SVX trani

#1 01-08-2006, 02:25 PM

Ok folks I am new to fourm looking to buy a SVX AWD; how afraid do I need to be of the auto tranni going bad?? I am a certified mechanic, I was running a euor car tuning business so I can do work myself. I am looking at apurchasing an SVX but on a limited budget a trani going out would be a major problem for me!!

Any reputable PNW shops that can swap in a 5 or 6 speed into the SVX at a reasonable price?

Any suggestions, comments.

Baccura
Portland, Oregon

SilverSpear · #2 01-08-2006, 02:30 PM

If you are a certified mechanic why are you afraid then?

you can fix it in no time. Now you have many options, either you can go Impreza/Legacy 4EAT, 5MT, 6MT (Sti tranny)..... if you get a 92 or 93 SVX just install a tranny cooler with filter and you are in the game for around +100 000 miles... and if you stumble accross a 94 and up you have no issues with trannies, but still insert a tranny radiator just to be on the safe side. Welcome to the forum and don't be afraid to be an SVX'er, those cars never get older, rather become more mature

#3 01-08-2006, 02:37 PM

Thanks I am a Caertified Renault mechanic and tuner never worked on a Subaru before but have plenty of racing buddies running them and tuning them. I don't supose it could ba as hard as the Suzuki Aerio AWD Automatic to 5 speed swap I did a couple years ago for the SEMA show. That required all new harnesses and and ECU's big pain in the *#@.

So the later cars don't have trani issues?????

Baccura
Portland, Oregon USA

SilverSpear · #4 01-08-2006, 02:45 PM

Mainly, not. But if you would like to know more about 5mt, 4eat and 6mt conversions, you can just use the search button (the one below the welcome, baccura and private messages thing on the upper right) there are at least 100000000000000000000 threads about it

, just "self service"

Ricochet · #5 01-08-2006, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baccura

Thanks I am a Caertified Renault mechanic and tuner never worked on a Subaru before but have plenty of racing buddies running them and tuning them.

svx's or other subarus?

#6 01-08-2006, 03:31 PM

my buddies are running impreza's mostly we race in NHCA hill climbs and SCCA Solo events.

ensteele · #7 01-08-2006, 04:08 PM

Welcome to the site. These transmissions are fine if you don't abuse them. The first thing I would do is put in a transmission cooler and a filter if there is not one inline now. It would be under the battery attached to the frame. There are some How-Tos in the locker (link is on the upper right-hand side of this page) on filters and many other good things to know. If you need more help, post here and we will see what we can do for you. Good luck and have fun.

SVXRide · #8 01-08-2006, 06:35 PM

Welcome to the site! Any chance you can start looking at the SVX's ECU from a tuning standpoint? (might want to talk to Longassname, as he's the King of SVX tuning)
-Bill

#9 01-08-2006, 07:23 PM

Any down sides to the first two years SVX? What about the FWD model, does it use the same trani, any ups and owns to these? can FWD models be easily converted to AWD.

I may look into chip tuning as I definately plan on a turbo conversion when finances allow. I am realy thinking about going with a 6 speed from an Impreza providing I can do the swap at a reasonable price, cash is real tight right now. To bad I can't find a car with it already done.

I will be autoX the car in Solo2 and with my car club (solo2 rules).

Baccura
Portland, Oregon USA

mbtoloczko · #10 01-08-2006, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baccura

...

Any reputable PNW shops that can swap in a 5 or 6 speed into the SVX at a reasonable price?

...

If you want someone to do a 5MT/6MT swap for you, Dave Clark Motorsports in Kent is the best shop in the OR/WA area for it IMHO. He builds/repairs rally cars for a living. He also wrenches on race day for some of the more successful rally racers in the PNW. He also builds roll cages for track and rally cars. He built up a 5MT with STi RA gears and did my 5MT swap for me. Did a great job. His labor rate is $55/hr which is cheaper than any other shop that I know. His number is:

425 221 2470

huck369 · #11 01-09-2006, 05:53 AM

I think the SVX auto has a couple problems,
Number one is heat, mainly due to the to-tall final drive ratio of 3.54.
A aftermarket tranny cooler really helps with this (as does swapping the final ratio to a lower 4.11 or 4.44)

Number two is the fact that many people get these cars that don't realize how important keeping a matched set of tires on them, and they'll replace 2 tires, and within a couple months their tranny goes out.

My thoughts on the SVX tranny...

And my write up on a 5-speed swap is in my sig...

Boxer6SVX · #12 01-09-2006, 07:42 AM

Welcome to the site!

Maintenance is key, ESPECIALLY with these cars. And the trans isnt the only thing to worry about with these cars. DEFINITELY do the timing belts, water pump, and front seals if its over 100,000. But of course if you break a timing belt its not going to destroy the engine since they have a non-invasive valvetrain.

I learned the hard way with my transmission and I paid for it... in the amount of about $2000 for a new front differential, bearings, and rear transfer clutch and Solenoid C.

Just dont beat the hell out of it constantly and if you plan to then just throw a 5-6 speed in it. You can make the auto's stronger but they are FAR FAR from bulletproof in any sense of the word. But I love her... Very much. Nothing on the road like it.

Boxer6SVX · #13 01-09-2006, 07:43 AM

Welcome to the site!

Maintenance is key, ESPECIALLY with these cars. And the trans isnt the only thing to worry about with these cars. DEFINITELY do the timing belts, water pump, and front seals if its over 100,000. But of course if you break a timing belt its not going to destroy the engine since they have a non-invasive valvetrain.

I learned the hard way with my transmission and I paid for it... in the amount of about $2000 for a new front differential, bearings, and rear transfer clutch and Solenoid C.

Just dont beat the hell out of it constantly and if you plan to then just throw a 5-6 speed in it. You can make the auto's stronger but they are FAR FAR from bulletproof in any sense of the word. But I love her... Very much. Nothing on the road like it.

#14 01-09-2006, 10:27 AM

Thanks for the info guys, is there a special place where all the manual transmission threads are located seems when I joined this board last year there was a special section for manual transmission conversion posts and 444 posts. Where are they now? I will be doing a manual conversion on an SVX as soon as I find one. I have been offered STi parts from some fellow racers should I need them.

It would be good idea to have a difinitive manual transmission section on the site and a section detailing all the parts require for the conversion. I have seem the small car site and they emply that there is only one way to do the conversion there way.

DansSVXBlues · #15 11-16-2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensteele

Welcome to the site. These transmissions are fine if you don't abuse them. The first thing I would do is put in a transmission cooler and a filter if there is not one inline now. It would be under the battery attached to the frame. There are some How-Tos in the locker (link is on the upper right-hand side of this page) on filters and many other good things to know. If you need more help, post here and we will see what we can do for you. Good luck and have fun.

Hey! Thanks for keeping the tranny filter and temp gauge pictures in your old locker. They were just what the doctor ordered! I have a 94 FWD (last year they made one) but I'm going to add this extra filter to keep her purring!

-Dan