This gearbox is used in lexus 300GS in 98 and has appeared in a few other overseas models of different cars – Volvo and 4runners (2wd ones I think) supra, and fj cruisers 2007-2011)maybe these are 2wd overseas? I don’t know.
It is made from a Toyota A340A (4 speed) but has had some messing around manly (only?) with reprogramming, so that when in second, overdrive is also activated, giving an extra gear (new third gear ratio).
The gear box is normally controlled by the car ECU, but we are ditching that for a link, running a 3UZ-fe (that’s a 4.3ltr lexus V8 in English
)I’d like to try to find a standalone Transmission Control Computer that will run this gearbox.
Because they were only made for one year in Toyota production cars, they haven’t been played with very much. Some criticism of the gearbox is out there to, things like unreliable due to extra electrics (has 6 solenoids) and concerns about the overdrive also working when in second gear, when it was designed originally for highway cruising).
I don’t want other gearbox suggestions, as we have access to a bunch of these box’s and want the close ratios.( I could be back in a month though looking for other ideas…….
)Would like normal auto mode (cus I’m dumb), and triptronic (so I can play)
During research, I discover that wholesale automatics in Aussie are making a standalone TCU for a A750E, in about 2 months, if anybody is interested in that.
TCU’s I’ve looked at are
TCS from the states – they say they can do a A650E, but can’t find out about a A350E, awaiting a reply on that from them at the moment.
MegaShift, think it’s an offshoot from Megasquirt, it’s a TCU which is meant to be fully programmable also, but can find very little info about these either – has anybody delt much with Megashift or Megasquirt? There is a guy in Chch? Who deals in Meagasquirt I think, can anyone hook me up with his details please.
Also around is supra shift, but again not sure about controlling this box, as it’s quite different to standard.
Black Ridge customs also make one called TSM-2000, which is another option.
Last option might be re-programme a link to run the tranny. Has anyone tried this?
Lastly, am I missing the point somewhere here?
Is there an easier way (keeping this box though)I have the wiring diagrams and parts list/numbers, but still need the map of what solenoids are on/off per each gear, any help on finding that would be real handy to, if we are going to re-programme something…..
