SVX Manual Conversion help in Texas?

[Geoff]

I'm trying to find a shop that can do a 5-speed manual conversion on an SVX - I've got a 4.44 conversion and am thinking of doing a Forester XT 5-speed swap into it, but I can't find a decent shop in Texas that can handle doing the work. Does anyone have any experience on having any shops in Texas/Louisiana do it?

[Gamesy]

wow rly? its actually not that hard of a swap, maybe changing the rear diff by fitting the lsd in it but its not rocket science, i'm sure any mechanic would be qualified...

[Geoff]

You'd be surprised. I know the guys at the local dealerships, and they won't want to take it on. I've already got a 4.44 rear diff - Just need the tranny, clutch, crossmember, and all of that done...but no luck.

[svxfiles]

Check with cozykat.
Her BF, Matt is a good Subaru mechanic.

[Geoff]

I met both of them at a Gillman Subaru meet recently. Didn't look like either of her cars had manual conversions done though.

[svxfiles]

Originally Posted by Geoff

I met both of them at a Gillman Subaru meet recently. Didn't look like either of her cars had manual conversions done though.

That does not mean that they can't do the job.
Only one of our 10 or so SVXi has a 5 speed, and I did not install it either.

[yota-toy]

Originally Posted by Geoff

You'd be surprised. I know the guys at the local dealerships, and they won't want to take it on. I've already got a 4.44 rear diff - Just need the tranny, clutch, crossmember, and all of that done...but no luck.

There is liability with custom work like this so dealerships won't touch it. Find a speed shop or one that specializes in custom fab. like an off road truck place.
Did you do the 4.44 conversion? If so you can probably handle the swap. oh, and make sure you have the pedal assembly from the donor car!!
If you were in NH I'd do it for yah!! I got all of my info from a gent on craigslist selling left over subaru parts from one of several of his swaps. Great info, helpful guy and I've still never met him. Good Luck on your search

[YourConfused]

Originally Posted by Geoff

I'm trying to find a shop that can do a 5-speed manual conversion on an SVX - I've got a 4.44 conversion and am thinking of doing a Forester XT 5-speed swap into it, but I can't find a decent shop in Texas that can handle doing the work. Does anyone have any experience on having any shops in Texas/Louisiana do it?

I happened to be with Marissa when you called her on Sat. and She is trying to talk me into helping you out. I'm in Austin, but rather busy, so how soon did you want to get this done?

[Geoff]

I never called Marissa - She must've seen my thread (thanks!) - I wouldn't be looking to do this until February or thereabouts. I'd need to see what was involved, and find the right hydraulic clutch assembly and all that to make sure it's done right, as well as price it out.

Originally Posted by YourConfused

I happened to be with Marissa when you called her on Sat. and She is trying to talk me into helping you out. I'm in Austin, but rather busy, so how soon did you want to get this done?

[svxfiles]

I called Marissa.
You must be confused!

[YourConfused]

Originally Posted by svxfiles

I called Marissa.
You must be confused!

You got me, yet again. LOL

[YourConfused]

Originally Posted by Geoff

I never called Marissa - She must've seen my thread (thanks!) - I wouldn't be looking to do this until February or thereabouts. I'd need to see what was involved, and find the right hydraulic clutch assembly and all that to make sure it's done right, as well as price it out.

Sounds good. You have PM w/ contact details since I don't log on here (or anywhere) much and my PM box is always almost 1 message away from being full.

[Geoff]

Still looking...except now I've got a complete 2005 Legacy GT in the garage that the tranny/pedals/clutch/etc. can come off of. Also have a 1999 Outback driveshaft and 4.11 rear diff on the way.