Toyota E153 5-Speed Manual Transmission for Sale | OEM Transaxle
$1,499.00
Product Overview
- Type: 5 Speed Manual Transaxle
- Applications: MR2 Turbo (SW20) | Camry V6 | Solara V6
- Final Drive: 4.285:1 (MR2 Turbo) or 3.933:1 (Camry V6)
- Engines Paired: 3S-GTE turbo | 1MZ-FE V6
- Condition: OEM used, gear-tested
- Availability: MR2 Turbo and Camry units both stocked, call for current inventory
- Shipping: Free freight to all 50 states, 5-10 business days
- Every forward gear and reverse cycled and verified before the unit leaves
- Final drive ratio and application variant confirmed prior to dispatch
- No core return required, your existing transmission stays put
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
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Description
Transmission Background
Toyota’s E153 is a 5-speed manual transaxle that found use in two distinctly different platforms: the Toyota MR2 Turbo (SW20 chassis, 1991 to 1995) paired with the turbocharged 3S-GTE four, and the Toyota Camry plus Camry Solara V6 paired with the 1MZ-FE. Although both share the same internal gear ratios, the two applications differ in final drive ratio and in how the shift linkage is configured.
The E153 built a strong reputation in the tuning scene as one of the toughest FWD-capable transaxles Toyota ever produced. MR2 Turbo units have been documented surviving 700 to 800 horsepower in drag-strip duty, far above what the factory ever demanded, thanks to unusually robust gear sets and case construction. That track record is why the E153 became a popular swap into Corolla, Matrix, and other Toyota chassis projects.
Clean, unmolested E153 units are getting harder to find as the SW20 MR2 fleet thins out. A gear-tested transmission with the variant confirmed is significantly more valuable than a junkyard pull from an unidentified donor car.
When Replacement Becomes Necessary
- Grinding or crunching while shifting into 2nd or 3rd, the classic synchronizer wear symptom and the most common E153 failure
- Gear popping out under throttle, usually caused by worn shift forks or weak detent springs
- Reverse engagement that feels rough or notchy, pointing to reverse gear or shift rail wear
- High-frequency whine that follows engine RPM, often input or output shaft bearing wear
Known Weak Points
- Synchros on 2nd and 3rd: These see the most cycles and wear out first on high-mileage units. We cycle every unit through all gears and reject anything showing grinding or hesitation on 2nd or 3rd.
- External linkage play: The Camry-version E153 can develop slop in the external shift linkage with age. Linkage components are checked before shipment.
- Variant mix-ups: MR2 and Camry E153 units look almost identical on the outside but differ in final drive and shift linkage. We confirm the exact variant before every unit ships.
- Aged input/output seals: Older E153s can seep at the input and output shaft seals. Sealing surfaces are inspected and any active seepage is disclosed.
E153 Variants – Final Drive and Applications
The two main variants differ in their final drive ratio and shift linkage layout. The E153 MR2 Turbo (4.285:1, 60:14) was fitted to the Toyota MR2 SW20 with the 3S-GTE turbo (1991 to 1995) and uses a RWD-style mid-engine shift linkage favored by the performance swap community. The E153 Camry and Solara V6 (3.933:1) shipped in the Toyota Camry V6 and Solara V6 paired with the 1MZ-FE, running a FWD shift linkage and taller gearing aimed at highway efficiency.
What Ships and What Does Not
Included: Transaxle case with all internal gears, synchronizers, shift forks, and shift rails. Final drive (differential) housing. Not Included: Clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, flywheel, clutch hydraulics, axle shafts, gear oil. The transmission is drained for shipment. Refill with full-synthetic GL-4 75W-90 gear oil. Do NOT use GL-5, it attacks Toyota’s synchronizer materials. No core charge applies.
Direct-Fit Vehicle Applications
The E153 left the Toyota factory installed in the Toyota MR2 Turbo SW20 (1991 to 1995) with 3S-GTE turbo, the Toyota Camry V6 XV10 and XV20 (1992 to 2001) with 1MZ-FE V6, and the Toyota Camry Solara V6 (1999 to 2001) with 1MZ-FE V6. Outside of OEM duty, the E153 is widely chosen for Corolla, Matrix, and Celica swaps, with the Camry-spec unit preferred for FWD-platform builds.
Why Part Nests
- Variant documented before payment, with MR2 Turbo 4.285:1 or Camry 3.933:1 noted on every order
- All five forward gears and reverse cycled prior to packing
- Fitment verified against your specific chassis and engine pairing
- No core return required, your existing unit stays with you
- Free freight pallet delivery to every state with no hidden surcharges
- 15 day replacement warranty covering internal transmission defects
- Call (240) 306-7051 to talk with someone who knows the E153 variants and the SW20 and Camry differences cold
Additional information
| transmission-type | 5 speed manual transaxle |
|---|---|
| manufacturer | Toyota Motor Corporation |
| 1st-gear-ratio | 3.230:1 |
| 2nd-gear-ratio | 1.913:1 |
| 3rd-gear-ratio | 1.258:1 |
| 4th-gear-ratio | 0.918:1 |
| 5th-gear-ratio | 0.731:1 |
| reverse-gear-ratio | 3.545:1 |
| final-drive-mr2-turbo | 4.285:1 (60:14) |
| final-drive-camry-solara | 3.933:1 |
| case-material | Aluminum |
| fluid-type | Full synthetic GL-4 75W-90 (do NOT use GL-5) |
| production-years | Early 1990s to 2001 |
| applications | Toyota MR2 SW20 Turbo | Toyota Camry V6 | Toyota Camry Solara V6 |
| compatible-engines | 3S-GTE (MR2 Turbo) | 1MZ-FE (Camry V6) |
| differential | and Quaife, Kaaz, Open diff standard. LSD available from TRD |
| condition | Gear Tested, Used OEM |
Factory-installed in the Toyota MR2 Turbo (SW20, 1991 to 1995) paired with the 3S-GTE, in the Toyota Camry V6 (XV10 and XV20, 1992 to 2001) paired with the 1MZ-FE, and in the Camry Solara V6 (1999 to 2001) with the same 1MZ-FE. It is also a popular swap candidate for Corolla, Matrix, and Celica projects.
The MR2 Turbo version runs a 4.285:1 final drive and uses the mid-engine shift linkage layout. The Camry and Solara version runs a 3.933:1 final drive with a FWD-style shift linkage and taller highway gearing. The internal gear ratios match between the two.
In stock form it is rated for the factory 3S-GTE and 1MZ-FE outputs. The MR2 community has documented stock-internals E153 units holding up to 700 to 800 hp in drag-strip configurations. That is well beyond factory intent and depends heavily on shift quality and driver habits.
Yes for the MR2 SW20 variant specifically. The Camry variant uses a different final drive and shift linkage configuration. Make sure to specify MR2 Turbo on your call so we ship the right unit.
No. There is no core charge and no obligation to send your current transmission back.
Refill with full-synthetic GL-4 75W-90 gear oil. Avoid GL-5 specifications, which attack Toyota synchronizer materials and accelerate wear.
Free freight pallet shipping to every U.S. state, typically 5 to 10 business days in transit. Provide your ZIP code on the call for an accurate window.
Yes. The final drive ratio (4.285:1 or 3.933:1) and the donor application are confirmed and shared before order confirmation.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Toyota E153 transmission purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present at the time of arrival
- Performance materially different from how the unit was described
- Incorrect part shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage resulting from use of incompatible parts
- External components unless specifically itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (240) 306-7051 or admin@partnests.com.
- Variant Documented: MR2 4.285:1 or Camry 3.933:1 confirmed before payment
- All 5 Gears Cycled: Every forward gear and reverse verified before packing
- Fitment Cross-Checked: Engine and chassis match confirmed prior to shipment
- Free Shipping Nationwide: Freight pallet to every state with no surcharges
- Skip the Core Return: Your old transmission stays with you
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward










Anthony R. –
Ordered a 4.285:1 E153 for an MR2 SW20 build and the variant was confirmed before I paid. Gear cycle test results came in clean across all five plus reverse. Shifts feel tight, no grinding into 2nd or 3rd. Exactly what was advertised.
Brendan H. –
Needed a Camry V6 E153 for a daily driver. Part Nests pulled the 3.933:1 unit and verified the FWD linkage configuration before shipping. Drained gear oil per their note, refilled with GL-4 and it has been faultless for two months.