Did GS300 ever come manual?
In short, no factory manual transmission was offered for the Lexus GS300 in mainstream markets. The GS300 was marketed and sold with automatic gearboxes throughout its production, and there is no official factory option for a manual version. Enthusiasts have pursued aftermarket manual swaps, but those are not factory-supported and involve significant modification work.
The GS300 sits at the intersection of Lexus’s mid-size sedan lineage and Toyota’s 2JZ-V6 engineering. While the broader 2JZ family includes manual transmissions in other performance Toyotas, the GS300 itself was not produced with a factory manual option in its core markets. The following sections outline the generations and the practical realities of obtaining a manual configuration through aftermarket means.
Generational overview
First generation (1993–1997)
The earliest GS300 models in the United States were powered by a 3.0-liter V6 (the 2JZ-GE) and were offered with automatic transmissions. A factory manual option was not part of the US GS300 lineup, and this generation established the model as an automatic-only sedan in its primary markets.
Second generation (1998–2005)
During the second-generation run, the GS300 continued to be paired with automatic gearboxes in major markets. There was no official manual GS300 from Lexus in these years, reinforcing the model’s automatic-only positioning across the mainstream market.
Factory vs aftermarket transmission options
The question of a manual GS300 is largely about aftermarket potential versus factory availability. If you’re pursuing a manual experience, you should know the landscape before committing to a swap.
- Aftermarket swaps are possible but complex, requiring significant mechanical and electrical work.
- Common donor options include manual transmissions from other 2JZ-GE-equipped platforms, but compatibility varies by year, model, and transmission type.
- Engine control, wiring harness, and throttle-by-wire integration can present substantial hurdles, often necessitating custom ECU tuning and professional installation.
- Drivetrain components such as clutch setups, flywheel, bellhousing, driveshafts, and transmission mounts must be matched to the GS300’s chassis and engine configuration.
- Costs can be high and reliability depends on the quality of the swap, parts sourcing, and the installer’s expertise; legal and emissions considerations may also apply in some regions.
In summary, while a factory manual GS300 did not exist in the mainstream market, an aftermarket manual swap is a known, though challenging, path for dedicated builders. Prospective buyers should weigh the technical demands, potential reliability issues, and local regulations before pursuing such a project.
Summary
The GS300 was not offered with a factory manual transmission in its standard markets. If a manual GS300 is desired, it remains an aftermarket endeavor that involves careful planning, substantial customization, and expert installation. For many buyers, alternative models with factory manual options within the Lexus/Toyota lineup (such as other 2JZ-powered cars or the IS family) may present more straightforward manual-gearbox opportunities.
Does the Lexus IS 300 come in manual?
Yes, the IS300 was available with a 5-speed manual transmission from the 2002 to 2005 model years, though it was a rare option. These manual versions are considered collectible due to their low production numbers, with estimates suggesting fewer than 5% of US models were produced with a manual.
You can watch this video to learn more about the driving experience of a manual IS300: 59sTheTopherYouTube · Sep 10, 2017
- Model years: The 5-speed manual was available for the 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 model years.
- Rarity: Factory-manual IS300s are rare, with only about 10% of North American models having this transmission.
- Transmission details: It was a 5-speed manual, not a 6-speed like the Japanese market Toyota Altezza, and was noted for being robust.
- Distinguishing feature: Both the automatic and manual models featured a unique polished metal shift knob.
How much does it cost to manually swap a GS300?
A manual swap for a Lexus GS300 can cost between approximately $2,500 and $4,000 or more, depending on the parts used and whether you do the labor yourself or hire a professional. DIY costs can range from about $2,500 to $3,500 for a basic swap using a used W58 transmission and other parts, while using a new, high-end transmission like the T56 Magnum-F and paying for professional installation can push the total cost to $5,000 or even over $10,000.
You can watch this video to learn about the components and total cost of a manual swap for a GS300: 45sLunatics MediaYouTube · Oct 3, 2024
Factors influencing cost
- Transmission: Using a used transmission like a W58 is cheaper, while a new, high-performance transmission like the T56 Magnum-F is significantly more expensive.
- Labor: This is a major variable. Doing the work yourself saves on labor costs, which can be a significant part of the total price. Professional installation can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Parts: The cost of individual parts like the clutch, flywheel, driveshaft, master cylinder, and pedals can add up quickly. High-performance parts will be more expensive.
- Wiring: You may need to purchase a wiring kit to prevent the car's computer from throwing codes, especially if you are swapping out the stock automatic transmission for a manual one.
Estimated costs
- DIY (basic parts): ~$2,500-$3,500 (e.g., using a W58 transmission, stock clutch and flywheel).
- Professional installation (high-end parts): $5,000+ (e.g., using a new T56 Magnum-F transmission and paying for professional labor).
Is a manual swap worth it?
- A manual swap can be expensive and may not increase the resale value of the car, especially if it's not a highly sought-after performance model.
- If you're doing it for the driving experience, a manual swap can be a fun and rewarding project, but be sure to budget carefully for the costs involved.
What does GS stand for in Lexus GS300?
Grand Sedan
The GS name stands for Grand Sedan. However, some Lexus importers use the backronymic name, Grand Sport. The first generation Lexus GS began sales in the United States, Europe and selected Asian markets in 1993.
Did Lexus ever offer a manual transmission?
Lexus Manual transmissions
All derivatives of the second-generation IS were also equipped with a manual transmission as standard until the petrol-powered IS 250 became an automatic-only model from the 2011 model year onwards. Diesel models were only ever available with manual transmissions.
