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Supra (A80)

1993-2002 / Coupe / Japan

All Supra (A80) problems All workshop issues
Critical Transmission

Auto-to-Manual Conversion Issues

Symptoms

Various driveability problems on cars that have been converted from automatic to manual transmission, clutch engagement problems, speedometer not reading correctly, ABS faults, reverse light not working, ECU issues.

Cause

The auto-to-manual conversion requires changes beyond just the gearbox. The pedal box, master cylinder, clutch hydraulic line, driveshaft, ECU (auto and manual ECUs have different programming), instrument cluster (speedometer signal differs), and reverse light switch all need to be addressed. Many conversions are incomplete, the converter does the mechanical work but skips the electrical integration.

Fix

  1. 1 Systematically address each system:
  2. 2 ECU: Needs to be a manual-spec ECU, or the auto ECU needs the transmission programming modified
  3. 3 Speedometer: The auto uses a VSS from the transmission; the manual uses a different signal. The instrument cluster may need a speed signal converter
  4. 4 ABS: The ABS system reads wheel speed differently with the manual trans. If the ABS light is on after a conversion, the speed signals aren't integrated correctly
  5. 5 Reverse lights: Wire the reverse light switch from the manual gearbox to the existing reverse light circuit. A thorough conversion that addresses all these points costs $5,000-10,000 total. A dodgy conversion that only does the mechanical swap costs less but leaves you with a car that has multiple electrical issues
Cost mentioned in fix
$5,000-10,000

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Other known issues

Common Transmission

V160 Getrag Synchro Wear

Crunching or grinding when shifting into 2nd or 3rd gear, particularly during quick downshifts when cold. The synchros may improve once the gearbox oil warms up.
Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Sequential Twin-Turbo System Failures

A flat spot or hesitation in the 3,500-4,500 RPM range during full-throttle acceleration. Boost may spike or surge unpredictably. The car feels fast below 3,500 RPM and above 5,000 RPM but stumbles in the transition zone.
Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Turbo Seal Wear (High Mileage)

Blue smoke on cold startup (oil pooled in the turbo housing overnight drains into the exhaust when started). Blue smoke on deceleration (intake manifold vacuum pulls oil past the compressor seals). Oil residue in the intercooler piping. Increased oil consumption without external leaks.
Minor Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Timing Belt Failure

Catastrophic engine damage. The 2JZ is an interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, the pistons strike the open valves, bending them and potentially damaging the pistons, head, and block. The engine stops instantly and will not restart.
Critical Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Cam Cover Gasket Oil Leaks

Oil seeps from the edges of the cam covers (rocker covers), running down the sides of the engine. Oil smell from the engine bay. Oil drips onto the exhaust manifold (fire risk on the turbo side).
Common Engine, 2JZ-GTE (Twin Turbo)

Oil Cooler O-Ring Leak

Oil leak from the oil cooler housing on the front of the engine, typically dripping down onto the oil filter and undercarriage.
View all 17 Supra (A80) problems