Tranny swap
Thread Starter
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 8,387
Likes: 1
From: bat country
Tranny swap
Okay, I'm getting kind of sick of the lossy/laggy 4-speed auto tranny we have, and I figure the logistics and costs of a manual tranny swap overshadows that of a turbo kit that'd probably do a better job anyway. So now I'm wondering what kind of 5 or 6-speed auto is there out there that will:
a) fit the SC400 with minor adjustment/modification
b) be significantly more efficient than our current 4-speed
c) cost less to buy and install than a turbo kit
Is there any such candidate that comes to mind? I know we have a very high concentration of multi-branded car buffs in here so if you could shed some light on the feasibility of such a project that'd be great.
a) fit the SC400 with minor adjustment/modification
b) be significantly more efficient than our current 4-speed
c) cost less to buy and install than a turbo kit
Is there any such candidate that comes to mind? I know we have a very high concentration of multi-branded car buffs in here so if you could shed some light on the feasibility of such a project that'd be great.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
From: California
I wonder what our drivetrain would be like with a shift kit, precision TC, and TRD LSD. It wouldnt be sleepy anymore at all. This might be a cheaper and less headache than a tranny replacement.
Once I turbo up I am going to get this done on the car.
Shift kit $1000 Installed
TC $1400 Installed
LSD $1350 Installed
Once I turbo up I am going to get this done on the car.
Shift kit $1000 Installed
TC $1400 Installed
LSD $1350 Installed
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,729
Likes: 2
From: California
I personally would like to check out the Audi A6 tranny. It is a completely variable transmission. Imagine revving your engine to the RPM with peak power and torque and then having the tranny gear smoothly all the way up without a single shift. I don't know if these things can handle a lot of power yet but I wouldnt be surprised if a Lexus has one within 5 years. This is not a solution to your problem, just food for thought.
And as for the shift kit, RMM might make one and SRT could probably figure one out. I know that Toyomoto makes them for the SC300 inhouse but you would probably have to ask about the SC400s.
And as for the shift kit, RMM might make one and SRT could probably figure one out. I know that Toyomoto makes them for the SC300 inhouse but you would probably have to ask about the SC400s.
Driver
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: England
Electronic control....
Now this may be incorrect.....
Our transmission is electronically controlled..... for the JDM Soarer there appears to be a chip that changes the characteristics of the gear box.... I'm struggling with getting any information from the manufacturer......but if it does change the gearbox to a more performance response, then it may just be a different option to having to add a TC or swap in a different gearbox.....
The 'chip' is resold by Abflug (the body kit people!) and is sold as the SiFT REP ECU.... I've been quoted a price of $1344.
The Soarer and the SC400 have the same gearbox.....so it is possible that the chip will work on the SC400, not that there are any guarantees from the reseller.....
Then again I may have translated the information incorrectly and the 'chip' just makes your wipers faster......
Our transmission is electronically controlled..... for the JDM Soarer there appears to be a chip that changes the characteristics of the gear box.... I'm struggling with getting any information from the manufacturer......but if it does change the gearbox to a more performance response, then it may just be a different option to having to add a TC or swap in a different gearbox.....
The 'chip' is resold by Abflug (the body kit people!) and is sold as the SiFT REP ECU.... I've been quoted a price of $1344.
The Soarer and the SC400 have the same gearbox.....so it is possible that the chip will work on the SC400, not that there are any guarantees from the reseller.....
Then again I may have translated the information incorrectly and the 'chip' just makes your wipers faster......
Lexus Champion
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 3,244
Likes: 1
From: New York
The Supra and SC automatics are basically the same, a few differences, but you could use the SP unit. A TH400 eats up less power to drive it without a doubt, but it is not an OD unit, you can add the fourth overdriven gear, but it'll cost you, the stock Lexus auto is very robust and can handle plenty of power once the shifts are sorted out. It isn't a shift kit for the Lexus unit, like springs and check *****, sleeves and servo like you would imagine if you've ever done a shift kit, what you're looking for is a complete valve body replacement, Toyomoto and Level 10 have them. Start thinking about a built GM 4L80E when you're pushing 600+ hp, until then several places can build the Lexus unit up for you, such as SP or Select.
- Jon
- Jon
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,950
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From: Michigan
Got this from a post earlier today:
http://www.swiftracing.com/engine/tranny.htm
Don't know what they do, but they have some options for us.
Overclocker
http://www.swiftracing.com/engine/tranny.htm
Don't know what they do, but they have some options for us.
Overclocker
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Lexus Champion
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,729
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From: California
Wh I have gobs of power though I would want the valve body upgrade and maybe redo the entire tranny so that more ATF is pumped through the system. That auto to manumatic option from Level 10 is really making me think. Total price of the total upgrade with labor would prbably run $4500 though. That includes everything though.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 443
Likes: 0
From: International
Hermosa,
Are you referring to Level10's 'PTS Shiftronic'? If yes, the last time I checked, it wasn't available for our cars, although their website says
'Fits all import applications with electronic controlled transmission
Honda - Toyota - Acura - Lexus - Mazda - Infinity -and more!!'
Do you know more than I do?
Are you referring to Level10's 'PTS Shiftronic'? If yes, the last time I checked, it wasn't available for our cars, although their website says
'Fits all import applications with electronic controlled transmission
Honda - Toyota - Acura - Lexus - Mazda - Infinity -and more!!'
Do you know more than I do?