What transmission does the SC300 have?
The SC300 uses a four-speed automatic transmission (the A340E) in the vast majority of markets, and Lexus did not offer a factory manual transmission for this model in the U.S. or most other regions.
Launched in the early 1990s as Lexus' V6-powered grand tourer, the SC300 paired the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six with an automatic gearbox and was designed for smooth, effortless cruising. This article explains what transmission was offered and how it varied by market and year.
Transmission options by market and year
Below is a concise look at how the SC300 was typically configured from the factory. Note that there were no official manual transmissions offered for the SC300 by Lexus; any manual setups are aftermarket conversions.
- Factory transmission: 4-speed automatic transmission (A340E) across North America, Europe, and most other markets.
- Manual option: Not offered from the factory; some owners consider aftermarket manual swap projects, which carry caveats for reliability and resale.
In short, the SC300 was an automatic-only vehicle from the factory in the markets where it was sold, with the automatic gearbox chosen to suit the 2JZ-GE engine's character.
Additional notes
For buyers or owners considering a used SC300, transmission condition is a common concern. The A340E is durable when maintained, but issues can arise with wear or fluid service intervals. If evaluating a potential purchase, check transmission fluid condition and service history, and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
Summary
Summary: The Lexus SC300's factory configuration centers on a four-speed automatic transmission (A340E); there was no factory manual option offered for this model in the U.S. and most global markets. Any manual alterations are aftermarket and not standard.
What transmission does SC300 have?
These engines were coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission on both the SC 300 and SC 400 models. A 5-speed manual transmission was only offered on the SC 300 from its debut until 1997.
How rare is a manual SC300?
A manual Lexus SC300 is considered rare, as only about 3,883 were produced with a manual transmission out of 33,000 total SC300s made for the U.S. market between 1992 and 2000. The last year a manual was offered was 1997, with only 120 units produced that year, making them especially rare.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Lexus SC300 and its manual transmission: 1mTheSmokingTireYouTube · Oct 21, 2015
- Low production numbers: Out of the 33,000 SC300s built between 1992 and 2000, only 3,883 came with a manual transmission.
- Short production window: The manual transmission option was discontinued after the 1997 model year.
- 1997 rarity: The final year for the manual was 1997, with only 120 units produced that year, making them extremely rare.
- Collector value: The rarity of the manual transmission, combined with the robust 2JZ engine and Lexus luxury, makes them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
- Manual swaps: Due to their scarcity, many owners perform manual transmission conversions on automatic models, which can also drive up the value of original manual components like the shift boot and bezel.
This video explains why manual cars are rare in America: 46sAutoPulse YouTube · Nov 7, 2025
Does the SC300 have a 1JZ?
No, the factory-equipped SC300 does not have a 1JZ engine; it comes with a 3.0L naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine. The 1JZ-GTE engine is often swapped into the SC300, as it was originally featured in the Japanese market version of the car, the Toyota Soarer.
You can watch this video to see a review of a 1JZ swapped SC300: 51sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Feb 23, 2020
- Factory engine: The standard engine for the US-market SC300 is the 3.0L naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE.
- Engine swap: The 1JZ-GTE engine, which was originally in the Japanese Toyota Soarer, is a popular and relatively straightforward engine swap for the SC300.
- Why the swap? Swapping in the 1JZ-GTE is popular because it is a twin-turbocharged engine that offers a significant power increase over the stock 2JZ-GE.
This video explains the engine swap process: 58sShooting CarsYouTube · Dec 19, 2022
Do all Lexus have CVT transmission?
Lexus: Every non-hybrid is not equipped with a CVT. Lincoln: The non-hybrid Corsair and non-hybrid MKX are not equipped with CVTs. Maserati: No modern Maserati is equipped with a CVT. Mazda: No modern Mazda is equipped with a CVT.
