The Toyota E153 is a 5 speed manual transaxle used in two distinct applications: the Toyota MR2 Turbo (SW20 generation, 1991 to 1995) with the 3S-GTE turbocharged four-cylinder, and the Toyota Camry and Camry Solara V6 with the 1MZ-FE engine. Despite sharing the same gear ratios, these two applications use different final drive ratios and different shift linkage configurations.
The E153 earned a strong reputation in the performance community as one of the most robust FWD-capable transaxles Toyota ever produced. The MR2 Turbo version has been documented handling 700 to 800 horsepower in drag applications - far beyond factory power levels - due to its exceptionally strong gear and case construction. This makes it a popular swap target for Corolla, Matrix, and other Toyota platform builds.
Clean used E153 units are increasingly difficult to source as MR2 SW20 vehicles age out of service. A gear-tested, variant-confirmed unit represents significantly better value than a blind junkyard pull from an unknown application.
The two primary variants differ in final drive ratio and shift linkage configuration. The E153 MR2 Turbo (4.285:1, 60:14) was used in the Toyota MR2 SW20 with 3S-GTE turbo (1991 to 1995) with a RWD mid-engine shift linkage - popular for performance swaps. The E153 Camry and Solara V6 (3.933:1) was used in the Toyota Camry V6 and Solara V6 with 1MZ-FE - FWD shift linkage, taller gearing for highway use.
Included: Transmission case assembly with all internal gears, synchronizers, shift forks, and rails. Final drive (differential) housing. Not Included: Clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, flywheel, clutch cylinders, axle shafts, gear oil. Transmission is drained before shipping. Refill with full synthetic GL-4 75W-90 gear oil. Do NOT use GL-5 - it damages Toyota synchronizer materials. No core charge.
The E153 was 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. Popular for Corolla, Matrix, and Celica swap projects - the Camry variant is preferred for FWD builds.
| 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 | Open diff standard. LSD available from TRD | Kaaz | and Quaife |
| Condition | Used OEM | Gear Tested |
Needed an E153 for my SW20 MR2 project. Called Vaz and they confirmed the 4.285 final drive and the RWD shift linkage upfront - that told me they know this transmission. Arrived well packed, all gears engage cleanly. No grinding anywhere. Straight into the car and working perfectly.
Replaced the E153 in my daily Camry. Vaz confirmed the 3.933 Camry variant. Shift quality is noticeably better than my worn original. Only small note - delivery took 9 business days rather than the 5 to 7 quoted, but the transmission itself was in great shape. Would buy again.
Every used Toyota E153 transmission sold by Vaz Auto Solutions is covered by a 15 day replacement warranty from the date of delivery.
To make a claim, contact us within 15 days of delivery at (240) 301-0095 or info@vazautosolutions.com.
