soarer 300

Some of you know, I was dumb enough to take a dive into installing a GM Turbo 350 in to my turbocharged Lexus. After having the tranny trouble I had, I was desperate. As far as I know, my friend and mechanic Stu and I were the first {non-company/commerce affiliated team} to complete the TH350 or any non-oem trans swap in to a 2JZ powered vehicle. So pretty much, we're the first backyard mechanics to finish the job.

Well... on to my first impressions...

Don't start the car with the transmission dry of fluids (at least have 10 total in the tranny and converter ). Yeah, after that, I filled it up and let it idle for a while to check for any imbalances...then it was on to the street.

First gear...smooth...also with a smooth shift in to second gear. I couldn't believe how well this tranny shifted--it honestly felt like my mom's Caddy even under heavy load.

Then, it was on to the real test of the transmission. I shifted down in to second and rolled in about 5 miles per hour. Since I lit up the tires, I really couldn't tell what happened. Also, since my car has sat for 9 months, I decided to take it easy. This was the first time I'd driven a car with an abnormally high stall (mine is 3200) and it was truly fun. I really was impressed on how that little converter slipped up and took off. I'd ridden in plenty, but the way it takes control is definitely like slipping the clutch in a manual car---cool.

So, at around 16 psi, I eased in to the throttle. Two shifts, gone quicker than I could think. I finally had a transmission that didn't cause me to bang off the rev-limiter!

I drove it around the block a few more times and just listened for any trouble. We ran in to 3 problems that we ourselves created.

Problem 1: Cracked tailshaft leaking tranny fluid---lots...this was from Stu dropping it off the tranny jack about the 93rd time we took it down.

Problem 2: A leak from the pump. Don't know the extensiveness...going to pull the tranny out tomorrow and see what's up.

Problem 3: *Custom* linkage hitting the driveshaft and making notso nice noises.


Hats off to Stu for his work. He's the real reason this thing runs.

Well...I guess that's it. I know some of you wanted to know how it was going...and its going. PM me if you have any questions or post them here.

Yes, we will probably be selling the kit here in a few months as a cheaper alternative to other transmission setups out right now. I'll try to keep you all posted if some of you gain interest.

Thanks,

boredguy77

not to be dumb but isnt that a 3 speed tranny?

awj

Sounds very cool. Keep up the good work and good luck.

Lex Luthor

Cory, glad to see you got it going, looking forward to some timeslips...
- Jon

soarer 300

It sure is. With a 1:1 first gear and a 4.21 (?) rear end, daily driving shouldn't and won't be too bad.

AWJ and Jon,

Thanks for the encouragement and kind words.

boredguy77

how is it on the freeway?

soarer 300

Haven't got it out on the freeway yet. Have to take it apart and examine it first before I really put it to the test.