Are import Supras really 280bhp?

Hi, my first post.

Basically I'm buying a Supra, and I've noticed that imports are said to be 280bhp as standard, with the UK spec ones being 326bhp. Now 46bhp is quite a difference, but is it really 280bhp for import TTs, or do they just claim that because of the marketing laws in Japan? I'm getting sick of trying to find a UK spec manual, so I was thinking of buying an import and spending the money I'd save on the extra insurance, and doin the brakes up, with the possibility of adding RLTC too.

Any help appreciated.

Basically they are the same, gentleman's agreed between Japanese manufactures to stop the BHP levels getting too competitive was to make them no higher than 280bhp.

Hi by the way.

You will be able to find a Jap manual TT much easier for less money and probably better condition and lower mileage than a UK. But dont we dont want to start another debate about the UK and JAP cars!

Thanks.

When you say they are basically the same, do you mean the same as in they are both 320bhp, or the Jap ones are 280?

Sorry for being thick.

On another note, has anyone dealt with Keighley? I was going to ring them and ask if they can keep an eye out for a manual for me.

I'm getting sick of trying to find a UK spec manual, so I was thinking of buying an import and spending the money I'd save on the extra insurance, and doin the brakes up, with the possibility of adding RLTC too.

What insurance money would you save? generally the imports are a fair bit more to insure than the UK ones. Unless i've read it wrong

Yeah, you did. I meant the money I'd save by buying an import over a UK car could go on the higher insurance.

Not you my post wasn't that clear. The performance from the JAP and the UK cars are very similar about 326BHP I believe, but the imports are more expensive to insurance because insurance companies fall off their chairs when you say the word import and then charge you for the privilege.

I would say there both around 320bhp, a N/A has around 230bhp so i'm sure by putting twin turbo's on you get more than 50bhp! 90 odd bhp sounds more like it......Think the 280 stated was to keep it legal in Japan

Don't the japs have smaller injectors and some other bits though?

Surely that'll reduce the power a bit??

True, i just didn't want to upset anyone, oviously i think the UK specs have more power!

Why else put 550's in instead of 440's??? Makes sense!

Paul

Originally posted by Paul Laing

True, i just didn't want to upset anyone, oviously i think the UK specs have more power!

 

Why else put 550's in instead of 440's??? Makes sense!

 

Paul

Must be there then to help pull all that extra weight around

Mines on the RR next weekend standard so I'll post the results

You going tonight Paul?

Hi Steve, yep i'll be there but in the Astra! Mines off road due to brake problems......It's in the street now like if your passing?

Want to follow me there or do you know where it is mate?

Paul

I'll pop past on the way to pick up my mate. I know where it is but I'm not driving :| I've had a drink coz I wasn't planning to go and the misses is driving.... in the wet

erm... can I get a lift off you lol

Originally posted by Worthy

Thanks.

 

When you say they are basically the same, do you mean the same as in they are both 320bhp, or the Jap ones are 280?

 

Sorry for being thick.

 

On another note, has anyone dealt with Keighley? I was going to ring them and ask if they can keep an eye out for a manual for me.

Hi Worthy, be careful with Keighley - I don't speak from personal experience but I haven't heard great things about them, and their prices seem to good to be true.

Would be interesting to hear from anyone who has first hand experience of them.

Originally posted by Gough

Hi Worthy, be careful with Keighley - I don't speak from personal experience but I haven't heard great things about them, and their prices seem to good to be true.

 

Would be interesting to hear from anyone who has first hand experience of them.

Not wanting to spread doom and despondency or cast aspersions upon a traders name but if you search the name keighley on here you might find a bit of interesting information.

I think it's already been said but just to summarise...

Toyota, Honda and Nissan agreed to limit their cars to 280bhp to avoid a costly race to produce ever more powerful cars. The J Spec Supra is therefore quoted at 280bhp but is generally accepted as having the same output as the UK version (ie, around 326bhp). Toyota simply said it's only got 280bhp to meet the agreement. There is document proof of at least one totally standard J spec having 326bhp on the dyno.

The injectors argument is fair enough, but the UK model is heavier anyway so it's six of one, half dozen of the other. Both are great cars.

On a related note, the Honda NSX is quoted as 280bhp but does anyone know if this too is an untrue figure?

I wouldn't get too hung up about the figures, in real life they are about the same - you'll not really notice.

When you first get the car you probably think it's got loads of power, more than enough. After a short while that will change to it's OK then fairly shortly to just about enough.

That is when you start spending and for a long time it will stay on just about enough.

Don't touch keighley trade centre with a bargepole (if this is the place you are referring to).

Cars are crap quality at best. Staff have the combined IQ of orange peel.

Take a look at their cars by all means, there is always SOMETHING up with thm - locks missing, turbo's held on with duct tape.

NA-T advertised as "large single turbo" granted thats correct, but its still an NA with a turbo bolted on (IIRC they wanted ~20k for that one).

If you want a list of decent places in that area pm me and mcanny as I think we both have similar knowledge of the area and its pitfalls.

Aye Keighley Trade Centre, that's the one. I had to admit the guy didn't sound like the brightest of sparks on the phone. He said he's got a couple of TT's coming in at the end of June so I might pop up and take one for a spin if I haven't found one by then.

I did wonder about that single turbo. I aint an expert on Supras but I thought 'Hmmm, that looks like an NA to me, and what's with all the tape?'

Btw stealthhosts, check your pms.

Iv been to look at cars from Keithly Trade centre and they are poor examples. I also know some one who has heard a lot of shit about them. They dont have a good rep round that area!

They always have plenty of good looking cars for sale but on close inspection they are scabby. Also every car they have in claims to have a veilside kit on and they are clearly not.

keep away bud.

kev.

walk away boys !!!!!!! i have been and seen....expect to pay loads of money on repairs , thats why they are cheap.

and thats why you shouild always carry protection ... you never know when you going to meet one .................FIT BIRD WITH MINI SKIRTS

JUST INCASE , you never know who is reading this !!!!!

Just had my standard Jap spec TT on the rollers and it came out with 329bhp at the fly wheel

Good result Steve. I guess you're pleased.

Next step... mods!