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'94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Hi,
I've read a lot of stuff on this forum regarding SVX tranny swaps, but most seems to deal with MT conversions, or FWD to AWD conversions. There are a lot of posts out there dealing with AWD transmission replacements, but not much on FWD swaps, so I have started this post to try and get some expert opinions on issues related to doing a FWD to FWD automatic tranny swap from a non-svx Subaru donor vehicle. Background on my situation: I've got a '94 FWD SVX with a blown automatic tranny. Getting the transmission rebuilt is very expensive, so I am looking to get a good used one. However, as you all know, the used FWD SVX tranny's are rare and go for a premium. I am not interested in doing a FWD to AWD conversion, nor am I interested in doing an AT to MT conversion. I just want to stick with a FWD 4EAT 4spd automatic. Here are some questions that would be very helpful to get addressed by you knowledgable folks:
Thanks for your opinions and thoughts! Philip |
#2
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
I will attempt to answer your questions;
1. yes,yes,yes 2. If you can find a 3.9 FWD go for it.I can't speak for how much of a difference you will see from 3.7 to 3.9 but I can't imagine its huge. 3. Not sure, I know early imprezas had FWD 4. No TCU change is needed, keep the FWD with FWD and you will be fine. 5. No it should be fine. there is a gear mechanism in the transmissions that give speed based on rotation. You do not need worry about that. Although I think higher ratio might put it off a slight bit (I am not 100% but nothing to be worried about). 6. Not that you can, but avoid Phase II 4EATs (not compatible nor come FWD) 7. Not sure of any in the US anyways. I believe the loyales and etc were all 4wd that came turbo. 8.No, you can pull the old stubs if needed and put them in the new trans. IIRC they should all be male and correct spline count. 9. No should all plug and play 10. No but you should change it when you put it in to be sure. 11. All the shift kits do is raise the pressure, I don't think anyone has confirmed that it helps in the long run. 12. Front drivers side wheel well (in front of the tire). If you live in a climate that gets cold you might run into problems with the tempature not reaching the correct operating temp. If so you will have the TC unlock at highway speeds if I recall correctly. I lived in central NC and had a cooler on my FWD. I don't recall running into this problem but it wasn't usually below freezing. 13. You can do either but if you do it here the search will pick up on everything you asked and hopefully provide some feedback from you.
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1994 SVX L - FWD Barcelona Red 190K miles ~ SOLD 1994 SVX LS - 5spd AWD Emerald Green 202k miles PWR Radiator, HID 5000k, New paint job with issues, 17" STI BBS wheels, converted to 5spd AWD from FWD. Purchased from SVXyGirl 2/20/09 -- Undergoing complete rebuild 1993 Justy 4wd 5door- Teal of sorts , beater. 2008 OBXT Newport Pearl 65k miles |
#3
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
I just saw you are from Milwaukie about 35 mins from me. If you have questions, need help etc feel free to reach out. Pulling the FWD trans is easy to an extent.
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1994 SVX L - FWD Barcelona Red 190K miles ~ SOLD 1994 SVX LS - 5spd AWD Emerald Green 202k miles PWR Radiator, HID 5000k, New paint job with issues, 17" STI BBS wheels, converted to 5spd AWD from FWD. Purchased from SVXyGirl 2/20/09 -- Undergoing complete rebuild 1993 Justy 4wd 5door- Teal of sorts , beater. 2008 OBXT Newport Pearl 65k miles |
#4
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
It will have to be a FWD 4EAT out of either a Legacy, or an Impreza, the Loyal, and XT's used a different bell housing and won't bolt up to the EG33.
The Speedo will be off depending on the difference in the circumference of the SVX's wheels compared to the donor cars tires....some early Impreza had 13" tires... I think there were a few FWD Turbo Legacys, which should have the extra clutch packs, and "Should" be a better transmission...but were probably abused more too....
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Huck Subaru Ambassador 92 SVX LS-Tour Magnaflow Exhaust, 5-Spd-AWD 88 XT6 AWD 5-Speed "Bride of FrankenWedge" 15 Impreza Premium Sedan 15 Crosstrek XV 5-Speed My 5-Speed "How-To" Write-up 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula Current Count of Subaru's Owned.... "70" |
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Quote:
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#6
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Ok I'm going to ask a very stupid question.
Here goes... What if you used a 4wd tranny and not hooked up the rear wheels? I suspect it will throw codes. But would it work at all ? Just inquisitive.
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When I was in school I sucked in sports. Then I found out I can buy trophies and now I am great at everything. |
#7
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
It will work, and you can just use the rear housing off the original FWD (After removing the rear Transfer unit)
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Huck Subaru Ambassador 92 SVX LS-Tour Magnaflow Exhaust, 5-Spd-AWD 88 XT6 AWD 5-Speed "Bride of FrankenWedge" 15 Impreza Premium Sedan 15 Crosstrek XV 5-Speed My 5-Speed "How-To" Write-up 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula Current Count of Subaru's Owned.... "70" |
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Quote:
or I suspose you could get any gear ratioed trans you wanted but still weaker because they are designed for both front and rear drive? Last edited by 92 SVX; 09-04-2014 at 07:40 PM. |
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
OK, I waited.
Swapping a FWD Subaru transmission is a very easy swap! No driveshaft, no rear end. Just get the lowest mileage or rebuilt FWD Subaru transmission that you can find from a 1990-1995 subaru and be done with it! IF you use a 4.44 with a FWD tailshaft all you will do is spin the tires! The Legacy and the Impreza almost weighed the same, but I suppose that the Legacy driver had a lighter foot. You can get a FWD Subaru trans for about $250 and up, good luck to you Sir.
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www.svxfiles.com The first SuperCharged SVX, the first 4.44 gears, the first equal length headers, the first phenolic spacers, the first Class Glass fiberglass hood, the first with 4, 4.44s in his driveway Fiberglass Hood thread My locker 4.44 Swap link |
#10
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Looking for those 30 / 35 year old tran. can't be too easy to find.
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When I was in school I sucked in sports. Then I found out I can buy trophies and now I am great at everything. |
#11
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Where did you go to school?
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#12
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Fwd and Awd transmissions are identical save for the rear housing and few parts inside.
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#13
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
Plus with FWD you would spin tires before burning up the clutches....
__________________
Huck Subaru Ambassador 92 SVX LS-Tour Magnaflow Exhaust, 5-Spd-AWD 88 XT6 AWD 5-Speed "Bride of FrankenWedge" 15 Impreza Premium Sedan 15 Crosstrek XV 5-Speed My 5-Speed "How-To" Write-up 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula Current Count of Subaru's Owned.... "70" |
#14
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
I was under the impression front diff would blow, not the trans.
something about the gear width or something? |
#15
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Re: '94 FWD transmission non conversion swap questions
It's all the same gears. Only difference is tooth counts on the differential. Everything else is 100% identical through the transmission with only having a set of sun gears with no transfer basket to house the clutches in the rear.
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Tags |
fwd, fwd to fwd swap, non-svx donor at |
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