jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 so I am looking at buying a 99' VVTI with 80k kms and its got bad compression numbers (115,120,130,140,160,150). It has a small amount of oil inside the intake pipes- any ideas on whether it might be gasket, rings, valves, pistons or a combo? I know without stripping it down I'll never know but I am just looking for some insight.. I might be able to get it for a decent price (if the owner will drop a little more in price) because of the compression issue and oil in turbo's. I am a little worried coz its vvti that it might need some super special parts for rebuild or something- is this the case? ADVICE WANTED!!!! any input appreciated thanks guys.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TLicense Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Pour a small amount of oil in the spark plug hole of each chamber and do the compression test again. If it goes up then it's either rings or bores. Short of that, you need to do a leak-down test to understand where the problem lies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 problem is I doubt the guy will let me do this, and whats more I dont really want to in case it shows its not a major issue- I guess what I am asking is should I take a punt on it. he is willing to let it go way under market value because he knows it ain't right- can I drive a car for a few months with these numbers? or put another way is a vvti any harder to rebuild than a non vvti? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooquicktostop Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Unless it was dirt cheap I would walk away, plenty of Supras around at the moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foodfreak Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 No Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 (edited) for what it is it is cheap, and there ain't a lot of 99 6speed manuals with all the standard kit that haven't been molested in Australia for anything close to this price. I just think better the devil you know- and to me those numbers aren't that bad... he is willing to let it go at 5k (pounds) under market - it wasn't even for sale it was only that I was asking around for a late model rz he said he might consider selling it, he is moving to another state and it will cost him a couple thousand dollars to ship it then he has to fix it... TBH there are no late models like this within 2000 miles of where I am... let alone anything within this price range or condition (excepting the aforementioned issues) Edited November 12, 2009 by jihwaan (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 No Thanks, that is basically what I wanted to know. I was just worried if it needed a full rebuild the flux capacitor would break the bank (if you get my drift) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooquicktostop Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 I would drop a second hand stock engine in to replace when/if it fails, forget a rebuild Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foggy147 Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Sorry to sound very dumb but what actually is a compression test and what does it tell you about the car etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 I would drop a second hand stock engine in to replace when/if it fails, forget a rebuild but what about the ecu etc, wouldnt the harness and ecu need swapping also? otherwise this is exactly the road I will be going (I can get an aristo half cut for peanuts)... and if so how hard is a full harness ecu engine swap on one of these puppies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 (edited) Sorry to sound very dumb but what actually is a compression test and what does it tell you about the car etc? you squeeze the radiator hose between your thumb and forefinger, how much it compresses gives a gauge of the condition of the engine.... (I am gonna check back in five and edit this post but lets see if it fly's) ok a mod showed up now I have to tell the truth... was hoping for a laugh or 2 before the edit...(hey its late here ) a compression test tells you how well each piston/cylinder combination seals under pressure- thereby giving an indication of its condition. Its like using a tyre pressure gauge- if a cylinder holds good pressure and the pressure is even across all cylinders it is good, if not its bad. Edited November 12, 2009 by jihwaan (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustGav Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 you squeeze the radiator hose between your thumb and forefinger, how much it compresses gives a gauge of the condition of the engine.... hey what??? You are actually kidding I hope?????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 (edited) hey what??? You are actually kidding I hope?????? no thats what my mechanic told me...honest!! but it was worth a laugh eh? Anyway back on topic- should I take a punt on the chance I get my dream car? Hey if it turns out to be a lemon I will learn a hell of a lot fixing it... Edited November 12, 2009 by jihwaan (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edge Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Just price in the cost of a second hand engine. It will be alot cheaper than a rebuild and probably more reliable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 Just price in the cost of a second hand engine. It will be alot cheaper than a rebuild and probably more reliable. thats what I want to know, how hard is it to swap a half cut non vvti motor into a vvti considering the FBW etc etc? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jake Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 how hard is it to swap a half cut non vvti motor into a vvti considering the FBW etc etc?I wouldn't do that. I'd fit your VVTi head, and everything attached to it, to a known-good TT engine. Or just strip and rebuild as necessary the VVTi that's in the car now. Rebuilding a 2JZ-GTE engine, regardless of whether it's VVTi or not, is an expensive business though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 12, 2009 Author Share Posted November 12, 2009 I wouldn't do that. I'd fit your VVTi head, and everything attached to it, to a known-good TT engine. Or just strip and rebuild as necessary the VVTi that's in the car now. Rebuilding a 2JZ-GTE engine, regardless of whether it's VVTi or not, is an expensive business though. Thanks Jake and everyone else who weighed in- I realise it ain't gonna be cheap but that said I am going to have this car for many years to come so I figure if I rebuild this one now/soon I know its done. That said if there are no other issues would you drive on those numbers- I have to drive it a fair way to get it home (read hundreds of miles)... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 Get a2nd havd VVTI engine complete from Japan. You should be able to get a good (tested) one for around £2k, and you'll have peice of mind. You should still be able to get a bit for your broken motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foodfreak Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 You can get a new short block for around £2K......why mess around:search: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdistc Posted November 12, 2009 Share Posted November 12, 2009 (edited) If it has known issues, it will mean mild rebuild at very least for peace of mind. This shouldn't cost a great deal more than a 2nd hand motor (which COULD have similar problems anyway), if you stick to a budget and don't go crazy. VVTi motors are 99% identical to non-VVTi, so rebuilding won't require more expertise or expense. Unless you are really keen to learn, or it's really a steal... I'd keep well clear, as it sounds like a headache. edited: wires crossed Edited November 12, 2009 by sdistc (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jihwaan Posted November 13, 2009 Author Share Posted November 13, 2009 I have my SZ-r to drive around while I get this sorted anyways. Oh well, Ill get a mate to go check it out... its just so damn nice- http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w11/Skarsnik101/Rimg0056Small.jpg http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/w11/Skarsnik101/Rimg0062Small.jpg http://members.westnet.com.au/joelviney/Supra2/Picture011.jpg and with its new(er) wheels: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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