Here is the ZPI solution - ESK and Valve body upgrades -
http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1349651#1349651


So far, I have searched alot of information for the automatic for much stronger shifting. Most auto companies have gone to electronic control with some positive and negative. Shift kit control might be as simple as an ECU change. Here is a good start to understanding. I am looking at several different options that are plug and play.

With the advent of the move to (TOTAL) electronically controlled automatic transmissions Toyota/Lexus decided to take advantage of the additional capability to add several new "features".

1. Extend the fuel economy by significantly lowering vehicle "drag" from engine compression braking. Anytime the throttle is fully closed the transmission is automatically upshifted to lower engine compression braking.

2. Significantly reduce the danger of loss of control of FWD, or front torque biased AWD, on slippery roadbed surfaces by reducing engine compression braking.

3. Significantly extend the useful life of the transmission by reducing its "workload" from engine compression braking. Many of these vehicles were shipped from the factory with a transmission fluid life expectency of that of the vehicle itself.

Keep in mind that by the year 2000 the analog, fluid based, "computers" previously used to control automatic transmissions were virtually PERFECT in their overall control operation.

Toyota's electronically controlled transmissions represented a totally new, clean sheet, design.

So, the transmission ECU firmware, software, detects that the vehicle is in a "coastdown" mode, throttle fully closed, and accordingly begins an "upshift" gear change sequence (and/or an unlocking of the torque converter) to reduce engine compression braking.

But what happens if the driver suddenly decides that he/she wants to accelerate at just about the same time the transmission begins the upshift sequence?

The only "feedback" the transmission ECU has to "know" that the previously commanded gear shifting has completed (other than elapsed time)is via a comparison of the transmission input shaft rotational speed and the output shaft rotational speed.

Up until the 2004 model year these transmissions would react correctly to this sudden change of input, quick change from coastdown to acceleration, but by now Toyota had discovered an anomally in the design.

In some instances you couldn't just change the commanded gear selection right in the middle, or during, a previously commanded gear change without compromising the operation of the transmission. The transmission momentarily being in two gear ratios simultaneously, for instance.

So, the 2001 AWD RX300 required no transmission fluid replenishing or replacement for the life of the vehicle, according to the owners manual. But then a significant number of these transmissions began to fail prematurely. The dealers have now been told to advise owners of these vehicles that a 15,000 mile transmission flush and replenishment is recommended.

So, as of 2004 the firmware was rewritten and an e-throttle was added. With an e-throttle the engine can be prevented from developing torque until the transmission can complete the upshift it started at coastdown, and then be downshifted into the proper lower gear for acceleration once the e-throttle is given the GO signal.

A 1 to 2 second delay in acceleration wouldn't be all that unusual in this circumstance.

nice find

RICAR....quit making excuses for your daughter as to why you can't turn the boost up in her car.

RICAR....quit making excuses for your daughter as to why you can't turn the boost up in her car.

:lalala: Who me? Na, I'm just trying to increase my post count. :rofl:

^ ^

LOL! Your daughters car is nice i suppose. I really don't care for the hood lights and all of the neon crap. (no offense) But i must say, for a girl car, its not that bad. I've seen much, my god, MUCH worse. lol

Cya

On the lex - I had purchased a unit from turboeast that they made for the IS300, basically had a connection for power, load, rpm, and line pressure. It worked like a s-afc for the trans. Basically took a signal, and output a different one to increase line pressure under load/heavy throttle.

This DID help a lot while NA, but when I went from the stock (170 rwhp) to 320 rwhp it didn't help for the 1-2 shift (but this could be a Lex problem since the 2nd gear is an overdrive gear)

I eventually got a valve body upgrade which was sweet. 2-3 chrip and even 3-4 sometimes.
Suuuuuuuure blame the hankooks

Nice - I wonder if either is an option here.

and your conclusion is...

and your conclusion is...

My conclusion is the tranny will hold up to a stage one with it's internals....however, we need to assume control of the transmission from the stock ECU.

On the lex - I had purchased a unit from turboeast that they made for the IS300, basically had a connection for power, load, rpm, and line pressure. It worked like a s-afc for the trans. Basically took a signal, and output a different one to increase line pressure under load/heavy throttle.

This DID help a lot while NA, but when I went from the stock (170 rwhp) to 320 rwhp it didn't help for the 1-2 shift (but this could be a Lex problem since the 2nd gear is an overdrive gear)

I emailed turboeast to see if their upgrades are adjustable for the Scion TC. That would be EXACTLY what is needed.

Thanks for the heads up.

yay for the automatics! :silly: interesting indeed.

^ ^

LOL! Your daughters car is nice i suppose. I really don't care for the hood lights and all of the neon crap. (no offense) But i must say, for a girl car, its not that bad. I've seen much, my god, MUCH worse. lol

Cya

Well thanks...i suppose. No offense taken. They are not for everyone. It's her car and she likes them, so that's what counts.

She does alot of car shows and most of the time, lights always helps set the cars apart....esp at a night show. If all the car has is lights, then yea...seems like a cheap mod. But a car that is heavily modded with performance parts and lights added as well....fits right in to a car show every time.

Well, thanks to mattssi, we have our solution. turboeast apprears to have the solution and at last word, Kenny at ZPI is going to work with them to iron out the details for the kits. :bow:

The true automatic will soon be released. There is nothing like 2nd and 3rd gear scratch from an auto shift kit. :clap:

Great find and thinking guys! Nice to hear some performance mods that will benifit the AUTO TC's since we are starting at a disadvantage at the line. I will def be upgrading my TC when an auto shift kit is complete and refined.

Great find and thinking guys! Nice to hear some performance mods that will benifit the AUTO TC's since we are starting at a disadvantage at the line. I will def be upgrading my TC when an auto shift kit is complete and refined.

Yup, def at a launch disadvantage.....and after that.......the advantage will "SHIFT" back to us. :rofl:

Just a bump for this thread on progress.

Here is the latest email I received from them. They said it will work and are lookinig to test. Kenny at ZPI said the IS300 wiring is the same on our TC. Hopefully by next week...we will have one to test with.

<SNIP>

-----Original Message-----
From: TurboEast Sales [mailto:sales@turboeast.com]
Sent: Friday, October 28, 2005 1:47 PM
To: EJK
Subject: Re: Valve Body Upgrade or Electronic Shift Kit Upgrade

Yes, our E.S.K. module should work with the Scion, however I do not have a wiring diagram for the Scion. So, any of our E.S.K. modules are going to be for in-house installation only, besides Lexus cars. In the future we should have our E.S.K. module available for ship out on various Toyota cars, including the Scion. As far as the valve-body, it is a fairly simple upgrade, yet very delicate. I don't believe we have ever done a valve-body on a Scion, but we may be willing to give it a shot.
I will forward this email to Jeff (the owner), and see what he has to
say.
Thanks,
Sam Windsor
sam@turboeast.com
301-829-4902

-----Original Message-----
From: TurboEast Sales [mailto:sales@turboeast.com]
Sent: Monday, October 31, 2005 2:08 PM
To: EJK
Subject: RE: Valve Body Upgrade or Electronic Shift Kit Upgrade

I spoke with Jeff, he said if you guys would like to try one out to see if it works we can work with you. If you guys possibly want to setup some kind of group-buy, we can work on pricing and things of that nature. Let me know what you would like to do, and I will work with you as best as possible. Thankyou-Sam

<END SNIP>

Hey Auto TC guys.... lets get some support for ZPI to get working on a E.S.K What would the install consist of? Group buy would be a great start to get things developed and rolling.

Hey Auto TC guys.... lets get some support for ZPI to get working on a E.S.K What would the install consist of? Group buy would be a great start to get things developed and rolling.
Yes great idea. I really want this E.S.K. and for a good price.

Count me in.

Do we know of a price range yet for an E.S.K. for the tC?

Count me in.

Do we know of a price range yet for an E.S.K. for the tC?

Well turboeast.com is selling their Lexus one for $210. They don’t have one specifically for the Tc yet, but I think it’s compatible

Let's hope it is compatible...or should we just wait for them to make a specific E.S.K. for the tC?

As I understand it...it will work. I should receive the ESK in the next few days.

Well, here is the info on the Electronic Shift Kit from their site - Per the Lexus IS300

The TurboEast ESK eliminates sloppy shifts, hanging on the rev limiter, and allows transmission to shift with up to 320 rwtq with no internal transmission mods. Includes new and improved circuitry and a aluminum enclosure for improved heat dissipation.


This is the Valve Body Upgrade

The TurboEast Valve Body Upgrade cleans up the sloppy and slow stock shifting. Shifts are firmer, faster and more responsive. Developed for turbo, supercharged, naturally aspirated and nitrous applications. All stock functions along with E-shift are retained like stock.


And for the really power hungry (axle bending problem now - same as manual guys)

The first power failure point for this transmission is the sprag also know as a one way bearing. This upgrade should allow your tranny to hold over 500 rwtq. The next failure point in the stock clutch packs. Replacing of both the sprag and clutch packs will hold over 600 rwtq.

How would installation come about?
Do you know what the E.S.K. consists of?

its a black box, my version had an on/off swithc, but newer ones may not.

It was a box w/ a long cable and a few wires to hook up as I mentioned above.

power, ground, tps, rpm, load, line pressure in, pressure out

its a black box, my version had an on/off swithc, but newer ones may not.

It was a box w/ a long cable and a few wires to hook up as I mentioned above.

power, ground, tps, rpm, load, line pressure in, pressure out

How did this improve your IS300?

Then how much did the valve body upgrade improve?

It definitely helped w/ NA. The sloppy shifts turned into nice, crisp shifts. Felt more like a sport sedan rather than a luxury type car. However, when I had nitrous (100 shot) or the turbo, it didn't work as well as I needed (320rwhp). This is why I sold it and got the valve body. I drove down to Toyomoto in Miami, and had that done for $250. The "down side" is that the shifts are always a little harsher, but nothing crazy. This is what fixed all my shift issues and what even got my car to chrip 2-3, and even 3-4 sometimes on an Auto. This is at full throttle/boost.

It definitely helped w/ NA. The sloppy shifts turned into nice, crisp shifts. Felt more like a sport sedan rather than a luxury type car. However, when I had nitrous (100 shot) or the turbo, it didn't work as well as I needed (320rwhp). This is why I sold it and got the valve body. I drove down to Toyomoto in Miami, and had that done for $250. The "down side" is that the shifts are always a little harsher, but nothing crazy. This is what fixed all my shift issues and what even got my car to chrip 2-3, and even 3-4 sometimes on an Auto. This is at full throttle/boost.

Cool. I'm going to see what the ESK does as a trial for them...if not what I want, then go valve body upgrade like you did. wreckedtc is doing the valve body upgrade and give a report on that. Luck dog...he is close and they need a test car.

NICE! Take some pix when you get the E.S.K and fill us in as to what the install involves. Im very interested in this MOD. Hope a TC specific one is developed ASAP.

Yea please keep us updated. Im very interested to see how this mod turns out as well.

chirp in an auto?? That is my dream !!!

A lot of good info about this. I'm definitly interested in this!

$210 doesn't seem to bad for the is300 version. I want to see some pics though.

May I ask, How complicated this install shall be?

sciondad told me it was as easy as installing a head unit..

Its only a few wires. If you've installed a SAFC or a stereo - its along those lines. Plus, if you have aplug and play emanage harness, it makes it even easier I would think

so where do i get it??

On the topic of AT Upgrades, have any of you Auto guys changed your Transmission Fluid? I purchased Amsoil Synthetic ATF but ive been holding off to find a DIY guide to help me. If I get no feedback I guess i'll just spend a few bucks and have a shop do it.

what would be the difference in performance between your stock AT fluid and the synthetic? Also...does anyone know how often we're supposed to change the tranny fluid?

I do alot of torque braking .. i would be good to know when you are supposed 2 change.

very intresting topic

bump. whats the status sciondad.

i e-mailed. let me know wsup...hopefully we can get a 3rd scion maybe? yes? okay i tried. haha..

Well, I got the ESK yesterday in the mail...but I have to send it back. :doh: This will be a piece of cake to wire up guys.

There are 6 wires. A ground and 12v, Then there are 4 wires "2 each red/back and 2 each yellow/black." Basically you will cut 2 wires that go to your transmission from the ECU and place this inline with that (2 wires in from tranny and 2 wires out to ECU). It is specific which 2 wires are in(from ECU) and out (to tranny) and two wires are labeled...except the test unit they sent which was missing one label and I wasn't going to guess. Hopefully have another unit by end of week to install and test.

Basically, what Sam told me is the unit will increase the speed in which your transmission shifts....no more gliding from gear to gear.

The box is small - about 5 inches long by 3 inches wide and mounts right by the ECU.

They weren't color coded at all? I could have sworn on mine it was colored so you could call em up and just get clarification.

Sounds like you got one of the first ones they made. They used to, at least, have different version like I mentioned that monitored tps, load, etc so you didn't have the firmer shifting when you didn't really need it.

Oh well, good luck and keep us posted.

They weren't color coded at all? I could have sworn on mine it was colored so you could call em up and just get clarification.

Sounds like you got one of the first ones they made. They used to, at least, have different version like I mentioned that monitored tps, load, etc so you didn't have the firmer shifting when you didn't really need it.

Oh well, good luck and keep us posted.

Oh, they were color coded...but 2 wires were red/black and 2 wires were yellow/black.

haha, so what's the problem? ;)

ScionDad,

Are you going to post up pics while doing the install?

-David

I gotta find mine, I had some good ecu pictures. I used little connectors on the 2 trans wires so when I sold the thing, I could just plug em back in. Short ecu wires are a PITA.

Let me know... I'm very interested in doing this... and also seeing how it affects your gas mileage...

Oh yea, I'll do pics and a how to and how it performs. That's also a great idea mattssi. I've been thinking how to make this connection clean, reliable and reversable.

gas mileage? Doesn't at all. It indirectly may make you get on it the gas pedal more though.

Sciondad,
why are you send it back.?

Don't know which wire is what

Well, will this ECU cause it to upshift like it always does or not?

it effects the line pressure during shifts. It doesnt' change shift points or do anything like that. You just get a firmer shift.

Aha... ok then. In that case i'm REALLY interested now :D

Ok so where do i buy this damn thing? If the box sits next to your ecu.. How do you turn this thing off to go back to normal crappy auto mode like you said it would?

Does anyone read all the posts? :)

They HAD different versions. Mine, for instance had a green switch. Others had no switch, and yet gen3 had a bunch of other features (tps, load, etc)

I am ready to order mine :)

Does anyone read all the posts? :)

They HAD different versions. Mine, for instance had a green switch. Others had no switch, and yet gen3 had a bunch of other features (tps, load, etc)

TPS. That brough back memories. About the TPS reports. (was it tps?) you know what I was talking about.

SO whos selling it?

SO whos selling it?

Looks like ZPI will be selling it. Kenny is getting one as we speak to set up on a test car for them.

I sent mine back and waiting for another. So, hopefully one of us will get it tested really soon.

and probably turboeast.com directly

and probably turboeast.com directly

Oh for sure. Also, the valve body upgrade will have to be done by turboeast.com directly.

ZPI I presume is going to offer the E.S.K with the turbos and Superchargers for the automatics that order.

Should I just go ahead and order the IS3's E.S.K. from turboeast?

I wouldn't. The variables in the ECU program are probably different.

I wouldn't. The variables in the ECU program are probably different.

like the ECU catering to a different engine & transmission and shift points and whatnot you mean?

Yeah...

Similary to like programming an emanage for one car and slapping it on a nother without retuning

Yeah...

Similary to like programming an emanage for one car and slapping it on a nother without retuning

ok. i was actually thinking the same exact thing at first! but i was just speculating- have no deep knowledge of this stuff. thanks.

maybe a little off-topic, what are the odds that the "variables" would be the same for the 4-speed auto transmission in the gen5 2az-fe camry (E-150)? the camry has a different final drive (correct me if im wrong), but other than that, are they basically the same transmission? so would the variables be the same? or would there be different variables catering to the taller (or shorter?) final drive?

when will it be available from zpi ? can it be turned off ad on via button?

when will it be available from zpi ? can it be turned off ad on via button?

That's what the goal. I

would like the option to hit have 3 buttons. :nails:

1) Disable and run stock

2) Enable - improved shift

3) (flip red cover and hit switch) Slam thru the gears at track :rofl:

I'd buy that for a dollar... or $200

ill buy it for what ever it costs! 3 buttons would be awsome !

what him said /\/\/\

All this sounds good, but wouldn't it also be possible to "flash" a different program into the trans computer? :lalala: :lalala: :eyebrow: I was wondering about this today after I came over a fast hill, off throttle, and had to hit the brakes a little harder than normal for the next curve...I thought the back-end was gonna come around when it downshifted...WHOA!!
This makes me want to change the way that whole thing works...and if it helps out my milage, I'm all for that!!

Dont' get me wrong, though...I LIKE the idea of 3 buttons, fer shure...(Where would YOU mount it??)

3) (flip red cover and hit switch) Slam thru the gears at track :rofl:

this one would intail of a manual valve body as it states you have to manualy shift thru the gears

Nobody out there with Scion TC has swapped their trans. fluid or cares to help me out? Step-by-step ? Fill Plug locations ? Anything...

hey cool

so... has anyone here bought one yet beside the people that got one for testing?

Nobody out there with Scion TC has swapped their trans. fluid or cares to help me out? Step-by-step ? Fill Plug locations ? Anything...

I wish I could help ya, but I haven't gone there....yet. Scott17 (I think he is named) might be the one to talk to. I believe he is a Toyota tech and may have seen one done. Try posting in the maintenance area of the forum.

Waiting ................. Money in hand!! WIll it shift hard like a manual?

Nobody out there with Scion TC has swapped their trans. fluid or cares to help me out? Step-by-step ? Fill Plug locations ? Anything...

I wish I could help ya, but I haven't gone there....yet. Scott17 (I think he is named) might be the one to talk to. I believe he is a Toyota tech and may have seen one done. Try posting in the maintenance area of the forum.

Yeah I get no help in the maintenance section besides telling me to go to a shop or experiances on other Toyotas that are not Scion TC's. I guess i'll take this task on myself and inform the community. Thanks anyways~

Nobody out there with Scion TC has swapped their trans. fluid or cares to help me out? Step-by-step ? Fill Plug locations ? Anything...

I wish I could help ya, but I haven't gone there....yet. Scott17 (I think he is named) might be the one to talk to. I believe he is a Toyota tech and may have seen one done. Try posting in the maintenance area of the forum.

Yeah I get no help in the maintenance section besides telling me to go to a shop or experiances on other Toyotas that are not Scion TC's. I guess i'll take this task on myself and inform the community. Thanks anyways~

Well, it will sure be a hit if you do a how to. :bow:

will i need to by the esk now and then reprogram it when i get the trd supercharger...? all in all, does every upgrade you make change the way the shift kit works?

and the big one... will my local scion dealer void my warrenty becuase they say the tc was not meant to shift at any points other than what the stock ecu says (if they could even find out)?

will i need to by the esk now and then reprogram it when i get the trd supercharger...? all in all, does every upgrade you make change the way the shift kit works?

and the big one... will my local scion dealer void my warrenty becuase they say the tc was not meant to shift at any points other than what the stock ecu says (if they could even find out)?

For the IS300 - it was meant to work up to 320 rwhp. So, the trd s/c should be fine.

Void warranty? Probably if you end up having transmission problems. I'm 99% sure. Your forcing the trans to work harder that its supposed to.

Well, I asked Sam about being able to switch between stock shift and the ESK. He said it's no problem. Just wire in a switch for the positive wire to cut the power to it and the unit will allow stock performance (or lack of :rofl: ).

He sent the new box back and I should have it any day.... Will keep everyone updated.

Also, there is some taking their TC in for the valvebody upgrades (not sure who), but that will be a nice solution for serious power people.

The future process will require the TC to be down while this occurs. Remove existing valvebody, ship it to them over night, they mod it and send it back overnight. I imagine coordinating this with them so they just don't have one show up on their door step is a good idea. :rofl:

What will upgrading the valvebody do?

What will upgrading the valvebody do?

Allow greater fluid pressure which equates to much faster and harder shifts.

If they could get rid of the throttle 'delay' at the same time, that would rock.

That said, I've got my cash in hand already.

ScionDad,

Any updates with the installation yet?

I am ready for 320wtq and will buy into Shift kit and an upgraded valve body. But even though 500-600 wtq sounds exciting it is a bit extreme for a daily driver.

seeing how both of these kits (E.S.K and the vavle body) will improve shifting....my question is will it increase hp and tw transfer to the wheel?...basically increase wheel hp and tq....i heard that an auto tC dynoed at like 122 wheel hp....will these kits improve wheel hp and tq????

I cant wait to see some results and finally get this kit...YaY!! :love: :love: :love:

nope, but it'll get it to the wheels quicker and less sloppy

Better 1/4 mile times for sure..... How extreme of a shift are we talking about here?

Better 1/4 mile times for sure..... How extreme of a shift are we talking about here?

Well, I plan on installing it tonight. But firmer shifts is the objective. A valve body upgrade for slamming shifts.....thunk kinda shifts. But, that might get old for some. I always enjoyed it if it was in the right car.

Gotta feed some details... what was included, cut wires?, pics if possible.

Thanks ScionDad!

Better 1/4 mile times for sure..... How extreme of a shift are we talking about here?

Well, I plan on installing it tonight. But firmer shifts is the objective. A valve body upgrade for slamming shifts.....thunk kinda shifts. But, that might get old for some. I always enjoyed it if it was in the right car.

update please.

Better 1/4 mile times for sure..... How extreme of a shift are we talking about here?

Well, I plan on installing it tonight. But firmer shifts is the objective. A valve body upgrade for slamming shifts.....thunk kinda shifts. But, that might get old for some. I always enjoyed it if it was in the right car.

update please.

Here is the install diagram. The 2 wires will be cut and wire this unit inline (where the X's are). Then hook up power and ground. I am at this point verifying that the light green and dark green wire (2nd connector from right) is the same as the IS300.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/kirchwrk/PB210178.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/kirchwrk/PB210176.jpg

any updates on this?

wow that is a lot of info to take up.

did something happen to sciondad. Update please.

did something happen to sciondad. Update please. Video possible?

No, nothing happened to me. Turboeast was supposed to email me Wednesday afternoon the hook up instructions and never did. I'm sure the holiday didn't help them getting it to me.

I'm ready to go...just need their hookup. Sounds like it will work no problem.

I guess I will have to wait until Monday night,

thanks.

COme one come on !!!! :) do you think this will shave 1 sec off the 1/4 time?


I have got to beat this kids lancer ralliart !!!!! :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:

No, nothing happened to me. Turboeast was supposed to email me Wednesday afternoon the hook up instructions and never did. I'm sure the holiday didn't help them getting it to me.

I'm ready to go...just need their hookup. Sounds like it will work no problem.

I guess I will have to wait until Monday night,

Hey Sciondad been a long time how are you and Matty havent seen him around :) I see your still up to modding your auto, how is that going? Have you had a chance to take it to the track any tranny issues ? I know its a lot of f.. questions but ive been away for some time .

Now I'm interested, but would there be a point to a valve body rework PLUS an electronic shift kit? Would the shift kit have to be reprogrammed to expect / take advantage of the valve body job?

Please let us know how this turns out... I am watching this thread with great interest...

no real point to have both, I found.

Is there any disadvantage to using the electronic shift kit to boost the line pressure / any advantage to a valve body job?

valvebody will handle more HP/TQ, but will you will ALWAYS have a firm/more harsh shift. Even during normal driving - unlike an electronics version where you can turn it off and even when its on, it is a more firm shift, but not harsh at all.

So, for a naturally aspirated daily driver that has no plans to see forced induction (but MAY see a 75 shot of N2O), an electronic shift kit would be more than appropriate? I extremely doubt whether I will ever lay down 200whp (or 200 crank hp for that matter) so I wouldn't need the bulletproofing of a valve body job, I think... Plus, as you say, an ESK can easily be disconnected / turned off / disabled, whereas a valve body job is quasi-permanent, unless you want to replace your tranny's hydraulic brain...

By the way -- I got impatient and just got off the phone with Sam from TurboEast regarding the confirmation of the pinouts... he stated to me that he is working to confirm it and that it should be a yes or no by the end of this business week... :pray: Additionally, I mentioned the possibility of a GROUPBUY if in fact everything can be confirmed... more on this if the unit pans out... :pray: :pray: :pray:

Good find, ScionDad ~ If this turns out to be gravy, as I expect it will, you're the man for helping us autos out :bow:

So, for a naturally aspirated daily driver that has no plans to see forced induction (but MAY see a 75 shot of N2O), an electronic shift kit would be more than appropriate? I extremely doubt whether I will ever lay down 200whp (or 200 crank hp for that matter) so I wouldn't need the bulletproofing of a valve body job, I think... Plus, as you say, an ESK can easily be disconnected / turned off / disabled, whereas a valve body job is quasi-permanent, unless you want to replace your tranny's hydraulic brain...

By the way -- I got impatient and just got off the phone with Sam from TurboEast regarding the confirmation of the pinouts... he stated to me that he is working to confirm it and that it should be a yes or no by the end of this business week... :pray: Additionally, I mentioned the possibility of a GROUPBUY if in fact everything can be confirmed... more on this if the unit pans out... :pray: :pray: :pray:

Good find, ScionDad ~ If this turns out to be gravy, as I expect it will, you're the man for helping us autos out :bow:

Cool, I just sent Sam an email about an hour ago myself. One of their techs said he had the pinout. I explained what was found here and he said to wait for their findings. :nails: I have the box, the ECU harness from Dezod so I don't cut up my ECU harness (plus I'm going emanage) and waiting to hook up.

assuming this all goes through, for those of us who aren't DIY-saavy, where/how could we get this installed? I'm assuming it won't affect long-term reliability? thanks...

FWIK, long-term reliability is actually improved with an electronic shift kit... stock trannys overlap the periods when the clutch packs for the two gears are engaged, i.e., for a 1-2 shift there is a period when the clutch packs for both 1st and 2nd are engaged. This results in a smooth shift, but as you may have guessed, results in some wear on the clutch packs. There is a tradeoff between shift smoothness and clutch longevity made by the manufacturer... An electronic shift kit boosts the transmission fluid line pressure, which means the associated hydraulic cylinders, pistons, and clutchpacks will actuate quicker -- results: lower shift time, higher shift "harshness," decreased clutching overlap, etc...

As far as the wiring: I would have to go with ScionDad on this and recommend that you do NOT splice directly into the ECU harness, but rather use a modified extension harness... that way, returning this mod to stock is as simple as unplugging the extension harness and replugging the factory one back in. Splicing wires is not terribly difficult,, but if you don't know how to solder, you may create a "cold" joint prone to failure, which would probably be a bad thing if the splice should fail while your engine is redlined................ :doh: :nails: Assuming this all goes through, I would be willing to wire it up for you if you would ship me the box and harness, and pay for the return shipping... additional donations wouldn't be turned down, though :D

Anyhow, let's all try and be patient (I know it's hard, I'm at the edge of my seat too!) -- ScionDad has already committed himself, let's see how it works out for him first... ScionDad, you have just become the official tC auto tranny lab rat :love: :bow:

Ryan

FWIK, long-term reliability is actually improved with an electronic shift kit... stock trannys overlap the periods when the clutch packs for the two gears are engaged, i.e., for a 1-2 shift there is a period when the clutch packs for both 1st and 2nd are engaged. This results in a smooth shift, but as you may have guessed, results in some wear on the clutch packs. There is a tradeoff between shift smoothness and clutch longevity made by the manufacturer... An electronic shift kit boosts the transmission fluid line pressure, which means the associated hydraulic cylinders, pistons, and clutchpacks will actuate quicker -- results: lower shift time, higher shift "harshness," decreased clutching overlap, etc...

As far as the wiring: I would have to go with ScionDad on this and recommend that you do NOT splice directly into the ECU harness, but rather use a modified extension harness... that way, returning this mod to stock is as simple as unplugging the extension harness and replugging the factory one back in. Splicing wires is not terribly difficult,, but if you don't know how to solder, you may create a "cold" joint prone to failure, which would probably be a bad thing if the splice should fail while your engine is redlined................ :doh: :nails: Assuming this all goes through, I would be willing to wire it up for you if you would ship me the box and harness, and pay for the return shipping... additional donations wouldn't be turned down, though :D

Anyhow, let's all try and be patient (I know it's hard, I'm at the edge of my seat too!) -- ScionDad has already committed himself, let's see how it works out for him first... ScionDad, you have just become the official tC auto tranny lab rat :love: :bow:

Ryan

I thought he was the lab rat for everything. :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Scion Dad

Where did you get the ECU extension harness?? I will probably get the electronic shift kit from those "east" guys. Personally, I'm following your saga with the company/product. Keep us informed pops.

I got my harness from Dezod. However, it's not a straight thru harness. It is setup for emanage and some of the connections are broke without it. However, ZPI has straight thru harnesses...but they were out of stock when I needed it.

Sam at turboeast faxed me the connection sheet guys. WOOOHOOO.

I will have a full write up on this. Right now, I still haven't reinstalled my turbo because I want to test it without FI first. Get some video. Then install the turbo this weekend and compare the shift with FI.

SO if i buy the harness from zpi all i have to do is plug in the harness to the ecu and then plug in the shift kit thing? will a camcon or a emange also just plug in when i get one?

SO if i buy the harness from zpi all i have to do is plug in the harness to the ecu and then plug in the shift kit thing? will a camcon or a emange also just plug in when i get one?

Well, the harness basically gives you wires to tap into so you're not cutting up your stock harness. Dealers tend to get a little upset seeing that. :rofl:

If you get the harness, there will be 2 wires you will cut. Those 2 cut wires (4 ends) will wire right to the E.S.K. (4 wires). Then power and ground.

Emanage is same way to wire up, which ZPI can tell you that later if you're not ready for emanage yet. Camcon should also be the same way.

Dezod only had the prewired ones (ZPI does as well, but were sold out)...which is fine because I needed it anyway.

right... lol so its not that hard and ill only need to spend $300 on a harness one time.

have you shifted with the kit yet?

SO if i buy the harness from zpi all i have to do is plug in the harness to the ecu and then plug in the shift kit thing? will a camcon or a emange also just plug in when i get one?

Well, the harness basically gives you wires to tap into so you're not cutting up your stock harness. Dealers tend to get a little upset seeing that. :rofl:

If you get the harness, there will be 2 wires you will cut. Those 2 cut wires (4 ends) will wire right to the E.S.K. (4 wires). Then power and ground.

Emanage is same way to wire up, which ZPI can tell you that later if you're not ready for emanage yet. Camcon should also be the same way.

Dezod only had the prewired ones (ZPI does as well, but were sold out)...which is fine because I needed it anyway.

status update please.

So whats the total looking like to get this done (seeing that you need the electronic shift kit and then either the Dezod or ZPI wiring harness)? Would that be all that is needed?

Couldn't get the car since she had to work every evening this week. I will have it this weekend to make the mod.

The unit runs around $200. A harness also runs around $200 or so.

If you don't want the harness, you can cut 2 wires and save $200. I chose the harness because I am using emanage anyway.

can't wait to see what happens

How to Posted in Power Hungry Section

I got my harness from Dezod. However, it's not a straight thru harness. It is setup for emanage and some of the connections are broke without it. However, ZPI has straight thru harnesses...but they were out of stock when I needed it.

Sam at turboeast faxed me the connection sheet guys. WOOOHOOO.

I will have a full write up on this. Right now, I still haven't reinstalled my turbo because I want to test it without FI first. Get some video. Then install the turbo this weekend and compare the shift with FI.


can't wait for the videos :love:

what happened the weekend past. UPdate PLz :)

Sorry, no update yet. I gatta have her give the car up for a weekend to redo everything and for some reason....she won't part with it yet. :tap: Not to mention is was friggin 5 degrees here for the last week. Space heater does little good in the garage at that temp. :rofl:

I think I have it starting this Friday night...so should be good to go.

LOl id give you my car for a month for one of those ~ cant wait to c the results!

Your wording made it seem (at least to me) that if you use the Emanage harness that you NEED the Emanage connected in order for the ESK to work...is this the case? I figured that since the harness just extends the wires from the ECU I can get a ESK now and then hook up an Emanage later. Which one is it? Thanks!

THE second one! GET an emanage when your done putting all your parts on so you only need to tune once.

Thanks Scion DAD for testing it out. If everything works out, i think their will be a BIG buy in.

less sloppy shifts would definately interest me, watching this thread:)

I'm watching this too :)

Your wording made it seem (at least to me) that if you use the Emanage harness that you NEED the Emanage connected in order for the ESK to work...is this the case? I figured that since the harness just extends the wires from the ECU I can get a ESK now and then hook up an Emanage later. Which one is it? Thanks!

There are 2 versions of harnesses available. The Dezod version is "Prewired" for E-Manage. Without emanage hooked up, some of the wires are not connected and the ECU does not get some information necessary to operate..

The ZPI harness is a straight thru harness. They do the taps themselves. So, you can order them not needing Emanage taps.

Hold on the E.S.K. from Turbo East.

When I installed it, the car was having trouble running right...but I was attributing that to the Harness and Emanage. Since them, I have been working to resolve the issue. But at this point, several other have got the kit and tapped direct and seem to be having problems running right.

Working it out now.

Hold on the E.S.K. from Turbo East.

When I installed it, the car was having trouble running right...but I was attributing that to the Harness and Emanage. Since them, I have been working to resolve the issue. But at this point, several other have got the kit and tapped direct and seem to be having problems running right.

Working it out now.

aw Just what i didnt want to hear

Sorry to hear that ScionDad. I have been ill/hospital for the last week. Just sold my 96 Civic and saving up for any successful future tranny mods that come up. If it helps, Merry Xmas. If you would like to set up a testing fund, I am willing to contribute to the cause.

whath happend to this did you ever get it working?

I am very interested in this part, please update when you got it working.

AT this point, I am unable to get turboeast to address the issue. ZPI has even been calling them. I sent the unit down to ZPI and they tried different ways of hooking it up and still no good. Once you hit full throttle, the car runs really bad.

When I did the test, I had to go light because the harness I received was bad causing the emanage to make the car run bad. 2 problems at once. However, under light load, it shifted good.

We are now working with another company out of MS that has some even cooler options and are well known in the tranny world. Should have update in the next week or so.

I have to get this going because we will be stage 1 in a month and I will be smokin hot if the tranny can't handle it. I am told a solution will be had. So, I'm going with it.

Updates ASAP

Watching this thread eagerly :nails: Keep us updated ScionDad

following

what are you doing with the stage 0?

what are you doing with the stage 0?


Going to stage 1 :nails:

:rofl:

Lol. Stage 1 is pretty much adding things to the Stage 0 kit. I dont think anything gets replaced.

I too am waiting and watching.

like what?intercooler? increased boost?

how much boost can we run on an auto?

Thanks for all your research, Sciondad. Hopefully it all works out.

yea if you get things working good let us all know

ZPI has found our solution for automatics. Turboeast would never return my calls or ZPI calls or any emails. Their product was JUNK

ZPI has worked and found what we need. Here is the thread.

http://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=1349651#1349651

ScionDAD, it doesn't look like it is ready yet... How much testing is going into that ESK anyways? Any word on developing a manual valve body?

Like any product that we develop it will be tested a lot and it will not ship until we our 100% satisfied and our proud to put the ZPIracing name on it.

That's as it should be.
I'm not sure I'd buy anything less...

...watching...

Just like the o2 sim that never worked?

No answer ZPI? Why did you discontinue the O2 Sim? Because it was a scam and you got your money out of it.

anyone know where i can find a valve body upgrade for a zpi stage 0 kit, since zpi is no longer around.