MR2 Tranny Conversion for 3sgte, some information Options

[jgreening]

This is a recent email discussion between me and Supersprynt regarding the MR2 tranny conversion. We thought it would make a good thread and maybe some others will add to it - or correct us if there is erroneous information. Folks, please keep in mind that this is based on two people that have not done it before so read the information with that in mind. We both have researched the conversion but do not have the practical knowledge that experience brings – yet.

Erik: Would you mind if I picked ur brain about ur MR2T tranny conversion? I'm currently looking for one w/LSD and got a few concerns. What I'd like to know is if the MR2T bellhousing can be used with the 3s or does it need to be swapped out/modified? Do you have the LSD version?

Jay: My understanding is that the entire MR2 transmission gets swapped - bellhousing and all. Qatar claimed to me that the all trac or GT4 transmission could be used by utilizing the s54 bell housing and disengaging the rear wheel drive components but that sounds questionable to me. As for my tranny, the importer did not know if it had LSD. I bought a 93 and my mechanic claims that virtually all of the JDM 93's had LSD. If it doesn't, I am buying one. Either the TRD or Quaife. I like what I have read about the Quaife but its $1200 compared to about $650 for the TRD. Oh, and one more thing. Good luck finding a used MR2 turbo tranny with LSD. I looked for a lonnnnng time before I gave up on the idea of a ST185 clip. I would seriously consider buying a new one from Toyota. You should be able to pick one up for $1000-1200 (if I am remembering right) if you use a good Toyota dealer. The guy I go through posts on Celica.net and his name is Jason. He works in the parts department of Des Moines Toyota in Des Moines Iowa. He gives 20% off all OEM and TRD stuff with free shipping. Hope it helps.

Erik: When you say "and all" what do you mean by that? My concern is that the MR2T w/LSd wont fit inside the S154 bellhousing. I also have concerns regarding the linkage, whether or not it will be hooked up correctly. And your axles. From what I have read the use of MR2T inner axles with Alltrac outter axles is required. Is this the setup your using or did you combine S154 w/S153?

Jay: You use the MR2 (E-153) bellhousing - not the s54. As for the axels, there is a great post about that from Kuya on 6gc. 3sgte trannies worthy of power. It should have all the info you need. The only thing you might want to research more in detail is choosing ABS or non-abs axels. I think you need to choose what your celica has now but I don't understand the rationale. I have also read that camry or solara axels can be used for the outters. Please confirm everything I tell you because my knowledge is not from hands on experience. It's just from doing a mammoth amount of research and you cant always believe what you read. Have you thought about simply reinforcing the celica transmission? I do not know the correct term maybe "shot ping" or something like that. I think I have read that there are ways to make a tranny stronger that might be more economical and less cumbersome than the MR2 tranny swap. I just never reserached that very far.

Erik: From your earlier email i was under the impression that the
Bellhousing on the MRT2 needed to be swapped in order for the linkage and mounts to be correct. I must have misundestood. I dont have abs now so I wouldnt need abs axles. I'm currently using the GT (S154) tranny, and its horrible. It feels weak when i drive it, has no top end. I run out of gearing way to quickly and its a constant worry whether or not its going to give out at any time. Thanks for the info i'll look for that post from Kuya. G'luck w/the swap u'll enjoy it. I was keeping up with my friend VR4 throughout 4th. I had to shift, and he didnt so he ended up pulling away, but with the S153 I think it would have been real close.

Jay: We need to get this bell housing thing cleared up. Apparently, we are not communicating very well here. First, the part numbers based on my undertanding (this should be confirmed): the MR2 turbo tranny is the E-153, the sixth gen GT
Tranny is the S-54 and the fith gen GT tranny is the S-53. E series
Transmissions are said to be stronger than S series. The GT4 has an E series tranny for example (albeit 4wd and not applicable here). I think the same is true for the Lexus IS300. In any event, it is my understanding that you DO use the MR2 bell housing along with everything else from the MR2 tranny. The only parts that are not from the MR2 are the axels. There is a good write-up on this on celica3sgte's website and I think the same thing is on celica.net somewhere. celica3sgte knows a ton and you may want to hit him up with questions. The shifter cables need to be switched over since the MR2 was a RWD vehicle. Also, there is a hole to plug by welding. Apparently this can be done with a piece of metal the size of a quarter. Also, there may be some modification that needs to be made to the tranny mounts.

Erik: Ok yeah some confusion. I may look into getting a v6 camry transmission, perhaps that will be easier. I believe its the same code as the mr2 tranny. Thanks for the help its got me thinking.

Jay: I would advise against the v6 camry tranny. You may want to look for posts on this on celica.net. One guy in particular (maybe keoni?) has been critical of this setup which he put in his car. I have read several posts of people indicating that it really takes out the low end torque because of how tall the gears are. That said, the mileage on a used tranny would likely be better with a newer solara or camry but then you would have to add LSD because neither the camry or solara came with LSD. This email should be a thread!

EriK: Good point, I was already leaning towards the MR2, I think i should stick with it. And yeah this would be good info for anyone who was wondering the same things I was.

This post has been edited by jgreening: Jun 8, 2004 - 2:33 PM