Just got an '03 WRX. A few questions about the 03 manual transmissions (that have probably already been answered somewhere)

1. Heard a rumor that the 2003 transmission had been updated in response to some of the problems with the 02's. Does anyone know anything about this?

2. While driving the '03 home I noticed that there was quite a bit of vibration coming up through the shifter, much like what I'd expect from a car with an aftermarket non-isolated shifter. My car does not have the short shifter. You can only feel it if you have your hand on the knob, and I don't really mind it, but I've spent some time in several other 02's and I don't remember this-- although it's been a while since I've driven one. Is this typical, or could it possibly have something to do with trans changes for '03?

for number 1, i am almost certain it's true. as for number 2, i have to feel it to see what you are talking about. From what I know, the wrx shift knob is lighter than the rs knob (i've played with both). a heavier knob would reduce the vibration a lot. I have a razo (no longer on it) knob. It's VERY heavy and the vibration was almost gone after i installed it. hope this helps..

I took my car in to the dealer for some tranny problems and they said that they replaced some tranny parts with "updated 03" gears . They also told me that the flywheel is 5lbs heavier and wont cause clutch chatter.

from my experience on my 02wrx, abrupt clutch engagement seems to be the main cause of chatter.

i dont think a 'heavier' flywheel is going to really fix the problem.
hardened flywheel probably would. -or- change your clutch
engagement habits.

I don't suppose there's anyway to find a detailed list of the stuff that changes between models? I'm curious if the 2003 RS manual transmission also had these changes (I'm looking to buy one in the future), as well as to confirm that the rear wheel bearings were reworked for 2003 (I've seen a number of complaints about them going bad prematurely, as well as an unconfirmed report that they were changed).

I heard that they did something so that the car won't let you do high RPM clutch dumps, but I don't remember how, or if it is even true.
I doubt that they 03's have harder gears, I am sure they are exactly the same. The delearship probably just told you that they were updated so you would think they were doing you a huge favor.
A heavier flywheel would also make the car rev slower. So that isn't necessarily a good thing if it is even true.
Most of the time the dealership has no idea what they are talking about, so you can't really put much stock in anything they say. The dealership knows so much that everytime I call for parts, and I say I have a 2000 Impreza, they ask me if it is an L, RS, or WRX. When I bought a factory service manual for my car they told me it would cover the 2000 WRX as well. I was just like "oh really, hmmm, that's interesting".

-Wes