1990 Turbo,perfect condition,replace HG?

[stingray210]

I just purchased a 1990 Supra Turbo with 75k miles, perfect condition. Are certain model years more prone to blowing a head gasket? How quickly should I replace the HG? Supra obviously has a cult following and many are into modifications and enhancements, which I assume has something to do with the HG being blown. Is this true? I just love the car and want to keep it original and was concerned about the whole HG issue. I have a friend who would help me replace the HG. Metal or original replacement? What should parts cost me for each option? I have read and learned a great deal from the many threads posted with responses and greatly appreciate all the advice. Looking forward to being part of the club.

Thanks. Shane

[projectsupramk3]

Slow down, first are there even any signs of BHG? With 75K miles I think it will be a long while before you see anything, just retorque the head as per specs to 72ftlbs and enjoy the ride. Now if you plan on high HP soon you might want to replace it for extra security but I wouldn't worry about it at all with a retorque for now. No years are more prone to BHG, only Turbo models are because of there higher HP and generally they get used harder and ragged on constantly. Good luck with the new MKIII, sounds like you found a gem and hopefully it will last you along time.

[stingray210]

No signs at all of blown HG. Do you know of any tutorials/tech manuals online to my friend and I retorque the heads? I am not mechanically inclined at all, yet am willing to learn. No major HP plans except for air intake kit. I just love to drive it. Thanks.

[projectsupramk3]

Here is the TSRM, it's your new best friend. Use it to find part numbers, walk throughs, exploded views, anything and everything.
http://cygnusx1.net/supra/techtips.html
This is the guide to the head bolt retorque. It's very straight foward, just follow the directions and torque pattern and remember you will have to rotate the engine/cams to get to some of the bolts.
http://cygnusx1.net/supra/techtip/head_retorque.html
There are downsides to the retorque, if done incorrectly you could get BHG from just doing this, lots of opinions and too many variables to determine if a retorque is a bad idea. With the milage as low as your engine has I would say it can't hurt, but again just know what your getting into. Heres a good thread to read before you decide.
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/sho...e&pagenumber=1

[stingray210]

Projectsupramk3,

From what you are saying and from the rest of the threads I have read in this forum, it would just seem to make a whole lot more sense to replace the original HG with a MHG and then not have to worry. What do you think? Since the retorgue process it pretty involved anyway, I am thinking about just replacing it altogether. Isn't it just a little more labor time and $$. Are there any negative arguements or issues involved with the replacement?

Also, how would I know if the HG's have been replaced in my new supra?

Thanks

[projectsupramk3]

Well that's the arguement, when you do a retorque you're already half way there to replaceing the head gasket. Replacing a HG is much more expensive and much more time involved, but it would be the "right" thing to do for most all occasions. It's not just as simple as slapping on a MHG, you have to have the head machined and prepped for a MHG, you have to lap the block if you don't want to remove it from the car, alot more work than simply untorque'ing the bolts and then retorque'ing them. Again I reccomend you don't replace the HG quite yet, 75K miles is nothing to a stock 7M but if you have the time and money and feel like knocking the BHG problem out before hand then go right ahead. You would have been told if it's been replaced before I would think, I for one wouldn't spend the time and money to do it, and not say anything about replacing it to the buyer I sold it to.