'87 Toyota Supra?

Question

I recently acquired an '87 Toyota Supra (automatic) and I'm wanting to do a few things to it, first off putting a manual tranny in it. Anyone know some good websites for parts for this car? I wasn't able to find much on the net and I didn't see any other answers out of the 367 I turned up with Supra on this site. I need a speedo cable as well (figure I have to go back to Toyota?). If there's anything I should know about the car (problems, great car crappy car, that would be great too). It's a 3.0L 6 cylinder BTW. It has cross drilled rotors up front and stock disks in the rear. Are those easy to change? I do better with dogs than cars!! :-) Thanks for any and all info.

I forgot to ask, does anyone know what exactly the "power" switch next to the gear shift actually does? It changes something because the car launches much harder with it on but what does it DO? Change shift points? Same question on the “sport”, “normal” setting for the suspension? And to add even more questions (so sorry I’m lost here) where is the fuse box???!! I found the one under the hood but my dome lights and fogs don’t work Thank you so much!!!

Answer 1

I took my 1990 Supra for Non-turbo automatic to Turbo 5spd.

For the trans swap you will need:

R154 or W58 5spd trans, (R154 holds more power, it came in the turbo models, more truck-like. W58 is weaker but smoother, variants came in non-turbo supras from 85 all the way to 98.)

Drive Shaft for the trans you pick
Clutch
Flywheel
Slave cylinder
Pedals
shifter
trim for 5spd with shift boot
several other things I'm sure!

The ECU can stay, you will get a blinking transmission light, but thats because the trans its looking for is on the floor in your garage =)

Problems you will have!

HEAD GASKET!!! If your Supra hasn't blown a head gasket all ready, it will, atleast once. The stock HG is weak and not torqued tightly enough. I would go out and get an HKS, greddy, or some sort of metal HG ASAP as well as a set of ARP head bolts so you can tighten it down harder.

More than likely your a/c will not work on LOW mode, its a common problem on a circuit for the blower motor.

Your rear hatch will squeek forever, and porbably leak a bit.

your Cam Posistion Sensor will prob go out. You will know when your car will crank but not start, or die at traffic lights. Pretty easy fix.

All in all its a great car, it has lots of problems and things will go out because of its age, its by no means low-maintinace, but keeping it up is worth it.

Answer 2

Wow you have big plans for someone that does better with dogs and cats.
You will need to know if there is any engine management that is tied into the transmission before the swap. A tricky part will be changing the pedals.
Brake Rotors are not that hard to change. You will have to remove the brake Caliper and saddle. Your Parking Brake is inside the back of the rear discs.. That is why they look like, or are stock discs.

The POWER button for the transmission changes your shift points for better excelleration. Normally your transmission is set for better economy and softer shifts.
The Sport button for your suspension stiffens up the suspension for better handling.

Nice Car and good luck.

Answer 3

You have a great car. Try this website www.rabidchimp.com for all kinds of parts and also check the forum on www.celicasupra.com. The power switch raises the shift points allowing for a harder launch. The cross drilled rotors you should keep on the car as they dissipate heat faster and allow for even harder braking. The suspension settings allows for sport cruising.

Answer 4

That is an awesome car with a ton of potential! I have found that ebay can be a great source for parts! As for the transmission I would check ebay and if you dont find one call aroun to local junk yards you should be able to get one for under $500! Good luck and enjoy your car!