transmission swap - is it OK?
 

Heard of people replacing their SVX transmissions with Legacy 95-98 transmissions together with the appropriate rear differential. Does this work - any cons?

Thank you,
Dan

Re: transmission swap - is it OK?
 

Quick answer is YES!

I just completed a 4.11 swap using a '96 Impreza Outback Sport trans and a '91 Legacy 4.11 rear diff. Read this thread in its entirety for info: 4.11 Swap Cpmpleted

Also, do a search for the 4.11 swap that SVX-FF did using an Impreza trans and diff, as well as the 4.44 swap that Svxfiles did using a '96 Legacy Outback trans and diff.

All of us have 4EAT SVXs, but with shorter gearing. The linked thread will also include my gas mileage reports where I'm averaging about 20-21mpg in 50/50 city & highway, and 25mpg in 90%+ highway driving...

Good luck! :)

-Chike

An important co nto note would be that the Legacy transmissions aren't beefed up like the SVX trannies are. There are fewer plates to the clutches, for example.

Given adequate cooling for both, I wouldn't expect the Legacy 4EAT to last as long in an SVX as the real thing.

True, but the shorter gearing means that less strain is put on the trans...

Also, you mentioned that the Legacy/Impreza trans have fewer plates than the SVX transmissions - there must be some kind of weight savings in that! :D

-Chike

I don't know that I buy that. It's at least not enough of a difference in gearing to make up for the lower number of plates in the clutches. :)

Actually, with the fewer plates they used a spacer but the weight differance is only grams.

Well, it was a nice thought while it lasted! ;) :p

-Chike (thinking where else to cut weight while keeping a full interior...)

The Turbo Legacys (91-94) had the same beefed up clutch packs as the SVX, and ran 3.90 gears, as did the Postal Legacys....if you're worried about the clutch issues, but I'm of the belief that the lower gearing (4.11/4.44) MORE than make up for the differance in putting less stress and heat on the tranny.

Lose some weight you FAT B@%+@rd :D





ps; Chike is 6ft something and 160lb :D That was a joke.

For me to lose anymore weight I'd need to start removing fingernails... :D

-Chike

I'd agree with you there Huck. One of the great benefits of parts bin sharing, will mean that the trans (with the exception of the few missing clutch plates) will be basically identical in materials and strength to the one used in the SVX.

I've had my 4.11 trans in my car for over 1.5K miles now and it's doing extremely well. No gear whine, no slipping gears, nothing... I've also done a little back road carving and two practice launches at 2500 rpms from a dead stop. She still shifts like a dream! :)

-Chike

I'm going to clip my fingernails, :D Maybe that will get me down to 215

Don't forget the toenails as well... ;) :D

-Chike

They are easy to forget when you can't see them. :rolleyes:

Don't forget to shave all body hair as well. Maybe chop off an ear (do we really need 2?). Sell a few internal organs... :D