newb question

[Bailey]

What improvements did Subaru make to the SVX after 1992? I remember reading on the forum that some initial flaws (something to do with transmission?) were corrected in later years, was wondering if these came after my 94?

[Speedklix]

they added an external filter which did help lower temps a little bit and increased the system capacity which therfor means the fluid breaks down at a slower rate. The same modification was available for the earlier models based on a recall i believe. It is generally a first step in owning an SVX to make sure there is an external filter, change it with the fluid regularly and add an external cooler while you're at it if the previous owner has not. They also offered a front wheel drive version in 94.

[Bailey]

thanks, I thought maybe the modification was added pre-94, I have no idea if I have external filter, will have to find out . you can tell I know next to nothing about cars... Slowly learning. With my SVX I wish I knew a lot more.

[crazyhorse]

My '96 doesn't have the external filter. It does however have a cooler.

[michael]

They also removed the filtration material from the transmission cooler in the radiator. It would get clogged and prevent the transmission from cooling properly.

[Nevin]

Simply switching from conventional tranny fluid to synthetic fluid is a large step in the right direction.

I have yet to put a cooler on mine, but one of the first things I did when I got the car was flush the transmission and replace the fluid with Amsoil synthetic automatic transmission fluid (ATF). I guess it's hard to tell damage form the outside, but so far so good. MY old fluid didn't look as bad as I thought it would, but getting the old gunk out and putting in fresh oil is always a good thing.

That said, I DO have a cooler in the garage waiting to be installed. I didn't really see the point of installing a cooler in the middle of the winter though.

[TomsSVX]

Subaru revamped the flow in the transmissions to the high clutch. Extra passages were opened up to allow more flow from the high clutch to allow it to operate at a cooler temperature and also keep more fluid flowing rather than allowing the hot fluid there to get even warmer.

Subaru also changed to manual belts in the front and added a passenger air bag to the dash.

Tom

[Bailey]

Tom, do you know when did they make the changes to the transmissions?

[TomsSVX]

the changes were supposed to be made starting in 94 but I have never seen anything conclusive along the lines of when they actually took place in the model year. All I can say for sure is that the factory reman transmissions that were used to replace the failed ones MUST have been of the new design with the modified case and oil pump gasket.

Tom

[svxcess]

This is the Subaru Technical Service Bulletin dated March, 1994, outlining the changes/modifications to the 4EAT transmission to improve reliability.

http://members.tripod.com/quick_svx/.../42749013.html

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