I'm experiencing some syncro trouble with 2nd usually when down shifting. I've read several posts about new manuals being installed under warranty however there's no reason to get a new tranny if the problem will just repeat. Are these syncronizers heavy enough to handle performance driving? Can they be upgraded? Who would supply upgraded syncros?

As of now the problem only arises when driving hard-so toyota techs would probably say there's not a problem. Besides if I upgrade syncros it would be a great time to slip my car LSD.

 

I had a grind going into 5th on my Matrix with only 12k on it. They just replaced the 5th gear synchros and it was fine. I doubt they would install a whole new trans to fix your problem. There are only the stock synchros and gears available from Toyota, so if there is anything out there heavier duty, you would have to go aftermarket. Not sure if anybody has gotten into that yet.
I would recommend getting your 2nd gear grind fixed ASAP before it leads to other problems. Take a tech, service writer, or service manager for a ride and show them what it's doing if they aren't experiencing the problem themselves.
Good luck!

 

They did mine, they replaced the entire transmission, I was grinding into 5th gear, its been about 30K miles later and now I'm grinding in 3rd and 5th, sometimes is hard getting 2nd in as well, what gives? like scholarbb said, replacing the tranny is not the answer. I'll be taking mine in about 2 weeks, so we'll see what happens. BTW I have over 57K miles.

 

i have this problem too especially when the car is cold. i've heard people put redline or royal purple in the cars to combat this. i plan to do this on my first oil change.

 

I just put redlime MT-90 in my trans and the difference is really noticeable. Id recommend it for everyone..shifts are smoother and the car just seems to run better with it.

 

Maybe I'll try that first before I take it into the dealer, thanks.

 

to the above posts about replacing synchos... it's easier to just replace the entire transmission. it involves less labor, which is why dealerships do so.

i know someone who messed up his synchos (he shouldn't really be driving a car, much less a stick) and out of generosity of the dealership along with connections, he was able to replace it (the entire tranny) under warranty.

and yeah.. i asked why they didn't just change out just the synchros too... it involves more labor.

 

That makes sense, I guess I'm getting a second free tranny once again.

 

If your tc is out of warranty then another free tranny is highly unlikely. It may be time to try and generate some interest in upgraded synchros. I think many performance cars have strong syncronizers from the factory but we are using a "camry" transmission so it may be a problem with the tc.

 

He said he had 57k miles, hes covered untill 60k. How would he not be covered. Im assuming he just means he better handle it because the warrantee will be up soon.

 

we are not using a camry transmission. just the engine.

 

We have made 440 to the wheels and beat the living crap out of these cars and trannys with out issue

 

The Camry transmission will bolt right up and has the same internal gear ratios. Only the final drive ratio is different so in essence we really are using a Camry trans.

 

Sweet!

 

ohh.. i figured they were simliar.. just knew the final drive ratio was different... essence... yeah

 

440 hp should be much harder on the drivetrain than my 155 or so. Do the ZPI tc's experience much race style downshifting or do they mostly just get 1/4 mile upshifting?

 

I think the redline would probably help with "notchy" shifting especially when cold. I'm pretty sure my grinding is already a bigger problem tho. Double clutching always results in smooth engagement-however this slows acceleration/deceleration performance and is really a "work around" not a "cure."

 

Yes, thats what I meant, if I can't get it warrantied on time, then I'll just wait for the 6-speed tranny coming out soon.

 

What 6 speed? Got any links?

 

ZPI's working on a 6 speed with an lsd. I think there's some info about it in their site forum if I'm not mistaken