Replace flywheel

[gtchamp7]

I have a '97 Camry LE 5S-FE 2.2L 4-Cyl with 146,000 miles and an Automatic transmission (would've loved to have the 5-speed, but bought it used). Its gear changes are starting to get a bit rough at higher RPM's. If the culprit is not the flywheel, what is it?

I wanted to replace the flywheel with a quicker, lighter alternative and was wondering how exactly to go about this?

If there is a tutorial/guide/etc. on this, it would be great if you could point me in its direction.

[carsrus]

The flex palte aka flywheel in an automatic has nothing to do with the shift.

Lighter flywheel is a waste of time, especially on an automatic.

Your thinking about the clutch but that's on a manual. Change the fluid and inspect all your engine and tranny mounts.

[JohnGD]

When was it last that the ATF was changed? And the pan dropped, cleaned, and a new strainer installed? What's the condition of the ATF fluid and level?

Consider dropping the pan. An ATF kit (strainer+gasket) is about $20. Wix kit is fine. Frams probably don't come with gaskets any more (separate items?). You shouldn't need to do anything with the flexplate.

Use Walmart's SuperTech Mercon-V, Castrol Import Multi-vehicles ATF, or Mobil-1 ATF (especially with Advance Auto coupons). It should get you close to $5.6/qt. All are Dexron III type compatible. I personally won't go with the thin Dexron VI (6) for these older trannys however (but do use Valvoline fully synthetic D-6 in the excellent Hydramatic 6T/L series).