Originally Posted by 9600baud
would a MKIII make a good weekend track car? I been looking for info but the forums usually only focus on the MKIVs or have like 0 active members.
All I found out is that the head gasket blows a lot and that there are two flavors, the turbo and non-turbo one.
Is the N/A version basically the same car as the T? Around how much power can u make with upgraded turbo + bolt ons and how strong is the stock block?
Sorry I know little about Toyotas and would like something peppy for weekend track days w/ friends.
As a former mkiii owner, I have a fair amount of knowledge of these cars. If you're thinking of track (i.e, one with turns) I would definitely steer clear of the mkiii. They are just absolutely heavy. They are also a hatchback design with no roof (well, you'll be hard pressed to find a turbo with no roof, I don't know if they even exist stateside), so structural rigidity is about on par with a 1915 ford model-T.
The 7mgte motor is sound once the head gasket is adressed (do this BEFORE your gasket fails, use an HKS copper gasket and ARP studs). The non-turbo 7m is still iron block, but compression is higher and the internals aren't as strong. So if you're looking for big numbers, the gte is definitely the easiest motor to work with. If you're set on the mkiii, you might consider buying a non-turbo with no targa and swap (you might even get creative and use the 2jz or the JDM 2.4t).
If you're looking for a fast track car that turns, I'd suggest an rx7 turboII long before the supra. If "track" means straight line, the supra can somewhat overpower its weight, and theres plenty of room for drag tires. There are 7mgte guys getting into the mid 500hp range with decent reliability.
Cliffs notes: if "track" is road course, move on. If "track" is drag, the mkiii may still be a viable option. As bad as my ownership experience was with mine (lots of expensive repair, poor research before buying), I still love the body style and I *almost* miss that car. :happysad: