7MGE rebuild/replace and 7MGTE Head gasket repair

[Grandavi]

Hey Jeff.. wonder if you could help me (I dont like calling service because they just tell me labor and ask when I want to book in, I want to test the waters for feasability).

I have a 1990 7MGTE with a BHG that I need repaired. Normally I would attempt this myself (that was the plan) but after a year of it sitting, I havent had the time nor will I this summer. Can you get a ball-park estimate on getting that fixed?

As well, I have a 1987 7MGE sitting in the garage with a seized 7MGE. The car is fairly solid, but I believe the previous owner drove it dry. Is there a ball-park at rebuild or replacing the engine?

I just need pricing to decide if I want to slap them both in the shop to have it done or just tear the cars down for parts and sell the shells. (very solid body on both, except for the red doors having bondo... )

Would appreciate it, and it wouldn't be a firm estimate, just gives me an idea of if I should, can or want to. (if that makes sense)

You had my White 88 in there today with Ryan from Mobile Sounds. Judging from what your mechanic found on that car, I may need some parts shortly.. (like rotors/pads, the resistor that is "supposed" to be before the driver brake light but some reason is missing)...

ahh.. if only I hated the cars and could just strip 'em for parts.. so much easier....

[Jeff Lange]

I will check into the pricing on this stuff on Monday.

Jeff

[Grandavi]

excellent, thank you. I think the 90 engine may need more than just simply a head gasket repair as the oil is brown (I think the coolant is in it.. and thats not a good thing to have sit for an entire year...)

[Jeff Lange]

I've been checking into this a bit today, but am waiting to hear back on some numbers to give you a more accurate quote. Probably won't be able to update you until tomorrow. Sorry.

Jeff

[Grandavi]

no rush. Wont be until beginning of May for me to be able to afford to do it, but I am getting closer to actually knowing what I am going to do with all these MKIII's.. lol

[Jeff Lange]

You'd be looking at about $2000.00 for the head gasket repair on the 7M-GTE. That's including sending the head out to get it cleaned and overhauled, but that is assuming there are no parts damaged. If the head is cracked, or the block is warped, obviously that can start adding to the cost very quickly. I'd also recommend a new set of ARP head bolts or studs, which will be another $150'ish (IIRC).

As for overhauling the other engine, what is wrong with it? If it needs machining or pistons (damaged cylinders) that can start adding up. New 7M-GE shortblocks are no longer available :(, though I can still get 7M-GTE shortblocks, if you were interested in slapping a turbo on it down the line.

Jeff

[Grandavi]

That's pretty reasonable, when you say overhauled, does that mean the valve seats, stems and seals? I may just have it towed to your shop and let them look at it and see what they think.

I think I need to find a car trailer and save myself some money... lol. Maybe rental time...

I will see if the car sells in May, if not, I will book it in with your boys and get that car running. I hate red cars as a rule but when i look at this one, .. there's something about it I like.. makes me want to keep it as a second MKIII.. (my wife will allow me 2.. in the end)

Thanks Jeff!

[Jeff Lange]

That would include basic stuff (seals, valve grind), but not replacing the valve guides themselves.

:)

Jeff

[Piggity]

Wouldn't it be cheaper to have the engine out of the car too Jeff? I'm sure less wrenching by a Toyota tech would save Grandavi money?

[Grandavi]

I dont know if it would be much cheaper actually.. because they aren't pulling the engine to do it (which should be done if the block is being lapped, but can still be done inside the car). I think for them with the equipment and skill, an engine pull only takes roughly 1 - 1.5 hours.
(for a person who makes a living ripping off cars.. I think it can take as low as 3 minutes.. but thats cutting everything.. lol)

Its a toss up right now, I may be buying a 5th Supra.. or.. fixing this one.. or.. selling it.. (my wife is making me keep it in there until at the very least mid-May as part of our "car park agreement". (otherwise.. she is gonna start pushing me to buy her a Lexus... )

[Dan_Gyoba]

she is gonna start pushing me to buy her a Lexus...
What's wrong with that? If I could afford something less than 10 years old, I'd buy one for my wife. (but then I do currently only own ONE Supra.)

[Funkycheeze]

Would be much cheaper to fix the one with the totally screwed motor by swapping in a JDM motor. less than $1000 for sure.

[Grandavi]

Very true, but those engines are destined for failure. You still have to pull them apart and do the seals and make sure that they aren't "sea-rusted". Can get one for about 700.00 with the turbo but I think that they fail in 1-2 years if not rebuilt (or at the very least resealed and gone over closely. I personally, cant put a Supra back on the road with a weak engine.. it goes against my grain to do it wrong.. regardless of the cost.. : )

As for the Lexus for the wife, 4 Supras, 1 GMC 3/4 ton, 1 Odyssey minivan are enough for 2 people.. lol. Maybe when MY baby gets done properly.. then we can think of HER car... : )

[Piggity]

I wish I had your money. I can barely afford to buy things for one car.

[Grandavi]

Jeff, I want to have the 90 Supra towed to Stampede Toyota for the head gasket to be done. (at least to the point that they know if it will ONLY be a head gasket).

Can you let me know when I can have it towed there, or is best for me to phone and talk to someone down there? I can PM you my personal info and you can just relay the date that they can accept the car if thats easy :)

(just dont know if we get deals for being here.. lol, and I just hate talking to the service monkeys that dont want to hear the story.. just bring the damn car down and we will fix it already!!!) :)

by the way.. thats the Honda experience I had.. it took me 2 days to finally get to sit down with the service manager and I fixed the van in 15 minutes after I talked to him..

[Jeff Lange]

Call in to service at 403.291.9277, and explain the situation to them, ask for a service advisor though, don't just speak with the appointment coordinator.

As far as pricing goes, you will get the Supraclub price on parts, but we unfortunately do not offer any discounts on labour.

Jeff

[Grandavi]

Sounds good, thank you.

Scheduled for Wed. (and to look at other various little issues) Now.. Im excited.. no idea why.. its gonna cost a small fortune...

[CanadianLurch]

good luck hope all goes well!

[Grandavi]

Thanks! Stupid thing is, I book it to get towed in for repairs and then get 5 calls to buy it as it sits. It really is in good shape, 3" exhaust, Ronal rims, etc. And I dont really want to sell it, but the wife made me put it up for sale, so if someone gets here before we'd with the cash I will have to live up to my agreement with the wife. The only bright side to that is that my body/paint on the 88 would get done this summer.