(I don't have a digital camera, so I just took the pic from carsales.com.au where I found the car. Exact car, just wasn't me taking the pictures.)
It's a '96 2jz non turbo.
It's a great car, but there are a few mods I'd like to do and I have no idea where to start.
1. Auto to Manual transmission change (If anyone knows of decent places in Brisbane that I can get the labour part done I'd appreciate it) 2.Turbo charger (Not sure which to use, because I think the T-88 might be too big, any thoughts?)
Basically I've read the posts on the auto to manual conversion, but I'm still not too sure where to start. Is it easier to Turbo charge the engine first, then do the conversion? Or does it make no difference?
Oh, and a little about me too! I'm Tristan. I work in a Law Firm in Spring Hill, and teach Guitar. I ride on a 96 Honda Hornet 250cc and a Honda CBR 1100xx Super Blackbird. I'm an avid collector of tattoos and spend way too much time playing guitar. This Forum seems like it has an abundance of knowledge, so I'm grateful for any advice you can give me.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 - 10:57 am, by: James Harris(Haro)
Hi Tristan welcome to the club mate.
not a bad looking soarer you have there.
So you want to make it turbo AND manual ?
I have to ask - if you wanted a turbo manual soarer why didnt you just BUY a turbo manual soarer ?
The costs of turbocharging that engine and chucking a manual behind it would be prohibitive.
PLUS the N/A 2JZs need a bit of stuffing around with them before hand (i believe) and its not a simple as bolting on a nice big turbo and getting all Fast and Furious on someone.
HOWEVER - if you still chose to go down that path then i wish all the best of luck to you and i will watch the transformation with interest.
T88 Turbo is a MONSTER even on a 3L engine, I have a T66 on my 2.5L 1J engine and it still takes a while to spool up... would suit a 3L perfectly though.
Anyways, im sure more comments, help and advice will roll along shortly.
So welcome to the club mate and keep an eye on the EVENTS section as we do have a couple of QLD cruises every now and then.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 - 11:51 am, by: Tristan Gregory(Midnight)
Hi James and thanks for the welcome.
In regards to the Soarer, I did want to get a manual right off the mark, but none were available. It seems the only manual ones you can track down in the QLD area are custom jobs. I thought I could get used to an auto, but it just doesn't suit me.
I've always liked the 2jz engines, and I've always liked the idea of more or less "doing up" my own car, so the template to start on was whatever was available at the time. All the 2.5 turbo Soarers just didn't do it for me. Mind you, that was only looking in the QLD area, no doubt there are some beauties Australia wide.
I thought the T-66 would be the next best thing, and they are quite readily accessible too. Thanks for the information on that aspect.
All in all, I'm thinking of putting about $8000- $10,000 to that car, and really make it a sweet machine. My latest hobby you could say.
Oh and the cruises would be awesome. I'll keep an eye on that.
Again, thanks for that insight. I don't have too much knowledge on the Soarers, so any info/ advice people can give me I really appreciate.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 - 12:15 pm, by: Vinh Bui(Hyudsjk)
Tristan, first of all: Welcome to SC~
To be honest I think $10,000 won't be enough if you want to NA-T your Soarer as well as perform a manual swap, all with quality parts. Then again, I'm a firm believer of doing things right the first time, than having to do it again. You can obviously do whatever you want as it's your car
With that being said though, it can still probably be done if you cut a few corners by doing some of the labour yourself as well as doing some extensive research before you hand over that hard-earned (or not so hard-earned? ) cash of yours.
First of all, there are 2 manual 'boxes that you can choose from: the W58 and the R154. Do a search as there's plenty of threads/posts with opinions of each 'box. You'll then either have the choice of sticking with the clutch, flywheel, cylinders, etc. that comes with the 'box or you can replace them with brand new parts from Toyota. Again, all up to you. Then you have the labour. Of course, you can perform the swap yourself but you'd ideally want some assistance from a mechanically literate friend.
As for doing the NA-T conversion, my recommendation would be to jump onto some Supra forums (www.supraforums.com.au comes to mind) for some more research/advice. NA Supra owners would be the best people to talk to as I know there are plenty who have done the conversion.
Keep us updated mate, it's always good to see someone do something different.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 - 01:22 pm, by: Tristan Gregory(Midnight)
Vinh, I couldn't agree more in the sense that it needs to be done right the first time. Currently I'm leaning toward the R154 box. It seems a popular choice with Soarer owners.
I was hoping that for the conversion I could get it done for about $3000.00, taking a bit of a gamble on some second hand parts. I know I can get a R154 for about $1100 too. Is this a good price? Or is that a bit too low, thus probably a bad quality one? They are hard to track down at the Import wreckers in Brisbane, I've called a couple of places and the R154's are few and far between. Any order sites that you Soarer owners know of?
All in all, I'm looking at this project to be completed late 2009. Including the respray, some bodywork, and various other bells and whistles haha. (Would also note that I do not want to do a dicky 'fast and the furious' respray. Just a custom white haha.)
Thanks for all the support. I'm really looking forward to this project now!!!
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 - 05:59 pm, by: David Tra(Bookie)
Hi there Tristan!
Dude, if i had a supra... T88 all the way!! importbitz is selling a kit, cheap! Good things happen to those who wait.... i prefer the late boost kick anyway but thats me.
Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 09:32 am, by: Tristan Gregory(Midnight)
Well!!! After spending most of yesterday calling import wreckers, I tracked down a half car with a 2jz gte engine and r154 box!!!! $2700.00
I'm quite keen to go check it out to see what it's like.
On a side note, it seems that a lot of my seals around the car are dodgy, because I jumped in this morning, and after a light shower there was water on the floor, passenger side. And I know from washing it that the boot has a leak somewhere too. Gargh!!
Now I just need to weigh up some options.
a) The 2jz gte engine from what I've heard/ seen is an unreal engine that can fit right in the place of the GE engine. The price is good considering it is coming with the R154 box, computer etc. (except no flywheels and the likes, easy enough to track down though)
or
b) Keep the same engine I have now, spend close to $7000.00 on the Turbo kit and Gearbox parts. Not to mention the labour.
I’ve just joined up at the Supra forums, but I think the fine people here would enjoy my project way more that they would!!! Thanks for the kind words also James, David and Scott. The support you guys are giving me is awesome. I’ll give the car a good detail this weekend and get some decent quality pics up if I can get to my old man’s place and use his camera!!!
Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 10:36 am, by: James Harris(Haro)
I personally would buy the engine and box combo.... I assume its in a front cut ?
You may be able to use the brakes and stuff also
OK so i re read your post.. i assume the box and engine are NOT joined.. hence no flywheel. It would be a dream result if it was all attached ready to go.
Thursday, October 09, 2008 - 02:25 pm, by: Tristan Gregory(Midnight)
Yeah James I know what you mean. Because they have a 2JZ GTE sitting there for $2300.00 but then he said if I wanted to save some money, there is a half cut coming in on Friday, so I jumped at the opportunity, just have to make it to Slacks Creek on Saturday, even though I have a full day of teaching
Also, if there are any Soarer owners in the Brisneyland area that would like to come check this project, just PM me and I'll give you my number. Or you can email me. I'm new to the custom side of things, so if anyone would like to see it/ give me some advice in person, just let me know!!
Any one know of something to fix these dodgy seals too, or who can point me in the right thread direction for this?
Oh and last question I swear
Who knows of a primo mechanic that can do this sort of work? I'm in no way game to try it myself!! I saw that there was one out Mt. Gravatt way, but I've lost the thread it was in.
Thanks again.
Peter Nitschke Junk Filterer South Australia UZZ30 UZZ31
Friday, October 10, 2008 - 10:11 am, by: Tristan Gregory(Midnight)
Hey David. I live in Brighton on the northside of Brisbane.
I'll definitely chat to Lew Radbourn. Once I buy this half cut, I'll be saving for a couple of months and book the Soarer in over the christmas break when I have 3 weeks off. That way I won't need to use the car, so it will be the most practical time.
And I can suggest a few tattooists in Brisbane. The artist I see is named Josh Charlton. He has a shop in Sandgate (Rudy's Tattoo, soon to be Sink or Swim Tattoo) and I wouldn't see anyone else. I've had both my arms covered, one leg, chest/stomach, and my lower back. Josh did it all, and he does a fantastic job. Quick and painless
Monday, October 13, 2008 - 02:19 pm, by: Tristan Gregory(Midnight)
Just an update:
I've found another Aristo half cut at a shop in Rocklea for $2300, and the r154 with the works (pedals, flywheel, clutch etc etc.) Although I'm not sure if it comes with the manual ECU.... should probably follow that one up. Anyway, the combo will be $4000.00, a little more realistic, but they are willing for me to do a payment plan, which means I'm guaranteed the one I want!
Just to let everyone know as well, I'm more than happy to sell on the remaining parts I no longer need from the half cut at a discount price. Same applies to anything I take out of my Soarer. I don't know if I'll sell the 2jz ge or not. But if anyone wants it, it's there.
I'm no looking at making money off people, so any reasonable offer for whatever you want (and I don't need haha) will be taken on board. I'll pick the half cut up in about 1 months time.
And lets get a Brisbane Cruise going sometime!!! Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Previous
) cash of yours. 
Tristan, the water on passengers side may just be the plastic liner behind the door trim is not sealing properly. 
