Expert: Dan Liddy - 6/29/2004

Question
hello,
i have a 1985 toyota cressida which i run autocross with. the car could use more torque and i'm wondering if i mounted a supra diff. or the diff from a celica gt if that would help. in first gear it does fine but seems to loose it in second gear

Answer
Hi Omar:
Your problem is typical of nearly all production based sedans.  The 'step' between first and second gears is too broad.  The only solution is to find a transmission with closer ratios.  I would think that some of your Toyota pals could steer you in the right direction.  It may be that a trans from a Supra of similar year would be a help.

The other thing you could consider is intalling a really low ratio rear end and starting in second.  This of course would result in a lot more fuel consumption while street driving. ( I once had a Pontiac Firebird that got 7 MPG, but BOY did it accelerate ! ) .

That's about all I can offer on the subject, until you are ready to invest in a true competition transmission. The good ones start at around $5000.00

Good luck with the auto crossing !  It's a good place to start a long racing career !

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida