Building an SVX Rally Car, Need some advice!

#1 08-13-2004, 02:56 AM

Hi, I'm new to the forum, and have just bought an SVX to convert into an off road rally car. I live in the UK, and I've used this forum as a guest for the past couple of weeks, to see what you guys get up to when it comes to modifying the SVX and also what goes wrong with the cars. I've seen for example that you have to be very careful with the front discs (rotors) and also the rear wheel bearings, but also I will be converting to a manual gearbox as soon as I can figure out just which one it is that I have to buy.

If you don't mind I'll have quite a few questions to ask over the coming months, and will start with this simple one.

Are the SVX shock absorbers and springs, (you might say, dampers and coil overs) interchangeable with any other car in the Subaru range, or are they unique?

Thanks, and looking forward to exchanging thoughts with you all.

PatrickB · #2 08-13-2004, 06:18 AM

u will need a 5mt

or modify ur car for a 6mt.

n00b on demand · #3 08-13-2004, 07:37 AM

I rally the SVX occasionaly and yes you will definitley be better off with a 5mt. Too much abuse to take for AUTO. Better suspension would be good too. And put some skinnies on for better traction. Our wide tires dont do well for traction.

mbtoloczko · #4 08-13-2004, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by svxrallyman2004

Are the SVX shock absorbers and springs, (you might say, dampers and coil overs) interchangeable with any other car in the Subaru range, or are they unique?

They are unique to the SVX. The only two current options for dampers are stock or Koni. The Koni's are pretty good from what I've heard. They replace the dampers in the stock strut body. You've got a variety of options for springs. Ground Control makes a coil-over spring. Strut body and top mount needs to be modified for the spring to fit. I make custom strut springs (rates up to about 250 lbs/in for a car sitting higher than stock) which will fit on stock spring perches, and Motorsport makes some springs, but his only drop the car.

SVXRide · #5 08-13-2004, 10:00 AM

My guess is that you'll want to look at a Koni + coil over set up so you can actually raise the ride height of the car as conditions merit...
It would be cool to see a paddle-shifted 5 or 6 speed installed in the SVX!
-Bill

n00b on demand · #6 08-13-2004, 08:06 PM

definitley dont lower it.....get it raised if anything....lotta rocks and things that will hit the bottom. Thats only if your rallying or happen to drive thru NYC

#7 08-14-2004, 04:01 AM

Thanks for the feedback so far. I will definately be highering the car, and I just wondered if any other shocks fitted it as it will obviously be cheaper than getting some specials made.

With regard to the gearbox swap. I've read Hucks document, and one or two other comments. Am I right in believing that I need to get a pre 98 gearbox because the later ones have six lugs instead of five, and I can get a Legacy gearbox and diff over here for less than $1000, and the owner says that he's been told that the Legacy box is stronger than a Impreza box. Anybody hear that?

Phast SVX · #8 08-14-2004, 07:50 AM

Greetings!

The only differnce between 98+ gear boxes is that subaru added twice as many bolts to bellhousing and engine. The first set line up the same, so you just put in as many bolts as you have on your engine.

Their is no physical differnce between a legacy and a impreza gearbox as far as the gearset goes, only between years will there be a difference. However the finals will differ, some come with a 4.11(mostly impreza, forester) whereas the legacy's tend to come with 3.90's. Many of the Auto trans outbacks come with a 4.44 front and rear finals.

As far as strengh, i would look for an 03+ tranny, the synchro's have been updated and they are your best bet besides a chalek/STi gearset to hold the tourqe.

good luck and keep in touch!
phil

mbtoloczko · #9 08-14-2004, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by svxrallyman2004
Thanks for the feedback so far. I will definately be highering the car, and I just wondered if any other shocks fitted it as it will obviously be cheaper than getting some specials made.

If you do the labor yourself, building up the Koni with the Ground Control springs is a relatively inexpensive option compared to most of the coilover kits for Imprezas. Figure 650USD+tax+shipping for the Konis and 400USD+tax+shipping for the springs. Should get the job done for club level rally competition.

UberRoo · #10 08-14-2004, 12:06 PM

If I'm not mistaken, your UK automatic transmission has the highly sought after center differential. Whatcha doing with the slushbox when the manual goes in?

mbtoloczko · #11 08-14-2004, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phast SVX

As far as strengh, i would look for an 03+ tranny, the synchro's have been updated and they are your best bet besides a chalek/STi gearset to hold the tourqe.

The Chaleks have been getting a pretty bad rap over on NASIOC. Several people have broken theirs in recent months. There are other high end options though. MRT sells a gearset which they claim is unbreakable. Some other companies sell stuff too.