80 SERIES UPGRADE POLL - MANUMATIC?

[Dirty Koala]

Regarding gear ratios and all that jazz...lets not take this down the same path as the Transfer Case re-gearing thread. Tires size, vehicle weight, diff gear ratios and xfer case ratios for the purpose of this discussion are all variables that the end user can figure out what works best for them and the intended use of their cruiser.

This thread needs to be all about how awesome it is that a 750/760 kit is going to come to market in the US for our fat arse 80's.

 

[HDJdreams]

The question:

"How many of you guys want a 1FZ-FE to A750 or A760 bellhousing kit that will make it easy to hook 'em up IF IT COST $600 FOR THE BELLHOUSING/ADAPTER?"

The bellhousing is the key to the kingdom to get things started. If that is all that was available, I’d be a taker.

My ideal world be to get the bellhousing, flexplate, shifter, and computer to make A760F to work with 1FZ. If I can save a little by using the stock torque converter and valve body great, but if for $4k it includes HD parts awesome!

 

[wardharris]

The bellhousing is the key to the kingdom to get things started. If that is all that was available, I’d be a taker.

My ideal world be to get the bellhousing, flexplate, shifter, and computer to make A760F to work with 1FZ. If I can save a little by using the stock torque converter and valve body great, but if for $4k it includes HD parts awesome!

We are on the trail...

 

[wardharris]

Regarding gear ratios and all that jazz...lets not take this down the same path as the Transfer Case re-gearing thread. Tires size, vehicle weight, diff gear ratios and xfer case ratios for the purpose of this discussion are all variables that the end user can figure out what works best for them and the intended use of their cruiser.

This thread needs to be all about how awesome it is that a 750/760 kit is going to come to market in the US for our fat arse 80's.

Thanks, Morgan. As mentioned somewhere above, our focus is the stuff in between flex plate and transfer case.

I am not smart enough to do R&P, tires, TC gears - I leave that stuff to Georg

 

[Dragos80]

• No loss of function if "regular" configuration is used. It is just a HD valve body for improved shifting / operation.
• If you upgrade to a Tiptronic/manual shift valve body, engine control system and shifter, you will get a gated shifter.

Perhaps a phone call would help clear this up.

Yes, going back and forth here is going nowhere.

I'll just be patient and wait for the details.
As a clarification on my part, I don't need to tip the lever up/down in order to shift gears.
The current OEM shifter typical PRND21 is sufficient for my needs. I am used to pulling the lever back to downshift all the way to 1st gear. I like doing it in emergency braking situations (rain, snow, idiots tailgating me and off road for more control).
I do have a DD with tiptronic but I never use it, as I just don't like it. +/- up/down is just not for me.

 

[wardharris]

Yes, going back and forth here is going nowhere.

I'll just be patient and wait for the details.
As a clarification on my part, I don't need to tip the lever up/down in order to shift gears.
The current OEM shifter typical PRND21 is sufficient for my needs. I am used to pulling the lever back to downshift all the way to 1st gear. I like doing it in emergency braking situations (rain, snow, idiots tailgating me and off road for more control).
I do have a DD with tiptronic but I never use it, as I just don't like it. +/- up/down is just not for me.

The intent of this thread was to raise possibility / solicit interest in a modern, five speed, manual shift transmission for 80s (and 100s, by extension), hence the title, including "Manumatic".

Participation by readers/posters with other interests/perspectives have led us in a slightly different direction and that is a good thing.

Two days and 65 posts later, it is a better thread as the result of everyone's participation.

We are now talking (I think) primarily about:

• A 1FZ-FE bellhousing kit for the A750F
• Optional upgrades, including manual shift, HD valve body, etc.
• Use of add-on controller

I'm not the boss of you, but it seems we are finding our way together.

Enjoy, participate, thanks!

 

[Dragos80]

Not sure if you can tell, but I am excited.
I've been on this trail for a long time trying to find a viable solution to this problem.

Imminent question:
Are there any mechanics around the country willing to help out with the install? You guys know each other well.

My biggest problem so far has been finding a shop to take on my project. I was/am ready to go forward with my solution, but have absolutely no luck in getting someone to work with me. Nobody wants to do it. I asked around many places, tuning shops, transmission repair shops, general repair shops, you name it. Nothing. I was going to provide them with the parts and the idea of what I want done, all they had to do was wrench on my car. Paying them, of course, for their time.

In the eventuality there are a few of us on board with this 750 swap, some of us need some extra help. It would devastating to have everything inside the garage ready to go and nobody willing to help perform the swap.

 

[Dirty Koala]

I am pretty sure @orangefj45 would be up for doing the work....might even save a little bit on shipping.

 

[HDJdreams]

So, assuming this kit moves forward, the next question is whether the output shaft and tail housing of a A750/760 from a Tundra/GX470/etc will fit the TLC transfer case or we are limited to A750F out of 100 series without swapping output shafts?

Does anyone know?

I remember @bjowett swapped a 2wd(?) 6 speed manual between a 1FZ and 80 tcase once. The 6 speed output had same spline and diameter as A343F. He had to make custom bellhousing and tailhousing.

 

[wardharris]

Are there any mechanics around the country willing to help out with the install? You guys know each other well.

My biggest problem so far has been finding a shop to take on my project. I was/am ready to go forward with my solution, but have absolutely no luck in getting someone to work with me. Nobody wants to do it. I asked around many places, tuning shops, transmission repair shops, general repair shops, you name it. Nothing. I was going to provide them with the parts and the idea of what I want done, all they had to do was wrench on my car. Paying them, of course, for their time.

I am pretty sure @orangefj45 would be up for doing the work....might even save a little bit on shipping.

SHOP CANDIDATES
We work with dozens of Toyota shops around the country. Most of them struggle to deliver good work, get paid, keep customers happy and move trucks through the shop.....you need momentum to survive. Work generally breaks down to one of three categories - 1) service, 2) repair/upgrade installs/etc., 3) custom work. The latter is (I think) where Dagos request would fit in - something new and outside the box. Not necessarily something a shop would embrace given first iteration of the combination of components. Clarity, communications and cash all come into play. Definitely not your average lift kit and lockers install (and sale). Most shops do not do backflips when a "new guy" shows up with a bunch of parts and a "great idea" that hasn't been done before.

Most shops like to be responsible for sourcing parts to be used in a build. And those great ideas can sometimes end up in the corner over technical challenges, customer disappointment, etc. I have been "that guy" more than once - great idea, some parts and some cash. Doesn't always end well....

One reason for the turnkey or "kit" approach was to make it easier for the owner and shop to put a modern, 5 speed, manual shift automatic in a 1FZ-FE 80 Series - because the kit, parts, components could be sourced in new/reman condition from a reputable source by the shop doing the work (or owner if DIY).

I cannot speak for Georg / Valley Hybrids, but if it were me, I would require a written project plan in succinct form detailing WHAT, WHY, HOW, WHO, WHERE, WHEN of the build, including functional objectives, budget, interdependencies and other expectations.

Just my two cents...

 

[OGBeno]

I cannot speak for Georg / Valley Hybrids, but if it were me, I would require a written project plan in succinct form detailing WHAT, WHY, HOW, WHO, WHERE, WHEN of the build, including functional objectives, budget, interdependencies and other expectations.

Just my two cents...

You mean like a real proposal for an R & D idea?

 

[wardharris]

You mean like a real proposal for an R & D idea?

I know, right?!?!

 

[LINUS]

Like a shiftable 5sp? - sure!

Will I fork over ~$4K? - no.

Is it cool? - you bet!

That's how it works on Mud - 5% of people who "like" an idea are still replying in the threads by the time it's time to pony up the $$$.

But you'll have an 80 that's the envy of those 95%-ers.

 

[wardharris]

Like a shiftable 5sp? - sure!

Will I fork over ~$4K? - no.

Is it cool? - you bet!

That's how it works on Mud - 5% of people who "like" an idea are still replying in the threads by the time it's time to pony up the $$$.

But you'll have an 80 that's the envy of those 95%-ers.

If the denominator is large enough, the numerator will make it worth while....

 

[Dirty Koala]

SHOP CANDIDATES
We work with dozens of Toyota shops around the country. Most of them struggle to deliver good work, get paid, keep customers happy and move trucks through the shop.....you need momentum to survive. Work generally breaks down to one of three categories - 1) service, 2) repair/upgrade installs/etc., 3) custom work. The latter is (I think) where Dagos request would fit in - something new and outside the box. Not necessarily something a shop would embrace given first iteration of the combination of components. Clarity, communications and cash all come into play. Definitely not your average lift kit and lockers install (and sale). Most shops do not do backflips when a "new guy" shows up with a bunch of parts and a "great idea" that hasn't been done before.

Most shops like to be responsible for sourcing parts to be used in a build. And those great ideas can sometimes end up in the corner over technical challenges, customer disappointment, etc. I have been "that guy" more than once - great idea, some parts and some cash. Doesn't always end well....

One reason for the turnkey or "kit" approach was to make it easier for the owner and shop to put a modern, 5 speed, manual shift automatic in a 1FZ-FE 80 Series - because the kit, parts, components could be sourced in new/reman condition from a reputable source by the shop doing the work (or owner if DIY).

I cannot speak for Georg / Valley Hybrids, but if it were me, I would require a written project plan in succinct form detailing WHAT, WHY, HOW, WHO, WHERE, WHEN of the build, including functional objectives, budget, interdependencies and other expectations.

Just my two cents...

I don't think I was clear...I was referring to Georg likely being willing to install the kit you and Georg will be selling...not Dragos idea.

 

[wardharris]

I don't think I was clear...I was referring to Georg likely being willing to install the kit you and Georg will be selling...not Dragos idea.

AH! Well, that's a different proposition. Sorry, I co-joined your response with the prior post.

Ya, Georg is up for a kit/build. Its kind of hush-hush, but he has three of them in the queue - two 80s and an early 100 (A343F) all going A750MM (Manumatic Mutha....)

 

[mehbohdi]

I just figured out you a ferry ride away from were I am. I would like to come by and talk about this sometime.

 

[wardharris]

I just figured out you a ferry ride away from were I am. I would like to come by and talk about this sometime.

How about lunch at Anthony's in Anacortes?

 

[Dirty Koala]

Ward - Do you have any details on the center console? Is that a part of the package if you are going with the full monte?

 

[mehbohdi]

That would be great, Next 30 days I have a tight schedule, I will let you when I come over next.