5spd to auto?

[Toyota h8r]

Since no one would answer my questions in my other post.:3d_frown: Whats all involed in a swap from 5spd to auto? I have most of the stuff ie: tranny(duh!), ds, harness/ecu, shifter and cross member. Do i need the right gauge cluster? Also, does the auto supras have their own computer for the tranny? I know I sould like a moron but i got to learn somehow.:1zhelp: Pleaze help me! :1zhelp: Thanx everyone! Shelby:naughty:

[Yellow 13]

There was a small computer with the ECU that we removed when we went auto to 5-spd. Also need a kickdown cable and the bracket for the KD cable on the linkage.

[Toyota h8r]

+1 to yellow13! Thanx for some answers. Anyone else? Maybe Mr. Lange could bless me with his presence?

[born2drv]

i think the gauge cluster will work fine from a 5-spd... but the auto has a O/D OFF light that turns on and off if the O/D is on/off (obviously) but it is also used to get tranny codes and if you don't have a superminotor without this you will not be able to troubleshoot your tranny. also there is a "power/normal" light on there as well for the shifting patterns that you can choose.

[Yellow 13]

I noticed theres no torque converter or auto flywheel on your list.

Also the turbo trans are supposedly stronger than the N/A auto trans. Just in case you didnt know.

[bonus12]

don't make the mistake of switching to auto.

[born2drv]

how is that true? i thought they were all the same?

the differential is different i believe but you could probably use the one you have now whatever it is....... the driveshaft definately needs to be replaced, it's a different length with the auto.

also the speedo cable is different. the auto has 3 pcs, the 5-spd has 2.... not sure if the last auto pc will fit onto the 5spd two pcs...

i just bought all 3 sections of my auto speedo and i'm doing the 5spd swap, i could sell you the 3rd pc (closest to the tranny) if you're interested. its like 6" long or something, it's really short.

[Yellow 13]

On hellslegion's swap we just did the manual speedo went right into the auto speedo. the only difference I saw was the piece that goes into the tranny's.

[robbo185]

why are you going auto if i may ask?

[Toyota h8r]

Thanx to all whos helping! I do have the ds flex plate and coverter. It is a turbo trans. To answer the question of why, i bought it almost done. Last, can anyone elaborate on what yellow13 said about a small computer near the ecu? Is that the auto tranny computer? Sep from motor ecu? Thanx and rep will be given when i get back on my computer! Shelby

[Yellow 13]

Yeah its the trans control unit. Mines stamped 7MGE so i assume you want a 7MGTE.

[Toyota h8r]

Yeah its the trans control unit. Mines stamped 7MGE so i assume you want a 7MGTE.
My whole set up is gte so that proally wont work? On your harness yellow, by the ecu, did it have a lot of smaller plugs near the ecu? Im trying to figure this out. The engine/under hood harness is out of the car not yet installed. So....im learnin quick! Thanx all! Shelby

[Yellow 13]

There are spare plugs near the ECU. Some things like ABS and the auto ECU come on the harness even if the car doesnt have them.

[swaq]

don't make the mistake of switching to auto.

Agreed. Sports cars were not meant to have auto transmissions in my opinion. If you get one that already has an auto in it, fine. But if you're replacing a manual transmission (and the R154 at that!) with an auto then you are ruining the car.

My guide to the 5-speed to automatic conversion is very similar to my guide on converting a hard top to a targa top:

1. Sell manual transmission car to someone who wants a manual. There are plenty of people who would pay more for a manual.
2. Buy an automatic.

[3p141592654]

There are

[Yellow 13]

There are

There are what...?

[3p141592654]

There are a few connectors that go from the main engine wiring harness to the auto trans by the starter. That probably means that the main engine wiring harness will need to be swapped or something jury rigged. The auto ecu connects to the trans through the connectors.

[born2drv]

it is easier (and a lot cheaper) to get an auto rather then a 5-spd because of the electronics, and solenoids, and ABS sensors, etc, etc, that could malfuction and be expensive to buy now and replace later....

but i don't agree with the auto not being a sports car........ if anything an auto will perform better on the track then a 5-spd and be "more fun" to drive if used as a daily driver... if you're a purist go buy a lotus or something. this car was meant to be a daily driven luxury sports cruiser. the auto can be built up but it's very expensive.

i did the 5spd swap because it was just too much to spend on a tranny now... i can always swap back later since i'm going to keep all the parts i need in the car if possible or in my garage.

[Yellow 13]

All the plugs are there whether its a manual trans or not. Plugs are just extras on a manual.

[3p141592654]

Good to know. Then the harness is not an issue. The kickdown cable is very expensive from Toyota. Make sure you get one from the donor, along with the throttle linkage assembly on the engine.

[Toyota h8r]

Agreed. Sports cars were not meant to have auto transmissions in my opinion. If you get one that already has an auto in it, fine. But if you're replacing a manual transmission (and the R154 at that!) with an auto then you are ruining the car.

My guide to the 5-speed to automatic conversion is very similar to my guide on converting a hard top to a targa top:

1. Sell manual transmission car to someone who wants a manual. There are plenty of people who would pay more for a manual.
2. Buy an automatic.
Heres the thing, the prev owner started the swap. All ive got is a r154 that got thrown in with the car! Nothing else. Also, the comment about sports cars not supposed to have auto tranny? Me confused! Some of the fastest cars around my area are autos. But anyways...thats something to discuss in off-topic! Not my cup of tea.(auto supee) Boosted supra=r154! Thats my idea.

[Yellow 13]

HTML doesnt work here...

[swaq]

Depends on your definition of fastest I guess. If you mean in a straight line, then sure, of course. I certainly don't drive in a straight line all the time, and the most fun I have when driving the Supra is when I'm going around corners and can pick the gears.

Since it's already been started I can't blame you too much for finishing the job ;)

[Toyota h8r]

Just a quick question, can you use a n/a block and crank with turbo pistons/rods? My phone doesnt let me search sm. I love manual shifted cars! FTMFW! Also, how do you break a r154? The guy said first gear had broke, so he started to swap!

[Yellow 13]

Cranks the same for turbo and N/A. The block is different, but yes you can use it by easily changing a few things.

R-154's do break, just like any other part of a car. Just takes a little more effort.

[NickSupra]

don't make the mistake of switching to auto.


Is this kid even old enough to drive:icon_roll

[rakkasan]

how is that true? i thought they were all the same?


The turbo & N/A trannys are different. The turbo trannys have one additional steel plate & friction plate in the 2nd & O/D brakes. They are a little beefier, but still very fragile.

[mhopemk3]

Thanx to all whos helping! I do have the ds flex plate and coverter. It is a turbo trans. To answer the question of why, i bought it almost done. Last, can anyone elaborate on what yellow13 said about a small computer near the ecu? Is that the auto tranny computer? Sep from motor ecu? Thanx and rep will be given when i get back on my computer! Shelby

Yellow is right.. There is a tranny ecu behind the passenger kick plate. I did a auto to manual swap and most likely have those parts you need. I know I have the ECM and pretty sure about the throttle stuff as well. This was pulled from my 89T.. Might have missed in your other post but did you have the tranny brackets??

[Toyota h8r]

Is this kid even old enough to drive:icon_roll
Hey so whats your damn problem Nicksupra? Im 19 yrs old. All i have owned is s10s and such so i dont know anything about supras but im learnin everyday. Also, if you would of read the prev. owner started the swap and its almost done. I just need to install the harness. The motors blown so im gonna wait and fix my 86.5 first. Thanx shelby

[Jspec7m88]

*rubs eyes*

Wait a second!!!! Does that say 5spd to Auto? :love: :love:

I was almost about to ask why you are getting rid of auto, but I literally read the topic name about 5 times before I realized, yaaaaaaaaay! :icon_surp

Auto is FTW! :icon_razz

[Jspec7m88]

don't make the mistake of switching to auto.

:nono: Can you explain to all of us why Auto is a mistake?

[Toyota h8r]

*rubs eyes*

Wait a second!!!! Does that say 5spd to Auto? :love: :love:

I was almost about to ask why you are getting rid of auto, but I literally read the topic name about 5 times before I realized, yaaaaaaaaay! :icon_surp

Auto is FTW! :icon_razz

+1 for Jspec7m88! Finally someone who does like the auto supee. I think it will fun to own! Also, i do drag race some at the track so...... I have seen most mk4's that were auto beat the manuals. I thought that be the same with mk3's?:1zhelp:

[rakkasan]

:nono: Can you explain to all of us why Auto is a mistake?

Simple really. Unless you dump 2-4k into an A430, it just cannot handle much above 350rwhp reliably. It's not a strong tranny, by any stretch of the imagination, unless you dump an assload of cash into it. Also, they shift as slow as a Dodge Reliant's auto, so that's more undue stress put on the friction plates.

In fact, the only person I know making decent power with a A430 behind it is Jdub, and I know his is an IPT tranny.

Are you suprised by this info? It's common knowledge that the A430 is weaker than Woody Allen.....

[Toyota h8r]

I probally wont ever make over 310hp. So i guess i dont have anything to worry about.:biglaugh: If I had the choice.......I'd go auto so its all good. I'll be running stock boost and use the car as a cruiser, not a race car. If I remember right, the supra is a GT car. A gt car was a road racing car so i'll run at some local tracks.(if there is any)

[Jspec7m88]

Sir, do you not get around much? First off, it's called the A340E. Not A430.

Above 350rwhp reliably? Most certainly not. No arguments there.
Who here is assuming it's going to be stock? Who even said it was an A340E?
I'm so tired of the image the automatic tranny gets. Who said this person even wanted to go above 350hp? You are assuming it all.
Now, for some really big horsepower numbers, will you have to build the transmission? Of course...But what's so strange about that?
Do you expect everyone on here using the R154 will use the stock clutch/flywheel, etc? No. It's all about upgrading...and whether you spend $300 on your R154 Transmission or $3,000 on your built A340E...Guess what.
It all pays off once you go to the track. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that building an automatic transmission will need deeper pockets than a typical manual transmission...but once again, Ask why Ryan Woon is now Automatic? Why are the worlds fastest cars of all types Auto? (Gearbox).

Just stop and think about it.

And just for the record, whomever's Supra you rode in with an A340E that "shifts as slow as a Dodge Reliant", probably isn't in the most fit condition. (And to be really kind about it with the mood I'm in right now, I'm trying to say it is probably a piece of SHIT).

My A340E is STOCK. With the exception of coming from a donor car, it's stock. I've since then, installed a B&M Tranny Cooler. I've done some serious beating to my car in the last 6 months and it's been GREAT. Mark my words. G-R-E-A-T. Shifts quickly, smoothly and is very satisfying. For the record, 307rwhp here.

Thanks for your concerns. :nono:

Jeff

[JustAnotherVictim]

I would think if you're going for serious auto power you would try the TH-400.

[NickSupra]

Easy killer! If you would take the time to reread my post, youd see that my comment was not directed at you.

[Jspec7m88]

I would think if you're going for serious auto power you would try the TH-400.

Yeah, that's eventually what I was leading to. :icon_razz

[Jspec7m88]

Unless you dump 2-4k into an A430,

AGAIN, Assuming. Assuming it all...


:3d_frown:

[rakkasan]

AGAIN, Assuming. Assuming it all...


:3d_frown:

Assuming? I dumped a ton into a A430 and it still didn't perform as I had hoped. There is no assumptions here, so what are you basing your opinion on? Sounds like nothing to me, so spare me from your rhetoric, please.

[boost PSSH boost]

If you're a hardcore road racer/autox guy...r154 takes the win.

If you're a hardcore drag guy, auto.

I've had both.

auto's good for what I do, but I also had many good times with my 5spd....and drag radials...and a t66.... :D

Why are people calling the r154 fragile anyway? It's an amazingly stout trans! 500, 600, 700hp on a stock 5spd is nothing to sneeze at.

[jdub]

Simple really. Unless you dump 2-4k into an A430, it just cannot handle much above 350rwhp reliably. It's not a strong tranny, by any stretch of the imagination, unless you dump an assload of cash into it. Also, they shift as slow as a Dodge Reliant's auto, so that's more undue stress put on the friction plates.

In fact, the only person I know making decent power with a A430 behind it is Jdub, and I know his is an IPT tranny.

Are you suprised by this info? It's common knowledge that the A430 is weaker than Woody Allen.....

Yep...and you'll def have to dump a ton of cash-ola into a A340E to get it above 350 HP. The stock auto can't handle a lot of power...extra friction, higher stall torque converter (mine's 3000 rpm), cyro treated parts, and a modified valve body to improve the shift. You can't go cheap on an A340E and expect it to hold up.

I'm pretty happy with the IPT tranny...pushing a little over 400 HP and it's held up almost a year now. Shifts great in Elec Mode...barks my 275 rear tires in 2nd and hits 60 MPH in just over 5 sec. The next test is when I install the stand alone ECU for another HP increase ;)

[born2drv]

my "brand new" jdm a340e lasted 3 days after it dyno'd 411rwhp, and i didn't even drive it all that hard after the dyno.

i love the auto. i wish i could keep auto. but i don't have $4-10k to spend right now making a bulletproof tranny. $4k gets you a complete IPT built tranny... $8-10k gets you a complete th350/400 with o/d added on, supra stick shifter, high stall converter, custom adapter, the works.

after my restoration in a year or two i may be tempted to switch back to auto but it's definately not cheap.

[JustAnotherVictim]

Why are people calling the r154 fragile anyway? It's an amazingly stout trans! 500, 600, 700hp on a stock 5spd is nothing to sneeze at.
I'd call that beefy.

[Jspec7m88]

Hey, Tony Ortiz' R154 is supporting 822rwhp. :)

I think I'd call that beefy, too.

[bonus12]

Agreed. Sports cars were not meant to have auto transmissions in my opinion. If you get one that already has an auto in it, fine. But if you're replacing a manual transmission (and the R154 at that!) with an auto then you are ruining the car.

My guide to the 5-speed to automatic conversion is very similar to my guide on converting a hard top to a targa top:

1. Sell manual transmission car to someone who wants a manual. There are plenty of people who would pay more for a manual.
2. Buy an automatic.

listen to this man. sports cars are meant to be manual!

[theKnifeArtist]

wanna trade? i got an auto.

[nosechunks]

im with j spec on this one, im auto, and i love it. yes sometimes i do with i had a 5 speed so i could drift around corners but whatever, that would prolly jsut get me in trouble. my auto has 170k on it, bone stock except for accumulator mods. im running around 11 psi with a hks drop in intercooler exhaust intake and hardpipes. im guessing im somewhere in the neiborhood of 300 horseopwer at the crank. never has my tranny slipped (except for running low on fluid after i installed my cooler). any for ppl saying that 5 speed is more fun cause u can select the gears.......whatever, i have a shifter and i can downshift and hold a gear crusing at 5 grand if i wanted to. not to mention with 1 dollar in modifications that i did in 2 hours, it barks my tires into second on my otherwise stock 170k mile tranny.

im going to be building my auto up and there will be a thread to show all u haters up. i plan on getting a stall converter, blue friction clutches and looking into valve body modifications, my goal is to make it perform like a th350 or so.

[Nick M]

Maybe I don't feel like shifting in rush hour traffic anymore.

The turbo tundra has proven how strong it can be.

[Jspec7m88]

Well. I'm done with all the arguments in this thread today.
I will finish by saying that if we all had an unlimited spending budget, we would all be smart to go with a SupraStick V4. :icon_surp

Along with all the nifty electronic tricks, you can still shift-play and not have to worry about your clutch foot being in pain at the end of the day (ie. 6 puck, LOL)...and you can go to the track, build boost
off the line, don't lose boost in between shifts and finally break into the 14's!!!!!!!111 :-p(so sad).

Anyways, I'll be getting around to upgrading my tranny with minor work and don't plan to exceed anything over 400rwhp........yet.;)
It would of course, be a goal for the long run to get a TH-400. :)

Now I'm done.

Jeff

[Toyota h8r]

Can anyone show me some pics of where the ect ecu is mounted? I looked and i dont have it. Is the tranny ecu mounted under the vent near the blower motor? Is the ge trans ecu the same as the gte trans ecu?

[Yellow 13]

Can anyone show me some pics of where the ect ecu is mounted? I looked and i dont have it. Is the tranny ecu mounted under the vent near the blower motor? Is the ge trans ecu the same as the gte trans ecu?


I believe the ECU's have different shift points. The trans ECU shares the main ECU bracket behind the glovebox. I dont know about the ECT ECU. The only boxes I remember going down there are ABS, Main ECU, and the Trans ECU.

[dbsupra90]

the manual ecu and auto ecu are different. the ect ecu that actually controls the tranny is in the kick panel on the pass side near the floor. if you look at where the pass right foot would be there is a large piece of molded plastic there. when you remove that, you will see where the ect is/was/needs to be.

im an auto guy. and if i got a 5sp guess what. i would swap in an auto (altho not a 340e). i have never blown up a stock trans. i did, however build up mine but it was no where near 4k or anything. if i didnt have the custom stall converter and the custom work done to the trans itself it would have been around $800-1000. marshall put down over 400rw on a stock trans w/ over 150k miles. its just like anything else. its how it was treated and what measures you have gone to reduce heat. problem is most people pick up supras when they are 10+ yrs old.

[dbsupra90]

I believe the ECU's have different shift points.

sorry forgot this one. the shift points were done in the valve body, not the ecu.

[Jspec7m88]

the manual ecu and auto ecu are different. the ect ecu that actually controls the tranny is in the kick panel on the pass side near the floor. if you look at where the pass right foot would be there is a large piece of molded plastic there. when you remove that, you will see where the ect is/was/needs to be.

im an auto guy. and if i got a 5sp guess what. i would swap in an auto (altho not a 340e). i have never blown up a stock trans. i did, however build up mine but it was no where near 4k or anything. if i didnt have the custom stall converter and the custom work done to the trans itself it would have been around $800-1000. marshall put down over 400rw on a stock trans w/ over 150k miles. its just like anything else. its how it was treated and what measures you have gone to reduce heat. problem is most people pick up supras when they are 10+ yrs old.

You are the perfect example in this little argument we were having earlier.
People go by average statistics...and those average statistics are based upon transmissions that have the wear of 16+ years on them. Only God (and some very passionate original Supra owners) can honestly say how great the stock transmission IS...or...WAS...for that matter.



but it was no where near 4k or anything. if i didnt have the custom stall converter and the custom work done to the trans itself it would have been around $800-1000. marshall put down over 400rw on a stock trans w/ over 150k miles.


Thanks for chiming in Dave...and I'm also waiting for your car to get done.
I'll make it a trip myself just to drive down there and see it. :icon_razz

[Nick M]

The engine ECU sends a couple of signals to the trans ECU. From there, the ECU gives the shift and lock up commands.

[Toyota h8r]

Can one of ya auto guys snap a quick photo of the ect ecu in its area? I cant find any area on my harness behind the kick panel that resembels where a comp would go. Also, what does the plug(s) look like? Im guessin since car was an 5spd, the body harness is taped off or missing. I dont know? Thanx all of those who had something educational or positive! Shelby

[Nick M]

http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/library/Wiring/pages/Page_024.html

See item E6

[3p141592654]

and for the connector go here

http://www.cygnusx1.net/supra/library/Wiring/pages/Page_105.html

[tookwik4u89]

Agreed. Sports cars were not meant to have auto transmissions in my opinion. If you get one that already has an auto in it, fine. But if you're replacing a manual transmission (and the R154 at that!) with an auto then you are ruining the car.

My guide to the 5-speed to automatic conversion is very similar to my guide on converting a hard top to a targa top:

1. Sell manual transmission car to someone who wants a manual. There are plenty of people who would pay more for a manual.
2. Buy an automatic.
The one point I agree is its prolly better to sell and buy auto, there are plenty people that just gotta hear that bov between shifts. Switching to 5spd is way easier, I did it without any electrical involved. I switched from auto to manual, back to auto, because it blew chunks for racing drag. I did love driving it 5 spd on the street. To think there is no place for autos in racing, take a trip to the strip and do a quick count! There are plenty guys on here that will flame you to death for that comment, and they have some of the fastest cars on here. In fact imma point them toward the thread just to make it fun:stickpoke

[tookwik4u89]

Rakk....I bought the overhaul kit w/raybestos blue plates+ had IPT redo the valve body, and built it myself, also replaced the intermediate sprague, been driving it a couple years with n/p, shifting is awesome, and the fluid still looks new, John at IPT is THE MAN!! But to have it built, youre right, thats some labor. I got a manual and went at it, but Im a dealer tech, so I have a big mech head start. I would do it on here for people for a good price, but I'm afraid to get that much time involved, Especially if there is a problem. I have around 14-1500 invested. Plus $250 to loosen up the converter.

[tookwik4u89]

I would think if you're going for serious auto power you would try the TH-400.
Th400 is the way to go if you want anti-lag, the only thing makes it better is you can use a trans brake. Finding the parts you need is the problem. ATI has an adapte, then you gotta piece the rest together, but its a tight fit, with some tunnel abuse required from what I hear. Theres a member on here that may have one SOME DAY that retains our bell, thats what Im waithg on.

[tookwik4u89]

Maybe I don't feel like shifting in rush hour traffic anymore.

The turbo tundra has proven how strong it can be.
Word, this trans has been around forever because of its reliability, Jeep bought rights to it! But when you hit em with big boost, the valve body kills your tranny, due to the heat from slow shifts.