"tetsu_no_usagi" (tetsunousagi)
12/21/2014 at 17:30 • Filed to: None
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"tetsu_no_usagi" (tetsunousagi)
12/21/2014 at 17:30 • Filed to: None | 1
| 10 |
Now, I know you all know what this is:
Yep, the last, great tuner's dream car from the beige-meisters at Toyota, the Supra Mk IV.
Now, did you know that there was a Lexus version of this? Same style (2-door coupe), same layout (RWD), offered the same engine (yep, the 2JZ but with a 5-speed manual), even the option for a bigger v8, and far more luxurious in the interior. I speak of none other other than the first generation Lexus SC300. Oh, you can argue which way you prefer (here's a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) but I think an inexpensive 90% solution is a gold mine if you're not independently wealthy or lucky enough to win the lottery.
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What brings me to this announcement is my nigh-daily perusal of the local Craig's List cars for sale listings, and this !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! :
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Oh, that paint is... used, abused, and put away wet. It is so very, very burnt and scorched, and the headlights are so foggy that I doubt anyone would notice you driving around with the high beams on all the time. The wheels are still pretty shiny though, which is a small upside to this poor old girl.
Oh, it's not just paint, it's going to be a Bondo job too. But just think, a refresh to the outside, whatever internal ailments the current owner is complaining about (I'm guessing because they listed "rack in pinion n starter" that those need attention) and your own personal, luxurious drift machine is ready for some personal modifications and upgrades. I'd say start with something mild, because if the outside is any indication, the 2JZ in this old girl has seen more than it's fair share of use. No sense in dropping that monster, 1,000+ HP capable turbo setup on it if the first time you give it the boot, you spit all your internals out the side of the block.
You better hurry up and snag it before I rearrange my list of project cars and slot it in above an Exocet build, the motorcycle, or the sleeper Nova corner carver.
Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
> tetsu_no_usagi
12/21/2014 at 17:38 |
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I see SC300s being really rare before long. Being a cheapish source of 2JZs will probably mean they get bought for the engine and junked/parted out.
Funktheduck
> Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
12/21/2014 at 18:29 |
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I'm pretty sure that's what happened to my deer damaged GS300
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Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
> Funktheduck
12/21/2014 at 18:35 |
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Most likely, relatively cheap cars with a popular engine are going to get torn apart one day or another.
Local Miata Bro
> tetsu_no_usagi
12/21/2014 at 19:05 |
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The want is strong with this one. If only I had space to store it at my parents house while I'm in college. I still might go take a look as a buddy of mine wants to 2jz swap his 240sx
NJAnon
> tetsu_no_usagi
12/21/2014 at 22:18 |
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"Diamond in the rough parts list" is probably what you meant. :P
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tetsu_no_usagi
> Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
12/22/2014 at 10:39 |
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Unfortunately, that's true. Think of all those F body GMs in the late '90s/early '00s that are getting junked for their LS1s and Tremec T56 manuals. That's what I'm on the lookout for right now - not really fond of the F bodies, but love that drivetrain.
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tetsu_no_usagi
> Local Miata Bro
12/22/2014 at 10:40 |
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Dude, that's worth the $2,000 asking price, if that 2JZ and tranny are in decent enough shape.
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tetsu_no_usagi
> NJAnon
12/22/2014 at 10:40 |
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One man's parts list heap is another man's weekend project. Just all depends on what body you want on the outside and how far you're willing to rehab it.
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NJAnon
> tetsu_no_usagi
12/22/2014 at 17:29 |
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No doubt. You won't have to be lucky to win the lottery or snag a Supra. Its just the way it is with cars that aren't produced anymore. Push on weekend warrior!
The only mention of it being a parts car for me is that I don't recall Lexus(Toyota) making the SC300 any 2nd iteration of the Supra (I don't know what they were trying to do with the SC300 IMO). Corrent me if I'm wrong, but apart from the interior, Isn't the suspension geometry, differential, transmission and other things different? There would be some serious tweaking going on in Tetsu's garage.
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tetsu_no_usagi
> NJAnon
12/23/2014 at 07:12 |
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You are correct, the SC300 is definitely not a Supra under a different body, but while it doesn't have the exact same suspension geometry and the rest, it is still a very decent performance luxury ride in its own right. Which is why I said a "cheap 90% solution over the real thing that I can't afford" (or something similar), and if I tackled the project, I wouldn't be fooling myself that I was driving a Supra with a different body on it. It would be a fun little coupe that had a cool engine and no one would look twice at otherwise.