors from Thomas (Tom) Folder, or TLF motorsports. He is dishonest and sells garbage. I'm not gonna threadjack, but if you want more on that story, PM me.
 
Last edited:

hvyman

Dang Dude! No Way Man.
Staff member
Apr 17, 2007
12,568
1
0
Fullerton,CA
jdm red top and black top? not for this car.

jdm dont really mean squat on these cars.


+100 for driftmotion.
 

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
Ok info well absorbed thank you guys. So basically i should save some of my money and go with a piggyback system. As far as the turbo setup goes GRIM, if i go with the t-4 style or a kit that does away with stock exhaust mani, what kit would i need for the intercooler setup, without going ffim? I can how the external wastegate and new manifold would be a big improvement over stock but the oulet of turbo looks like i would have to switch intake setup? As far as a piggyback system should i go with speed density or stick with the afm? if doing away with afm what setup would you rec or do you guys have good suggestions on? does the maft require a standalone unit for the wideband? I would like to avoid having multiple controllers to keep from cluttering.

The 1000 hp statement was more of me saying that given i add or further upgrade the engine i will have the control to adapt them.
 

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
ok so i think i am gonna do the driftmotion 60-1 full turbo kit, i will get the intercoller piping setup one way or another. now that i got that figured out, i seen there injectors which are the 700 densos (unless anyone else rec other), now what system should i use for a piggyback? so let me know what my good options would be based on that turbo kit?


And if anyone is using this kit without going ffim let me know how you got the charge pipe setup please
 

ae86ma70

New Member
Jul 24, 2008
119
0
0
Atlanta
I used a 45° coupler to do the charge pipe on mine. My DriftMotion turbo came with an elbow welded to the compressor outlet that makes the opening face towards the front of the vehicle when clocked like the stock turbo. The 45° coupler worked perfectly. I used a CX racing intercooler purchased off of eBay. The eBay seller ETD Motors sells an aluminum IC and piping kit specifically for the 7M, and for a little more you can get a flange for an HKS BOV welded onto the piping. All I had to do was shorten the charge pipe that came in the kit (as it is designed for the CT26), and everything went together very smoothly. Looking at my PayPal history, I think I ended up paying $450 for all of it and it also came with an HKS SQV copy. I stuck with my real HKS valve, though.
 

89supra7mgte

New Member
Sep 20, 2009
797
0
0
colorado
do you have any pics? So with the 45 you were able to drop it back down toward the stock location? What are you running for program with it? Afm or speed density?
 

ae86ma70

New Member
Jul 24, 2008
119
0
0
Atlanta
Everything is a good (but tight) fit. Right now, I'm using the SAFC Neo with a Lexus AFM and 700cc Denso injectors. It runs good on this setup, but I need a better clutch set before I can put it on the dyno for real tuning. I am using a stock PP and Competition Clutch organic disc and it slips at or around 12psi (depending on the gear). My clutch guy is in the process of building a better setup for me. I used some of my tax return money to buy the AEM EMS (and IAT and MAP sensor), and plan to go speed density eventually. My biggest problem is finding the time to do the upgrades.
 

ae86ma70

New Member
Jul 24, 2008
119
0
0
Atlanta
I'll try to post some pics on Photobucket later tonight. The camera on my G1 phone doesn't have a zoom feature, so it'll be pretty hard to get good pics right now.

**EDIT @ 1746 EST**
I just went out and looked, and it's going to be difficult to get pictures that show any detail unless I pull off the intake and upper IC piping. I was planning on doing this anyway because I need to get the bung for the IAT welded onto my IC piping, and I wanted to test fit my 4" intake and filter. It will be Wednesday before I get a chance to do this. Let me know if you still want pics.
 
Last edited:

GrimJack

Administrator
Dec 31, 1969
12,377
3
38
56
Richmond, BC, Canada
idriders.com
89supra7mgte;1514276 said:
Ok info well absorbed thank you guys. So basically i should save some of my money and go with a piggyback system. As far as the turbo setup goes GRIM, if i go with the t-4 style or a kit that does away with stock exhaust mani, what kit would i need for the intercooler setup, without going ffim? I can how the external wastegate and new manifold would be a big improvement over stock but the oulet of turbo looks like i would have to switch intake setup? As far as a piggyback system should i go with speed density or stick with the afm? if doing away with afm what setup would you rec or do you guys have good suggestions on? does the maft require a standalone unit for the wideband? I would like to avoid having multiple controllers to keep from cluttering.

The 1000 hp statement was more of me saying that given i add or further upgrade the engine i will have the control to adapt them.
The original same-side in and out intercooler was a Spearco unit, and replicas of that are simple to get these days. Pretty sure Aaron at Driftmotion carries them. IC pipes are likely going to be a custom job no matter what, I would suggest going through the stock air hole behind the passenger side headlight. If you weld, you can make them yourself, otherwise, find a shop that welds nice.

Personally, I went to a MAP system using a MAFT Pro, and I was pretty happy with that. Most of the wideband units plug into the MAFT Pro now, I've used both the Zeitronix and Innovate with good results. The wideband information is displayed through the MAFT unit, so you do not need the wideband display as well.

The ultimate, of course, is a full standalone. My new car runs a Vipec, and if you can swing the coin for it, well worthwhile IMO.