Shaking/Shimmying 90 turbo NEED HELP PLZ

[90TurBoboi36]

Times New Roman
PLZ someone help me...Im looking to buy a 90 supra turbo 5 speed with 120,000 miles on it but a rebuilt engine. Everything seems to be ok with the car except when i test drove it, there seemed to be a little shake, shimmy, rattle (whetever you want to call it) when I drove the car. I asked the owner, and he said that it might be because the targa roof is off and it seems to handle like a different car when its off. The cars been in a little fender bender accident once and the steering wheel seems to be shifted to the right. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE tell me if the shaking is normal, and if the steering wheel needs major work or whatever. THANKS for reading.

[DaMoNe6969]

I know when Ive got my roof off, the car does handle like a completly different car.. I can almost feel the body twisting and shaking.. To be sure though, you should put the roof on and take it for a spin.. But that steering wheel problem doesnt sound right?? Check to see the Telescopic steering and tilt work ok..

[projectsupramk3]

At one time my rims were out of balance, anything over 40mph and the car would shake pretty wild and it's multiplied with the top off. If it's "only" with the top off when you hit bumps and holes then that's normal. Next time you look at the car take a tape measure, find two easy to find points on opposite sides of the car (like holes or bolts in the chassis, not the fenders) in the engine bay (diagonally, criss-cross) and measure that, then do the opposite side, if it's more than 1/8-1/4" difference I would walk away. The subframe could have been pushed to one side causing the wheel to be cocked, or it could be from a weird alignment. If it's straight it's an easy fix, just take off the steering wheel and put it back on straight, if the frame or subframe is twisted it's going to cost money and probably drive sideways. How much is he asking for this MKIII anyway?

[90TurBoboi36]

Hey thanx for the info guys. Its a 90 turbo 5 spd, 120k miles on it but a rebuilt engine and new tranny. Its got a set of aftermarket rims and sumitomo racing tires. Pretty much in mint condition except for a dent in the rear passenger fender. Hes asking 5400 $ US. I can see how it handles different when the tops off but still my concern is how the steering wheel is shifted or cocked the the left (made a mistake first post and said right). I asked the guy and he said when he got into the accident that caused the dent on the rear fender, ever since that the wheel has been shifted. He said that he got the front checked out by toyota and eveything was fine. To me it seems kinda fishy how the steering wheel would shift when you get in in the rear....
Thanx again for your replies

[projectsupramk3]

Like I said, take a tape measure and if it's out of spec just walk away, $5400 is way too much for a rebuilt engine and a set of rims which he shouldn't get his money back from anyway. Good luck with finding a Supra though.

[90TurBoboi36]

Well the car is pretty much mint condition, no scratches, paint looks brand new only flaw is the dent in the rear fender. Its been garaged since day 1. He replaced a lot of shit (new brakes, clutch, new MHG) and the new engine only has 4k miles on it. Under the car, everything is dry no bent metal, the interior is spotless etc. I looked up retail in KBB without rebuilt engine (so i typed in 120,000 miles) and it was coming up with high $4,000's. The cars original owner was a woman and never been beat on. (The guy im buying it from is 2nd owner)

I think if you saw the car in person, projectsupramk3, you would have a different understanding. But do you still feel $5400 is WAY too much?!

I will do my best to measure to see if the subframe has been shifted...Im having a close friend look at the car this sunday (4/11), he is a mechanic for Mitsubishi.

Thnx again anyone for reading ecpecially projectsupra, (forum wouldnt be shit w.o someone who understands the mk3 like you.)

[projectsupramk3]

Well if it's as good as you say it is then it's probably worth it and sounds like a real solid car (minus the mysterious damage), I'd still try to jew him down to around or alittle over $5K though assuming the chassis is straight. The rebuilt engine shouldn't add much to the value, he would either have to sell it not running and subtract alot from the price, or rebuild it and sell it for just over what it's normally worth. Or coarse "what it's worth" all depends on what you are willing to pay, and you might be willing to pay more than I (nothing wrong with that at all though ). I know all about the old lady's driving Supras because that's where I got mine, very good condition although alittle high milage so I'm sure your's will be fine. Here's a good thread on SF that's on the same topic or "what it's worth" so you can be sure of what your getting into...
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho...ight=mint+sale
Thanks for the kind words also, I really appreciate it, it's nice to get some recognition every now and then .

[90TurBoboi36]

Yea it is a solid car....I wanna do some engine mods to it but it cant afford to spend too much because im only 16 lol. Can you steer me in a good direction? I was planning on getting K&N Filter, what else would you reccomend?
Thanks