NA VVTi to TT VVTi conversion

[spartan]

(could also be entitled facelift 97-on SZ-R to RZ conversion - pretty sure this hasn't been discussed anywhere on this forum, apologies if it has and I haven't found it - it's been pointed out to me that the NA VVTi car might be very rare)

 

Hello all

 

Relative newbie here - been lurking for a while on the look-out to purchase my ultimate Supra = RZ VVTi 6-speed

 

Of course no such luck yet but I have asked Jurgen to keep his eyes open for me.

 

However, a chance find on eBay (apologies if that amounts to swearing to some) set me thinking ....

 

When I look at the model differences between a full-option VVTi SZ-R and RZ, I noticed (OK, it's obvious) that the major difference is that one's NA and the other's TT; the rest of the goodies, however, are already there.

 

"So what?", you ask. Well, I understand that there's really no problem importing a NA VVTi to the UK - a model report exists - and you could get one, relatively new (the oldest is just 10 years old now), low-mileage and in the colour of your choice (quicksilver for me!) AND for about half the price of a similar TT (if you could import one at all - for gray imports this seems to be a very gray area!).

 

To make this NA my ultimate Supra, all I'd need to do (ha!) is swap the lump for a TT VVTi and, well, what else? This is where the thread really starts:

 

1. VVTi TT engine (with all the bits still on it)

2. ECU

3. Fuse box

4. Engine loom

5. Radiator

6. Diff. (final drive different)

7. Exhaust manifold

8. Downpipes

9. Exhaust

10. Airbox

11. Intercooler and piping

 

What am I missing? Probably heaps!

 

The last four items on the list are probably nothing to worry about - if you were doing the engine swap, you'd probably be going non-stock with these anyway.

 

If you were importing the SZ-R then you might as well ask your 'agent' to source the other bits for you and stick them on the boat with the car. When it gets here, you have a car you can drive until you work-up the nerve to do the conversion!

 

Then insure it as - what - modified SZ-R or RZ? Probably the least of your worries!

[spartan]

Of course, someone's already way ahead of me - found this (fascinating thread):

 

http://www.supraforums.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=25065

 

WARNING: don't start reading it now if you're planning to do something else within the next 5 hours ...

[wallace9]

Good luck with that mate

[Darren]

Why not buy the vvti n/a 6 speed and just fit a single turbo kit?

[spartan]

Why not buy the vvti n/a 6 speed and just fit a single turbo kit?

 

Cost? Maybe comparable ...

 

OK - so I realise there are plenty of other options. Please - humour me!

[jim_supra]

Also, getting hold of a vvti NA may turn out to be a problem. There have been discussions on here lately and the general opinion is that the vvti NA was only available in america.

[spartan]

Also, getting hold of a vvti NA may turn out to be a problem. There have been discussions on here lately and the general opinion is that the vvti NA was only available in america.

 

Thanks and good point! I must admit although I can find lots of aftermarket products for such a vehicle, the NA VVTi car appears to be pretty elusive!

 

However, that doesn't change the basic concept of my idea: late-model SZ-R to VVTi RZ but perhaps I will change the title of this thread slightly to stay on topic ...

[Chris Wilson]

Why VVti? Lots of issues with tuning those in the UK. Excellent idea, but why not go basic J-Spec TT?

[spartan]

Why VVTi? Lots of issues with tuning those in the UK. Excellent idea, but why not go basic J-Spec TT?

 

Thanks Chris. Ah! My Newbie-ness is showing again

 

I have to admit that:

 

1. I was ignorant of the fact that VVTi meant tuning issues (because of OBD?)
    
   
2. For me (and I suspect a lot of other potential Supra drivers), BPU would be as far as I would ever want to go
    
   
3. I was guessing that it would be easier to convert from 'new' J-Spec NA to VVTi TT than to 'old' TT (maybe not with all the stuff I've suggested would be needed anyway).
   

I suppose my original thinking was that, if you were like me and wanted a 'stock-ish' (cough!) VVTi TT here in the UK, this might be a 'legitimate' way to do it.

 

The economics of the thing was the other point I was trying to get feedback on: if my assumptions are right (and I'm quite happy to be shot down) then my pseudo-RZ might even be a 'cheap' alternative. Well, cheaper than a real RZ which is practically 'unobtanium'. If you could put a price on one, what would it be, £15-16k (maybe more if Bonsai Cars are to be believed)? You could get a very nice SZ-R for that money and have plenty of money left over for the conversion (and, yes, to non-VVTi if you prefer).

 

Don't get me wrong - I am a realist and I just know that if you'd budgeted for an RZ then you'd very likely spend it all converting from the SZ-R

 

But hopefully not more and it is do-able! Or is it? Which brings me back to my original thinking ...

 

If even BPU on a VVTi entails tuning issues then that would, I guess, have cost implications - if all the 'breathing' bits (in and out) have to be OEM?

 

What else would be needed? Besides the labour costs which I've completely ignored, is there anything else that I've missed from my list required to convert?

 

[feel free to insert smart-ar5e answers here!]