86.5 and not an 86 Supra?
 

How would I know that my Supra is an 86.5 Supra and not an 86? This maybe a stupid question but I really can't determine it. Also, does 86.5 have a lot of improvements compared to 86?

I heard that 86.5 are considered 87 models and use 87 Supra parts, is that right?

I guess to many questions in one thread. Thanks in advance.

Yes, for the most part. There are a couple differences here and there, but from what I recall they're very rarely encountered. I know the really trivial ones are just things like no threaded mounts are built in but hidden by the interior panels for the coat hooks and rear shoulder belts... They're present on '87 and '88 but the hanger and shoulder belts weren't added until '89.

EDIT: Oh, sorry, to answer your question directly, yes, get parts for '87. If you get something that for some reason doesn't fit (such as a different wire harness connector) you can go to a dealer and order the part by providing your VIN number... or you can retrofit it.

Thanks for the input CRE.

I found out a moment ago that 86.5 to 88 have the mirrors 'molded' more to the body. 86 doesn't have the molded look.

Mine have a 'molded' side mirror look so I think mine is a 86.5. Plus my registration said 87 Supra. I guess for DMV 86.5 are considered 87...???

Any other difference from 86 to 86.5 to really seal the deal that mine is a 86.5? Thanks.

What's the date of manufacture on the drivers-door frame plate? Silly suggestion perhaps, but if it's still there it should resolve the issue for you.

You seem to be a bit confused. The '86 Supra is VERY different than the 86'5. The '86 is the last of the MKII Supras, a far more angular style and a lot of similarities to the same year Celica. The '86.5 is the first of the MKIII supras. '86.5 had the 7M-GE engine which was not previously available.

Here's a picture of a MkII and a MkIII. The newer body style of the MkIII began with the 86.5. The first pic (on the left) is a MkIII. The MkII is on the right.

Yes I am CRE, but now I found the light. I followed Mirage83's suggestion to check the date of manufacture on the door jab. It said, "June 1987" so now mystery solved.

I didn't know 86 is an MKII and 86.5 is MKIII. Now I know and thank you for all your help.

The mystery that I've been trying to solve is now put to rest. Thank you!

I found out the hard way what year my car is...
 

1986 or 1986-1/2.

I just a bought a supra title 1986.

Therefore, when I went to Advance Auto to order oil filter, air cleaner, spark plugs, and hoses.

To my suprise, and a couple trips back to the auto parts stores. The only thing are same are oil filter and spark plugs.

Now when I get parts, I have to say 1985 supra, because the computer makes the 1986 a 1986-1/2.

Lesson learned.

Yeah, it can be a pain. The MKIV was a mid-year release too. The MKIV started 1993.5 and yes there was a 1993 MKIII (Just didn't make it to the USA).