SC400 1998 vvti 5 speed conversion

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03-29-15, 12:35 PM

#16

Kris9884

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Hate to ask this here but searching came up with nothing, this is as close as I could find. Could a 98+ 5 sp auto transmission swap into an earlier sc400 for gearing purposes? Would it need ecu work or is it a huge hassle/impractical? There's one at a salvage yard nearby for practically peanuts and thought it would be cool..

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03-30-15, 09:25 AM

#17

Ali SC3

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physically it would fit, but the ecu would not control it properly. you would need to somehow get the 98+ ecu in and get it to all work which would be a large pain I imagine.

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06-19-15, 02:40 AM

#18

GeorgeNVA

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Would be more practical to drop the 5spd transmission along with vvti engine, however you may lose proper ABS/TRC/cruise control operation. However it's still easier than bypassing old SC400's ECU transmission control, and getting aftermarket ECU capable of 5spd trans control (and finding someone to tune it)

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12-18-18, 07:23 AM

#19

tiguy99

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Sorry for bumping an old thread but wanted to know if anyone successfully completed this swap. Interested in a 98-00 SC4 but saw a 97 and wondered how complicated it would be to swap in the newer 5AT transmission.

Thanks for all your help guys

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12-18-18, 07:58 AM

#20

gerrb

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you will do quite an amount of wiring since 97 ECU won't control the 5AT transmission (newer auto trans from the VVTI setup).

Now if you will substitute the 97 ECU with that from a VVTi Setup , you will still need wiring changes and need to satisfy the requirements of the vvti ecu ... TB are not same.

Too much work . If it was me, I will wait for the right 98-00 sc4 that you wanted.

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12-19-18, 08:55 PM

#21

LEXXIUM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastana

I'm anticipating a 5 speed swap and before I pay for it. I have a couple of questions before i do it. Sorry if I ask obvious question i am only 18 years old. LOL I know the swap isnt going to make the motor lose reliability but im curious about will it take away ride quality? Will it drive the same in terms as in smoothness? Will i lose anything ill miss? Will i miss anything? Am i going to regret it? Anything else i should know before i do it please let me know thanks

I’ve been shifting my 98 sc400 auto manually past 2 years with no ill side effects and I love it just because I don’t have to press the pedal

but it’s a lot more fun to drive compared to being I “D” all the time, especially when you keep in 2nd around the corners and woooow just watch yourself sometimes I scare myself and have to just let it go in third and slow down

!!
The 5 speed auto you can up shift and downshift all day long just like a manual.
I don’t think the swap would worth it to be honest with you!
you won’t loose reliability, but you’ll destroy your w58 faster, r154 is a different story and would worth swapping because it will hold the torque the vvti has to offer.
I was going to do it before, but plans change build went different direction, I read you’ll have to keep your auto wiring and keep auto trans solenoids plugged in and wire it to stay in neutral or something like that, it’s been a while...