New to SM, need advice!

[Jonate]

Hey guys my name is Juan and I am new to Supramania. I drive a Camry and have been a part of Toyotanation for a couple of years (a link to my camry build if anyone is interested http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/1...996-1997-2001/394725-jonate-build-thread.html )

Anyways...
The reason why I signed up to this site is because I am looking into buying a MkIII supra. It has a 7MGTE, no bumper, bad coilpack, bad injectors, needs a wastegate, 218000 miles, manual, targa, ok paint, good interior and body! The guy wants $1200, I am inclined to buying it more so because he is the second owner. So, I have been doing research and have found that 7MGTE's have certain problems, such as the electrical, and gasket problems (If there are anymore I would be glad to hear them!) I have also read threads how people prefer 1jz swaps over fixing the 7MGTE, but I have not found concrete evidence as to which is more cost efficient.

Now my question to y'all is... What would be best to do/more cost efficient for a project, swapping to a 1jz, rebuilding the 7MGTE, or just fixing the issues? Now my plans are not to have the worlds fastest MKIII. I just want a nice reliable sunday cruiser that can handle a 3hr drive every once-in-a-while, don't care much for power (250 to no more than 300WHP).
Here is a link to the ad ( http://augusta.craigslist.org/cto/3228634817.html ) ... I checked the car out yesterday! I will be going again tomorrow (hopefully purchasing), anything else to look out for?

 

[MNBmk3T]

If you want a reliable Sunday cruiser, just rebuild the 7M with new rods and pistons and it'll treat you well. As long as you check the fluids often. Low oil on the 7M is what causes them to blow up. This way, when you rebuild the motor you can be satisfied that the work done to the car is how you want it because you have done it. There's really no point to swap in a 1JZ if you want only 300WHP. The 7M is more than capable of achieving that. Cost efficiency wise for what you want out of the car, sticking with the 7M and rebuilding it is a much better option. The 7M is just as capable as the JZ-Series motors. What often causes them to blow up is improper rebuild methods or cheaping out and not doing something the right way or an owner that doesn't check their fluids often enough. If you rebuild the 7M PROPERLY and take care of it, it can handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

Things to look for/ ask:
Check for any rust anywhere (fenders, etc.).
-Ask if the headgasket was ever done?
-And if it has been was a metal headgasket used?
-Does he have receipts for the car?
-Is it a clean title car?
-When work was done on the car, who did it?
-What kind of parts were used (OEM, OEM replacement, aftermarket)?

 

[Jonate]

Awesome input! To answer a couple questions... Yes he has changed the head gasket for the ARP set. He showed me the receipts for the purchase of the gasket kit, but not for installation, as he did it himself. I will ask for more papers tomorrow! I checked the fenders yesterday and rust was minimal, with concentrated areas of rust covering less area than the size of a dime. Other work that he has done was replace the fuel pump with an OEM replacement and turbo with an OEM ct26 (i did not ask for those receipts) and add a larger intercooler. Other than that, he has not told me of any other work he has done to the car.

I appreciate the advice MNBmk3T!

 

[tlo86]

lets hope that gasket kit came with new head bolts/studs

 

[te72]

Long as you have a reliable daily driver so you're not depending on the Supra, they're great cars to own. If you found one in decent shape for a fair price, and can live with spending most of your paycheck on the Supra, I say go for it.

They are addicting though...

 

[S.A. supra]

Take a compression check tool to make sure the metal head gasket set properly.

 

[HMNGSupraMKIII]

Also check the place where the spare tire is for rust, alot of rust gets hidden there

 

[MNBmk3T]

Definitely check the spare tire compartment for rust. Leaky rear-hatch seals will cause rust to build up in there. I think for what you're getting, go for it. Like te72 said though, make sure you have a separate daily driver to depend on.

 

[destrux]

Just don't let him tell you the motor is fine and it just needs injectors or a coil pack. That's the easiest way to sell someone a car with a bad engine. If you count on the engine being no good in a case like this then you'll be safe. It seems like you're expecting a rebuild, which is good because you never know till it's running.

That price isn't bad anyway, it's about what I paid for mine with a bad 7M in it (broken way past rebuilding). I went with the 1JZ because I needed a new motor anyway and I felt pretty good relying on a used 1JZ. The only expensive problem I had with mine was bad turbos and valve stem seals, which cost about $1000 total to fix myself.

 

[Jonate]

I appreciate all this awesome info... As I stated I was going to see the car today, but unfortunately it was a nasty rainy day today. Not the best day to view the car.
So I won't be going to look at the car till Thursday now. This makes me even more anxious! At least this gives me a couple more days of research.

To answer some questions...
I do have a daily! (Camry? lol)
I will be checking compression.
Didn't think about checking spare tire area, big thumbs up for that!

 

[MNBmk3T]

Don't forget to ask when the clutch was last done. As well as the clutch master and slave cylinders. Also, when were the brake pads and rotors last done?