Finding a Gearbox for GT2 Celica Conversion

[trd_st184]

I'm in the process of installing a 3sgte into my 1992 Toyota Celica SX

Everything is going to plan except that I am a bit stumped on gearbox choice.


I am wanting to use the S54 or a GT4 box (which is coming with the engine).

I want to use the S54 due to convenience.

I've read all sorts of stories about these gearboxes.

Some say they are weak as piss.

Others say they hold upto 250-300hp no problems.

This would all be relevant on gearbox condition on installation, driving style, road conditions etc.

I am considering the GT4 box converted to 2wd with the use of a mr2 differential but I am still not sure 100% how its done. I can't find much online.

I've also heard about using the E153 box but this requires custom driveshafts and a customer mount i think..

Can I get some honest opinions on my choices?

[toyo-al]

Hi mate,

I've run both an S53 and S54 in my ST162 with a rebuilt 3S-GE. It's by no means a 'power-house', though it was dyno'd at around 130hp through the front treads. From my experience, the S54 is a nicer box. Mine wasn't a very new box, but I believe it had very little km's on it when it went in.

In saying that, my S54 is now crunching 1st>2nd (unless shift real real slow and rev-match), 4th>3rd and 3rd>2nd. I haven't driven my car overly hard, always make sure I an extra nice to the gearbox and change oil when required.

The S53 was buggered when I got the car, then I rebuilt the engine and put the S54 in. I'm about to go for my 3rd gearbox now.

I can only recommend finding the latest model S54 you possibly can and using that. It will inevitably wear out, especially behind a 3S-GTE.

Another option to think about could be the gearbox from a 1MZ or 3VZ. A lot more work involved compared to the S54, though it would withstand the torque that the GTE will throw at it!

Also I believe a later model box (maybe from the FWD beams packages) came with double syncro's on 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I am yet to comfirm this, though if it's the case, that's what I'll be looking to install in my ST162.

Cheers,
Al

[StuC]

the late model s boxes as fitted to gen3 and beams were a double synchro with LSD option. I had one in my last 162.
Adrian - why not run the s54 till it dies and work out a solution in the mean time? You can mess with the E-series box in remove the transfer or whatever it is you need to, but thats a fair bit of extra weight you dont need. Have you spoken to Terry at Road and Track to see what he has in stock at the moment?
SW20 box with LSD would be a good option if you can find one also. Easier to convert to FWD than locking out the 4wd box.

[mattysshop]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGiKUqE4Zfc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M7SP...eature=related

used an SV21 (S51? S53?) box in this as the starter motor sits on the gearbox side... not on the engine side of the flywheel... great for custom manifold

thats 252hp@ the wheels, it has been crunching a little for the past few years and you have to rev match most of the time... but other than that... it seems like it just won't break... main downside is the rarity of LSD's.... better off going for a E5X setup...

when the box is at it's crunching stage... just dump the oil and start using Dex 3 auto oil in it.... from then on... you won't physically break the gearbox from my experience the only thing that has happened to 2 of my mates 162's with 3sgte's is they become crunchy after a while... and 5 years on in the same car it hasn't gotten any more 'crunchier'....