3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 firstly, hey guys. I have just signed up havin decided a Supra is the way forward for me. The question I have is really related to a specific car I have my eye on at the moment, Its a 1994 supra 3ltr N/A Automatic. what i am hoping you guys can help me with is a bit of general advice regarding this model, the things that are concerning me is what sort of performance I am likely to expect from the automatic, I have been told that they are reasonably fast, however I have never owned an automatic before so I am not sure what to expect from the car. I was hoping a few of you Supra veterans could help me out and give me a little bit of info about the performance aspect of this particular model. Also, the car is a little shy of 100k miles, are there any particular points and areas I should be looking into for wear and tear, and what are automatic gearbox's like for reliabilty etc.. Sorry if these questions have been repeated elsewhere, i did have a little bit of a search but couldnt find anything that was specific to my query [still getting used to the site!] Anyways, its good to be here and I have just bought my membership, Im hopin with a bit of advice from the guys in the know I can make sure I pick up a quality Supra and also learn a bit more about things to look out for when Im buying my motor thanks for you time and hope you can help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
merckx Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 (edited) Hello. Auto v Manual What to look for I've never driven a NA Supra. Edited September 23, 2008 by merckx (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Wilson Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 As autos go the MKIV Supra, in both NA and TT format had one of the finest transmissions of its era. The autos are, in my opinion, (and I get to drive literally dozens of them every year), nicer for normal road commuting than a manual, especially the rather agricultural six speed manual in a TT. or late NA. The 5 speed manuals in earlier NA MKIV models has a nice change though. Very late NA models had a six speed variation of the Getrag TT box, with a similar under leveraged, and over rubbered linkage, to what is a less than slick gearbox. That aside you need to drive one for a good distance to see what you think. I'd suggest you try a couple of autos and a couple of manuals to get a fair comaprison. The performance capabilities between the two is minor. Even the auto ones make competent track day cars, if that interests you, so you can still have a mad session in the auto models, trust me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 Thats really good information and advice guys, I guess the main thing I am worried about is that I will be laying a lot of cash out and venturing into the unknown in as much as I aint ever had an auto before. my main worry was that although its a 3ltr, it would be like a barge and slow as hell on acceleration etc.. i am due to go look at this car over the next few days so if its any good i will buy it i think, having read the links that Merckx posted about the auto gearbox, its fair to say that a lot of people think there still an outstanding car performance wise, even if its n/a or tt .. and cheers for the advice Chris Wilson, i would like to maybe take it out for the odd blast here and there so its re assuring to know that the auto N/A still perform with reasonable performance! I will be using this car as my everyday car however aswell, but would like to have the power there, incase i do decide to plant my right foot! would I be correct in assuming then that all in all the automatic gearbox's are reasonably reliable, like i said the other area of concern i had was that at just under 100k it may be showing wear and that if this was the case it would be bloody expensive to get fixed! thanks for the advice, and keep it coming!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 I wouldn't call them fast by any means but it does depend on what you are used to and what you would deem as quick. would I be correct in assuming then that all in all the automatic gearbox's are reasonably reliable, like i said the other area of concern i had was that at just under 100k it may be showing wear and that if this was the case it would be bloody expensive to get fixed! thanks for the advice, and keep it coming!! They are a fantastic everyday car and the NA's are ultra reliable. The gearbox itself is the same as the one on the TT and provided it's had it's trans fluid replaced in the service intervals they are very hardy boxes. Even if the box is broken (which is very unlikely to happen) they are available for very little money 2nd hand, plenty of availabilty and can be picked up for around £250, much less if you are resourceful. I recently bought an NA engine, 5spd box, with all the manual kit and full drivetrain for £350, so just goes to show whats around for very little money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 I wouldn't call them fast by any means but it does depend on what you are used to and what you would deem as quick. They are a fantastic everyday car and the NA's are ultra reliable. The gearbox itself is the same as the one on the TT and provided it's had it's trans fluid replaced in the service intervals they are very hardy boxes. Even if the box is broken (which is very unlikely to happen) they are available for very little money 2nd hand, plenty of availabilty and can be picked up for around £250, much less if you are resourceful. I recently bought an NA engine, 5spd box, with all the manual kit and full drivetrain for £350, so just goes to show whats around for very little money. Well at the moment im in a 1.6 vauxhall lol!! But, what I mean is i dont want to get embarassed by havin cracking looking supra that gets left behind all the time at lights/motorways etc cos you know for a fact that the typical boy racer sorts are going to give it a go, and its not a case of i want to be racing everywhere but it would [i imagine] get a little disheartning if i was being left at the lights etc a lot of the time, considering i was sat in a 3ltr! thats one of my big concerns, but im sure its just an un necessary worry in most everyday situations! I didnt realise that the gearbox etc were in that price bracket to be honest, i had been told that they could be up to around £1500 to replace, which is one of the main reaosns i thought the best place to ask and get a straight forward answer was here! Its re assuring to know that there within the average persons "affordable" price range! On another note, and just a passing curiosity, are the n/a 3ltr auto's easy to turbo at a later date?? or is this even possible?? just thinking ahead if the option ever arose thats all! again, sorry if I sound like a complete Noob with regard the supra and the auto box, in many respects its probably fair to say I am, although I do love my cars and have ownd a few other fun cars, although nothing on this sort os size or this level of fun before. again, thanks for the advice.. keep it coming guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 Well at the moment im in a 1.6 vauxhall lol!! But, what I mean is i dont want to get embarassed by havin cracking looking supra that gets left behind all the time at lights/motorways etc cos you know for a fact that the typical boy racer sorts are going to give it a go, and its not a case of i want to be racing everywhere but it would [i imagine] get a little disheartning if i was being left at the lights etc a lot of the time, considering i was sat in a 3ltr! thats one of my big concerns, but im sure its just an un necessary worry in most everyday situations! All I can recommend is to get a drive in one or two before purchasing. I am sure there are some members in your area that'd be only too happy to take you for a drive if you ask nicely. It will be a world apart from any 1.6, that much is for sure Most of us here are not the traffic light grand prix types though I didnt realise that the gearbox etc were in that price bracket to be honest, i had been told that they could be up to around £1500 to replace, which is one of the main reaosns i thought the best place to ask and get a straight forward answer was here! Its re assuring to know that there within the average persons "affordable" price range! As mentioned, parts are very cheaply available for the NA's and auto's if you hunt around, this forum is all you should need though. On another note, and just a passing curiosity, are the n/a 3ltr auto's easy to turbo at a later date?? or is this even possible?? just thinking ahead if the option ever arose thats all! Okay, this is a HUGE subject, but to give you the short answer, it's a no. NA-T (search for that) is possible, but it is very expensive to do right and will not get you much more gain than doing a TT swap. You're talking MANY thousands of pounds before you even start. This is one reason why most go for the TT swap as it's so much easier, cheaper and has for more bang for buck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 Brilliant advice mate, exactly what I was after.. direct answers!! I think if i do end up getting this n/a auto im probably best enjoying it for a while perhaps a year or two then look at upgrading to the TT Glad to hear that although its naturally aspirated AND auto, I still wont have all these "boomboomboom chav'd up saxo" boy racer sorts making me feel a bit silly in a supra!! And I dont intend using the lights as launch lights all the time, just occasionally if i get a twitch in my right foot!! I agree, that an owners club is the perfect place to start any quest for parts, so I am very happy i bought the membership as already it has proven to be a wise investment indeed!! well, Im due to go have a look this weekend, so I will let you guys know if i get it and also pop a few pictures up.. I think the car has been a past member of these forums at some point already so I will definately be re uniting the two if I do get it! Thanks for the good support and advice guys! really apreciate your time on this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snake Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 If you do meet a chav'd up saxo at the lights just give them a big smile and don't waste your petrol:chav: SUPRA:trophy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 even better answer Snake! I like!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scooter Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 how much are you looking to spend on this NA? Its just if you can live with an auto (and why not) then there are, and will be, some great deals on early auto TT's.......ie in the £4-5K region.... Nothing 'normal' will embarrass a TT, an NA will equal a lot of modern machinery but won't 'toast' much.............i mention this only as it seems you may be bothered by this and immediately hanker after a TT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 They are a fantastic everyday car and the NA's are ultra reliable. The gearbox itself is the same as the one on the TT... The na autobox is not the same as the TT autobox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 The na autobox is not the same as the TT autobox The box is the same isn't it - A340? Only the TC was different IRC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 na box is weaker, clutch packs cant handle as much. The na box also has a cable kickdown whereas the TT has an electronic kickdown. This is why the accumulator shim mod is used in na autos to try and reduce the heat put into them during shifts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 ok.. im just gettin confused now! haha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 There are two different types of autobox in the mkiv supra's, the A340 and the A341, one is strong and the other is weak, by comparison anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 na box is weaker, clutch packs cant handle as much. The na box also has a cable kickdown whereas the TT has an electronic kickdown. This is why the accumulator shim mod is used in na autos to try and reduce the heat put into them during shifts. Last check I made on epc listed the mechanical internals (apart from a few minor parts) as the same. Even the part number for a complete box on the NA and TT is the same. Maybe my EPC is fubared, but this is the first time I've ever heard anyone say the NA/TT auto boxes have different internals. BTW, we're talking the early models here.. Edit - I'm not arguing with you here, just genuinely intrigued Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 (edited) dont know bud but when i was researching all my info for going na-t (before i gave up and bought a TT) i found out that the na autobox is weaker than the TT box by a considerable margin and that you cant use a TT box on an na because the TT box has its own ecu that controls things like the kickdown. You'll find boostlogic also list a built auto for both the TT and the na. -edit- i know your not arguing mate! after all i could be wrong. I'll go try and find some info on it and post a link to see if we can shed some light- Edited September 23, 2008 by bigbloodyturbo (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homer Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 ok.. im just gettin confused now! haha Thats what you get for posting in Tech There's only two references to the a341 on here and one of them is this thread. It would be interesting to hear more on this from other folks. Sorry 3LL, general questions like your one tend to go off topic rather quickly once the questions are, on the most part, answered Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 23, 2008 Author Share Posted September 23, 2008 HaHa, no worries. Like you say general question has been covered and im happy with the answers.. besides, i intend being around for some time on this forum so i best start readin up on this stuff.. something tells me im gonna find it usefull at some point Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbloodyturbo Posted September 23, 2008 Share Posted September 23, 2008 ok found a couple of bits, have a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission#A3xx and here, http://www.clubna-t.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4145&highlight=automatic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan4 Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 It will be a world apart from any 1.6, that much is for sure i wouldnt say a world, even on par if you were faced with a vtech I wouldnt say an Auto N/A is a car you should buy looking for power, more of a cruise around and attract attention due to beauty :d Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guigsy Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 i had a 5 speed NA and loved it dearly. Then went to a Auto TT which i love just as much if not more. The auto box is great for just cruzing arround. getting both hands on the wheel and having fun. Sure in my NA i could light up the rears at the traffic lights and show off but at the end of the day an NA is a heavy car with only 200bhp. Most hot hatches will give you a good run! But i came from a 1.2 clio and the NA was EASILY fast enough for me, when i got it i drove home at about 20mph like a girl! i was so scared. But once i got used to it boy it was fun. Then eventualy i needed a TT p.s - This thread should have been closed when chris posted. Come to think of it most threads should Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3LL Posted September 24, 2008 Author Share Posted September 24, 2008 well, I will have a look at the car, and see what I think. Its a good starting point, and although it may only be around 200 or so HP thats a fair bit more than my current car and a good starting point for what will be essentially my first jap roller! As I mentioned, and was also stated above, im sure.. Like everyone else at some point in the future I will have my heart set on the tt, but unfortunately at the moment its out of my pricerange so ya make the most of what you can afford i guess! given im goin from a 1.6 110hp to a 3.0 200+hp, AND jap aswell, im sure I will be happy for a while what ever model I end up with Im glad to hear from peep's though who have had or own an automatic, as I really am venturing into the unknown with them and as I said above I was concerned that I was going to end up in a big, heavy barge with no acceleration.. But, from what a number of topics, and various peep's on here have said.. that shouldnt be the case for the most part! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guigsy Posted September 24, 2008 Share Posted September 24, 2008 The supra isnt light. but its not a barge and they handle quite well when set up properly. As a comparison i drove a crysler seabring over here in the USA a few weeks ago and the auto box in that was... well... you can guess. Im getting a corvette in a few weeks which will be auto aswell. It will be interesting to see what that is like in comparison to the supras. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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