VTD Auto vs 5 speed swap - effect on handling?

spleen_merchant · #1 12-11-2011, 07:55 PM

Still tossing up whether to go for a manual swap. The main thing putting me off is the change from the stock 30:70 f/r torque split on the audm svx to the 50:50 split viscous diff of a wrx transmission.
Has anyone here experienced both and able to comment on how big a difference it makes to the SVX's handling?
I know the other option is to go with a dccd sti box, but they generally cost thousands more and have really short final ratios...

Conn SVX · #2 12-11-2011, 08:19 PM

I drove a 1992 SVX for 15 years. I also drove a 1991 Subaru Turbo Sport Sedan 5 speed at the same time for 12 years . The STSS had the same 50/50...
I am not an aggressive driver. Under normal driving conditions in all weather I have never noticed a huge difference. I am now driving a 1994 SVX with a 2005 WRX 5 speed.. I have only had one occasion to operate in the snow it felt normal to me.

icingdeath88 · #3 12-11-2011, 08:32 PM

Conn, he's asking about a VTD type of trans vs a 5-speed. You had a US ACT-4 type. So what he's got is about 70% rear biased, while what you had was very (90%ish) front biased. Very different animal.

FWIW, I have never driven a rear-biased SVX, but my 6-speed is 50:50 and it handles very well. I don't think you'll notice it as much as you think unless you're really looking for it.

92 SVX · #4 12-11-2011, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icingdeath88

Conn, he's asking about a VTD type of trans vs a 5-speed. You had a US ACT-4 type. So what he's got is about 70% rear biased, while what you had was very (90%ish) front biased. Very different animal.

FWIW, I have never driven a rear-biased SVX, but my 6-speed is 50:50 and it handles very well. I don't think you'll notice it as much as you think unless you're really looking for it.

Are you sure that 6spd is 50/50 I was under the impression the 6spd is 36/64 while the 5spds are 50/50

icingdeath88 · #5 12-11-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 92 SVX

Are you sure that 6spd is 50/50 I was under the impression the 6spd is 36/64 while the 5spds are 50/50

The DCCD 6-speeds are varying degrees of rear biased (look here), and the non-DCCD ones are 50:50. AFAIK the center diff is the same design as the 5-speeds actually, just beefier I think.

jetboy · #6 12-15-2011, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spleen_merchant

I know the other option is to go with a dccd sti box, but they generally cost thousands more and have really short final ratios...

How does the DCCD system interface wih the SVX? Simply a connection to the ECU?

dragoontwo · #7 12-15-2011, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetboy

How does the DCCD system interface wih the SVX? Simply a connection to the ECU?

No. You need to purchase an aftermarket controller for the DCCD to work. There are a few different ones but I believe that the DCCDpro is the most popular route.

XT6Wagon · #8 12-16-2011, 08:59 PM

6spd manuals torque split depends on the year for the STi. Not sure on the non-STi 6spds.

The 04-05 USDM is 34/66 rated (dyno showed about 20/80 split though till the center diff started locking)
06+ Is 44/56 IIRC.

icingdeath88 · #9 12-19-2011, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XT6Wagon

6spd manuals torque split depends on the year for the STi. Not sure on the non-STi 6spds.

The 04-05 USDM is 34/66 rated (dyno showed about 20/80 split though till the center diff started locking)
06+ Is 44/56 IIRC.

Read my post from above...

There are DCCD and non-DCCD STi 6-speeds bro.