Turbo removal and related questions.

I'm looking at buying an '89 turbo. I just called about it today and the owner claims the reason he is selling it so cheap, is because the turbo started making a noise and is soon going to need a rebuild. He says it was running more than stock boost (8 PSI?), so I figure that right there could do the job. Now, it's quite a drive to get the car back home, if I buy it. The owner said I could take the turbo off and cover the manifold with something until I get a new turbo to put on. Can something like this be done?

My next question is, how hard is it to remove the turbo? I hear the turbo is easy to get to and takes anywhere from 15-30 minutes to remove if you know what you're doing.

Forgive my ignorance, I don't know much about Supras. I'm an ex-Z31 300ZX turbo owner and I'm craving another RWD turbo 80s car.

Thanks,
~Chris

from my experience the ct26 can handle 12psi all day everyday with no ill effects... but if it is making a noise then yep a rebuild is in need
i have no idea what rebuilds for ct26's cost over there but i would say that the price for the car is fairly good
me being a supra maniac would probly buy the car...

in my opinion i wouldn't run the car without the turbo... being such low compression and without the help of the turbo to get it to move i believe there would be quite excessive wear and tear on the engine, i would buy it, park it, and remove the turbo, should only take a few days to get it done and then bolt her back up

i can get my turbo off in about 15 minutes :)
(then again i've had lots of practise lol)

1. remove the intake pipe (accordian hose i think you call it) hose clamp on turbo... and under the intake is a small vacuum pipe going to the power steering pump.. remove this from the intake.. put intake aside

2. get a 3/8 ratchet with a 10mm or 12mm socket can't remember which it is with two short extensions.. i've found a 3/8 with those can fit nicely under the turbo and still have room to rachet... or get a 1/4 ratchet with a long extension fits just as well :) undo the two nuts on the oil pipe going from the turbo to the block... almost gauranteed you will drop these nuts but you can find them later ;)

3. get a 17mm socket, probly best on 3/8 or half 1/2 drive ratchet (could need an universal) and undo the banjo bolt on the block located beside the oil pressure sender unit... careful of the copper washers which are on the bolt

4. you can either undo the exhaust from the turbo elbow or you can undo the elbow from the turbo, whichever seems easiest for removal for you.. there's three bolts on the exhaust or theres 4 nuts on the back of the turbo... they are 14mm nuts

5. undo the 4 14mm nuts off the exhaust manifold and YANK lol... not sure if theres any quirky lhd things you should know, i'm sure other members here can elaborate on anything like that or mention something i may have forgotten ;)

hth :)

Suze