Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop issues

Common Transmission

V160 Getrag Synchro Wear

Symptoms

Crunching or grinding when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, particularly during quick downshifts when cold. The synchros may improve once the gearbox oil warms up.

Cause

The V160 synchros wear over time, particularly in cars that have been driven hard or used for drifting. The V160 is a strong gearbox but the synchros are not indestructible. Using incorrect gearbox oil (too thin) accelerates wear. The V160 specifies 75W-90 GL-4, do not use GL-5, as the EP additives can damage the brass synchros.

Fix

A synchro rebuild by a gearbox specialist runs $2,000-4,000.

This is an expensive repair but far cheaper than replacing the entire gearbox ($5,000-10,000 secondhand).

For a temporary measure, switching to Redline MT-90 or Motul Gear 300 (75W-90 GL-4) can improve shift quality by providing better synchro lubrication.

Cost mentioned in fix

$2,000-4,000$5,000-10,000

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// More Supra (A80) problems

Other known issues

Critical Transmission

Auto-to-Manual Conversion Issues

Various driveability problems on cars that have been converted from automatic to manual transmission, clutch engagement problems, speedometer not reading correctly, ABS faults, reverse light not working, ECU 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.

View all 17 Supra (A80) problems