1JZ-GTE Auto, reliable?

[kim0663]

Looking for a comfty daily now.. Driving the mr2 everyday is such a pain in the arse, ear, etc etc . just sick of it.

so i thought twin turbo soarer? would seem an expensive daily driver but always wanted one ...

So i started looking and found THIS

The only thing this car still needs to go is a set of standard turbos and a battery.

* 3" Straight through exhaust system. Splits into dual pipes and dual twin tip mufflers at the rear.
* New crank and bottom end seals.
* Cambelt/tensionsers/water pump replaced less than 10K ago.
* 18" Wheels (9.5" and 10.5").
* Front Mount Intercooler fitted with all plumbing.
* K&N Filter.
* Brand new GSD3 (German Made) tyres on the front 245/35/18 - worth $880.
* Transmission serviced and new filter put in less than 10K ago.

I have all the quarter panels and front bumper with the much sought after front lip that comes with the car. I just haven't had time to put it all back on.

All is fine but what worries me is the auto trans , 190kms on a turbo vehicle seems aLOT to me, and i've cooked a few before...

If i buy this, should i be looking at a manual conversion or would it be tough enough? how hard is it to find the required bits for the conversion on this car...? I hear they run really hot in the first place... hmm

[2jayzgte]

I can't see why there would be any problems with it as long as the fluid has'nt been cooked.If your that worried about it just run a tranny cooler and that'll help it.I run a 2JZ auto in my Supra with the tranny cooler and beat it to death and have had no problems so I think if you do the same with the 1JZ auto there should'nt be any inherent problems.

[fuel]

JZ engines are pretty damn reliable, 190k would almost be just run in for a Toyota. I think $3000 is asking a bit much considering he hasn't even pieced the thing back together. A manual conversion isn't cheap either, you'ld have to find bits from a manual JZZ30 or JZA80 which isn't cheap, probably in excess of $1500 for the gearbox, bellhousing, and flywheel alone not including all the other small things like the pedal box, clutch etc.


I know someone who has a JZZ30 which has been converted to manual using JZA80 parts, done 170k with new cambelt etc which they're going to sell shortly. It's a dark metallic blue colour and has Bilstein suspension and probably will come with 18" 5 spoke wheels also. Has 3" exhaust but factory FMIC.

[Eddy1612]

I wouldnt worry too much bro. 3s cylinder heads are prone to going soft over time and blow head gaskets. You will probably find the 1ggte goes longer without a hiccup.

[fuel]

1G-GTE? eh?

[Twolitre]

My 1JZ transmission shifts like the day it was new but then again its only done 143k just keep the servicing up to date with good quality trans fluid such as Toyota type IV which I use.
What's the problem using an MR2 as a daily driver? If it's too loud put a stock exhaust back on it.
And 3sgte cylinder heads don't just go magically soft over time, only if they are overheated by a blown headgasket, lack of cooling etc not the other way round.

[flygt4]

I have heard if you sit on the brake and do burnouts those 1JZ transmission don't appreciate it too much, but show me a gearbox that does like that. might just pay to stay clear of well abused examples.

A well serviced toyota transmisison that regularly has the fluid replaced before it cooks will go forever.
I've found autos damn near impossible to break, in the old days we used to buy 50$ cars and thrash them til they died, and a toyota auto was always a goer because everyone got a turn before it died. the old mazda autos never lasted more than one or 2 drivers

[xsspeed]

Good test for an auto apparently is to go from park to drive (while running) if this is smooth then nothing much to worry about. If there is a loud clunk something could be up. (what exactly I am not sure)

Got that from the dog and lemon guide. Was true for my old car, gearbox was on the way out and used to bang and clunk. But then it was well abused

[Mr.Phreak]

FWIW, that car is Silent_Knight's

And the A340 in my Soarer is going fine after 245k........especially since it's been running the last 5-10k with a dodgy shift solenoid

[Eddy1612]

sorry ment 1JZ-GTE

[BlakeNZ]

they handle 200rwkw without mods, and up to 260rwkw with a trans cooler and a shift kit. and they are cheap second hand. you can't lose.

[FLAWLES]

man i havent posted on here i yrs

um


nothing wrong with the autos that are attached to jz engines
in my jzx100 i have the std 4 spd ECT-iE auto trans, and its seen many a track day

like every one says keep the servicing up all will be fine

[Si]

My soarer has done 206kkms+ now, and is still running sweet. Auto boxes are almost throw away items these days anyways.

[kim0663]

What's the problem using an MR2 as a daily driver?

Its built mainly as a track car as i always had a second daily vehicle (which i sold a few months back), so stock exhaust is never going back on it. PLUS the coilovers are just bloody damn stiff even on soft setting AND it rattles and shakes like a piece of shit oh and also to add, it lacks any sound deadening, any interior other than the dash, doorcards and some black carpets on the floor... such a harsh ride....


Thanks for the replys guys, I shall have a serious think over the next few days before i get in contact with the seller

[Py7h0n]

Just do the standard auto checks -

Pull the DipStick - Is the fluid bright red? Does it smell like Trans Fluid should?

As far as strength goes I know someone who went through 18 of the damn things! However that was at 300kw odd!

Treat them nicely and they will last .

[Silent Knight]

hahaha dude that car is mine that's listed on there.
Nothing wrong with the auto... as I said I've replaced the filter and fully flushed the tranny etc and it's all good still.

It's also got a Gizzmo FCD installed that I forgot to mention.

[avinesh]

soarers are awsome i had two of them the 1jz is a damn strong engine an the box is awsome as well mine had a lil over 220wkw with just intake exhaust an intercooler, ran 13.3 @171km/h not to shabby for a big car aye.....

[BlakeNZ]

av, what happened to that particular soarer?

[kim0663]

did it spin bearings?

[Silent Knight]

did it spin bearings?

Nope.