Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop problems

Common Clutch (Manual Cars)

Stock Clutch Slipping on Modified Cars

Symptoms

RPM rises faster than road speed under full throttle, particularly in higher gears. A burning smell after hard driving. The clutch pedal engagement point moves higher as the clutch material wears.

Cause

The factory clutch is rated for the stock 320 hp. Any increase in torque beyond approximately 350-400 hp at the wheels will overwhelm the stock clutch's clamping force. Even stock power with an aggressive driving style wears the clutch faster than Toyota intended, and many A80s have been through multiple owners who drove them hard.

Fix

For stock cars, a replacement OEM-spec clutch and pressure plate runs $500-800 for parts.

For modified cars, an upgraded clutch is essential: single-disc organic (ACT, Exedy) for up to ~500 hp ($600-1,000), twin-disc (OS Giken, ATS) for 500-800 hp ($1,500-3,000), or triple-disc for big-power builds ($2,500-4,000).

The V160's dual-mass flywheel should be resurfaced or replaced at every clutch change ($300-500 for a single-mass flywheel conversion, which is common on modified cars).

Labour for a clutch replacement on the A80 is 6-8 hours.

Cost mentioned in fix

$500-800 for parts$600-1,000$1,500-3,000$2,500-4,000$300-500 for a

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// More Supra (A80) problems

Other known issues

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Sequential Twin-Turbo System Failures

A flat spot or hesitation in the 3,500-4,500 RPM range during full-throttle acceleration. Boost may spike or surge unpredictably. The car feels fast below 3,500 RPM and above 5,000 RPM but stumbles in the transition zone.

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Turbo Seal Wear (High Mileage)

Blue smoke on cold startup (oil pooled in the turbo housing overnight drains into the exhaust when started). Blue smoke on deceleration (intake manifold vacuum pulls oil past the compressor seals). Oil residue in the intercooler piping. Increased oil consumption without external leaks.

Minor Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Timing Belt Failure

Catastrophic engine damage. The 2JZ is an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, the pistons strike the open valves, bending them and potentially damaging the pistons, head, and block. The engine stops instantly and will not restart.

Critical Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Cam Cover Gasket Oil Leaks

Oil seeps from the edges of the cam covers (rocker covers), running down the sides of the engine. Oil smell from the engine bay. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold (fire risk on the turbo side).

Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Oil Cooler O-Ring Leak

Oil leak from the oil cooler housing on the front of the engine, typically dripping down onto the oil filter and undercarriage.

Common Engine, 2JZ-GE (Naturally Aspirated)

VVTi Solenoid Issues (Later Models)

Rough idle, loss of mid-range torque, check engine light. Fault codes related to Variable Valve Timing.

All Supra (A80) problems