1977 RA28 Liftback Tranmission change

[DeanoSil]

Hey guys, I am new here so I don't know if this is the right place to ask, so correct me if I am wrong.
I have brought an RA28 automatic, but don't like the 3-speed tranmission. I want to change it out for something more modern and better, and at least a 4-speed.
How hard is this to do?
How much does it cost?
What is a good transmission to change it out with?

Thanks in advance,
Dean.

P.S. I am from Australia so I please only suggest transmissions easy to get in Australia.

[stepho]

If you want to stay automatic, then the 4-speed A40D is a direct swap for your old A30.
If you prefer manual then a 5-speed steel case W50 fits buts you will need a manual flywheel, clutch, clutch line and clutch pedal.
Beware that there are multiple bellhousings out there and only those behind an R series engine will work.
A 5-speed alloy W55 also fits but requires similar components to the W50 and some custom gearbox crossmember work.

I'm in Perth, WA - where abouts in Oz are you?

- Stepho (RA28)

[DeanoSil]

Nah it has to be auto. I don't drive anything else. Is there any 5-speed auto i can change it for easily? That 4-speed is great though. Appreciate the help.

[stepho]

If you were in America then it might be worthwhile looking at the Hilux/pickup. Their pickup had a 22R for a very long time and its auto would bolt up to your 18R. Not sure if they had 5-speed auto or only 4-speed auto. It would also require wiring up electronics.

Any other 5-speed auto available here in Oz would require a custom bellhousing as well as electronics wiring.
Sounds like the A40D is the way to go.

The A40D is available from 1981 onwards from the Corona and Celica with 21R/22R engines.
You might also be able to grab one from a Crown, Cressida or Supra but you would have to use you old A30 bellhousing and I can't remember if the A40D and A30 had the same bellhousing bolt pattern (ie check to see if your old bellhousing bolts to the A40D gearbox before paying).

Also beware that the A40 (without D) is only a 3 speed.

- Stepho

[DeanoSil]

Don't want wiring and housing issues so looks like the A40D is the way to go. Thanks for the help.