Howdy everyone,
I just took possession of a 92 Silver SVX and I'm looking forward to the pleasure of owning it for a while. I have already replaced a wheel bearing, front seals and timing belt and now need to deal with the transmission. It seems to have no third gear, at least will not engage until the RPM's get real high. Fourth tries to work but unsuccessfully. I suspect the high clutches and or the pump, filter or clogged passages. If there turns out to be no simple cheap fix, I will do the five speed conversion.
I came into the Subaru fold from a perhaps unusual path. I first discovered the SVX engine and was impressed beyond words. I had been on a quest for power for my Vanagon and I knew I had found the end of the rainbow. The engine has surpassed all my expectations, and we now have two more Vanagon VX's on the road. After three of these conversions I am pretty much familiar with all the engine electrical (It takes 10-15 hours to convert the wiring harness) so I may be able to answer questions about the ECU and it's responses to having the transmission absent, since we retain the Vanagon transmission.
If I end up doing a five speed, I should be able to offer the service in the Northwest. I have already lined up a 2000 RS trans and limited slip differential along with the other goodies.
Check out my business web site http://www.smallcar.com/vx.htm
or stop by for a ride in a very fast Vanagon. It's geared very low so probably would beat my SVX until about 90 MPH or so.

Brian Steel
http://www.smallcar.com