I don't have an entire package, but i do have a box coming in by itself.

 there are many internal changes and numerous "upgrades". without having a VIN number of the car it came out of, its hard to pre-purchase parts. we stock most of the commonly used parts and can sort out correct parts, once its apart.  a substantially worn-out pre 92 box is not worth fixing, even though the individual parts  like syncro cones are cheaply priced, there are usually too many bits needed once they are over about 150,000km.
 
 
 
if the V6 conversion had the NA box in it , then it only has the small axles and different top mount to the turbo model so you will need most of the "kit" shown above. 
I have several gearboxes. call me if interested. Up in Ipswich, not far really.
 
 
 

I made a mistake in diagnosing a noise from the clutch gearbox.  Long story short, a noise which disappears when you press on the clutch, (ie opp of thrust bearing symptom) does not have to be the input shaft of the gearbox. It can also be the clutch. So I paid a bucketload to have the gearbox serviced, new seals, bearings, synchro and (very fortunately) he found a problem caused by a previous rebuild.  Anyway while it was apart I asked about increasing the final drive reduction to lengthen the box ratios, as freeway revs are higher than I'd like and 1st gear is done in a flash.
He said he would put the parts in for me, but I would have to supply the parts. After 30 mins of looking at an exploded diagram and not knowing which of all the bits were necessary (and not cheap) I said "forget it, I'll just keep an eye out for a Camry V6 box which uses the E153 with the taller gearing". He said ok, but called me back later that day to tell me he had a Camry V6 box in the corner "would you like me to put the final drive cogs in for you?" Yes please.
The engine isn't back in yet but I am looking forward to a brand new box with taller gears, should be good. Oh yeah, new Exedy HD clutch going in as well.
 

advice please - I need to be very careful with change up to 3rd gear with my JDM SW20 E153 gearbox.  I am considering pulling the gearbox out in  a few months to fix the 3rd gear synchro and probably 2nd gear while I'm at it.
 
While I've got the gearbox out I'm going to replace the transaxle boots.  If I've got the gearbox out, what else should I replace, gearbox seals, bearings?  Clutch plate?
 
Where do you get gearbox overhaul parts?  They seem to be rare, the only kits I could find were from Cobra Transmission in the US and I'm not sure about quality of seals etc.  I do have the new Toyota 2nd & 3rd synchro rings but nothing else.
 
Engine compression is fine, about 150psi, so I wasn't planning on dropping the engine as it looks like a much bigger job than the transmission.  Is it feasible to do any clutch work removing only the transmission?  I'm not having any clutch problems, simply wondering if I should replace it if the gearbox is out.  One part of me says that, if it's working don't disturb it.  The other part says that the part I don't replace will fail as soon as I put the car back together.
 
I will also be removing the turbo as it is blowing a bit of smoke on acceleration & uses a bit of oil.  Plus I need to do the engine timing belt and will do the water pump while I'm there.
Thanks

Hi Tuban,  I am presuming that because the compression figures are ok that you think it must be the turbo leaking  oil. I'm not sure what the smoke looks like when it comes from a leaky turbo seal, but I suspect it does not look the same as piston ring smoke. Someone with more experience could probably advise.  "Under acceleration" is the classic piston ring smoke.
As for dropping the engine, well it certainly makes working on it easier. In hindsight, the extra couple of hours to get it out and in, were insignificant compared to the amount of hours I have put into the engine, but mine needed lots of work, your engine may be perfect except for current problem.  How well do you know your engine ?

Yeah, if it were me, & your thinking of doing the turbo, you might as well drop the whole engine / box and do all in one hit.
 
Working on turbo removal / install is a major pain when its still in the engine bay.. not to mention, if the turbo has never been off before, then cracking some of those manifold nuts / bolts can give all sorts of grief. 
 
Most often you'll find you will need to a replace a few manifold studs whilst you are there... hopefully none of them need to be drilled out.
Drop the sump too & at least re ring it.
Regarding the clutch, best inspect 1st, you will soon see what condition its really in. Word of advice, I would never re-install a gearbox without at least replacing the release bearing too.  
 
 

Coincidental that you mention the exhaust studs, Carmikey. I have just had a mate come over and install helicoils in my exhaust stud holes. He torqued up the manifold at the end of the job by hand, no torque wrench, even though I offered one. He said that "38ft/lbs" specified in the manual is way too much for an alloy head. He has done hundreds of engines and I trust him over the specs in the manual. Yet I see a 17000 hits for "3sgte stripped exhaust" studs - seems to support what he says, don't trust the manual!!
 

OK, thanks for all the tips.  Advice from mechanic that did the compression test was that it was looking like turbo as compression was OK and the plugs looked OK.  The turbo removal looks like easier with engine & gearbox both out.  Any comment about the gearbox overhaul?  Or maybe I simply get it out and have a look and then order the bits.

Hi,
My 1991 SW20 manual gearbox has seized. My mechanic is having problems finding a second hand one. We have both tried MR2Wreckers, however not getting any replies from emails or phone.
 
Any suggestions.
 
Regards,
Jem.
 
 
 

Correct in Josh MR2 wreckers Australia, it is a second job/hobby/business. Email, text and when he has time, aka anything from a few hours to weeks to a month, he will get back to you.
Gearboxes are rare in good condition, best to rebuild if you know what’s needed / parts available and up to a few thousand to do it all.
Depending if you have a turbo aka e153 or non turbo aka s54? Which do you need?
Many synchros and parts are no longer available hence the price of good second hand gearbox’s has risen steeply in the past few years - however there are not many around. I jumped in early and have two gearboxes for that exact reason. Best of luck, put up a want to buy on the forum and Facebook.