hi all, new here...looking to get some knowledge before i look to buy!

[Guest drb0mb]

alright, i've always been a fan of american muscle cars. i grew up driving a 1993 mustang in the united states and had a certain stigma about tuner imports...you know how haters are. regardless, i always had a fascination with the supra that i couldnt really put my finger on and always told myself i wouldn't mind owning one. problem is they're few and far between in the united states and wouldn't expect to pay less than $20,000 for any given one.

 

so now the possibility of me owning one is definitely real here- i've been doing a lot of reading and trying to make sure i don't regret anything i end up buying. i've got a deep enough wallet that i can probably go £15,000 but i'd like to keep the price closer to 8-10k so i don't end up feeling it for too long.

 

anyway, on to my questions.

how exactly does the model year affect the value and desirability of a mkiv supra? i've since found any model year beyond 1996 is a grey import, so is it a better idea to go with a 1996 over a 1998 if they're otherwise comparable vehicles?

what about uk-spec vs j-spec? what are the pros and cons between the two?

 

right now, in my underinformed state, i've been looking for a 1998 6-speed manual, preferably with a single turbo, but i won't reject a TT if i like it otherwise

 

thanks all!

[sammytruck]

Welcome to the club, with a little searching you will find all the info you need and there are lots of knowledgable guys and gals that will help with specific questions.

 

IMO, the history of the car, ie how its been loved and cared for is as important as " what model ", the VVTI engine (variable valve timing intelligent) seems to be more desirable but you can find all the pro's and cons within the site somewhere. Good luck with search and enjoy the club.

[The Raven]

Without sounding like im talking down to you. You are aware that supras never came in a single turbo form, Ones that run a single have been built like that.

 

Now thats out the way. UK spec supras ended in 1996. They are rare and few and far between, there is a a few differences between them but expect to pay 8k+ for a uk car if you where after a 6 speed single turbo one you could wait forever. I would advise a Jspec.

 

Singles are a mine field for buyers due to sheer amount of work and after market parts needed. A well set up one is fine one done on the cheap will cost you ££££ in repair costs.

[Guest drb0mb]

ah ha all good points to consider, thanks...yeah i knew single turbos were all aftermarket, the impression that i got was that the twin may have been inferior in some way or another to the single to warrant the conversion. (or do they turn n/as into single turbos? i hardly know shit about cars...) but, it's looking more and more to me that it's just a matter of performance preference and the sheer hobby of engine work and tuning that the singles are around

 

thanks!

[The Raven]

The TT is inferior power wise to a single. A TT will push 400bhp with mods. A single? well that depends on your money any thing from 500 to 1000 bhp can be done.

 

You have to start with a TT to go big single. N/As can be fitted with a single these are N/ATs and make around 350bhp