Transmission Swap

I have a 2003 Manual Toyota Tacoma (SR5 2.4L extra-cab). I intend to make this a sleeper.

I want to upgrade my transmission to have taller gears without extreme hassle.

I want to do this because I have been making minor modifications to it for performance but now the next step is to install a LCE engineering turbo kit that will be running ~15PSI boost. With this upgrade I want to upgrade my wheels to 235/55R-17 99V HITRAC to keep handling/acceleration.

The combination will put a lot of extra stress on the transmission and the current transmission is a bit slow since I already run through the gears quickly, thus spending a lot of unwanted time shifting. Does anyone know of a good manual transmission swap from a performance vehicle?

 

Welcome to TW…

 

A 5 lug sleeper based on a 2.4.

Interesting.

And before we get to the transmission, how is the engine prepped to handle 15# of boost?

 

The engine has been well maintained. The block is strong enough as is (stock) since it is an alloy. I had the valve cover gasket replaced. I also had oversized injectors put in. The fuel pump is fine as is. The intake was changed to a vortex cold air intake so it can breath easy. To make sure their wasn't too much back pressure I upgraded to performance headers. I also have it tuned for this so far.

When I do the turbo kit I will put in forged pistons and new crank rods to make that rock solid. Obviously a new tune with all these upgrades is necessary for secondary balance. Primary balance in the 2.4L is amazing.

I just don't want to do all this work if I don't have a plan for my transmission. I have seen guys on the internet do the high boost kit and blow the transmission. I have also seen guys drag race with an LS swap and blow the transmission. Additionally, with this transmission their is rev hang so I wouldn't be able to keep up with a sports car if even if I upgrade all these other parts and can push 250 WHP.