Which is cheaper, more cost effective?
 

I keep waffling on whether the 4.44 is the way to go, or stick with stock. I would be doing all mods necessary to avoid the transmission failure as was the demise of my previous transmission, well to be honest I don't really know what did it, but thats what I'm assuming after taking it to a shop. Anyways, the question here is which is honestly a better financial choice in the long run. I would do a 5 speed, but thats more money yet.

Cost wise could vary either way for stock or 4.44. It really depends on what you want the car to be?

If most of your driving is around town and you like smashing on the pedal at traffic lights, go 4.44.

If you spend time on the highway and open roads, then stick with the stock ratio.

If someone could make up a 4.44 with a slightly taller 3rd and 4th gear that would be my personal choice.

how strong is/can this transmission be?

I would like that also :)
A faster 1st, 2nd and 3rd and the same in forth. I think the mpg would be better. The TCwould be more efficent with a light throttle. However I will be keeping mine the way it is until I have to get something else.

Take care of that SVX,

John

Ok, well I do like the acceleration, but I would assume that like a 4.44 would be cheaper with it being a more abundant transmission. I say this only out of the obvious fact that way more foresters and legacy's were produced. In trouble, like changing everything necessary to do the swap, does it require like a lot of know how, or is it more or less a straight swap. I've asked multiple questions surrounding this, but always seem to come out with some really abstract responses. So either no body wants to say its a pain, or most of the people who've responded to me about it don't really know themselves lol.

4.44 swap is pretty simple. The transmission is a direct fit..the rears, you need to take apart and swap the 4.44 ring gear onto the svx lsd, then drp the whole thing into the 4.44 case.

if its your first time working on a suby, and you have limited tools and are working in your driveway, this will take a solid weekend. If youve done it a few times, and you have access to a lift and a helping hand, itll take 3.5 hours:D