I haven't seen one anywhere but is there any manual tranny swap option at all for ls430 or are these forever auto with 3uz?

 

This is a rabbit hole that's been discussed more generally for the 3UZ and less specifically for the LS430/GS430.

Basically, the 3UZ (actually all UZs) has the same flywheel demensions as the JZ engines.

Here's a link to google with more information

Two problems - you're going to need custom transmission mounts for the LS430 and a way to mount the clutch pedal.

The SCs had manual options from teh factory and the capacity to bolt a clutch pedal to pedal mounts, they're the easiest to swap.

The other problem is that the 3UZ makes way more torque than most of Toyotas other engines - I think it makes more torque than the stock 2JZ twin turbo. The only transmissions that can really handle a regular 3uz are the V161/V161, which are really expensive.

I think you can build an R154 to take the torque, but if you do anything to the motor, you'll likely blow the transmission.

There's a thread on the front page of a guy who swapped a whole new powertrain into the LS430. Frankly, that's the best way to do it if you want a much faster motor and a manual transmission.

 

The answer would be... WHY would you such a thing?!
You already have a tiptronic function that makes you feel more manly and feels like driving a manual.

The LS is a luxury car, it is not meant to be yanked and driven like a dragster. It is designed to be a smooth and peaceful car. I just don't get it with the manual.


For everyone's info.. Did you know that the A761E transmission of the 04-06 LS, is the worlds lightest 6 speed transmission ?

 

Alright I've researched this and I'll give you some info. You can buy an adaptor plate or a bellhousing to go from the r154 to the uz. The hardest part will be engine management. You'll have to go to a standalone ecu. Megasquirt or aem come to mind. The shifter is an issue too, though what the guy with the lsx swap has a pretty clever setup. You'll probably have to move the shifter back, and to the left to get a setup like his. There's a version of the r154 that uses a shift linkage which would eliminate the need for a shifter extension.

As for torque ratings, the r154 is really stout. I've built a few cars with that tranny that are pushing way more power than a 3uz will ever make and they're handling it like champs. If you're worried the r154 from a pontiac solstice is much beefier.

 

im doing the NA 300zx trans. Got it for 100$ from a friend. Collins adapter plate for 315$ and collins clutch kit for 500$ going to use the gs300 driveshaft and weld on the 300zx trans end. Ive done it beforr lol. Trans shifter should line uo in oem shift hole. My ecu is tuned so i doubt ill have issues. My IG is s13__anthony if youd like to follow

 

Who tuned your ecu?
I have a intake mani ready for porting and opening up the exhaust a bit but I’m not sure how much that would yield, even with a tune
Has anyone 2j swapped ls430??

 

Here's one, apparently using a transmission out of a Pontiac solstice, someone makes an adapter plate and remaps the ECU to manual

 

it's been done, seen it first hand

www.samurai-style.net

I offered to buy everything and take it with me, they declined.

 

This swap has been done more than once, https://instagram.com/larrys.chopsho...dium=copy_link this Instagram user has an 01-03 with an aisin AR-5 5 speed out of a chevy colorado, i assume he’d be willing to answer questions if you have any!

 

So I’ve read up a lot on the manual conversion swap for a Lexus ls430. The reason for me to manual swap is due to the fact the 6speed auto is fairly expesnive ( about £900 ) in the uk and mine has recently given in on me. A manual swap however will cost just a little extra. From research I have found that the gs6 53dz transmission found in bmw e60, 530d and 525d and bmw e46 330d are strong enough to handle stock power that the 3uz makes, are affordable and a decent amount of companies make adapter plates to fit ut straight onto the engine. Most kits will come with a flywheel ( kit is about £650 ). Now there is a lot of custom fabrication needed doing of course such as transmission mounts and possibly prop shaft adjustments ( I’ve heard that the gs430 prop shaft should fit with the gs6 and ls430). A clutch pedal will need to be fitted which I’ve heard the is250 clutch should be the right dimensions. Haven’t done the build yet just getting it all together. Will do it in 2 weeks will let you know how it goes

 

Can't wait to hear an update on this! Any progress so far?

What are you doing about the ECU remapping from auto to manual?

 

so the adapter plate and flywheel took ages to come. Need to buy a transmission and clutch next week. I’m not sure what to do in terms of a clutch pedal ( which will fit in the footwell ).

I don’t believe a remap is necessary as you can get plugs to trick the ecu into thinking the auto trans is still there. Did it in my Lexus is200 also

 

Awesome finds so far! Do you know if there's factory mounting locations for a clutch pedal or will you have to fabricate your own?
In the e46 for example, clutch pedals are nearly drop in since some of them did come manual. I assume it's a lot harder in the LS since they never came manual.

I'm just going the route of used transmission to get my car back on the road asap, but would love to manual swap one day.

 

I would be looking to fit a 6 speed , check out the BMW manual 6 speed boxes and there are adaptor kits for them including the flywheel .
They will easily handle the torque of a 3uz .

 

I built a turbo e46 and those guys have figured out the 5 speed ZF box can handle 500+ hp and abuse while drifting a lot.

I’d bet the zf box can handle the torque as well, since the diesel and 5 series manuals are gonna be harder to come by here in the states.

The getrag 5 speed is glass comparatively.