Please take a moment and try to answer the following question:
When Japanese high-performance cars finally make it to the North American shores, they...:

a. Get detuned by the manufacturer
b. Add-on few extra pounds of weight
c. Get stripped of some cool features
d. All of the above

If you answered "d", you are absolutely correct and that is a sad but true generalization about all Japanese (and other) import automobiles. In Subaru case, after many years the whole world have been enjoying the wonderful Impreza WRX, US and Canada finally got their version of that car a year ago. However, we ended up with the "base model" of WRX that lacked not only power, but also numerous performance goodies that most of the world's Subaru markets get to enjoy everyday in their STi's, while North American Subaru enthusiasts frantically try to add them on by themselves. Among some of those most common and popular upgrades is the STi 6-speed manual gearbox. That comes as no surprise, as a large number of US and Canadian WRX owners came to find out the term “glass transmission” that is well known in Japan, UK, Australia and other Subaru markets. That term is merely a very good description of 5-speed Subaru transmission based on its reliability on not only heavily modified cars but even the stock ones.

There is no one single reason that can be used to explain all of the known transmission failures. Of course, power and driver factor are among the most commonly used explanations used by the users and the dealers. Yes, an owner of a WRX that puts out %50 to %100 more horsepower than the stock breaks his gearbox, it is understandable. However, how can one explain numerous known cases in which transmissions failed or nearly failed on stock WRXs?

Based on my personal research, observations and first hand experience with 2 (!) broken transmission, I concluded that 5MT transmissions fail due to case weakness-related flex. See, when the weak case flexes for whatever reason (hard launch, extreme power, loose/stretching case bolts or simply manufacturing defect), the not-so-strong helical cut gears get out of their “alignment” with the mating gears, which causes premature excessive wear that leads to eventual or instant failure. Many popular “dog” gear upgrades address these issues by simply making the gears straight-cut, strong and big enough to be able to withstand that flex. In some cases, even the dog gears fail. Why? Because the case flex is still there. Not only that, but regardless of what the “dogbox” advocates say, they are not meant for the street. They make noise, they are hard to drive and they are expensive.

To address the issue of “glass transmission”, with the introduction of New Age Impreza WRX, Subaru also introduced its new 6-speed manual transmission. It is rumored, that Porsche had a part in the development of this transmission. Upon a closer examination, one can clearly see the structural improvements made to insure that case flex doesn’t occur. Besides that, there are lots of other improvements over the standard 5-speed transmission, that I will cover in the next articles.

As this transmission becomes a more popular solution to the North American WRX transmission-related problems, many people are looking for information related to this upgrade. Since I went through 2 transmissions within a month of my car making double the stock horsepower, I went ahead and purchased the STi 6MT. I found out a lot of great info while doing it and I am going to share with all of you.

In the next installments, I will go over the main differences between the 5MT and 6MT, parts required to do the swap, parts sources, average prices, swap instructions and other issues that related to this upgrade. Please stay tuned.

To be continued…

i know how that is.
my wrx is in the dealer right now, getting the 1st and 3rd gears replaced.

can't wait to read more

WELL THE ANSWER IS D, ALL OF THE ABOVE!

I am absolutely positive that the answer is D!

Andy

Hey Alex, you copied me on the tranny, and I am about to copy you on the rims!

My brakes did not even fit at all. Gruppe-s has a set of 18x8.5's sitting in their shop right now. Damnit, I loved these Racing Harts!

Andy

Well, I would like to state one car that was an exception to this rule: The Lexus IS300 aka Altezza. The US version was actually more powerful with its 6 cylinder engine compared to the 4 banger JDM version. Of course, ours had a crap load of weight because of the emphasis for luxury and safety. Don't like it? Then move to Japan!

I disagree.

In Japan, the Altezza is sold as a performance car. In US it is sold under the LEXUS brand and LEXUS is not a performance brand of Toyota. The reason it got the 3.0L engine is not because it has more power, but just because customers that buy LEXUS would never buy a 2-liter car. Thats a fact. 35,000 4-banger? Yeah right. ;) Thats simple branding positioning strategy.

The 2-liter Altezza is actually a better performer as the weight distribution on it is much more performance orientated rather than "slap a motor that fits there" orientated. And don't forget that IS only came in automatic for the first few years and even now, they have a 5-spd and not a 6-spd. ;)

So which US gets a bigger more powerful engine, it isn't here to add performance, but rather stimulate the buyes from within its target market. That is why it is possible to see the V8 IS430 here in the US.

Thats not really a discussion I want to get into here, though.

Originally posted by BADWRX
WELL THE ANSWER IS D, ALL OF THE ABOVE!

I am absolutely positive that the answer is D!

Andy

Humpty be DA MAN!

What's a rough estimate of total parts cost, if there were a group buy organized? No need to be terribly accurate, getting within $500-800 would be sufficient for most of us to determine if the budget will work out.

;)

Please stay tuned...

- Alex

Originally posted by Imprezer
I disagree.

In Japan, the Altezza is sold as a performance car. In US it is sold under the LEXUS brand and LEXUS is not a performance brand of Toyota. The reason it got the 3.0L engine is not because it has more power, but just because customers that buy LEXUS would never buy a 2-liter car. Thats a fact. 35,000 4-banger? Yeah right. ;) Thats simple branding positioning strategy.

The 2-liter Altezza is actually a better performer as the weight distribution on it is much more performance orientated rather than "slap a motor that fits there" orientated. And don't forget that IS only came in automatic for the first few years and even now, they have a 5-spd and not a 6-spd. ;)

So which US gets a bigger more powerful engine, it isn't here to add performance, but rather stimulate the buyes from within its target market. That is why it is possible to see the V8 IS430 here in the US.

Thats not really a discussion I want to get into here, though.

Very very true. The IS300 is no where near as cool at the 2L high revving Altezza RS200.

My brother in law has a pimped out silver Altezza that I am going to be buying next year.

Not to mention that a BRAND NEW ALTEZZA RETAILS FOR ABOUT 26 grand loaded. And the 6 speed...mmmmmmmmm

Andy

I think you mean 36 G's. The all-time bargain among entry-level sport sedans is the G35 coupe, at 28k which includes 280 hp and sweet supsension tuning. (Double wishbone front and 5-link rear trump a 25k WRX and its 4 McPherson struts, sorry guys.) Not to mention the ease of Infiniti buying experience, the overall quality of the car, longer warranty... and the fact it is the first car in like 12 years to beat a performance-oriented Bimmer in a head-to-head by Car and Driver.

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
I think you mean 36 G's. The all-time bargain among entry-level sport sedans is the G35 coupe, at 28k which includes 280 hp and sweet supsension tuning. (Double wishbone front and 5-link rear trump a 25k WRX and its 4 McPherson struts, sorry guys.) Not to mention the ease of Infiniti buying experience, the overall quality of the car, longer warranty... and the fact it is the first car in like 12 years to beat a performance-oriented Bimmer in a head-to-head by Car and Driver.

No, I meant 26 grand. In Japan, not a ripoff yuppified Lexus. Yes, I do agree with you on the G35. I love Nissan. Well built cars! The ones that are made in Japan that is!

Andy

The new Z is well equipped here in US.
Brembo, optional volk TE37, HID... everything made it here and it's got 7 more hp than JDM.

The G35 coupe is not available in Japan, yet. US got to the first batch.

Nissan USA does a good job recently.
I wish they brought SR20DET....

Hey Alex,

I dunno if it would be possible, but it would be very helpful if you could list some of the parts and modifications that would need to be done for a 6MT to fit into a GC8.

ok cool
bring it on ...

me thinks alex should be a sales man
wet their appitite and then let them wait ...

-j

Originally posted by DoorKnob
Hey Alex,

I dunno if it would be possible, but it would be very helpful if you could list some of the parts and modifications that would need to be done for a 6MT to fit into a GC8.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=290082
According to SeanHF from the other club.

To fit a 6MT tranny to GC/GF is not to hard but have to prepare followings

1. 6MT tranny
2. 6MT clutch set, flywheel
3. 6MT tranny shaft
4. 6MT rear crossbeam set
5. 6MT shaft nub and new shift cloth
6. Change gear ratio: front 3.9, middle 1:1, rear 3.9.
7. A nice place can lift your car, at leaset two person and proper tools

Jay

Before anyone gets the wrong idea from the last post, I just want to advise that SeanHF's list is incorrect. The only items absolutely essential to install a six speed in the USA GC are:

1) shortened driveshaft (driveshaft repair shop can do this)
2) a 3.9 ratio rear diff (from Legacy/Impreza 2.2 at the local junkyard $150-250)
3) pull-style turbo clutch and flywheel (any turbo Subaru clutch will do, including stock USA WRX)

People who claim you need an STi clutch, rear crossbeam, axles, etc. don't know the car. Sure those beefier items are great to have but by no means "necessary" to install the gearbox. And I'd sure love to know what a "shift cloth" is.

Beware the misinformation - stay tuned for Alex's detailed report...

Originally posted by Jude DeMeis
And I'd sure love to know what a "shift cloth" is.

most likely the shift boot

Originally posted by nqwan
most likely the shift boot

Except that the shifter would be in the same place, and shortening it wouldn't require a new boot. Probably he just mangled the spelling of something and didn't double check his spell check.

its not just shortening the shifter. you'll need the entire shift linkage to do the 6 speed swap. along with that you'll also need the 6 speed shift knob (one with reverse lockout) and the shift boot to go along with the shift knob.

well you dont need the shift knob and and shiftboot, but shifting without them isnt very comfortable/pretty.

here's a pic of it

That's all very true, but it's a lot more involved than "shift cloth." We're just poking fun at someone for a small mistake. Stop ruining it for us! ;)

Alex,
Where did you get the trani and for how much?
Mark

And that four banger in the Altezza is turbo

from a BONE STOCK WRX

How much do all the required parts cost?
Where can I get them?
How Involved is the swap (DIY or a tranny shop job)?

that's all I really want to know.....

Go to rallispec.com they have the conversion kit there. And the cost. Around $8k. I went ahead and bought a JDM sti RA 6 speed. It should be to me soon. Only problem is it will have the 4.44 gears so my top end will be cut down a tad

Its not that the JDM Z has 7 less hp, the j-spec models are not permitted to publish hp numbers over 280...its the same car as in the US...

Originally posted by bhugh2121
And that four banger in the Altezza is turbo

Negative. Just to clear it up, I own an Altezza as well as a WRX. So just ot break down the facts...

1) The Altezza is a 2.0 naturally aspirated inline 4 with 200 hp and 210 after 1999. The IS 300 has 215 hp out of it's six cylinder powerpalnt, but TONNES more torque.
2) The Altezza is easier to drive at the limit because of it's better weight balance
3) The IS300 ***** SLAPS an Altezza at the drag strip. Trust me, I learned that one first hand.

But in my opinion, the Altezza is too middle of the road...it's a sports sedan that is not sporty enough to tackle a type-r, but a sedan with not enough luxury to be a TRUE luxury car like it's US brother.

My opinion. IS300 is a better car. But The WRX is the most fun I have ever had with a car, so SUBARU ALL THE WAY!

[i]

The G35 coupe is not available in Japan, yet. US got to the first batch.

Nissan USA does a good job recently.
I wish they brought SR20DET.... [/B]

Uh they g35 coupe is available in Japan, except it called the skyline v-35

This thread just sent me into car depression. I'm moving to Japan ASAP!!! ahhhh

Love this topic!

Wan't one for my rex so bad.

Just spent less than $4,000 on my 67 camaro putting in a 6 spd Richmond trans. $8,000 for this one seems excessive but rather than spend $3,000 for another 5 spd sure to explode I'll probably do it. If this thread doens't have full details by that time I'll take pics myself!

Mandra

imprezer,

can u have a stock sti 6mt tranny upgrade into a bone stock 04 WRX?? basically giving a WRX 6 gears too.?

yes, you can.

my wrx has been in the shop 2 times for shift forks 1 time for syncs and now it is in the shop for 1st and 3rd gears.
I am trying to figure out how to make it stronger .

shift forks and syncs are problematic, if you don't know how to drive a stick very well and don't understand how you are killing them. Learn to match revs on downshifts and stop ramming it into gear like you hate it. Sorry but it's the truth.

if u are coming to a stop, there is no need to match rev. just downshift.

I was hoping for more details on exact differential options. LSD and open are most common with this swap.

I just installed one this weekend and am trying to figure out what to do for the rear end. Possibly KAAZ LSD with 3.90 ratio mated to my automatic impreza drive shaft. Hopefully I can add this info to the thread as I learn more.

Turbo covered the swap in their new issue :)

for $8k I'd have to be real damned sure it won't die no matter what I do to it....

EDIT: Gruppe-S has it with the DCCD and LSD for $6800, w/ just LSD for $5500, and w/o LSD for $5000. I might look into the w/out LSD option, as my planned RWD conversion will necessitate some huge Kaaz or Cusco unit back there anyway....

if the drivers know how to drive there cars, and take care of them there should be know problems with them

well, this post answers my next question/thoughts on doing a tranny upgrade on subie, can't wait for the next installment :)

I may have skipped over the answer to this question, but what is the reason for why they dont release fully tuned manfacturer cars such as the sti or even skylines or other models that japan and europe have here in America??? does it have to do with our emissions here in the USA (i know its harsh in California) but what about elsewhere in the US??

what difference does a 6mt have from a 5mt that would prevent the 6mt from being installed in the japanese cars here...why do they have to tear it out and slap in the 5 (i think the answer to this question was already answered?) thanks

daniel

No sales.

- Imprezer

Originally posted by DanyoCantDrift
what difference does a 6mt have from a 5mt that would prevent the 6mt from being installed in the japanese cars here...why do they have to tear it out and slap in the 5 (i think the answer to this question was already answered?) thanks

daniel

Price...

No sales.

- Imprezer

I've already done this swap. With the correct knowledge, it is very easy. For WRXs, you merely need the tranny, shift linkage, WRX auto driveshaft and a 3.9:1 ring and pinion for your rear diff. Instal... done. I HIGHLY reccomend pulling the motor and tranny as one and putting them back the same. Unless you have a lift AND tranny jack, this is the only way. That sucker is just way too heavy to put in on your back in your garage. For GC8s and others that have push type pressure plates, you need to buy a WRX style flywheel, clutch, pressure plate and slave cylinder. You DO NOT have to modify your tunnel in any way.

The drive shaft is about $400 as well as the ring and pinion combo. One last thing, use a heavy non synthetic tranny oil... trust me.

Kevin

One more thing... I've seen these trannies for as little as $2850 bringing the total cost for a WRX to about $4000 after shipping.

Scooby? Where did you see the 6MT for $2850? That's almost half the lowest I've seen....

And as for all this "take care of it and it won't fail" stuff regarding the 5MT, it's garbage. My reverse got screwed up within 10 days of buying the car, and I'm pretty damned sure I didn't misshift into reverse from a forward gear, as when you do that, it's sort of hard to miss... It just worked one day and then didn't the next.

...

Thank you or go to the store www.***.com

good info

Ok so all i need to do this swap is the tranny, WRX automatic tranny driveshafts, the shift linkage, and the 3.9:1 ring and pinion???

I could have that done in an hour or so. :D

That will be amung the first mods i do to the car.

Also, do you have to change the ring and pinion? What happens if you leave the stocker in there? Will it cause any damage?

I was wodering if anyone has any pics of their installs of the 6 speed tranny in a GC?????

part3?

log off my pc maaan!

Also, do you have to change the ring and pinion? What happens if you leave the stocker in there? Will it cause any damage?

The center diff or the rear end will freeze. Not fun. I was supplied with an incorrect rear diff for a 5 speed once. We paid $50 to tow it 200 yards back to the garage.

Where are the actual threads? I read over them a year or two ago but I can't dig them up.

-Jon

i know how that is.
my wrx is in the dealer right now, getting the 1st and 3rd gears replaced.


Did the dealer cover it under warranty? I broke 2 gear and am stock can i get it warrantied?

Thank you or go to the store www.***.com
Jesus y'all's prices are great!

And that four banger in the Altezza is turbo

you fail. the engine in the rs200 is the much drooled over (though, certainly NOT by me) 3sge BEAMS edition.

1998cc NA engine that revs up to 9000rpm. basically, its toyota's version of a honda engine (ie. Hold On, Not Done Accelerating). you wait for a LONG time to develop power, and once you get that power, its usually time to hit the brakes for the turn. :)

its all the drawbacks of a turbo (waiting for power) without the nice things of having a turbo (ie. added power).

there are also 2 versions: redtop and blacktop.

i forget which, but one has VVT-i (intake side only) while the other has VVT-i on both intake and exhaust, which does change the power band.

want more info?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_3S-GE

you fail. the engine in the rs200 is the much drooled over (though, certainly NOT by me) 3sge BEAMS edition.

1998cc NA engine that revs up to 9000rpm. basically, its toyota's version of a honda engine (ie. Hold On, Not Done Accelerating). you wait for a LONG time to develop power, and once you get that power, its usually time to hit the brakes for the turn. :)

its all the drawbacks of a turbo (waiting for power) without the nice things of having a turbo (ie. added power).

there are also 2 versions: redtop and blacktop.

i forget which, but one has VVT-i (intake side only) while the other has VVT-i on both intake and exhaust, which does change the power band.

want more info?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_3S-GE

er.. 3 year old thread dude

er.. 3 year old thread dude

and he quoted a 5 year old post :lol:

yup! very true. :)

i am absolutely guilty of not looking at the date it was posted. :)

yup! very true. :)

i am absolutely guilty of not looking at the date it was posted. :)

so would you say you're "not12read" too? :lol: