2GRFE/Auto Tranny Options

[SameerIqbal]

Hi Guys,

So i recently purchased my second 99 celica convertible. The first one the brother wrote off by rear ending someone while changing lanes.

I started reading into swaps and was initially interested in the 3SGTE or a BEAMS redtop but after reading njc's thread about his 2gr-fe, well I fell in love with the idea.

so here is the issue. Recently became a dad and the car is "really" for my wife so for appearances I need to keep it automatic. Yes I know don't bash. I want a manual with E153 tranny but those of us who are married know that a happy wife is a happy life.

I was exploring options in respect to mating the 2GR-FE with an auto tranny but seems information is very limited.

Anyone here have any experience on the matter?

Once I get the tranny issues figured out the next challenge is the axles for the inner and outers.

Looking for some guidance from this awesome community. Budget is about 8k-10k on this project.

Thanks!



Sameer

[slavie]

I'd say your biggest issue is going to be the ECU. The ECU controls the shifting in the Auto trans on these cars, they don't have a separate transmission control module. This means that whatever engine you go with will dictate the transmission for the most part. Obviously this is not an issue with a manual gearbox, which is part of the reason manual swaps go oh-so-well with engine swaps.

So you'll have to use the 2GR Camry or whatever 5spd U151E or 6spd U660E transmission. Custom engine/tranny mounts, most likely custom axles. There are companies that will make you whatever axle you want, just have to give them the right measurements. With your budget, should not be an issue.

I highly doubt a 2GR ECU will be able to control A541E tranny, or if it'll shift correctly.
Running 2 ECU's (1 for engine, 1 for tranny) will be a wiring nightmare. Not impossible, but will require some serious custom wiring and emulation.

Good luck, this will not be an easy project.

EDIT: Also, doesn't A541E still require a throttle kickdown cable? And isn't 2GR a throttle by wire? Not sure how those two will get along.

This post has been edited by slavie: Aug 26, 2019 - 10:33 AM

[SameerIqbal]

I'd say your biggest issue is going to be the ECU. The ECU controls the shifting in the Auto trans on these cars, they don't have a separate transmission control module. This means that whatever engine you go with will dictate the transmission for the most part. Obviously this is not an issue with a manual gearbox, which is part of the reason manual swaps go oh-so-well with engine swaps.

So you'll have to use the 2GR Camry or whatever 5spd U151E or 6spd U660E transmission. Custom engine/tranny mounts, most likely custom axles. There are companies that will make you whatever axle you want, just have to give them the right measurements. With your budget, should not be an issue.

I highly doubt a 2GR ECU will be able to control A541E tranny, or if it'll shift correctly.
Running 2 ECU's (1 for engine, 1 for tranny) will be a wiring nightmare. Not impossible, but will require some serious custom wiring and emulation.

Good luck, this will not be an easy project.

EDIT: Also, doesn't A541E still require a throttle kickdown cable? And isn't 2GR a throttle by wire? Not sure how those two will get along.

I didn't even consider the ECU. Thats a great point. Will have to research it more.

Custom Engine and Tranny mounts are not an issue. Yoshio is able to fabricate all those parts.

Axles is where I am running into a bit of issue primarily because Yoshio can't give me any specific measurements but I found the following website that can do Toyota Solid Axles given the dimensions. So more research required here. Website for Axles: https://www.rcvperformance.com/toyota-solid...-custom-builder

Great point on the transmission not being compatible. Will have to look into U151E and U660E tranny as well. From a costing perspective it may end up being more than $10K.

Lets see. Research research research. Hoping I get a response from njc to get some more info.

Thanks so much for your feedback slavie!


Cheers,



Sameer