5.7L Manual Transmission

I like the idea of a manual transmission truck and wish the 2nd and 3rd gens offered a manual with the 5.7L V8. To satisfy this want, I like using "S" mode in my truck frequently. Had a few questions about manually shifting the gears:
1. Can "S" mode be used too much? What I mean by that is, can shifting the truck based on when you would like the truck to shift vs when the truck's computer wants to shift potentially cause long term issues? Not saying I am revving the truck really high before shifting, just shifting it into the next gear at a slightly higher rpm range.
2. This is a two part question. 1st gear in this truck, like most, is a very low gear ratio. (Obviously, this is 1st gear in a truck ment to get a heavy load moving). I feel like I remember reading somewhere that the first gen tundras start off in 2nd gear rather then 1st gear. You have to manually put it in 1st gear in order for it to be in that gear. Does this sound correct? Do the 2nd and 3rd gens start off in 2nd gear when the truck is in normal "D" mode?
The second part of this question has to do with down shifting into 1st gear while in "S" mode. I have noticed that unless I am moving at a speed of roughly 10 mph or less, it is definitely a firm shift. I feel like this makes sense, since it is downshifting into this low gear but I just wanted to make sure this was normal. Can down shifting into 1st gear at a higher rpm range (15-20mph) cause long term damage?

 

I had a manual in my 2000 Tundra 6 cylinder and liked it alot.

I can't answer your questions but I like thg idea of a manual but am too old for that sh!t!

lol

 

Think of it this way.

Shifting to S and picking your gear is best for down shifting and picking your max gear.

It sucks for anything else because it’s so slow and the truck will still downshift to another lower gear lol

 

I just came from.driving a V6 6spd Tacoma for the past 10 years and my only gripe with my tundra is I cant shift like I want too now....

 

Me too, I had an X-Runner for 9 years. Driven a stick shift as a daily driver since 1985. I wish the transmission shifted a bit firmer.

 

I’m sure Advanced Adapters could adapt the 6spd to a 5.7 if they had a guinea pig vehicle.
My concern would be where the shifter lands and how long the shifter would have to be to match the Tundra seat height.

 

I wonder if there is a tuner or programmer that would allow the transmission to shift more firm, without causing issues. I have tried to see if there is a difference when I put the truck in "Tow Haul" mode while manually shifting. But the changing of gears feels the same.

 

I believe the Bully Dog will allow you to change the firmness of the shifts. I don’t have first hand knowledge though. I’ve only ever read the instruction manual for them.

 

I can’t thinknof how it would hurt the engine. My dad used to tell me downshifting to slow down did something with oil in the intake or some crap but he was a worrier and I don’t know how that could be when I think through it.

 

"There is nothing new under the sun...": https://www.importperformancetrans.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=5423

 

Can you elaborate on what this is? What it does? Think link doesn't give a great explanation.

 

I have read about them, but have no personal experience. Call them. I'm sure they will be happy to tell you about their products.

Edit @TundraMax12 Shifting characteristics of an automatic transmission are primarily a function of the transmission design, more specifically the valve body design which tells the clutches when to engage and disengage and the firmness of those engagements. If you want to change the design intent, then you have to change the transmission valve body.

 

Nope. The 5 speed manual only comes with the 1GR overseas.

 

This^

Shifts feel a lot better, and most importantly you get full manual control. ie you can put it into 4th gear and be cruising at 1500rpm and floor it and it won't downshift on you.

 

Do you have first hand experience with this?

 

Idk if you've heard of D.A.P. tuning but I've heard great results from people that have done that. That's on my mod list

 

Yea I just got it last week. Dude still has some tweaking to do, but it's a big improvement. I can be cruise controlled at 85 on the interstate with it in 6th, hit a hill and it'll just apply power instead of dropping three gears. It's the main reason I got his tune over anyone else's. I have a supercharger too and the engine would never use the low end power, now it'll just add boost/throttle vs revving the engine out to maintain speed. Like I said there's still some tweaks I think the guy needs, the tunes kind of in the "beta" stages. For example this weekend I was towing a car about 500 miles round trip, and during certain scenarios on the way home (towing) the engine would sometimes kick down a gear and I'm assuming it was due to some safety measures kicking in since it was wickedly hot out. And sometimes manually upshifting isn't instantaneous. But I've only had it a week, and regardless it's WAY better than before, plus the guy will personally work with you to dial your truck in versus all the other tunes out there that are canned and can't be customized for your preferences. Worth checking out.

 

Just came from a 6 speed manual FJ to my Tundra. Been driving manual the last 22 years (also owned automatic cars simultaneously btw).

It’s either because I now work in a downtown area, where for years I’ve driven mostly highway to work or because age is getting to me, but I’m REALLY enjoying my automatic Tundra much more than I thought I would.