Guest Mcleansc Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Hi guys, I currently drive a 200sx but I find myself getting the itch for a 6 cylinder. I've been looking at R34 GTT's but following joining this forum and doing a bit of research I've decided to look into a TT UK Spec late year Supra (with what I believe to have a steel turbine wheel and bigger injectors?). I've done a bit of searching into modding and stuff (internals good for 600bhp I'm lead to believe?) even though I'll be looking for a stock one and keeping it that way for a while. I'm just wondering how they are to run on a daily basis? What are the common problems that owners seem to get? How are they for rust? How easy are they to work on? I'm happy to do anything on my 200sx bar open the engine or electronics. Readily available parts in the UK, aftermarket and OEM? How do people on here go about mapping them? Are there generic Staged Maps similar to what Jez at Horsham does or will it need to be something like a Nistune? I've already read a post about a guy whos brake lines failed and the information on what the BPU is as well as the buying guide (which is excellent). I wont be buying one for a while (maybe summer 2015 or later as I don't want to rush into anything) and it will be be bone stock with a full service history. I don't mind waiting as I love my 200sx and will be keeping it despite the new car. So basically just looking for an input from owners who have owned one for a while and their experience. Thanks in advance, Scott Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Do you want an auto or a manual supra? If you want a 6sp Uk Spec, happy hunting as they are very rare and can command top dollar. Or look at a J-Spec 6sp and mod it to your liking. Insurance wise if you shop around and go to a proper insurer that does not ramp up premiums just because it is an import then there is nothing much to choose between them. A lot of people use their supra daily with no issues. Having owned both a Supra J-Spec, UK Spec and an S14a the UK Spec was the best for me, The S14a was miles better handling in my opinion but that is to my tastes but no where near as quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mcleansc Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Was hoping for a UK manual with the 6sp getrag box. I understand I'm probably dreaming but I want to buy from the top end of the market, like I should've done with my rusty 200SX lol. What Stage did you have the 14a at mate? Mines is a map away from Stage 2, despite having it off the road for 6 months due to rust repairs 3 months after buying it I've totally fallen in love with the S-Bodies. The more time I spend looking at Supras the more I want one right enough! How did you find the Supras to work on? I like the 14a because it's quite easy and the SXOC has a great technical section with how to's on all the usual problems. Did you mod the Supras you owned? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Was hoping for a UK manual with the 6sp getrag box. I understand I'm probably dreaming but I want to buy from the top end of the market, like I should've done with my rusty 200SX lol. The UK spec Supra was discontinued in 1996, all UK Supras are pre-facelift models, there were only around 600 made and the majority of those were autos. The 'top end of the market' IMO is a 1997-2002 facelift J-spec TT VVti. The UK spec and J-spec Supra have almost identical hp and torque figures from the factory and after they are derestricted (click -> BPU), the later VVTi Jspec TT's have similar power but better torque figures. The UK spec turbos have smaller steel turbine wheels which spool slower than the larger ceramic J-spec turbos. UK spec turbos tend to suffer more with bearing/seal wear, the ceramic j-spec turbos can at BPU performance levels let go, but it's very hit and miss some last the life of the car some don't. Have a read through these guides http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/forumdisplay.php?60-Basic-Supra-Guides Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 (edited) How did you find the Supras to work on? I like the 14a because it's quite easy and the SXOC has a great technical section with how to's on all the usual problems. Did you mod the Supras you owned? The club has been going since 2001 and there is a huge knowledge base here amongst the member and traders, I doubt there's a question about any aspect of the Supra that hasn't already been asked or could not be answered by someone. You will find FAQ and guides here (http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/forumdisplay.php?69-FAQs-and-Guides) anything else do a forum search or ask and someone will know the answer. See also Toyota service manuals here: http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/content.php?51-Repair-Manuals Edited November 11, 2014 by Nic (see edit history) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Was hoping for a UK manual with the 6sp getrag box. I understand I'm probably dreaming but I want to buy from the top end of the market, like I should've done with my rusty 200SX lol. What Stage did you have the 14a at mate? Mines is a map away from Stage 2, despite having it off the road for 6 months due to rust repairs 3 months after buying it I've totally fallen in love with the S-Bodies. The more time I spend looking at Supras the more I want one right enough! How did you find the Supras to work on? I like the 14a because it's quite easy and the SXOC has a great technical section with how to's on all the usual problems. Did you mod the Supras you owned? My SX was Stage 1a, it had a RR from previous owner of 306bhp which I took with a pinch of salt. I did not work on mine or any car for that matter, that is what mechanics are for. I am anti DIY My S14a ran well and looked mint till one day it developed every fault under the sun within a matter of weeks, so I got rid. If you go on SXOC, you might see my old for sale advert few years back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted November 11, 2014 Share Posted November 11, 2014 The S14a was miles better handling in my opinion but that is to my tastes but no where near as quick. The 200sx is definitely lighter on its feet, but doesn't feel anywhere near as stable. I've driven very few cars that feel as planted as a well sorted Supra. Build quality is also in a different league, though the S14 cabin is pretty decent for a 90's Jap car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mcleansc Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 The 'top end of the market' IMO is a 1997-2002 facelift J-spec TT VVti. The UK spec and J-spec Supra have almost identical hp and torque figures from the factory and after they are derestricted (click -> BPU), the later VVTi Jspec TT's have similar power but better torque figures. The UK spec turbos have smaller steel turbine wheels which spool slower than the larger ceramic J-spec turbos. UK spec turbos tend to suffer more with bearing/seal wear, the ceramic j-spec turbos can at BPU performance levels let go, but it's very hit and miss some last the life of the car some don't. Cheers Nic I'll give that link and the others you've posted a look at, is a budget of £10,000-£13,000 decent enough for the Spec you've mentioned? I won't be upping the boost for a while so TBH the ceramic turbine wheel shouldn't bother me, and the better torque figure appeals to me. My SX was Stage 1a, it had a RR from previous owner of 306bhp which I took with a pinch of salt. I did not work on mine or any car for that matter, that is what mechanics are for. I am anti DIY My S14a ran well and looked mint till one day it developed every fault under the sun within a matter of weeks, so I got rid. If you go on SXOC, you might see my old for sale advert few years back. Yeah I seen it man, sold it for a cheap price! Think the thread was closed couldn't see the ad just the thread after it was sold. Ha, to be fair so should I, I think I break more things than I fix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamesmark Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 The 200sx is definitely lighter on its feet, but doesn't feel anywhere near as stable. I've driven very few cars that feel as planted as a well sorted Supra. Build quality is also in a different league, though the S14 cabin is pretty decent for a 90's Jap car. Hence why I said 'to my tastes' I could take corners faster in the SX compared to the Supra's. Also whilst we are disagreeing, the SX interior was nasty imo. Supra wins that hands down (except the supra seats). I always thought the S14a was a mean looking car, but when I sold it and the buyer followed me to petrol station it just looked ordinary in the rear view. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_jza80 Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 The S14 cabin is basic, but well made and well laid out. The cabin is leagues ahead of the simply awful one found in the R33 Skyline of similar vintage. The front on view of an S14a is awesome, but I agree that from other angles the car doesn't look special, and the addition of large aftermarket bumpers and skirts doesn't help. If I were to build another 200sx, it would be an S13 with the front end and interior of an S14a. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted November 12, 2014 Share Posted November 12, 2014 Cheers Nic I'll give that link and the others you've posted a look at, is a budget of £10,000-£13,000 decent enough for the Spec you've mentioned? I won't be upping the boost for a while so TBH the ceramic turbine wheel shouldn't bother me, and the better torque figure appeals to me. Contact Jurgen-Jm-Imports trader on the forum, he imports Supras from Japan and would be the best person to talk to. http://jm-imports.co.uk/index.php/car-sales/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mcleansc Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Nic those threads you suggested are awesome, I actually read the Spec Table before making this thread but couldn't make head nor tail of it, didn't realise the other PFD was an actual explanation of all the models and specs, I have a much clearer (and realistic) view of what I want now. Cheers for that. I'm going to give JM Imports a message today, I've actually been on his website before looking for S14a Koukis. And to the 200sx discussion personally I think the cabin isn't the worst place to sit, but is a bit tacky and plasticky, not the best of quality. It is easily fixable with installing the S15 dash which with some tinkering can be done and makes it look a lot more modern. I agree with you James and j_jza80, from certain angles it looks mean, other angles it looks plain, the body is too round and soft looking. I'd love a PS13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MATT RR Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Nic those threads you suggested are awesome, I actually read the Spec Table before making this thread but couldn't make head nor tail of it, didn't realise the other PFD was an actual explanation of all the models and specs, I have a much clearer (and realistic) view of what I want now. Cheers for that. I'm going to give JM Imports a message today, I've actually been on his website before looking for S14a Koukis. Like or keep an eye on JM Imports Facebook page too, its updated more often than the website https://www.facebook.com/pages/JM-Imports/113721402065759 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mcleansc Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Cheers for that Matt on the Facebook page now. Do any of the Scottish owners on here have any Garage recommendations? I currently use a great guy but I don't he's had too many Supras to work on. I like to work on my cars but my skills and time are limited so it's helpful to know of good garages with a good reputation. I'm in the Glasgow area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony tt Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Welcome to the club. There's an open day at GI Motorsport coming up in Kilmarnock on the 22nd I think. A few Supra's going and myself. If you can pop down for a look if you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tony tt Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Cheers for that Matt on the Facebook page now. Do any of the Scottish owners on here have any Garage recommendations? I currently use a great guy but I don't he's had too many Supras to work on. I like to work on my cars but my skills and time are limited so it's helpful to know of good garages with a good reputation. I'm in the Glasgow area. Gaz at GI Motorsport in Kilmarnock is good and also a Supra owner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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