Buying a car with blown turbo...

[mikey_p]

Just want beyonds thoughts on buying a car with a blown turbo. Would you or not?? And why?? I'm looking at a supra mk3 or 300zx z31

[bourge73]

Hey I thought you were buying a Z28 Camaro? or a CTS? so now its a blown turbo car? Anyways depends on the price of the car, more details would help. turbos arent that big of a deal to replace/rebuild, maybe the reasons why are more important.

[black300]

Turbo's can be quite expensive depending on what needs to be replaced and the type of car etc etc

[AE92_TreunoSC]

I'd worry about the condition of the engine, rather then a potential misdiagnoses of the turbo.

[mikey_p]

Yeah the z28 camaro turned out bad and the cts ended up selling. I got offered a mk3 supra with a changed head gasket and properly torqued arp studs with a blown turbo (stock) for $3000. The 1988 300zx z31 is also in good condition with a blown t25 stock turbo for $2000. What I wNt is a turbo rwd 5 speed and both these are that. Only thing that scares me is proper diagnosis of the turbo seals. I'd hate for it to end up being rings valve seals or head gasket. That's why I'm here.

[mikey_p]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
I'd worry about the condition of the engine, rather then a potential misdiagnoses of the turbo.

Thats what i am worried about... Probably gonna invest in a compression tester today and check them properly.. Just not sure which one is the best option..

[stealth131]

I would, considering it only took me a day to swap the turbo on my car first time doing it.

[bourge73]

Pretty tough for a diagnosis online, any advice you get is without anyone actually looking at it. Take it to a mechanic or shop if you need one pm me.

[mikey_p]

I can handle the motor diagnosis. What about turbo availability?? The supra is a ct26 stock and the 300zx is a t25. I'm sure the t25 is available but what about supra turbo's. Oh and FYI the supra is $1000 more but seems to be cleaner bu not a ton.

[ercchry]

i thought those old 300zx were a t3 flanged turbo? either way, used oem turbos from nissans interchange pretty well and for cheap... then there is ebay which is always hit and miss for knock-offs... or you can always upgrade

[R154]

fastest way to know is pull of the coldpipe and see how much blow by is in the charge pipe. some oil is normal, but overwhelming amounts (enough to drip of your finger) is definitely not healthy. And will lead to your center section seals.

although there is an outside chance that it is a combination of both issues. Headgasket will result in an almost sweet smelling exhaust smell, as well as a severe temperature spike once both block and head have had a few minutes to at least somewhat warm.

As for valves... well unless there is a profound amount of smoke coming out, it is hard to know.

Maintenance and service records are the easiest way to see whether the major things like timing chain/ major repair has been done.

But for a budget sub 4g's you get what you pay for. and that will normally mean at least a couple hundred in regular maintenance, and then about a g in shit that was on the verge of exploding in the near future. (that has been my experience at least...)

Dont forget about regular wear items like balljoints, bushings, brakes, the clutch. Cars that old, and that cheap have had the shit kicked out of them, and potentially a few new drivers learning to drive with them.

If I were you, I would be less hasty and save a couple more thousand. I know it sounds stupid but the difference between an 89 240sx that costs 2.5g's and one that costs 5-6 (unmodified ofcourse) is that the expensive one has far, far fewer mechanical issues.
Your initial investment will be categorically ruined if you have to spend just as much as you should have to have a higher mileage, and worse car then from what you could have begun with.

[mikey_p]

I guess in my eyes the two cars are very similar with both the same issues. The supra is $1000 more but quite clean and has a lot of things done already. Center force clutch, arp studs and metal head gasket, suspension and pearl paint. The 300zx is similar in mods but nothing engine wise. My problem is the extra $1000 I save with the 300zx could go to fixing it. However will the supra be a better more reliable car that I can sell easier when the day comes?? I am quite possibly looking way to far into this. :banghead:

[mikey_p]

****update****

Apparantly the "blown turbo" on the supra was a ebay turbo... exactly what this one is

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220619728176&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.ca%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp5197.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D220619728176%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

What would be the best and cheapest replacment turbo without having to modify anything? I just want to get the car back on the road in working order.. I'm also not keen on purchasing another cheap ebay turbo..

The plate on the supra turbo says:

Type : T04E
Part # : T3/T4
A/R.50
M12

[ercchry]

Originally posted by mikey_p
****update****

Apparantly the "blown turbo" on the supra was a ebay turbo... exactly what this one is

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220619728176&ru=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.ca%3A80%2F%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp5197.m570.l1313%26_nkw%3D220619728176%26_sacat%3DSee-All-Categories%26_fvi%3D1&_rdc=1

What would be the best and cheapest replacment turbo without having to modify anything? I just want to get the car back on the road in working order.. I'm also not keen on purchasing another cheap ebay turbo..

The plate on the supra turbo says:

Type : T04E
Part # : T3/T4
A/R.50
M12

honestly for $100 you can either get that ebay turbo or try and source an old used oem turbo.... either way the life of it till it goes again is a gamble.... if you are not willing to drop $1000 on a brand name new turbo those are your options... ebay one is easier to come by and if you luck out you might get a good one and it will last a few seasons.... but if this supra has a 7m in it you do realize it is still going to suck? handle like a pig and not be very fast

[mikey_p]

Im not looking for something that is killer fast.. Im not a speed junkie.. I want a turbo rwd car for the summers.. something to mess around with.. The supra does have a 7M in it and i understand that both cars are not killer fast or handle well. But for $2000 - $3000 what can i expect?? I'm tired of fwd honda.. Had b16 del sol, integra's and civics or preludes.. I just want something different this summer..

[ercchry]

well i gave you another option... but i guess you didnt want that

[crapstixs]

what dose blown turbo mean? like leaking seals, or actual turbo damage. leaking seals are not that big of a deal, the bearings have worn rendering the seals useless. or has the bearings worn so much the compressor has mashed its self into the housing and filled your engine with aluminum dust and bits of metal. i would dig a bit deeper before you start spending money.

[mikey_p]

According to both cars owners the cars are still drivable..

The 300zx just puffs a bit of smoke and has oil in the pipes.. I havent made my way to the car.. its 4 hours away from me.. Owner said it still runs and drives fine but blows smoke when pressure in the turbo changes.. For example letting off the throttle and back on again..

The supra from what i understand is the same but smoking a bit more.. neither one are completly seized or damaged inside to my knowledge..

[mikey_p]

I talked to Alamo today and they will rebuild either turbo for $490 as long as they don't need turbine or major components. But they would know that before getting into it. They had no rebuilt ones in stock.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

Alamo has been awesome for me and the shop I work at. Very reasonable prices for how expensive the turbo world is.

[sr20s14zenki]

Just keep an eye out for a decently priced Garrett t3/t4. Usuall you can get them for 400$ in great shape. Slap it on shouldn't be too much modification.

[Big_Fat]

i personally wouldn't want someone elses headache. and deffs not if they were doing their own work.