4age to Supra (W5x) gearbox adapters

[Sam-Q]

We have been working on making a simple and cheap adapter plate for people to do the common Supra gearbox upgrade.

This adapter is fitted between the original T50 bellhousing and the new gearbox.


The problem with other adapters

The other adapter plates of this design that I have seen don't have anything to centrally locate the bellhousing to the adapter. This means they can quite easily and quickly destroy clutches in the short term and the gearbox bearings given a little longer. While the full custom bellhousings avoid this that's assuming they are made correctly. The Niteparts adapters are a proven product but the one from Dellows should just be melted down with no one to talk of them ever again. Then there are many smaller company's but they are an unknown, I have one here which looks good but on close inspection the holes have been manually elongated to fit.


Advantages being aimed for

- thinnest on the market
- tough but still light
- contoured to closely match the shape of the bellhousing so it looks like it should be there.
- full spline engagement of clutch disk center
- positively located central and concentric
- cheap
- very easy to fit
- can provide an off the shelf friction disk to suit a normal 20V pressure plate.
- as usual the usual SQ-Eng warranty and support
- comes with many if not all fasteners


Advantages of using an adapter plate over a full custom bellhousing

- Keeps the small dimensions of the T50 bellhousing
- uses the original clutch slave, fork and lines as before.
- uses existing parts such as above, the flex plate and the gearbox braces without issue
- known to work and be aligned correctly


Clutch carrier

Due to gearbox differences in the guide tube length for the thrust bearing, the original bearing carrier needs to be extended. Right now all but one company either lets you find the problem for yourself or make you do a very precise and tricky weld to extend the original part. I think this is a bad option for multiple reasons. I have designed and am waiting for a quote on a billet replacement. More about this one point here:




Development

This adapter is being developed at the same time as the 4a / 7a to J160 (beams 6-speed) model. So far I have had a 20v block dialed up for the co-ordinates and very shortly I shall have the same for a T50 and J160 bellhousing.

Just like the block that was done, these bellhousings are being measured up on a near new 5-axis mill using a big dollar co-ordinate measuring tool. This means that these will be highly accurate and may even correct any tiny misalignment's the T50 bell has from new. So no slotted or fudged holes here!

Both of these adapters are a high priority and are progressing quick. The measuring should be done this weekend with the design work done shortly after.


Predicted time and price

There are a few things to work out yet but the W5x adapter will mostly likely come first and hopefully pretty soon too. I won't say when but the prototype in 1 month flat is possible.

Price is unknown, aiming for $250 inc bolts


Looking for

I need someone who can possibly test a prototype, I can even supply a tail-shaft to suit if they have a T-series diff. Serious discount for whoever can help me out. PM me if you are interested. Prefer in Vic but can be anywhere in Australia if need be.

[dove grey 64]

Win. Im happy to help with testing aswell if needed. James aswell I would guess

[Jacobxxx]

Sounds really good Sam! That price is insane

[Sam-Q]

Assuming James is up for it that makes 3 local people to test it, very conventient.


This is what I would would expect it to end up being as an educated guess if everything works out, but things happen. I shall find out soon then.

[Jimmee1990]

I have an adm bellhousing and a dead long block you can borrow if it helps, I can drop them off when I pick up those valves?

[shortround]

Hey Sam, I'd happily test out the bearing carrier on my w58/niteparts setup.

[Sam-Q]

James: I have both of those handy already, but I appreciate the offer. So how do you feel about you or Geoff testing a W55 or J160 gearbox?

Andrew: this one shouldn't need testing but sure if you want to give it a shot send me a PM.

[Jimmee1990]

I would be happy to test either of your setups, as when my next T50 lets go I'll probably be looking at a J160 anyway way down the track. My car will be back on the road shortly (engine rebuild), but after that I'm happy to help.

[Sam-Q]

I already have someone to test the J160 adapter but I do need someone to try the W5x model. I have a tailshaft to suit already if needed.

I have made some progress too, I now have both a T50 and a J160 bellhousing measured up. Although just the bolts holes I already have the basic layout of the W5x adapter. It looks like I can use all the bolts into the gearbox and all of the holes into the bellhousing which would hold the gearbox only 1.6 degrees off it's original position.

[munki]

Hi mate what is the progress on the j160 adapter? Keen to grab one when they are ready