2Spec Garage

23/05/2026

⚠️ Temporarily close… 🌏 Winter❄️Summer☀️

Huge thank you to everyone around the world and Australia who supports, shares the passion, and gives love and maintenance to the components 🙏 That's a wrap ~ TY

Send a message to learn more

05/05/2026

Component evolution 🚀 2Spec Garage 🔥

While others dabble across various engines, gearboxes — we go all in on a narrow set of components. One obsession. Zero compromise. We don’t “build” like the rest. We enhance to next level 🧠🛠️

Not with guesswork… but with purpose-built tooling, engineered processes, and a level of component understanding that only comes from doing the same thing — relentlessly. Demanding better operation is our baseline.

Minimum of 8 hours on a 5SGTE block prep ⏱️ Not cleaning. Not torque wrench. Not the clearance work for transfer case. Not the things shown on YouTube. Proprietary modifications.

Minimum of 2 days on an E-series gearbox ⚙️ Not bearings. Not synchros. Not “rebuild work.” Proprietary modifications.

- Let that sink in.
That’s hours / days of modifications for measured refinement and detail most shops don’t even know exists… let alone execute.

Years of failures studied. Collaboration to solve. Weaknesses eliminated with better engineering. Operation improved. Limits redefined.

Validation not just assembly. Evidence recorded and provided to the owner. Assembly beyond the manual.

The difference between something that works… and something that performs flawlessly under pressure for longer against MORE 💥

Our methods? Proprietary. 🔒
A glimpse is shared to help others avoid failure. But the full process? That stays here.

And here’s the kicker 💡 Even with this level of time, precision, and obsession… We’re still coming in cheaper than the quotes you’ve been given - because we are set up to be. We're still where it goes to be fixed after someone else's first attempt.

If you want mechanic “rebuilt” — there are plenty of shops.

If you want next level — you know where to go 🧩 2Spec Garage

10/03/2026

🔧 Stick-to-Cable Shifters: Do’s & Don’ts

The internet is full of hype parts designed to make money and groupie trends… not necessarily make your car shift better. 💸
Shifter systems are simple in theory but easy to mess up when modifications ignore how the cable system actually works.

Here’s the stick-to-cable reality check 👇

⚙️ Why the Short throw shifters is the go
⚡ Faster movement between gears
💪 Higher effort required
🤏 Reduced shift feel
🛞 Less time with one hand off the steering wheel

📏 Cable Geometry Matters. Changing the geometry of the shifter joint to cable or height can introduce unseen issues: Cable binding ~ Accelerated wear ~ Friction increases ~ Slower gear engagement ~ Poor shift feel

🕹 Gear Stick Selection

Choose wisely. Good options for MR2, 93+ factory stick is quality OEM geometry. Avoid Cheap marketplace / eBay copies 🚫 Why? tolerances are generally out creating a sloppy and binding shift (hitting on both sides of movement).

🔩 Drop Plates – Do or Don’t?

YES — use them when required for geometry. Example: when installing a taller shifter such as a TRD gear stick Or other. Drop plates where used correctly, help correct the cable angle, reduce binding friction where the angle of joint on the gearstick has changed.

❌ MR2 Aftermarket Shifter Plates

MR2 aftermarket shifter plates are poorly traced copies of the originals and out of spec for geometry. Simple fix often 👉 Shim the rear cable connection with washers.

🔩 Cable End Bushings

Options exist but choose based on the car’s purpose.
⚙️ Spherical bushings (no boot)🏁 Great for race cars (short use to maintenance) not for street
💪 Poly bushings (soft)👍 Excellent street option, durable and no maintenance. A solid choice: JL Fabrication poly bushings (~$30 AUD / $20 USD).

🧴 Cable Maintenance

Servicing inside the cable sleeve is extremely difficult. When cables wear out and fray/binding, replacement is usually the only real fix. For MR2 owners, good replacements include: TCS Motorsport, 808 Motorsport

🧰 Critical step:

✔ Ensure cable travel matches the gearbox selector arm travel. Cables stretch, cables twist and need re-aligning, shifts become inconsistent.

⚠️ Adjustment Matters More Than You Think

Shifter cables are only as accurate as their adjustment. Small issues can create big problems:
Slight cable stretch
A half-twist in a cable end
Minor misalignment
These can make a gear feel like it’s fighting you for selection.

🧠 Final Thought

Modifications of aftermarket parts aren’t good or bad. They simply need to be treated as part of a complete system.

Goals 👉 Clean, fast, mechanical shifts. ⚡🕹️

08/03/2026

🔧 Convert E-Series Gearbox ~ the right way. This guide covers key information missed in other E35x / E153 conversion guides (MR2 Focused).

Adapting E-Series from and to other vehicles is common… but ⚠️ mistakes during conversion are just as common. Into ~ MR2 focused conversion.

🛠 Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
1️⃣ Before You Start ~ parts and tools.

Required items:
🔩 Shaft & DIY Drill Tube – https://wilhelmraceworks.com/shop/e-series-shift-shaft-p572338557

Looking for a hardcore drag shift shaft
https://www.tec2rm.com/product-page/e153-selector-shifter-shaft

🔩 E Series Spring kit (Varies E153 vs E351) – https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BzUpNUY88/

🔩 Supporting items (plus axle seals)
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1AY3dd9rB2/

🧰 Basic drilling equipment

We use a precision drill/mill with jig for accurate centering and drilling. Most DIY builders won't have this, so extra care is required when drilling manually.

2️⃣ Drilling the Gearbox Case

DIY builders typically start with a 3D-printed drill tube from Wilhelm in the Wilhelm guide. https://wilhelmraceworks.com/shop/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89&catid=10

⚠️ Important Risks & Whats Missed

🧩 Metal shavings can fall inside the gearbox, bearings and internal components can be contaminated.

✔ Prevent this by:
Covering internal areas
Thoroughly cleaning the case before continuing
Paying special attention to internal bearings

3️⃣ Drilling the Front of the Case

⚠️ Important Risks & Whats Missed

Before drilling:
🛑 Block the shifter shaft hole internally ~ This prevents shavings entering the gearbox.

Drilling tips:
Use step-up drill sizes
❌ Never drill straight to 28 mm
✔ Light pressure, strong alignment
✔ Keep it clean constantly
✔ Drill gradually to ~27 mm, if measures less than 28mm then use the 28mm to finish off

Why?
Because drills tend to cut slightly oversized. When drilling at large step ups tool moder increases

Finish with:
🔧 Flat-bottom drill end (bimetal hole saw / different names), cheap, 26mm (not 28mm as they cut much larger than their size, focused on the rubber seal size)

This creates a flat sealing surface for the shaft seal!

🛑If you run out in size or off center, use a sleeve to correct

Depth can be minimal because the shifter shaft has plenty of clearance, generally 15mm.

4️⃣ Shifter Shaft Service

✔ Replace shifter springs
✔ Inspect the shaft components clean and oil
✔ Confirm the breather is working or replace

5️⃣ External Shifter Components

✔ Axle seals replace
🎯 Any shift-feel upgrades
https://www.facebook.com/2SpecGarage/posts/926293777021563?rdid=3TCQtHkbPhqdjQN6 #

Doing this now saves time later and improves shift precision.

6️⃣ Mounting Brackets

Don’t just reuse the originals. Take the opportunity to:
⚙ Improve bracket strength
✂ Lighten where possible
📐 Optimize fitment for your chassis

Small changes here can make many benefits. Separate post dedicated to brackets.

7️⃣ Starter Motor Upgrade

If budget allows:
✔ Use a 2GR Kluger starter motor
They are:
More compact
More powerful
Easier to package in swaps

Used units are usually affordable.

8️⃣ Oil Drain Myth

There should be no need for drilling an oil drain hole in the shaft hole, no RTV or modifications if the conversion is done correctly.

9️⃣ Gearbox Break-In Procedure

After installation:

1️⃣ Drive light throttle only
2️⃣ Use varying speeds
3️⃣ For the E153, ensure 80 km/h+ cruising periods

Do this for ~300 km, then:

🛢 Change the gearbox oil

This removes any initial wear particles and helps ensure long gearbox life.

✅ Take your time with the drilling and cleaning stages. Take all the steps now.
Most gearbox failures in swaps (or shortly after) are because rushing and skipping stages in this guide.