94 Celica GT ST215 Transmission Advice Options

[Kevchek]

First off, my names Kevin. I’m new to the forums over here. I’ve owned my st215 swapped gt for about 2-3 years now. It was stock when I bought it, the turbo went so I slapped a ctx15b 58mm on there and drove the piss out of it until I finally threw a rod and piston out the side of the block. It sat for about a year and a half and I’m finally buying a new motor and bringing Cali back to life. I pulled the motor and trans this past weekend and decided to see how much a rebuild would cost on the s54 transmission. The trans would grind third on downshift unless I revmatched and shifted without the clutch. I figured it would only be as simple as syncros. Well that wasn’t the case, turns out everything needs replacement. I got a quote from a very reputable shop, that I’ve used for years, with a price tag of 2100$! For a transmission that was only meant to handle 200hp. I thinks that’s insane. I was looking into an e153 lsd from an Mr2. If that’s even possible how can I achieve it. Basically I’m looking for a better alternative than the piece of garbage s54. Suggestions ?

[slavie]

$2k for an E153 is a LOT. Generally, the MR2 gearbox is about $400, and the factory LSD is around $400 as well. Then you'll also need the LSD axle stubs, which are yet another $400 for the pair. The S-series axle shafts are no go, and the non-LCD shafts are different as well. Unless the $2000 already includes the drive shafts, it's a high, high price.

Like others mentioned, you will need to convert the box to FWD configuration from the RWD - in MR2, shifter cables come up from front and not from back like in Celica. I don't remember whether it's a bolt on affair or requires opening the box. In either case, you will need the corresponding parts from a FWD box.
And yes, you will need to make a custom rear mount for intermediate shaft bearing. Since you have a 3S block look into the part from the turbo MR2, I'm not sure if it'll work. I know that those turbo MR2 mounts do NOT work on the 5S blocks unless you drill and tap the block (it's cast in there but not drilled from factory)
EDIT: I'm not a 100% sure on the IMS bearing hear, I may be wrong on this so double check.

If you really want an E153 box, find one from V6 Camry or Solara - they're already FWD configuration as far as shifter cables, and should be much, much cheaper. Aftermarket MR2 LCD may work with non-LCD axles, I don't remember for sure, so you may come out ahead in the end. Still need custom CV axles, but may be cheaper to build using Camry parts.

Finally, for grinding S-series gearbox, you can drive it like that for years and years. Upshifts are no problem once you learn to time the gear changes, upshifts require double-clutching. I drove mine like that for over 15k.

This post has been edited by slavie: Apr 25, 2018 - 7:08 PM