So little intro, I've never swapped an engine or transmissions. I've rebuilt chevy engines (a v6 and a v8) and own a rare 84 trans am that needs suspension work and has some rust yada yada, I've gotten into drifting in the past couple years after seeing some stuff on a mag dvd and have never really had a car that did me justice for it. anyway back to the supra

So I've got this abandoned supra thats an 88, 7mge motor by the looks of it on the vin and part numbers and has over 170k on it. The transmission is an automatic and doesnt get out of first and is pretty much shot. Engine runs but obviously has problems and a few missing hoses. Its pretty evident that someone said a few choice words and dumped the car since its been in this parking lot for over a year.

The body is in perfect shape and this car must not have been a chicago car all its life to have almost no rust on it at all. brakes look all right, suspension looks fine and springs seem to have been replaced at some point. Frame looks good as well.

NOW, what to do? I have no cash and was thinking about selling my TA but it has such rare things about it such as the only 84 i've ever seen thats a full hardtop when the 85's switch from the t-top to the full and other things (so possible prototype). So thats a last resort for funds.

For an engine I would go with the 7mgte and a manual trans by what I've researched so far. I have very little knowledge on this and have no idea how much they would cost or to have them professionally installed.

So thats my situation, any feedback is welcome.

If you have no cash, then it sounds like you have no budget for a project.

As far as the drifting goes, I don't see why you need a Supra to do it. The Trans AM weighs about the same as MKIII, but has the advantage of being cheaper and easier to find parts for. Lock up the rear end and start practicing. If you are serious about drifting then get ready to drop a lot of cash on tires and repairing body damage. It is not cheap or easy to get into.

i was just curious about the supra to be honest, cause the body is in excellent shape plus i only spent the cost of titling and registration for it.

I've tried with the trans am and its alright, it has the power. I have already experienced havin to pay for another new set of tires :iceslolan, i'm just sketical about the suspension because it seems very weak and I already need to replace a few things. but it could be i just need a new steering box :frown:, are there things i can do to strengthen it besides just buying performance parts? and should i hold onto the supra for the future or sell it as a parts car? cause i mean, it is a supra :) how much do they usually go for?

A MKIII non running may bring $500-$1000.

hmmmm The trans is leaking everywhere now, and the engine from the outside seems workable but not great. so the engine could easily add to the value? I'm going to research so more