Manual trans conversion question

[DadsSVX]

Greetings!
In addition to my quest for a good running engine, a very serious consideration for Paul's SVX is converting to a 6MT. I've read the various threads on the subject, so I have a fair idea of what to expect, but who would be a good source for one, and all the bits needed, and what would I pay for what's needed approximately?
Any advice, links, etc would really be appreciated!
Best regards,
Ross

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by DadsSVX

Greetings!
In addition to my quest for a good running engine, a very serious consideration for Paul's SVX is converting to a 6MT. I've read the various threads on the subject, so I have a fair idea of what to expect, but who would be a good source for one, and all the bits needed, and what would I pay for what's needed approximately?
Any advice, links, etc would really be appreciated!
Best regards,
Ross

Expect to pay at least $2,500.00-$3,000.00 more for a six speed over the cost of a five speed.

[Conn SVX]

So then $5,000 to $6,500 to covert but the smile on your face will be priceless. Trust me.

[DadsSVX]

Thanks for the replies so far!
The time is nigh to start formulating a budget. I can't end up blowing five figures on this car, and I know from past experience it's frighteningly easy to do just that!
I'm figuring an '05 trans would be the best? I don't want an active center diff or anything.

[dragoontwo]

It all depends an the gear ratio that you would like for the trans.

[svxfiles]

Ross,
will you be running a stock or modified engine?
Tom

[stiguy]

For the conversion I say just do a five speed... I picked mine up for $300 u can find them cheep. And I made a custom x member cost me like $20 in metal and welded it up. I went with a stage2 racing clutch and 10lbs flywheel
and a set of wrx pedals and clutch slave so heres my price brake down

03 wrx 5mt $300
Clutch with 10lbs flywheel $450
Wrx pedals $70
Wrx slave and master cylnder $40
X member $20
Lengthen drive line 2" 1/4 $200
Wrx starter $40
Blood, sweat, anger putting it together... Priceless lol
So total $1010

Most of it I got on C.L

It was pretty simple to do once u get into it... Plus u dont have to worry about the tranny going out on u

[DadsSVX]

Thanks again guys for the input. A 5MT is certainly a consideration, but I love the idea of a 6-spd, plus the ratio spread I believe would suit the engine very well. Tom, I'd plan on it being stock for now, engine-wise, with a nice exhaust. But I have to look very seriously at what I'd be getting myself into. I don't want a money pit on my hands! Besides, it looks like the better half may be losing her job on Monday, so if that really happens, all bets are off. Found out last night.
Anyway, here's what I've found so far: JDM spec used engine, 78k miles, with warranty, $2,500. JDM spec '05 6MT + clutch stuff, pedal box, rear diff, $3,000. That's vanishingly close to my budget, never mind the brakes are shot, the car needs a new radiator, it needs a paint job, and the axles have to be replaced, along with the center support bearing. Interior needs a lot of work too.
So does my love and passion for the SVX extend so far past the car's resale value? I'll have to think long and hard about that.

[LetItSnow]

If you're not going to do some very substantial power bumping to the engine, I'd say that the six speed is just more mass and more shifting that you don't need.

The gearing between my 5-speed and six speed had nothing to do with the top gear - 75mph was ~3400RPM in 5th in the 5-speed and 6th in the 6-speed. Make no mistake, the sixth gear is not just a long legged one past fifth! In the 6-speed, second gear was lower than that in the 5-speed, which is bad in two ways - it gives you an extra shift as you move through the gears (I skipped it a lot!), and it has a lower top speed in second - detrimental in autocross.

Being me? Unless you neeeeeeed a bulletproof box or you have loot to burn and like bling, you're probably better off with a 5-speed.

Is the "JDM Spec" engine really worth $2500? I got a warrantied stateside engine for $750.

[Conn SVX]

Caution I have heard a lot of horror stories about the JDM motors. Seems they all have 78,00miles but not really. I think Let it snow is on the right page. 6 speed looks nice , would I like to have on probably , but I am very happy with the 5 speed.

[icingdeath88]

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

If you're not going to do some very substantial power bumping to the engine, I'd say that the six speed is just more mass and more shifting that you don't need.

The gearing between my 5-speed and six speed had nothing to do with the top gear - 75mph was ~3400RPM in 5th in the 5-speed and 6th in the 6-speed. Make no mistake, the sixth gear is not just a long legged one past fifth! In the 6-speed, second gear was lower than that in the 5-speed, which is bad in two ways - it gives you an extra shift as you move through the gears (I skipped it a lot!), and it has a lower top speed in second - detrimental in autocross.

Being me? Unless you neeeeeeed a bulletproof box or you have loot to burn and like bling, you're probably better off with a 5-speed.

Is the "JDM Spec" engine really worth $2500? I got a warrantied stateside engine for $750.

This guy is right about the 5 speed vs 6 speed thing.

Also, as far as which 6-speed is right for the SVX, I think the 06 USDM one is the best match.

For a 5-speed, a later 04 or 05 WRX 5-speed is the better bet.

Let me put it this way: I have a 6-speed in my blue car, and I love it. But when the trans starts to go in my black one, I'll be shopping for a 5-speed, and not even a WRX one. The two cars have different purposes, and that has to be taken under consideration.

[dragoontwo]

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

This guy is right about the 5 speed vs 6 speed thing.

Also, as far as which 6-speed is right for the SVX, I think the 06 USDM one is the best match.

For a 5-speed, a later 04 or 05 WRX 5-speed is the better bet.

Let me put it this way: I have a 6-speed in my blue car, and I love it. But when the trans starts to go in my black one, I'll be shopping for a 5-speed, and not even a WRX one. The two cars have different purposes, and that has to be taken under consideration.

Having the aforementioned 06 6 speed, I think that the 07 has a better gear spread. If you are also adventurous enough, tha 5-6 gear cluster can be replaced to give a better cruising ratio. 65-80 between 2500-3000 rpms

[DadsSVX]

Thanks again so much for the great replies everybody!
After some serious discussion about the car, the budget for it, and the time we'd be able to devote to it, we can't swing it. I'll be posting a classified for it here on this forum. We want you guys to have first shot at it. It's time for it to move on to a new home.

[icingdeath88]

That is really sad to hear. You seemed excited about it.

[DadsSVX]

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

That is really sad to hear. You seemed excited about it.

Thanks. Yeah, I really wish that it could stay in the family, but after the numbers-crunching process, we just can't do it. The better half is still in school, I'm going back in the fall, and money's so tight since she'll be out of work for the time being. My hand is too weak, and I have to fold at this game.
Maybe down the road an SVX will find it's way back to the family. I would seriously love that!