fastegg

Ive read that there is a 3 setting valve inside the sump of the gearbox the can be turned with a screwdriver that shortens shift time. Is this true ?

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

yes, there's a tutorial in the GS forum. It does shorten shift time but only slightly (only a valvebody will make a big difference) but it does reduce slipping during shifts, resulting in firmer shifts. I've had my line pressure increased for a few years with no detriment. read up: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...ting-dial.html

That said, this isn't nearly as good a solution as a full performance valvebody.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

when did we start having to click the link to view pics???

Stroock639

this sounds very intriguing

fastegg

I just had my mechanic take the pan off and adjust the three step valve screw. We clicked it up no probs. 2 hours & $250 later including a $42 gasket. If it did make a difference I can't notice it. I supplied my own 100% syn Nulon fluid.
Anyway, personally if anyone's thinking of doing this mod, spend you $$ on something else.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

Why would you spend $42 on a gasket that toyota didn't even think you needed

$12 tube of FIPG, 2qts of fluid,and a couple hours on a nice afternoon is all you need :P

fastegg

I didn't know the gasket was gunna be $42 until I picked the car up... If I knew before hand it was gunna be that much I wouldn't have worried about it.
Anyway... does anyone know anything about these shift kits ?.. I just typed A650E into ebay and up came these...
I rang them and the guy was very informative. It replaces a couple of 'worn' sleeves and valves and restores the trans to OEM pressures. As my car is 270,000km up, the shifts are very smooth and 'lazy' ... probably alot less firm than when new, the result of less line pressures. This kit replaces the worn sleeves and valves in the valve body and he almost guaranteed that a trans that had my mileage, it would considerably improve the shifting firmness both up and down gears.
Interesting...... I'm thinking of getting some ramps and doing it myself... its just that I'm not looking forward to working on the transmission whilst lying on my back.... GRRRRR...

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

keep in mind these are not high performance transmissions and do shift "lazy". the trans should shift smooth as butter, after all it's a luxury car! i know you are trying to squeeze performance but you can only get so far from the original intent.

it's a good idea to rebuild due to high miles, but i have not seen anyone rebuild the valve body using the kit you have.

dicer

I bought a good non rubber gasket at a local transmission shop for $5 for Gen 1, $42 that guy is making a bunch on that part.

Stroock639

$42 for a gasket seems crazy, the fel pro TOS 18748 i bought was under $10, even shipped from amazon

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

No, completely not needed. These cars came with smooth transmissions that work by slipping between shifts, hence slow but smooth and not fast and firm. No amount of "correction back to stock" will fix that.

If you want faster, harder shifts then you need to look at a fully built performance valvebody from the likes of IPT or Level10. Both make valvebody setups for the A650e.

fastegg

Yes Ive messaged IPT and a stage 1 shift kit is $550-$600. Stage 1 sounds like what I'd like, not drag racing by any means but firmer shifts all round and generally 'livening' up gearbox. I know its currently doing exactly what its designed to do but its the one thing I dont like about the car, is the slip between shifts.
Ive got no problem getting a shift kit... but I'm looking at at least $200+++ for freight there and back and the time the car is off the road. I guess I would probably have to get the valve body out myself as I'd imagine it would be several weeks getting it back.
Anyway, I had to try that 3 step screw mod... If it made a difference I can't tell... $250 !!!!!!!!.... I had to try......