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Technical => Driveline => Topic started by: Rubber Bedford on July 31, 2013, 07:04:12 PM

Title: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: Rubber Bedford on July 31, 2013, 07:04:12 PM
Dear all,

Could someone who has had some experience with the conversion of the standard 3-speed gearbox to the Celica 5-speed, care to make a comment about the procedure?
What's involved, where to look for the right gearbox, adapters required, and is it worth it?

Perhaps there is already a thread about this, but I couldn't find it.

Cheers, rubber
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: BeerBeddy on July 31, 2013, 10:07:50 PM
G'day Rubber. My van has a Celica 5 speed fitted. I didn't do the conversion but have done a couple on other vehicles over the years. Not much to it really. Best is to but a kit from Hadfield's Rod Shop. Then just put it together. Only thing you will need to do is have the tailshaft made to suit the Beddy. The biggest issue on the Beddy is that the gearstick comes out of the floor a long way back. Whoever converted mine seemed happy to reach into the back of the van behind the driver seat to change gear. It is no fun coz changing gear feels like you a stiring a spoon in a big bowl of thick porridge. Getting a gear is gueswork some of the time. So I am in the process of making up a remote gearshifter system to bring it forward to just behind the engine cowl.

It is worth noting that there are several different Toyota 5 speeds out there. Not positive but seem to remember the late 70's Crown or Cressida used the same box but the shifter on the extension housing was about 100mm further forward making a much better solution. Worth having a check around and not having to do what I need to do.

Good luck, they are a tough box and will take a fair hiding, even up to handling small V8's.

Regards

Beerbeddy
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: Rubber Bedford on August 01, 2013, 08:51:36 PM
Thanks Beerbeddy, that's some food for thought. If it is like stirring porridge, why would anyone do this conversion? Does it give you longer legs? (Clearly, I'll need longer arms! -  ;D )

Cheers, rubber
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: ethyl on August 01, 2013, 09:00:42 PM
I am using a Tarago 5 spd which is similar to the supra box but has external gear shift levers and uses a remote shifter set with teleflex cables
that way I can mount the gear stick were I like
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: Rubber Bedford on August 01, 2013, 09:08:57 PM
Now ya talkin, ethyl! That sounds like some thinking outside the (gear) box. What engine have you bolted it to? What does the shifter look like. Any chance of a picture? : )
Cheers, rubber
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: ethyl on August 02, 2013, 08:01:34 PM
using a fuel injected black 202, will try for pic but only motor & box in just yet, still working on moving engine back
so haven't worked out where shifter will go
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: Marky on August 06, 2013, 10:49:23 AM
hey ethyl...


how are u adapting the Tarago box to suit the 202....

be lovely if i could use my dellow/castlemaine adapter.....

also how long is the spline...from the front of the gear box....

im interested as my celica box.....wanna swap it for a cable controlled type..

Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: ethyl on August 08, 2013, 08:08:38 PM
the Tarago box is basically the same as Supra just diff housing but bit shorter
so I am using a Holden Supra bell housing, bought on ebay $156 used
front shaft is same as celica and supra I think
have 2 clutch mechanisms both cable from pedal to a lever system to push clutch fork
one was on the truck, don't know if original
the other from a Holden HZ 6
both bolt to the bell housing and the block
haven't look at which to use yet
would have liked a full cable but bell housing was to good to pass up
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: Sammy on August 08, 2013, 08:18:29 PM
that sounds like the old holden "rat trap"
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: rossie on August 09, 2013, 09:42:08 AM
Front shaft is the same spline, so for clutch use a Holden presure plate and a Toyota clutch plate. Celica for a light clutch or Dyna for heavy.
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: BeerBeddy on August 09, 2013, 11:21:38 AM
Don't use the Celica clutch plate, you will kill it. Dyna is best but Hilux/Hiace or early Crown is alternative. Beddies are fairly heavy and with a 6 cyl in front of a Celica clutch you will tear the centre dampening springs out is short time. This is the same advice I was given when I put a Celica behind a 250 Falcon motor in an XY ute. I used the Dyna with years of reliable service.

Have fun

Beerbeddy
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: ethyl on August 09, 2013, 07:31:32 PM
that sounds like the old holden "rat trap"

no not rat trap, I have Toranas
this a sheathed cable from the clutch pedal to push mechanism
will try for pic tomorrow
Title: Re: Celica gear box conversion
Post by: Sammy on August 09, 2013, 08:34:27 PM
ahh right :)
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