SVX tranny
 

My phase 1 4eat has busted its R&P, I need a "new" transmission. There are locally several 4eat trans removed from mid 2000 WRXs, replaced with 5 spd.
Question. Other than funny final drive ratios, is there any difference between an WRX 4eat, and say, an Outback, Legacy, or whatnot, 4eat? Is the WRX unit "beefed" in any way?

Yes I do know that I propose to replace a phase 1 OBD1 trans with a phase 2 OBD2 trans...

Re: SVX tranny
 

It could theoretically be done but it is far more trouble and expense than it is worth. If you are going to put that much into it, just do a manual swap. What you need is a 4:44 tranny from a '96 to '99 Outback etc. Grab the diff. too.

Re: SVX tranny
 

Matter of fact, I reckon that the 4.44 gearing in this car would be a mistake, SVX is not a drag racer. The 3.54 ratio is about right for a car of this size, weight and HP. I'd go for a 3.90, maybe a 4.11, but 4.44 is just too much, IMHO. I do wish there was some way to change the 4eat gearing...

Anybody know if the pinion shaft is the same on phase 1 and phase 2 4eat?

Any way, more into repairing what I've got, than major mods.

Re: SVX tranny
 

4:44 is the tranny of choice by most that have done a swap.
People have had problems with the 3.90 and 4.11 not being beefy enough and breaking.

Re: SVX tranny
 

Ah. Didn't know about that. Is also true in WRX 5-spd?

Re: SVX tranny
 

if you manual swap the svx and use the 02 wrx 5 speed (it is known as the glass transmission I hear) it can break it, but if you don't drive hard it holds up or if it was rebuilt and ideally uses Moore Blast plates.

The 03 and 04 are better but since the 5 speeds are split case there is potential for trouble but unlikley in stock power svx.

So to answer your question if your hard on the car you can break almost any trans, but if your not that hard most will work

Re: SVX tranny
 

OK, how about phase 2 4eat ('99 to somewhere). I'm told that the box will bolt to the engine, but possible problem with the trans filter interfering with something (cross-member?).

Re: SVX tranny
 

OK, not a cross-member, maybe the exhaust?

Re: SVX tranny
 

Definitely avoid the 02 WRX 5 speed.. It was the first year of the dual cone synchros, and let's just say it wasn't ready for prime time. I should know, I bought mine brand new. Replaced the trans 3 times under warranty, and the clutch twice, for uncontrollable shuddering. The shuddering was "fixed" by Subaru going to a 3 pin flywheel, and changing the composition of the clutch material.

It's a horrible transmission, and, IMHO, be avoided.

Re: SVX tranny
 

In the svx, or any phase 1 trans car phase 2 isn't a viable option, sure it physically bolts up but the electronics to control it are just not available

Young Tom spent hundreds of hours wiring one up if you have the skill to do it I would say go for it but not many would.