The Ultimate SVX Transmission Swap Thread

[Coan]

I wanted to start a thread that can easily be referred to for any info related to SVX transmission swaps. I’d like to gather as much info as possible about all of the popular options all into one easy to find thread. I think this would be very convenient, especially since the search function won’t allow you to use things like 4.44 or 4.11 as search terms.

If anyone finds anything that is incorrect, or has any info to add to this, please post here and I will try to keep on top of updating the first post of this thread. I want this to be as accurate as possible.

If this turns out well, perhaps a mod could make it a sticky?

Automatics:

4.44 trans swap

Pros: Geared more for acceleration than the SVX 3.54 trans. Stronger gears, doesn’t have the typical failures that the stock transmission has. Better availability than the stock SVX trans and a relatively inexpensive upgrade.

Cons: Freeway cruising will be at a slightly higher RPM due to the steeper gear ratios.

Where to find it: These came in 2.5L legacy outbacks from 96-98. The part number needs to start with TZ102Z2... the last 3 letters only refer to the year and model of car, outback, LSi, or GT. all 3 will work, as long as the part number is as stated above.
If the trans number ends with:
....BA it comes from an outback.
....CA is a GT, and
....AA is a LSi.
All 3 will work.

Taken from: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=49026

4.44, 4EAT Transmission Numbers

How to info: How to instructions by svxfiles

Additional Info


4.11 trans swap

Pros: Geared more for acceleration than the stock 3.54 trans, but less than the 4.44. Kind of the middle road for auto trans gear ratios.

Cons: A number of these swaps are failing just like the factory trans, so it may not be much of an improvement over stock in regards to reliability. Freeway cruising will be at a slightly higher RPM than stock due to the steeper gear ratios.

Where to find it: These can be found in 1990-1994 Legacy's, although, some 1992-1994 have 3.90.

How to info: How to instructions by svxfiles


3.90 trans swap

Pros: Geared more for acceleration than the stock 3.54 trans, but less than both the 4.11 and 4.44.

Cons: Freeway cruising will be at a slightly higher RPM than stock due to the steeper gear ratios.

Where to find it: These can be found in some 1992-1994 Legacy's.

How to info: How to instructions by svxfiles


Overview of automatic transmissions:

The below was taken from: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/show...8&postcount=22

Stock: Builds up too much heat which leads to failure of the high clutch packs. A properly rebuilt stock trans with external filter and cooler should last as long as any 4.44 (or longer). 1995+ SVX transmissions are less prone to failure as long as they have the cooler and external filter. They don't have the internal screen that the 1992-1994ish have.

4.11: Were not built to handle the heavy SVX. They have less clutch packs, so they fail prematurely. The difference in final gearing does not make up for their lack of clutch packs.

4.44: Were built for towing, they have less clutch packs than a stock tranny but the final gearing gives them more leverage and so they generate far less heat.


Manuals:

5MT swap

Pros: Manual transmission. Lower maintenance/more reliable than the autos once installed. Better acceleration than factory SVX auto trans. Cheaper than the STI 6MT. Aftermarket (stronger) gearsets available for the WRX versions.

Cons: Not a direct bolt-in, requires custom parts (crossmember etc.), is more difficult to install, and is more expensive than the autos. Cannot handle high power levels as well as the STI 6MT, but is sufficient enough for most SVXs.

Where to find it: Most Impreza and Legacy transmissions will work and also Impreza WRX transmissions will work. Part way through the 2003 model year the WRX 5MT was revised with a few changes, which supposedly makes them stronger than the earlier version (MY02 through the first half of MY03). There were also a few more changes in later model years that I do not know the details of.

How to info:
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54258



STI 6MT swap

Pros: Manual transmission. Lower maintenance/more reliable than the autos once installed. Better acceleration than factory SVX auto trans. Been proven to handle very high levels of power in stock form. Aftermarket (stronger) gearsets available. Also has the ability to use the Driver Controlled Center Differential if desired.

Cons: Not a direct bolt-in, requires custom parts (crossmember etc.), and is more difficult to install. Very expensive in comparison to the other swaps. Average prices are around $4500 for the drivetrain alone, not to mention the additional parts needed to make it work in an SVX.

Where to find it: MY04+ Impreza WRX STIs.

How to info:
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=54258 (This is for an older Impreza 5MT but is related to the 6MT)


Driveshaft information:

96-99 legacy outback 5 speed driveshafts are the correct length for 5MT swaps. Stock SVX driveshafts work for 6MT swaps.


And lastly, don't forget the additional things to do while the trans is out!
http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38224


-Jon

[Manarius]

Legacy Outbacks existed only from 95-98 (I guess we're talking pre-8 bolt pattern here?) and all 95 Outbacks had the 2.2 some manual equipped Outbacks had the 2.2 (1996 only). I also don't know if the 1995 or 1996 Outback had the 4.44 (my guess, seeing as the 1995 was a rare trim level, that it would not). You would want to check the rear diff or check the transmission number to see if it matched.

4.11 auto transmissions can be found in 1990-1994 Legacy's (although, some 1992-1994 have 3.9, which is mysteriously missing from this list).

Stock SVX transmissions 1995+ need not be rebuilt as long as they have the cooler and external filter. They don't have the internal screen that the 1992-1994ish have. As long as you don't drive like a race car driver, it's fine.

[NikFu S.]

A compilation of driveshaft lengths would be helpful to some (me).

[subeman90]

96-99 legacy outback 5 speed driveshaft = correct length for SVX with 5 speed conversion. I'm told it will not work with 6 speed conversion.

[Gamesy]

Originally Posted by subeman90

96-99 legacy outback 5 speed driveshaft = correct length for SVX with 5 speed conversion. I'm told it will not work with 6 speed conversion.

there's a 2" difference
stock SVX driveshaft will work for 6spd

[NikFu S.]

96-99 Legacy Outback 5 speed driveshafts are not always available.

I thought this was what I have on my car (97), but it had to be shortened 2 inches and still was a tight fit (bad, I know). Should have went 2.25''.

[Coan]

Originally Posted by Manarius

Legacy Outbacks existed only from 95-98 (I guess we're talking pre-8 bolt pattern here?) and all 95 Outbacks had the 2.2 some manual equipped Outbacks had the 2.2 (1996 only). I also don't know if the 1995 or 1996 Outback had the 4.44 (my guess, seeing as the 1995 was a rare trim level, that it would not). You would want to check the rear diff or check the transmission number to see if it matched.

Ok I've updated the 4.44 section to just say 96-98 as that seems to be the most likely years to find them.

Originally Posted by Manarius

4.11 auto transmissions can be found in 1990-1994 Legacy's (although, some 1992-1994 have 3.9, which is mysteriously missing from this list).

I also updated where to find the 4.11, and added a section for the 3.90. I have not seen very much info at all for the 3.90. Is the same true for the 3.90 about the failures that the 4.11's have had?

I've also added a small driveshaft section. For all of the auto swaps, the stock SVX driveshaft is used, is this correct?

Thanks for the input guys! If anyone else sees anything incorrect or any other common swaps that should be added, let me know.

[NikFu S.]

Originally Posted by NikFu S.

A compilation of driveshaft lengths would be helpful to some (me).

Guess I'll start.

2002 WRX, auto, non-component
57.5'' total length
24.25'' from cup to center of bearing
33.25'' from flange to center of bearing

I only took rough measurements of the stock SVX shaft since it was cold and I was straddling a lawnmower.
61''
25.5''
35.5''
---
http://www.ncdls.net/
---
85 Brat, 4wd, AT
51.75''

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by NikFu S.

Guess I'll start.

2002 WRX, auto, non-component
57.5'' total length
24.25'' from cup to center of bearing
33.25'' from flange to center of bearing

I only took rough measurements of the stock SVX shaft since it was cold and I was straddling a lawnmower.
61''
25.5''
35.5''

If I remember, and can get the snow/ice off the trunk to get into my silver, I can measure the 5mt driveshaft from a 95-99 legacy/outback etc.

[NikFu S.]

I'm asking some Ebay parts sellers to measure their 05-09 Legacy AT shafts to hopefully get an answer for this thread.

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by NikFu S.

I'm asking some Ebay parts sellers to measure their 05-09 Legacy AT shafts to hopefully get an answer for this thread.

ahh, gotcha... nvm on the legacy as it has been done... I had figured it had been but just thought I'd offer anyway... oh well.

Edit:nvm, I'll still get it although the difference to the SVX is pretty much what it says for the difference in wheel base I believe...

[NikFu S.]

I dunno about that. When I had them side-by-side the difference in length was closer to 2 inches.
--
edit: Looked through my 5mt swap thread, seems I only took off one inch, but it was still too long by 1/4 to 1/2 an inch.
--
Emailed a local parts yard asking them to measure a 2009 "(assm), 2.5L (4 Cyl), exc Outback; AT, 4 Spd,AUTO"

[NikFu S.]

One response back with measurements for an 05 Legacy AT shaft.

61'' (-1 OR -2)
31'' front (+3.5 or +4.5)
31.5" rear (-4)

Not sure where the other 1.5'' went in the total length but the center bearing is off 3 or 4 inches.

If I were to pop off the rear from my OB shaft...

66.5'' (+3.5)
31'' (+3.5)
35.5'' (0)

..or thereabouts.

[NikFu S.]

Ok I just got back from the scrap yard and measured an 05 Legacy AT shaft myself (sort of), and here's what I got (rounded to 1/4).

SVX ---- Leg
61.25'' -- 63'' (end to end)
26'' ----- 27'' (center of bearing to yoke tip)
35.5'' --- 36'' (flange to center of bearing)

That's pretty damn close to being exactly what we need. Rear flange, center bearing, front yoke, all look very Subaru-typical. It is however not a two-piece shaft.

I may get out there in a moment to get more accurate measurements for the SVX shaft. (Done)

Nate, where you at man? Gonna make me get under my car?

[NikFu S.]

Ok again, this time I went back and really did measure these myself (actually it was like 2 weeks ago) with my own tape, and my own eyes and hands.

Manual trans Legacy, 05-09 series
34 3/8'' rear to center of bolt holes on the carrier
22 3/4'' bolt holes to the base (welds) of the yoke (I'm making the assumption the tip of the yoke from the welds is a known length. All the yokes, bearings, and flanges appear to be consistent year to year)

Auto trans Outback, 05-09 series
36 1/2'' rear to bolts
23'' bolts to welds

Stock shaft:
35 3/4''
21 3/8''
57 1/8'' length rear to weld (+4 for yoke)

I did the best I could and measured the OB shaft on my car installed and came to about a 60'' length from the rear diff to the forward shaft welds.