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KE38 Gearbox Conversion questions!


LucaKE

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Hi there, 

 

New to messing around with corolla boxes. I own a 79 ke38 with a K40 and I am looking for a box with a 5th gear. I've heard T50 boxes are the way to go, but a hydro conversion is needed. I don't plan on putting in a 4AGE or SR or anything, but some simple K power mods in which I heard that the K50 box is better for.

 

Which box is better for my needs and what is the process of installing it? Do i need any extras? Does anything need to be shortened etc etc.

 

Cheers, Luca

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Hi Luca,

             There are pros & cons to what you are considering.

Pros:

K50 box from a KE70 is your simplest & best option, as your KE38 is already manual.

K50 box from a KE70, has the gearstick further back.

K50 box from a KE55 has gearstick in same position as your K40 box.

Plenty of threads on this forum, regarding change over.

Cons:

Good K50 (from KE70) gearboxes are getting hard to find, & most are getting "long in the tooth".  (no pun intended)

You'll need to cut hole in the tunnel, for if you use K50 box from a KE70.

You'll need rear gearbox mount & support, as well.

Parts for them are now scarce, including bearings.

Conclusion:  I did a K50 from KE70 conversion to my KE30 2 door years ago.  It was originally a 3 speed auto, so involved pedal box as well.  What you are considering is fairly easy, as there is no hydraulic clutch mod required.  If you are going to thrash the 5 speed box, then the k50 will suffer.  However, my K50 was popped in, without overhaul, & I don't thrash it, but give it plenty of stick, & it has been as reliable as ever.

P.S.  If you do get a K50, then minimum you should replace is the rear prop shaft oil seal.

Cheers Banjo

 

 

Edited by Banjo
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On 11/3/2020 at 12:27 PM, Banjo said:

Hi Luca,

             There are pros & cons to what you are considering.

Pros:

K50 box from a KE70 is your simplest & best option, as your KE38 is already manual.

K50 box from a KE70, has the gearstick further back.

K50 box from a KE55 has gearstick in same position as your K40 box.

Plenty of threads on this forum, regarding change over.

Cons:

Good K50 (from KE70) gearboxes are getting hard to find, & most are getting "long in the tooth".  (no pun intended)

You'll need to cut hole in the tunnel, for if you use K50 box from a KE70.

You'll need rear gearbox mount & support, as well.

Parts for them are now scarce, including bearings.

Conclusion:  I did a K50 from KE70 conversion to my KE30 2 door years ago.  It was originally a 3 speed auto, so involved pedal box as well.  What you are considering is fairly easy, as there is no hydraulic clutch mod required.  If you are going to thrash the 5 speed box, then the k50 will suffer.  However, my K50 was popped in, without overhaul, & I don't thrash it, but give it plenty of stick, & it has been as reliable as ever.

P.S.  If you do get a K50, then minimum you should replace is the rear prop shaft oil seal.

Cheers Banjo

 

 

Hiya mate, 

 

That sounds perfect for my needs, I can't seem to find any build threads for ke30 k50 conversions. Do you have any links?

Cheers!

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Hi Luca,

               Here's one that popped straight up. It's for auto to manual conversion, but covers all the basics, & includes some pics.

 

https://www.rollaclub.com/board/topic/58879-how-to-convert-an-auto-to-a-manual-ke70/?tab=comments#comment-59079

https://www.rollaclub.com/board/topic/32023-auto-to-man-ke30-advice/?tab=comments#comment-358122

 

I'm sure I put a post when I did mine, so have a look under my postings.

Cheers Banjo

 

 

Edited by Banjo
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