TEMS upgrade?

Paul_NJ · 10-20-2008, 12:50 PM

I just knew there had to be a Supra forum . . . just never looked before. Glad I found it.

I'm the original owner of an 87 turbo ( 135K miles). Always been amazed how little maintenance it's required over the years. (1 each: clutch, starter, alternator, plugs, exhaust, valve cover gaskets).

Soon to enter it's winter hibernation period, I'm thinking about what I've got to do. The shock absorber (I guess they are) TEMS system doesn't seem as stiff as it used to be. Anyone replaced these? Don't think I've ever used anything but "Sport", so a fixed aftermarket replacement would do fine. Would appreciate any suggestions.

Got to deal with the top oil leakage again . . . I appreciated the threads here on that issue . . . don't think I went beyond the cover gaskets the last time, years ago. Have to check the "3rd cover" this time.

Now if I can only trace why the fog lites/interior lights don't work . . .

Never knew who to ask about this stuff before. Thanks.

Moy · 10-20-2008, 06:19 PM

You might also like to check out supramania.com and supraforums.com
Both are excellent sources of information for Supras, but as yours is a MKIII, I would highly recommend supramania as most of the members on there have MKIII's.

If you haven't replaced the HG yet, that could be something you'd like to look into. The OEM HG is known to blow because Toyota, from the factory, only torqued the head bolts to around 56 ft/lbs, where they should have been torqued to around 72 ft/lbs. Most people go with Stone HG or a metal HG, with ARP head studs. As for your suspension, if you would like to keep the option to use your TEMS, the Tokico Illumina shocks are the only aftermarket shocks that are TEMS compatible.

I'm just relaying to you what I've read and how I understand it, I suggest searching supramania for sure.

I hope this has helped at least a little bit.

Paul_NJ · 10-20-2008, 10:59 PM

Moy

Thanks for your response, and the suggestions. I know more about restoring old tractors than my Supra, and it's time I connected with folks to give me some guidance. I'll check out those other sites you mentioned as well.

I really don't care about the variable shocks, as I never change the setting. Can you, or anyone else, recommend some "regular" replacements that are in line with the firmness of the "sport" setting?

Also, I've never changed the timing belt (135K miles so far). Is that something I should consider soon?

Thanks for the insight on the head gasket. Again good new information!

Paul

Moy · 10-20-2008, 11:38 PM

I honestly am not sure about the timing belt.
On Supramania, there is a section titled "subject matter experts", and suspension is covered in there. "Wiisass" is the one who should be able to give you the information that you're looking for.

10-20-2008, 12:50 PM	#1
Paul_NJ Intake Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 36	TEMS upgrade? I just knew there had to be a Supra forum . . . just never looked before. Glad I found it. I'm the original owner of an 87 turbo ( 135K miles). Always been amazed how little maintenance it's required over the years. (1 each: clutch, starter, alternator, plugs, exhaust, valve cover gaskets). Soon to enter it's winter hibernation period, I'm thinking about what I've got to do. The shock absorber (I guess they are) TEMS system doesn't seem as stiff as it used to be. Anyone replaced these? Don't think I've ever used anything but "Sport", so a fixed aftermarket replacement would do fine. Would appreciate any suggestions. Got to deal with the top oil leakage again . . . I appreciated the threads here on that issue . . . don't think I went beyond the cover gaskets the last time, years ago. Have to check the "3rd cover" this time. Now if I can only trace why the fog lites/interior lights don't work . . . Never knew who to ask about this stuff before. Thanks.

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10-20-2008, 06:19 PM	#2
Moy 3" Exhaust Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Beach Park, IL Posts: 59	You might also like to check out supramania.com and supraforums.com Both are excellent sources of information for Supras, but as yours is a MKIII, I would highly recommend supramania as most of the members on there have MKIII's. If you haven't replaced the HG yet, that could be something you'd like to look into. The OEM HG is known to blow because Toyota, from the factory, only torqued the head bolts to around 56 ft/lbs, where they should have been torqued to around 72 ft/lbs. Most people go with Stone HG or a metal HG, with ARP head studs. As for your suspension, if you would like to keep the option to use your TEMS, the Tokico Illumina shocks are the only aftermarket shocks that are TEMS compatible. I'm just relaying to you what I've read and how I understand it, I suggest searching supramania for sure. I hope this has helped at least a little bit.

10-20-2008, 10:59 PM	#3
Paul_NJ Intake Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New Jersey Posts: 36	Moy Thanks for your response, and the suggestions. I know more about restoring old tractors than my Supra, and it's time I connected with folks to give me some guidance. I'll check out those other sites you mentioned as well. I really don't care about the variable shocks, as I never change the setting. Can you, or anyone else, recommend some "regular" replacements that are in line with the firmness of the "sport" setting? Also, I've never changed the timing belt (135K miles so far). Is that something I should consider soon? Thanks for the insight on the head gasket. Again good new information! Paul

10-20-2008, 11:38 PM	#4
Moy 3" Exhaust Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Beach Park, IL Posts: 59	I honestly am not sure about the timing belt. On Supramania, there is a section titled "subject matter experts", and suspension is covered in there. "Wiisass" is the one who should be able to give you the information that you're looking for.