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1992 SC300 160k $7k: Worth it??

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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 05:28 PM
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Default 1992 SC300 160k $7k: Worth it??

There's finally a sc300 for sale thats close to me. Its a 5sp, 1992 with 160k miles on it.

Now... Thats a lot of miles.
Is it worth buying for like $7k, and maybe replacing parts of the engine and adding a stage 1 toyomoto turbo?.

Including parts and labor, how much would that cost. I know the turbo is $6k including tax.

Thanks,

Matt
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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 05:34 PM
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7k? that sounds good. that sounds kinda cheap actually, but i could be wrong. prices really vary depending on where you live.
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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 05:38 PM
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i would give him/her $4,500 and get a used 2JZGTE engine for $2,900 with $2,000 labor. total cost about $10,000 you have have a very fast SC300
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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 05:46 PM
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unfortunatly i don't think they would go that low.

Also who would install it???

Matt
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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 05:47 PM
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Matt,

Money talk
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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 06:02 PM
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Yeah money does. But I don't have that much. And I heard there are all sorts of electrical and ECU issues if I switch engines.

I want it done right. I can't afford to be without a car for too long.


Matt
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Old Apr 26, 2002 | 06:05 PM
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Healerhand. I knowtice you want to do what you suggested for me. How much research have you done regarding the swap?


Matt
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 08:28 AM
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Actually right now i am doing a lot of search on this topic. I am also currently looking for parts. i.e. High mileage SC300, 2JZGTE engine, 6 Speed tranny, BPU info. There is a book about swapping GTE engine into SC300.
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 01:03 PM
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here's the book he's talking about...
http://www.fly-hawaii.com/lexustt/previewManual.htm

ECU Harness worries go bye bye.


John
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 01:18 PM
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thanks for the tip
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 02:00 PM
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but is the price good for the car???
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 02:06 PM
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if the car is in good condition, not wrecked & bondo'd all over, and the interior is acceptable, and the car runs & drives, it worth it. Just be careful that it doens't need a buncha small things. If you're planning on changing the suspension anyways, no worries, but does the car need new shocks? Does it need a new tranny? How's it shifting? How about the bushings? The Front & Rear control arms? Small things.


Bottom line -- If you're gonna mod the car, it a good project car.


John
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 03:35 PM
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Originally posted by Toog4me
but is the price good for the car???
I don't care too much for stick, but I know it's a rare car. I paid $7K for my Green 93 SC400 at 145K mi. last Oct-01. So you tell me a 92 SC300 5 spd. 160K mi. $7 worth it?
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 03:48 PM
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VQT, did you negotiate to that price? If so, than Greylor could negotiate even lower... Maybe knock of 1k.

"Well I've got a friend who bought an SC400 with 145K miles for the price you're selling this SC300 with 160K miles... I've got 6k cash, interested?"


John
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Old Apr 27, 2002 | 04:42 PM
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i would give him/her $4,500 and get a used 2JZGTE engine for $2,900 with $2,000 labor. total cost about $10,000 you have have a very fast SC300
.....And they'd tell you to go take a hike.

I'm not sure where you think you're gonna find a complete GTE w/turbos w/ECU and harness in good condition for $2900...

In addition to the complete GTE with harnesses and ECU, you also need: (partial list)

intake tract with MAF and filter
intercooler with pipes
TT fuel pump and ECU
Clutch
Flywheel
Supra TT ignition components
TT water pump
TT belts
TT power steering pump
TT a/c compressor
components to adapt TT exhaust
misc tune up items on the GTE: belts, filters, some new hoses, etc.
other TT components that don't transfer over that I forgot.

Assume you can get a mechanic to do the work for 50/hr, Its gonna take a shop way more than 40 hours to complete the job.

And then you'll end up with a car that runs 300rwhp or less. You've still got all the BPU type stuff to get to 400rwhp. ($1500 for parts).

All told, way over $10k --- probably closer to $20k --$30k if you want to do the 6spd conversion at the same time.
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