I fee like my GS400 transmission is just not very responsive. It doesnt feel like there is anything wrong but it just feels slow to shift and doesnt shift when I want it to.

Is there a sport tune for the transmission? So I can have it act like a Lexus when the switch is in its normal mode but then be more aggressive when I flip the switch to POWER. I know there are converters available but for now the converter is fine. I just hat the slow to shift feel. Maybe the line pressure could be increased in POWER mode to help.

 

shift kit? not sure if B&M makes one but that would wake up the tranny and also a Supra rear diff...

 

Well I can see doing a very non aggressive shift kit but id also like to be able to go from soft driving to firm driving. I just dont want a fast and hard shifting car all the time. And Id like to be able to just drop in a GS300 rear diff. 3.93 gear and more readily available. I know its not a limited slip but im sure they make a limited slip diff or a 300.

 

I would go with a mild valve body upgrade. Part and install will probably run you close to $1k.

For hesitation or a soft feeling off the line get a 2800-3000 rpm stall torque converter; I recommend Precision Industries. Car will feel night and day different and an animal off the line,

The steeper gears in the rear (3.73LSD from Supra or 3.93 open diff from GS300) will make the car more responsive once you get going but will obviously not effect the shifting as it's not a component of the transmission. Also, you WILL eat more gas. For reference I have the 3.73 gears in my car and at 80mph I am right around 3000rpm. You will probably be around 3300rpm or more with the 3.93 gears. I lost about 2mpg from this mod alone.

Good luck.

 

Its funny to me that Lexus guys worry about the gas mileage. I came from the Mustang circles where the first mod you want to do is get rid of your 3.27 gear and go to a 3.73 or 4.10. Mileage is less important if you want fuel economy.

While gears are on the list I really do dislike the pillowy shifts. I feel like this car will never bark 2nd and its got 300hp. How is no one complaining about a more aggressive POWER mode? The transmission is already set up with a kind of flip chip It would just take a little reprogram.

I DID however find that there is a servo or a kind of movable pin that can be accessed when the trans pan is down. It gets spin about 45 degrees and apparently firms the shifts up AND helps fuel economy for the better.

I also am having a hard time finding info on whether the A650e transmission has a screen or filter.

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edit: oops. I meant "Fuel mileage is less important if you want performance."

 

I really don't worry about gas mileage; it's only a weekend car for me where my wife and I have 2 other cars. I was merely providing info to others as to what they can expect with these mods.

Also, we all know about the adjustment pin in the tranny. Some have changed this setting for more aggressive shifting but are now experiencing problems with the tranny itself; it may effect longevity.

A high stall torque converter and gears will wake this car up. I leave a 20' stretch on 275's with traction control off and my bolt-ons. The car is a beast for what it is. Add a valve body upgrade from IPT or Level10 and it will be very aggressive. I will most likely do the VB upgrade after my SC install which should be done by mid next week.

 

Theres a thread on this somewhere. But yeah do this for starters I guess. I just dropped my pan yesterday so I posted it on instagram.



Edit: The A650 has a screen.

 

I dont now if this has happened to anyone else but my car is basically all stock with a drop in filter. I bounced off the rev limiter in drive going from 1-2. It only happened once but it shouldnt happen if its shifting firm and fast enough.

 

Never happened to me stock or modded. Maybe there is something wrong with your tranny. Mine always shifts if I leave it in drive.

I suggest using Amsoil Synthetic ATF. It's the best out there and keeps the fluid at coolest levels. The number one cause of tranny failure is friction and when the tranny fluid gets too hot. The car shifts quick and smooth with this oil also. Good luck

 

Mine has before but only when it situations where I was spinning really bad like when i'd plant it while making a right in the wet itd bounce off the limiter for a split second and then shifted to 2nd. Never bounced in the dry.

 

My GS400 has 230k on it. If i pull the pan ill replace the filter, but does it have a filter or a screen?

 

Its a screen. If you replace it, it will be FULL of fluid just saying. Found that out the hard way yesterday.

 

Yes change the filter. Mine was at least 70% plugged and do the adjustment Justin mentions. I also put an inline filter to keep things clean in there. I have about 198k miles

http://www.google.com/search?q=trans...23%3B560%3B337