VVTi and Firmer Shifts

[Johnny1MZ-FE]

I was just wondering, have any of you looked in to what it would take to convert our engine (99-03 V6) to Highlander specs? I know the Highlander has like 20 more hp and uses some type of VVT setup. I wasn't sure if this was just through intakes and ecu, or if that setup includes different cams too. I know that a lot of the Maxima guys go to a setup like this, and they have a guy who reprograms their ecu after they convert too. With both of those mods they can get some respectable figures, even on a N/A car. I know there is a guy on one of their forums running like a 14.8 in an auto with that setup. That is pretty impressive, if you ask me, for a 190hp car with just boltons, no internals, no stall.

My other question was, have any of you looked into using a resistor/resistors to firm up your shifts (in autos)? I know this is another mod I have seen described on a few other cars, particularly Maximas. I suppose it increases their line pressure. I think that would be a nice mod for our cars, if it would work correctly without having any negative effects. I think firmer shifts would make our cars feel more sporty. I know the more common way to firm up your shifts electronically is through a reprogrammed ecu, but since their isn't much in that line available for our cars, and since this is way cheaper, I thought I would ask. These are just some ideas I had, if they will or won't work please explain why or why not.

--Johnny

[Hsakuragi]

wrong section pal

[Mole]

this stuff is DEF not DIY, but to answer a few q's... why would you want firmer shifts? Toyota has the reputation of soft "unfeelable" shifting electronics.

the 1 and 1.5 v6 gen solaras out here have the non-vvti motors and are totally different than the 2nd gen solaras. its like an apple and orange. its in the fruit category, but two different fruits.

[i20solara02i]

this stuff is DEF not DIY, but to answer a few q's... why would you want firmer shifts? Toyota has the reputation of soft "unfeelable" shifting electronics.

the 1 and 1.5 gen solaras out here have the non-vvti motors and are totally different than the 2nd gen solaras. its like an apple and orange. its in the fruit category, but two different fruits.

1.5 4banger has the vvti

richard

[Johnny1MZ-FE]

Ok guys, I know that was more of a DIY question, but the DIY section said for tutorials, and I am new, so I figured questions didn't go there. Anyways the reason I asked about the firmer shifts is because they make your car shift harder. If you have ever ridden in a car with a shift kit, you would know what I'm talking about. I know this is not something everyone wants, but I would think some people would be interested, especially since I have seen valvebody posts here. What I was talking about would give you a feeling like you had a performance valve-body, except it would just be toned down.

Back to the VVTi question, I am fully aware of which Solaras receive this and which don't. I don't think y'all understood my question. I am not asking about Solaras that come with this, because other than the 04s, the only Solaras with VVTi are 4 bangers. What I was thinking about was the 1MZ-FE (V6) used in the Highlander SUV. This is the same V6 the Solaras get through 03, but it has VVTi. I was wondering if anyone here knew what it would take to convert a pre 04 V6 to this setup. Again, I am not talking about the 04 3.3L VVTi motor, I am asking about the 3.0. Since the Highlanders have 20 more hp, it would be a worth while mod, but it would probably get too pricey for the average Solara modder.

I hope this cleared things up.

--Johnny

[robby1870]

Johnny, I understand what you mean. The feeling of a shift kit or anything to make and auto shift firmer is great. I hated my sloppy, drawn out shifts, especially the 1-2. Of course my tranny is vacuum controlled, so it was much easier for me adjust my shifts. Johnny, if you can get me a detailed explanation of how your ECM controls shifts, I can research that resistor mod you are talking about, and hopefully validate it. And, if you can get me some detailed pictures of you motor's internals and the highlander with the VVT, I can see how hard the swap would be. The hardest part would be finding a custom ECM to support and take advantage of the VVT. Lemme know on that stuff, and we'll see what we can work out