Celica gear box conversion

[Rubber Bedford]

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

[BeerBeddy]

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

[Rubber Bedford]

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! -  )

Cheers, rubber

[ethyl]

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

[Rubber Bedford]

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

[ethyl]

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

[Marky]

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..

[ethyl]

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

[Sammy]

that sounds like the old holden "rat trap"

[rossie]

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.