6mt or LGT5mt swap info requested

[deadlydave]

Looking for some info on 6mt swaps.  You can spam me links or talk about what you know here.  I need a list of parts.  The donor unit would most likely be a 2004 STi's, so I wouldn't have to deal with my rear coilovers not fitting right, and could re-use my wheels and front brakes.  I don't know if the rear subframes are the same either, do I need to get an STI one to fit the R180?

So far, I can think of: 
Drivetrain:  Hubs, axles, transmission, linkage, shifter, master/slave cyl, driveshaft, R180
Which would require:  Rear Brakes
Auxillary:  DCCT or aftermarket controller, Driveshaftshop lightweight 1-piece driveshaft

Also I suppose I'd consider an LGT 5mt swap too, anyone know if I'd need new axles, master/slave cyl, etc?  Are the shifters/linkages different from an 02 wrx trans?  I know I'd certainly need a rear diff and probably a driveshaft.

Nothing is currently wrong with the car, though I am getting slightly-louder-than normal drivetrain noises.  Plain and simple:  the car is fast enough, I would just like to spend time and money making it more durable.  Because of the FMIC + small engine, I don't want to run a bigger turbo, and I like how smooth and relaible the engine is un-cammed.

If i do this during the summer/fall maybe i can get my dad to loan me his C4 to put around in.   

[deadlydave]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1672474

ZING, that shithole is good for something.   

[gebby1029]

Is it the noise or reliability that has you concerned?  And how much power is the car putting down right now?

[byroll01]

256whp/236tq.  through an '02 5mt w/4.11 final drive.

also has a Jun 8# flywheel.

[deadlydave]

Is it the noise or reliability that has you concerned?  And how much power is the car putting down right now?

The noise has me curious.  The reliability is a 'not-worry' kind of factor.  The lexus was unbreakable 100% of the time, but UNDRIVABLE any time it snowed.  It'd be nice to have a 100% 24/7 car...if that makes any sense? 

While investigating the noise I inspected the whole rear underside of the car and found no leaks, cracked boots, or evidence of metal in the diff.  It is QUITE possible the noise has been aplified by switching tires, and going to coilovers.

[Kavik]

look into the 2006 Sti tranny swap.  that should let you keep all your 5x100 hubs and wheels and more of your stock parts....that's why my '05 wagon has in it

sorry i can't give you more specifics...that's one of the parts I hadn't finished looking into yet

[deadlydave]

look into the 2006 Sti tranny swap.  that should let you keep all your 5x100 hubs and wheels and more of your stock parts....that's why my '05 wagon has in it

sorry i can't give you more specifics...that's one of the parts I hadn't finished looking into yet

something doesnt add up with that.  the sti rear diff should not take the same axles. wonder if you have adapter axles, wrx diff or 04 sti hubs?

[Kavik]

sorry, yeah, i think the axles were custom done, but the hubs and rear diff should be the same i believe

hell, i dunno 

[peter32892]

sorry, yeah, i think the axles were custom done, but the hubs and rear diff should be the same i believe

hell, i dunno 

Yep you more then likely have custom made axles, as far as I know that is the only way to make this work.

[Kavik]

which would still be a helluva lot easier then replacing all the hubs and buying new wheels

[deadlydave]

which would still be a helluva lot easier then replacing all the hubs and buying new wheels

Currenly nobody lists those axles for sale though.  Also, 04 STI hubs would keep my 5x100 and be able to mount properly to my rear coilovers, while being able to accept the 6mt axles.  It's so expensive grrr.

A modified 5mt seems like a more viable option. Order from Rallispec, get some reinforced gears and maybe the Tarmac Center Diff...and a 1-piece driveshaft from the driveshaft shop.  And it would still be cheaper than a 6mt swap. 

Well everything is working at least so I have time to decide.

[madlife]

Dave,

pop over to the land of the gray and depression, and PM  WRXvette.  he should be able to give you some more info on the 6mt swap he did from an 05 STi into a bugeye.   

OR.... Supposedly the WRX tranny got stronger in 06,07,08,09,11....  Ever thought about the newer options as well?  Im sure they would be harder to get a hand on though.

OR  buy a 4eat and free up a hand for other things while driving.

[deadlydave]

Dave,

pop over to the land of the gray and depression, and PM  WRXvette.  he should be able to give you some more info on the 6mt swap he did from an 05 STi into a bugeye.   

OR.... Supposedly the WRX tranny got stronger in 06,07,08,09,11....  Ever thought about the newer options as well?  Im sure they would be harder to get a hand on though.

OR  buy a 4eat and free up a hand for other things while driving.

I'm never owning an auto again. lol

the wrx trans did get stronger, it also got a taller final drive, meaning I'd have to throw out my rear diff.  I just did a cursory search on nabisco:  there are 2 6mt's for less than 3500, one even has the axles and most other supporting hardware.  I have a feeling these prices aren't all that rare, so I have no trouble waiting.  Someone has an 07 wrx 5mt for 1,000 but again, rear diff.

I'm starting to wonder if the noise is the drive shaft bearing or where the shaft enters the rear diff...Because a driveshaft replacement is relatively cheap, even one of the fancy light one-piece units.

[Kavik]

my personal opinion......the big thing your car has going for you, that you always love to brag about, is how light it is.  Throwing in a heavy 6-speed isn't going to help with that.  I like your idea of the upgraded 5-speed, and then a carbon fiber driveshaft 

[byroll01]

here's something to try dave,   remove the outrigger bushings, rear diff brace and diff lock down bolts one at a time and see if the noise goes away.  When I added those three parts the whole rear end got a lot noisier.  You should have heard it when I added the diff carrier metal bushings.  They were quickly removed and I installed the new-ish stock ones from the STi.

And remember that lightened flywheels add a lot more noise as well.  I rode in sean's old bugeye when the guy from Poughkeepsie owned it.  He was bitching about a noise and he thought it was the tranny going.  I told him it was flywheel noise. A couple months later I rode in Spenks wagon and it had the same noise-lightened flywheel again.

[deadlydave]

here's something to try dave,   remove the outrigger bushings, rear diff brace and diff lock down bolts one at a time and see if the noise goes away.  When I added those three parts the whole rear end got a lot noisier. 

I might just swing by your place sometime soon and take you for a spin.  See if you notice a change. 

[idipskoalmint]

here's something to try dave,   remove the outrigger bushings, rear diff brace and diff lock down bolts one at a time and see if the noise goes away.  When I added those three parts the whole rear end got a lot noisier.

If you go this route, try the rear diff bushings first. I didn't notice much (if any) additional noise from outrigger bushings / subframe bolts.

[byroll01]

I might just swing by your place sometime soon and take you for a spin.  See if you notice a change. 

sounds like a plan.

[cazwrx187]

Bro just pop a 4eat in there.  You'll be the street racing king.  All the cool kids are doing it.

[gebby1029]

there are 2 6mt's for less than 3500, one even has the axles and most other supporting hardware. 

Is this one you have seen?

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2073813

[RedRoof2]

Let me guess.  The noise is a kind of vibrating moan that's especially prevalent on light throttle or decel, through the mid 2k range?


If so, it's your flywheel.  Then again, a trans upgrade would be intelligent insurance for the future.  You're not putting out an assload of power.  How about just an RA gearset and call it a day?

[deadlydave]

Let me guess.  The noise is a kind of vibrating moan that's especially prevalent on light throttle or decel, through the mid 2k range?

If so, it's your flywheel.  Then again, a trans upgrade would be intelligent insurance for the future.  You're not putting out an assload of power.  How about just an RA gearset and call it a day?

I hesitate to invest in a gearset without knowing if theres a problem or not.  With a 6mt I would be replacing every potential problem in one fell swoop.

Kevin, That is what I'm looking for, but I can't afford shit right now.     I also don't believe that post:  I highly doubt the sti final drive ratio for the front diff is the same as the 4.11 rear wrx diff i currently have.

Lol Caz, my legacy with the 4eat had a blistering quarter mile time of 18 seconds.  I was unprepared for that joke this morning, almost spit coffee at my monitor.

[FastfreddyRs]

i know dom carries Albins gearsets for the 5 speed. and you can get them in a number of final drives.

[RedRoof2]

I hesitate to invest in a gearset without knowing if theres a problem or not.  With a 6mt I would be replacing every potential problem in one fell swoop.

Actually, I'd disagree.  With a 5mt gearset upgrade, you'd also be replacing the bearings and synchros (if you do it right).  As such, you'd be replacing the items most affected by lack of maintenance or abuse.  A gearset upgrade would ensure you wouldn't have to involve yourself with the wiring and installation of a properly functioning DCCD system, nor spend time sourcing hubs or axles to ensure the tranny bolts in correctly.  Most importantly, 5 gears are going to be more than enough for your car's power level.  A 6 speed tends to detract from a sports car unless that 6th gear is a serious overdrive.  I found the 6mt to be far too closely geared.  It makes some of the gears completely irrelevant.  You'll spend more time shifting than you will on the throttle and to me, that's annoying as all hell.  Bulletproof it may be, but you don't know the history of the 6mt you'd be buying and getting it to work properly may involve more than you anticipate.  

Another option would be a JDM STi transmission sans DCCD, but for that you may as well swap in a good gearset with the ratios of your choice and enjoy a fairly bulletproof drivetrain for what you're doing.  The option of straight-cut gears is also available

PPG is well known, but expensive,  Albins is good and GimmeGears out of Australia is also a good option.  

[deadlydave]

Actually, I'd disagree.  With a 5mt gearset upgrade, you'd also be replacing the bearings and synchros (if you do it right).  As such, you'd be replacing the items most affected by lack of maintenance or abuse.  A gearset upgrade would ensure you wouldn't have to involve yourself with the wiring and installation of a properly functioning DCCD system, nor spend time sourcing hubs or axles to ensure the tranny bolts in correctly.  Most importantly, 5 gears are going to be more than enough for your car's power level.  A 6 speed tends to detract from a sports car unless that 6th gear is a serious overdrive.  I found the 6mt to be far too closely geared.  It makes some of the gears completely irrelevant.  You'll spend more time shifting than you will on the throttle and to me, that's annoying as all hell.  Bulletproof it may be, but you don't know the history of the 6mt you'd be buying and getting it to work properly may involve more than you anticipate.  

Another option would be a JDM STi transmission sans DCCD, but for that you may as well swap in a good gearset with the ratios of your choice and enjoy a fairly bulletproof drivetrain for what you're doing.  The option of straight-cut gears is also available

PPG is well known, but expensive,  Albins is good and GimmeGears out of Australia is also a good option.  

I'm going to regret saying this if i hit a tree but, I don't mind the default STI 35% front 65% rear drivetrain bias without DCCD installed.  I drove jon's almost-same-power-and-mods bugeye with the 6mt and it was nice, but i wouldn't do the SS kit on it.

Chicks dig the constant shifting?

A built 5mt is looking better and better.  A straight cut 1-2 maybe, but nothing more than beefy helical gears for 3-5...would be cool to have an extra-tall 5th too to drop my RPM's below 3k on highway.  Tarmac Center diff perhaps as well.  I worry that the noise i'm hearing is coming from the prop shaft bearing, where it meets the trans, or where it meets the rear diff.