Newbie question (I searched)

#1 02-13-2003, 01:26 PM

So... I am contemplating buying an SVX. I understand the transmission is not that reliable and if I buy an SVX, I have to be prepared to replace the transmission.

Will the Legacy (auto) transmission fit without modification? And what years? (didn't find very much info on this). Any info appreciated.

off topic.
I picked my forum name because about 6 years ago I owned a 1989 XT6 FWD auto.

LarryIII · #2 02-13-2003, 01:37 PM

XT-6,

The legacy tranny must be modified to fit. Figure $3-4k to rebuild the tranny.
The 92-93 SVX's were the worst culprits as far as tranny reliability goes.
Look for a good 94 or later. Good Luck.
Also we have all added auxilary coolers for the ATF. Most of us also have added ATF filter kits on the AFT circulation lines and many like me use Hi-Temp synthetic ATF.

Good Luck.

mbtoloczko · #3 02-14-2003, 03:47 PM

My suggestion would be to just assume the auto tranny is going to die, and plan on installing a 5-speed tranny. Lots of people have successfully taken this route, and the cost is not much different than replacing the auto tranny.

#4 02-18-2003, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryIII
XT-6,

The legacy tranny must be modified to fit.

What modifications must be done? CV's? Mounts?

#5 02-18-2003, 12:49 PM

We pray a lot too!!

LarryIII · #6 02-18-2003, 06:57 PM

XT-6

Ask Aredub. His SVX originally had a legacy tranny.

huck369 · #7 02-18-2003, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by XT6

Will the Legacy (auto) transmission fit without modification? And what years? (didn't find very much info on this). Any info appreciated.
off topic.
I picked my forum name because about 6 years ago I owned a 1989 XT6 FWD auto.

The Legacy tranny will bolt right up, it has a lower gear ratio, so you'll need the matching rear diff.
You'll also need the Legacy Flexplate and Torque converter(or get the SVX torque converter rebuilt).

Oh yeah...I still have a XT6

svx_commuter · #8 02-19-2003, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by huck369

The Legacy tranny will bolt right up, it has a lower gear ratio, so you'll need the matching rear diff.
You'll also need the Legacy Flexplate and Torque converter(or get the SVX torque converter rebuilt).

Oh yeah...I still have a XT6

Hi Huck,

What is your opinion on getting a use Legacy trans and rear diff from a slavage yard and using them in the SVX? I am thinking that there are quite a few available. This may be a less costly way to go. Do you think the Legacy trans would hold up?

Thanks,

John

huck369 · #9 02-19-2003, 05:56 AM

I accually think it'll hold up better, as the lower gears put less stress on the tranny.

You will have to swap the ring and pinion out of the Legacy rear diff into the SVX rear diff to maintain the SVX's LSD and use the SVX rear axles.

svx_commuter · #10 02-19-2003, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by huck369
I accually think it'll hold up better, as the lower gears put less stress on the tranny.

You will have to swap the ring and pinion out of the Legacy rear diff into the SVX rear diff to maintain the SVX's LSD and use the SVX rear axles.

Thanks I was thinking the same thing, it would hold up better.

Would the TCU or the wire connectors have to change?
Any Idea what year and model Leg's would fit?

Maybe a new Forester would be nice.

Thanks

Mr. Pockets · #11 02-19-2003, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LarryIII
The 92-93 SVX's were the worst culprits as far as tranny reliability goes.

I still deny that this is the case, and that the real issue is how the car is treated. My tranny lasted 133k. While that's not stellar, it's better than most SVXs.

My car was well cared for and never beaten. That's why it lasted as long as it did - not because of the year it was made.

I realize that minor changes to the transmissions were made throughout the line, but my 'culprit' car still outlasted most '94-on cars, as far as I've seen...

LarryIII · #12 02-20-2003, 06:35 AM

Nick,

I believe that the SVX tranny is not much better than marginal at best. Care and careful maintenance will surely lengthen it's life as in your case.
This was FHI's first try tranny on a 6-cyl. powerful, heavy car. It's not a bad first effort.
If the SVX had sold sucessfully and was still in production, I believe that FHI would have developed the tranny (plus rear wheel bearings) to be more robust. To their credit, they did engineer "fixes" during the entire model run even though the car was a "$ loss leader".

Enjoy you new "Amber 4EAT".

#13 02-27-2003, 04:39 PM

hmmm.. thanks for all the useful information. I hadn't been by here in a while and had almost ruled out the SVX again, but I think I might have changed my mind. I don't know. I really liked the FWD XT6 but it died first of trans failure, so I converted it over to a 5-speed, (big pain but I actually successfully did it, gotta remember there was no XT6 5-speed FWD) so I know a little about Subaru. Right after I got it moving again the engine died.

If all it is, is the flex plate and some wires and the rear diff to make a Legacy tranny work in an SVX then no big deal IMHO, thanks for the info.