[codingparadox]

I'm considering doing the E153 conversion for a high power autocross/street build, and was wondering if anyone around here has done it that would let me drive around a parking lot with it or something.

My experience with the E series Toyota transmissions were that they were pretty truck-shifter-quality, so I'm curious how that translates over to an Elise.

 

[addertooth]

Consider asking Vladski. He has done it. He is selling his car right now.
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/fs-2008-lotus-exige-s240-ardent-red-drs-turbo-build-street-track-monster-219657/

 

[lotus90]

I have heard they are good for track and not so good for street

 

[addertooth]

Good for street vs. track depends upon the gear-set and final drive you install. Now if we were instead talking about dog-boxes, your point of view would be spot on. The E153 is a 5 speed transmission. Once you get into the power range where people are tempted by a E153, the penalty of losing a gear is less severe. The local tracks are tight enough that I never see 6th gear. I have heard there are tracks out in other areas where people do make use of 6th gear on their c64 transmission.

 

[codingparadox]

Honestly the comparison I'm looking for is much more about two factors:
1. Would it make the car that much lamer to drive on the street -- I never had a brand new e150 but usually put longer than stock shifters into the cars because the synchros, even in good shape, still let you shift faster and more precisely with a giant shifter.
2. Whether it's good enough trans to reliably hit 2nd in all the time for autox. The C6x was never a problem until it got real crunchy in its later days.


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[RichardNHCooper]

I have this conversion but changed third and fourth gears as the gap from second to third is huge. I like the idea that whatever power I throw at it, it won't break. Absolutely fine for the street if you don't use the included engine mounts as the vibration will loose all your teeth.
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/better-e153-gearbox-181698/#/enter