Six speed SVX

[alex_umn]

From what I know, the six speed didn't exist until model year 2001 anywhere, so anyone that is trying to sell you a six speed from a 97 is mistaken. They might be thinking of a five speed STi tranny, which is known to have stronger gears, etc. These are a lot less money but are still based on pretty old designs.

The clutch and flywheel, etc. came with the package, so it's whatever comes stock on the STi. From what I've heard it is very strong and smooth as well; no more left-leg workout while driving I hope! We'll see I suppose.

The guy who sold it to me, who really knew his stuff, said the front diff ratio is 3.90:1, as are all six speed gearboxes in production since 9/2000 (not sure about US STi though).

[Subafreak]

To be exact.

1st 3.636
2nd 2.375
3rd 1.761
4th 1.346
5th 1.062
6th 0.842
Rev 3.545
Final 3.9
Speedo 20/25
Front LSD Suretrack
Center Diff Viscous
Rear diff type R 180 HG

If you wanted to know.

[alex_umn]

There is a ratio/speed spreadsheet is in my personal locker, too...I'm pretty sure this has the longer 5th and 6th gears, but I'll need to count turns tomorrow to make sure.

[Subafreak]

I see. The list I had matched, the numbers on the tranny. So it seems unless someone has already changed the gears in it that my list would be correct. However it may be a variation of that number, like a road going version as opposed to the rally STI version, but I guess well find out when you put it in. I hope it does have the taller ratios, that would be perfect in a higher power SVX.

[Pure_Insanity8]

I'd love to come over and meet you and check this out... the new kitchen paint that is. I want to do the manual swap so bad and now you are going for the 6 speed... if it all works out well all I can say is WOO HOO!

Wait a minute, I thought you said you weren't a beer guy!

What a coincidence, I was headed the other way on 94 at about 3:30 am on saturday in that snow storm.

PM me dude.

-Aaron

[lhopp77]

Do you have that 6 Spd installed yet???

[Pure_Insanity8]

Originally posted by lhopp77
Do you have that 6 Spd installed yet???

I'm thinkin' he needs more time... he barely just got the parts home for Christ's sake. Alex would rather have someone else put this one in, someone with more experience and a lift... as far as I understand from what he has told me. I can't wait to see the finished product (come on... please work flawlessly). I'm thinkin' give it at least a few weeks, and that is only if it stays on the "top priority" list.

[alex_umn]

Yeah, I am still waiting for a new R180 rear differential with 3.90 gears; I figured that if I'm going to go through the trouble and cost to have a six speed, I might as well have a rear diff that can take the power I might eventually throw at it. Hopefully this unit, which is from a WRX STi, will be compatible with the SVX rear axles. If not I'll have to put the 3.90 gears in one of my two old rear diffs. This would slow the process down even further, I fear.

At first I was a little confused about the electrical connections on the transmission itself, but in looking further last night it looks pretty simple. One cable didn't connect to anything on either end, so it was basically an extension to something behind the tranny, and I took that cable off. Then there was the speedometer, backup light swtich, and another connection that senses when it is in gear. I might move the cruise control sensor that was on the clutch pedal over to this last connection. Then, it would be possible to start the car without the clutch pressed in.

I did some measuring, and it looks like I might be able to do the swap myself in my garage, but it would not be pretty. The transmission on top of the tranny jack adapter makes a total height of 27 inches, and my truck jack stands are capable of lifting the car up to 28 inches off the ground, measured from the front suspension subframe. The big problem is that not only is my garange floor a mess right now, but it is also slightly uneven, so it would be hard to muscle around a 235 lb tranny in there.

[Phast SVX]

Originally posted by alex_umn
so it would be hard to muscle around a 235 lb tranny in there.

its that much heavier then the 5spd? Wow...i knew it was beefy but that is 4eat territory
phil

[alex_umn]

Or should I say "four stout men to turn the bellows"? Sorry, relapse into the land of Simpsons quotes.

Yes, it's heavy. Just ran across a pic of the 5MT and 6MT next to one another. Look at the first post on the page at http://www.i-club.com/forums/showthr...?threadid=4487

[lhopp77]

It is really hard to tell from the pics but it appears that the both patterns are different on the 5spd vs the 6spd. Please tell me this is not so and not a problem bolting to our engines.

Lee

SVXx4

[alex_umn]

There are definitely more holes for bolts on the STi tranny, but this is true for all Subaru gearboxes after the 99 model year. However, here's my logic:

1. Stock WRX tranny bolts to back of SVX engine.
2. WRX STi tranny bolts to back of stock WRX engine.
3. WRX STi tranny will bolt to back of SVX engine.

If I'm wrong, that will suck, but at least we'll know for sure then, and I'll definitely be able to sell this beas to someone out there.

[lhopp77]

Thanks. Needless to say many of us are watching with interest. This could be the match (3.3 eng/STI 6spd) that makes the SVX the best car around. Expensive but would say it was worh it.

Lee

SVXx4

[Earthworm]

Sounds like you may have some doubt there.

Maybe I should take that burden of a tranny off your back for you?

[jsvxstyle]

dude mybe i should. when i read this thread i smiled. well hope it all goes good, because soon you say it finished and it drives perfect, im in the whole for one .. good luck