3SGTE with auto tranny, Is it as easy as bolting on? Options

[desertwolf300]

I've looked through all the stickies and did some searching so NO BASHING.

It seems like everyone who has a 3sgte has a manual tranny. I'd like to know why. Is it because of the whole manual is more fun thing or is it because an auto tranny isn't possible. Also, when I say auto tranny bolt-on, I mean will it stay a front wheel drive. I don't want to do any rear-wheel or all-wheel drive conversions. If I do the swap, I'd like an auto for a daily driver because shifting all the time in traffic sucks. With all this, here's my main question: Are there any auto transmissions that will simply bolt on to a 3sgte motor and keep it front wheel drive? If someone has the answer, please post it.

--Bill

[CelicaZR]

You can use an auto transmission to bolt up to
the 3sgte. My friends ex-car had a 3sgte swap with
an auto transmission. I'm not sure what it was.
I think it has the same transmission that bolted
up to the 3sge.
But in my opinion it was not worth it going auto.

[desertwolf300]

That's awesome, could you ask him to verify what type of transmission it was and whether or not there were any additional problems with mounting and operation? Will the 3sge auto tranny break under that kind of torque? I wouldn't think so. I don't think an auto would be bad for a turbo. My friend's old supra has an auto and it will outrun just about anything. The autos will still downshift on their own if you floor it and then rev high to get the boost. I don't care if I don't reach the "full potential" like you would with a manual, again, I just want an easy daily driver with pep. I really appreciate your reply, thanks.

--Bill

[WannabeGT4]

What I've gathered so far:
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=26491

1. An auto trans will bolt up to a 3SGTE.
2. The flexplate will NOT bolt to the 3SGTE crank. (Confirmed 10-11-2006) It will need machined to fit the larger bolts.
3. The 6th gen trans is computer controlled so you'll need the 5SFE's auto ECU to control it.
4. The BGB's at celicatech will be your best resource:
http://www.celicatech.com/imagearchive/bgbonline/bgb.php#6th

This post has been edited by WannabeGT4: Oct 11, 2006 - 10:15 PM

[jgreening]

What I've gathered so far:
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475
http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=26491

1. An auto trans will bolt up to a 3SGTE.
2. The flexplate will bolt to the 3SGTE crank.
3. The 6th gen trans is computer controlled so you'll need the 5SFE's auto ECU to control it.
4. The BGB's at celicatech will be your best resource:
http://www.celicatech.com/imagearchive/bgbonline/bgb.php#6th

The mechanical part won't be the problem. How are you going to run the 3sgte engine off the 5sfe ECU? I am pretty sure you will need a standalone computer to do it.

Edit: nevermind, I just read the threads that you posted. Interesting approach. I think its going to be tricky.

This post has been edited by jgreening: Dec 9, 2005 - 11:46 AM

[desertwolf300]

Thanks WannabeGT4, that was really good info and a surprising amount of criticism. I was shocked at the behavior of some of these guys. Anyhow, it seems like a whole lot of trouble now so I may not move into that kind of project. I think it's cool that you had the same idea, though. Did you ever start/complete it?

--Bill

This post has been edited by desertwolf300: Dec 9, 2005 - 11:39 AM

[WannabeGT4]

Thanks WannabeGT4, that was really good info and a surprising amount of criticism. I was shocked at the behavior of some of these guys. Anyhow, it seems like a whole lot of trouble now so I may not move into that kind of project. I think it's cool that you had the same idea, though. Did you ever start/complete it?

--Bill

I'm still trying to find the third ecu plug. After that I'll be ready to go.

I think its going to be tricky.

It probably will be, but I've got a few ideas to try if it doesn't work out how I planned.

This post has been edited by WannabeGT4: Dec 9, 2005 - 12:37 PM

[desertwolf300]

Awesome. Let me know how it works out for you.

[celicaST]

personally, i think this is an awesome idea. hope it works for you wannabe.

[WannabeGT4]

Awesome. Let me know how it works out for you.

Will do.

personally, i think this is an awesome idea. hope it works for you wannabe.

Thanks for the encouragement. It will work one way or another.

[dstrbcelica]

i'd like to know too..

-dstrb



This post has been edited by dstrbcelica: Dec 9, 2005 - 2:18 PM

[lagos]

doing a 3sgte swap with an auto tranny is like kissing your sister ...just dont do it.

it totally defeats the whole purpose of doing the swap. the auto car will be a lot slower then the manual. you really wont feel like you upgraded to more power and the auto tranny will not last long from the extra power. not to mention that you will have to figure out a way to run 2 ecus so that the auto tranny will know what to do.

i know a manual car may seem scary when all you have driven in the past are automatics. i remember when i was looking to buy my car, i wanted to buy an automatic at first too because i never drove a stick before. i thought traffic driving would suck, having to park up a hill would be impossible, etc... now that i have been driving a stick for around 4 years, i look back at how silly all those thought were. it becomes 2nd nature, and i dont think i would ever buy an automatic car again.

youll never find a manual driver that wants to convert their car to an automatic ! yet almost every auto owner wishes they had a manual

This post has been edited by lagos: Dec 9, 2005 - 2:51 PM

[WannabeGT4]

Here come the pessimists and naysayers...

[lagos]

its your car and your money, so do what you want. im just trying to give my opinion on it so that later you cant say....."why didnt anyone tell me it would be so slow with this tranny?"

[jgreening]

Art, Justin WANTS an auto car with more power. That might not what you and I want, but he does. Give the guy a break already.

[celicaST]

doing a 3sgte swap with an auto tranny is like kissing your sister ...just dont do it.

it totally defeats the whole purpose of doing the swap. the auto car will be a lot slower then the manual. you really wont feel like you upgraded to more power and the auto tranny will not last long from the extra power. not to mention that you will have to figure out a way to run 2 ecus so that the auto tranny will know what to do.

i know a manual car may seem scary when all you have driven in the past are automatics. i remember when i was looking to buy my car, i wanted to buy an automatic at first too because i never drove a stick before. i thought traffic driving would suck, having to park up a hill would be impossible, etc... now that i have been driving a stick for around 4 years, i look back at how silly all those thought were. it becomes 2nd nature, and i dont think i would ever buy an automatic car again.

youll never find a manual driver that wants to convert their car to an automatic ! yet almost every auto owner wishes they had a manual

wannabe said he has the parts for manual swap in one of those threads if he decides auto either doesnt work or he changes his mind. as for your comment, i know how to drive a manual because i didnt get my car until i was 17 and a half or so and i learned how on my brothers 90 celica in order to take my driving test. even knowing how to drive manual, i can say that i prefer automatic for many reasons in a daily driver, even though at times i miss manual. i give wannabe credit for trying something new and unique in a 6gc. heck, one of the reasons im leaning on 7afte over swap is to KEEP the auto.

This post has been edited by celicaST: Dec 9, 2005 - 3:28 PM

[lagos]

Art, Justin WANTS an auto car with more power. That might not what you and I want, but he does. Give the guy a break already.

like i said... its not my car, or my money. im just trying to present the other side of the coin. its his decision in the end. i just dont think a swaped celica with an auto tranny will put down 100 extra hp to the wheels, the same way as it does with a manual tranny.

[celicaST]

Art, Justin WANTS an auto car with more power. That might not what you and I want, but he does. Give the guy a break already.

like i said... its not my car, or my money. im just trying to present the other side of the coin. its his decision in the end. i just dont think a swaped celica with an auto tranny will put down 100 extra hp to the wheels, the same way as it does with a manual tranny.

well of course its not, oviously since its running through a torque converter, thats not the point though. i do agree with you though that the auto tranny's clutches and bands for 5s will likely have problems slipping under high loads. im not sure if there are shift kits available for that tranny to help. ive looked for my a246e tranny and havnt found much.

This post has been edited by celicaST: Dec 9, 2005 - 3:45 PM

[WannabeGT4]

I've found at least one place that sells performance a140e kits and transaxles.
$500 for the kit, $2500 for the entire trans.

[97sccelica]

if you want a FAST car, auto is the way to go

and if you are worried about controlling it, get a built trans that shifts only when you tell it to. that way you dont need a computer to control it, just a shifter, put it in 1, then 2 and so on till what ever gear you want to cruise in.

also, get a good torque converter and trans cooler, that way you can really put the benifits of an auto tranny to use.

if i had the money(about $6k) i would have put a built auto into my WRX instead of an sti 6spd. nail perfect launches every time, shift faster than any human can, and never miss a shift

in conclusion, if you put the right stuff in, an auto tranny will make the car faster, will it be just as fun? that depends on how you drive and personal preference

[_rz_]

A fast auto transmission with a hi rev stall converter and modified solenoinds will shift faster than you can with a manual thats true. But it is not an auto anymore in terms of comfort - it's a drag car with hard shifts.
My opinion is that it will cost you way more to make it auto, and you get less of a pleasure compared with a manual.

But if it's really what you whant to do and it makes you happy then best of luck to you and keep us updated on the progress 'cause I really thought it's not possible on a celica.

[WannabeGT4]

Just found out tonight that neither the flexplate nor the 5SFE flywheel bolt onto the 3SGTE crank. Either one will need machined to fit the larger bolts and slightly different bolt pattern.

[celicast3sgte]

i still give you props for trying this. keep it up! get me a measurement of your "5s flywheel" and ill compare to mine, im almost positive i have a 5sfe flywheel but may be 3sge which is what you will need to look for... ill help anyways i can. unlike lagos who follows you around saying "NO". lol

GOOD LUCK, my email is ninesecluxury@gmail.com

[Silver94CelicaOw...]

WannabeGT4, I support your cause.

Auto with turbo is still VERY fun....I have some good experience with a WRX auto that I drive alot and it can kick some ass. Talk about a highway brawler....you'll plant your foot to the floor and its instant pulling power with no loss of boost in between gears. Better yet, when the going gets twisty, you can keep your hands planted where they are and always have 100% tactile control of the car no matter how aggressive you are. I think you'll love the car with an auto.

If you use a heavier duty auto and the proper management like you had mentioned you'll be in great shape.

[BLADDER_MASTER]

Eh, IMO this idea is dumb, but to each their own. If you decide to go through with this, may I suggest you look into a 3S-GE auto tranny. Preferably a 3rd gen 3S-GE. Makes more power than a 5S-FE, so it's possible Toyota made the tranny stronger to handle the higher power. Tranny code E56.

[WannabeGT4]

Eh, IMO I think your idea is dumb. I've got all the parts right here in front of me. A simple modification to the flexplate and it's all bolting up. No need to find an E56, auto 3SGE ECU, who knows what axles I'll need. I already found a company that sells a beefed up A140E if I break this one. Thanks for yet another worthless post.

[presure2]

guys, lets keep this thread on topic and clean.
quite a few people (including myself) are very interested in what comes of this project.
next one to post a "this is dumb" or whatever gets a free vacation from the site.

justin, keep us posted on what comes of this.

[BLADDER_MASTER]

Eh, IMO I think your idea is dumb. I've got all the parts right here in front of me. A simple modification to the flexplate and it's all bolting up. No need to find an E56, auto 3SGE ECU, who knows what axles I'll need. I already found a company that sells a beefed up A140E if I break this one. Thanks for yet another worthless post.

I doubt you'll need the 3S-GE's ECU to make the auto tranny work. You could use your 5S axles. If you find it worthless, thats fine. I just figured you should try out a possibly stronger tranny than the 5S's. Good luck and be ready to dish out $2500 for that beefed up tranny.

[BLADDER_MASTER]

guys, lets keep this thread on topic and clean.
quite a few people (including myself) are very interested in what comes of this project.
next one to post a "this is dumb" or whatever gets a free vacation from the site.

justin, keep us posted on what comes of this.

YGPM.

[WannabeGT4]

Thanks for the support guys, any updates will be posted here:

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=26475

[awais]

I have a very clean corona 97 but it has 4AFE which is... well you know... very slow...

I have been trying to find out if there's an auto transmission available for 3SGE for front wheel drive setup?

Currently my corona with 4AFE is a/t so I want to keep it a/t with good power and the best option i see is 3SGE. Let me know if there's an auto for 3SGE for FWD... also what's the transmission code for it (if available)?

[njccmd2002]

11 year resurrection !! most these members have moved on...

[WannabeGT4]

You'll probably need an A140H transmission unless you want to figure out the wiring of the A140E; I just fed the old 5SFE ECU enough information get it to shift the A140E on it's own. It started slipping after a while but who knows what condition it was in to start with as it had nearly 100,000 miles and wasn't well cared for before I got it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_A_transmission