We have covered the differences between the US 5-speed and JDM 6-speed transmissions. There are much more drivetrain related parts that make that 6-speed equipped STi WRX’s so much better in every aspect. In this article, I will cover these differences.

Rear Differential

Newer STi WRXs in Japan come with a larger R180 rear differential. That unit is significantly larger than the USDM R160 units. The diff housing of the R180 diff is also larger proportionally to the diff, meaning that the R180’s get more fluid to “swim” in that the R160’s. More fluid means better cooling and better differential performance. The bearings inside of the housing are also larger and stronger. Finally, the New Age STi’s WRX come with an intelligent SureTrack LSD which transfers torque from the slipping wheel to the gripping wheel, evidently making more sense of the famous SOA add campaign that applied the same “from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip” theory to all Subaru’s. (note: Some Subaru’s did not have LSD’s installed). All these goodies come at a price of added weight. Stock R160 diff in housing weights 52 lbs, while R180 weights 64lbs.

Installation of the R180 rear diff is a simple procedure. It will bolt right in place of the stock R160. However, USDM rear axles cannot be used with the R180, hence, you need to get some STi axles, which I will talk about later. And, if you get the axles, you have to get the STi hubs and the rear brakes. So, swapping a rear diff, will cost you much more than just a price for the diff itself.

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_diff.jpg

(Pic: On the left, R180. On the right, R160)

Axles

Once again, the STi axles are bigger and stronger. The CV joints are massive as are the shafts themselves. Of course, that comes with a price of added weight, but these shafts won’t break, unless you are doing something really wild. The rear axles are slightly shorter, since the R180 and its housing are wider. The front ones are the same length, which means that STi axles can be used with the 5MT and the regular axles can be used with the 6MT. The front axles is a nice “option” and recommended for high power cars, while the rears are a must for those wishing to use the R180 rear diff. Each axle is about 2lbs heavier than the regular one.

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_ax_1.jpg

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_ax_2.jpg

(Pics: front and rear 5MT vs. 6MT shafts. The top 2 on each pic are 5MT)

Driveshaft

There are only 3 differences between the 6MT and 5MT driveshafts. First of all, since the 6MT is about 4 inches longer, the 6MT shaft is shorter. That makes it mandatory to use 6MT driveshaft with the 6MT. Then there is a slight weight difference. The last difference is the flex joint. As you know, the Subaru drivershaft is a 2-piece unit. The 5MT unit has a ball joint that connects the two halves while the 6MT has a universal joint. No doubt that the universal joint is stronger. Most high power cars that have 2-piece driveshaft, have a universal joint.

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_ds_1.jpg

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_ds_2.jpg

(Pics: Right is the 6MT driveshaft)

Hubs & Brakes

You do not need front hubs. Your stock front hubs will work just fine. I am still checking to see if the STi hubs have bigger bearings and will update this document accordingly later on. The rear hubs is must for those who choose to use the R180 diff. As an added bonus, you will be able to use the sweet 2-pot BREMBO calipers with massive 316x20mm vented rear rotors. The pads have larger surface area and are taller than the short stock pad. All that will produce greater stopping power under any conditions.

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_brakes_1.jpg

http://www.i-club.com/images/articles/6mt_ax_2.jpg

Shifter

The shifter is obviously different and features a “pull-up” locking mechanism for the R gear. The shift patter is same as the 5MT, but the 6th gear is located with the R gear on the 5MT, plus the R gear in the “full-left-pull-up-down” position.

(Pic coming soon)

Please stay tuned for the next installment of the 6MT conversion project and as usual, the questions are welcomed.

Do you have to use the R180 Diff with the 6MT? Are the gear ratios the same in the R160 and the R180?

Nismo240

great info..



areg

Originally posted by nismo240
Do you have to use the R180 Diff with the 6MT? Are the gear ratios the same in the R160 and the R180?

Nismo240

No, but you have to swap the ring and pinion to make it a 3.90. I am running the R160 in my setup with the 6MT.

Andy

i thought the stock wrx came with a 3.90 rear already?, i remember reading it in a magazine when the car first hit the market..

US WRX final drive ratio is 3.9, but there is a reduction 1 : 1.1 gear in the transfer case.

Originally posted by BADWRX
I am running the R160 in my setup with the 6MT.

Andy
which drive shaft did you use?
6MT drive shaft bolts onto R160 ok?

Can the 5MT Driveshaft be shortened and used instead of buying the shorter 6MT driveshaft?
Thanks

Yes, and yes.

I am running the GDB driveshaft, but, you could run a shortened 5 speed driveshaft, or the OEM auto driveshaft.

All that you need to do the swap is:

1. 6 Speed Tranny
2. Shortened/GDB driveshaft
3. R160 3.90 ring and pinion
4. Shifter

I am running a legacy differential housingwith the wrx guts with the 3.90 ring gear on the stock wrx lsd swapped with the stocker.

Very simple swap.

you just completely confused me...
u used a legacy rear diff? i thought the wrx came with the r160?
and the whole 3.90 gear thing im still confused on.. i thought the wrx already came w/ the 3.90 ring and pinion?
all i can see you needing, is the 6mt, and the shortened drive shaft, and the new shifter...
please clear things up for me. im only going by stuff i read.

But the legacy already has the pinion gear installed. If you have to change the pinion gear on the WRX it is $$$ as it has to be pressed out and bearings and all. A real PIA.

The Legacy, and the WRX differentials have different internals, so you have to use all of the parts out of the WRX diff (Diffs, and spline thingys) a basic bolt in swap...you just have to change the ring gear on the LSD to the one that correllates to the 3.90 out of the legacy diff.

I am confusing myself trying to explain! Lol! It is actually quite simple.

Originally posted by andyscoob

and the whole 3.90 gear thing im still confused on.. i thought the wrx already came w/ the 3.90 ring and pinion?


No, your assumption is incorrect. The WRX front open differential is a 3.90, and the rear LSD is a 3.54. That is why the center differential is a funky 1.1:1 ratio, to balance the torque load. On the 6mt, the center diff is 1:1, so the front sure-track LSD is a 3.90, and the rear must be a 3.90 too.

Do you get it now? I hope that I assisted you in getting your mind right! :P

Keep the questions comming.

Andy :)

Andy, I am thinking about getting the 6MT myself. Just wondering if it will be straight bolt on? ;)

Pretty much Cal, as long as you have a 3.90 rear diff. If not, I have one that I may sell soon for $600 (Includes hubs, disks, calipers, axles, and the assembled pumpkin.

You GC8 guys must also convert your clutch from a pull to a push...(I think)...

No biggie!

Andy

what is different about the rear hubs that you can't use the WRX brakes?


__________________
Robert
edit can't read

so if i find a legacy rear end, all i have to do is switch over the wrx internals, and get the ring gear from the legacy pressed on to the wrx lsd rear. sounds easy enough. what year legacy do i have to get the rear off?.
oh and is the legacy rear a r160, or an r180? if so do i have to change the axles over, or can i use my stockers?
so many questions, so little time..
by the way, if anyones selling a 6mt, i am interested, so let me know.

Yes, it is that simple. And, to your surprise, you only have to bolt the ring gear in, not press it! Just use some good locktite ln the 5 or 10 bolts.

I am not sure of the year of the Legacy diff, but I will find out ASAP for you.

They are both R160, no axle changes required...no worries. I just bought a complete R180/Axles/Hubs/Brembo setup, that is why I am selling my rear undercarriage.

Hope my info helps.

Andy

BadWRX
Where did you find out about swapping? How much does it cost if you aren't a mechanic (if you dont mind telling)? You said its and easy bolt on/ swap but where does 1 find the parts to do it? How is the performance of the 6MT? Any problems that we should know about?

"I just bought a complete R180/Axles/Hubs/Brembo setup, that is why I am selling my rear undercarriage." -- BADWRX

Where did you get it and how much? Is this gonna be as easy a swap as your old set-up?

Sorry for asking so many questions but im sure im not the only 1 that wants to know. Thanks for all the info so far BADWRX its greatly appricated.

I'm also interested in this swap and money wise.
I'd love to drop 6mt in my 03 wrx.. Besides all the advtages it also can use another gear too for highway driving.
thx

Hey Imprezer
Thanks for all the info but could you by chance tell us where to get the 6mt and all the parts if we wanted to do a swap?

Originally posted by vadim
I'm also interested in this swap and money wise.
I'd love to drop 6mt in my 03 wrx.. Besides all the advtages it also can use another gear too for highway driving.
thxHmm, I seem to recall that the 6MT ratios were more tightly spaced, but that 6th gear ended up being slightly less overdriven than 5th in the 5MT. I just can't remember where I might have seen this, though... sorry. The 6MT's chief advantage is strength and durability, not necessarily performance. It's a tough mutha. :)

__________________
--
^ww^
"...axles of evil..." - George W. Bush

Does anyone know the length difference between the the Sti rear axles and the US OEM sedan rear axles?

Also, is there a difference in the spline diameter and spline count?

Does anyone have a copy of the Subaru parts catalog on CD that they wouldn't mine burning a copy for a fellow WRX enthusiast?

Originally posted by RSierra
Does anyone know the length difference between the the Sti rear axles and the US OEM sedan rear axles?

Also, is there a difference in the spline diameter and spline count?

Does anyone have a copy of the Subaru parts catalog on CD that they wouldn't mine burning a copy for a fellow WRX enthusiast?

You should be able to find a dealer parts person who will hook you up. I haven't tried yet though, so I don't have a source.

Originally posted by Wingless Wonder
Hmm, I seem to recall that the 6MT ratios were more tightly spaced, but that 6th gear ended up being slightly less overdriven than 5th in the 5MT. I just can't remember where I might have seen this, though... sorry. The 6MT's chief advantage is strength and durability, not necessarily performance. It's a tough mutha. :)


I seem to recall this too, I was disappointed I wouldn't be able to reduce revs and improve my measly 26 mpg on the freeway. 3100@75mph sucks balls.

Hey Imprezer do you have any sources for the rear differentials and axle shafts.. also wondering if i would need the front axles from an sti since i am planning a 2.0T sti swap into a rs since insurance will be cheaper than sti

I am assuming that if you have to shift 3 times with the 6MT and only 2 with the 5MT, that the lighter 5MT package would be a better choice for stock 0-60 speeds. As you upgrade your stock engine to overcome the shifting delays and added weight, the 6MT would be a more sensible and reliable choice. I've never driven a 6MT though and don't know that you are truely forced to shift into 3rd to make it to 60mph.

With that in mind, I would love to know:

- Est. price to purchase parts required to do the 5->6 conversion without mods to the car or the parts.

- Est. price to sell old package. (Would love to trade with a cash-starved STi owner who wants a better 0-60)

- Does the 6th gear improve the situation with the 5MT's 5th gear sucking gas at freeway speeds?

- Does the entire package open the possibillity of installing that variable center diff. controller we've seen in the new STi pics?

- What is the weight change from 5MT package to 6MT? Est. is fine but if you have the parts, and a scale.. ? ;)

That's a trickey list but the first person who could nail all the Q's would likely have some customers who, at the very least, could be refered to a friend's garage. :)

BadWRX, help me out here with a price, can you est. what the total price was to change your 5MT to a 6MT? I desperately want my rex to be a 6-speed..... but not if its going to cost me $3k

It will cost you far more than 3k
I would estimate 12hrs labor plus parts
parts are hard to guess I have seen DCCD trans go for 5500

And about what rear ends that can be used for the swap ALL subaru r160 rear end that Is anything that is 4wd but I don't know about SVX rear ends
not that you are going to get a svx rear end for a good price anyway.
the older cars had stub shafts that go to the half shafts the new ones don't have these stub shafts but as long as you are going to use your carrier they do not matter.

Note the side plates should be changed along with the carrier and contact pattern along with backlash should always be checked when you are playing with ring and pinon gears

Andy(BADWRX), I sent you a PM about that R-160 diff.

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
I seem to recall this too, I was disappointed I wouldn't be able to reduce revs and improve my measly 26 mpg on the freeway. 3100@75mph sucks balls.

A measly 26? Sheesh - I wish my mileage was that measly! I feel lucky if I can get out of the teens on my 52 mile-per-day highway commute!

Originally posted by Drewski
A measly 26? Sheesh - I wish my mileage was that measly! I feel lucky if I can get out of the teens on my 52 mile-per-day highway commute!

Haha, get out of the boost! And I was wrong, it's 3100 @ ~67 rpm. ~3500 @ 75 mph.

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Haha, get out of the boost! And I was wrong, it's 3100 @ ~67 rpm. ~3500 @ 75 mph.

You must mean in the 6 speed, right? Cuz I swear I'm a solid 3000 rpms at 75mph in 5th gear in my '03 wagon. I'll check it again today!

Nope, it's my 5 speed '01 RS. Wagons have taller gears than sedans, and WRXs have taller gears than the RS. So, the difference seems about right. Oh, and you are correct about the 6MT, it's 6th gear is shorter than even my 5th.

So the 6MT is heavier, reqires an extra shift in a 0-60 launch, has worse fuel economy at higway speeds, and all it brings to the car is a smoother shift and rugged durabillity?

Yeeesh.. Now I know why Subaru didn't put it in the 02's.. I should be able to trade my 5MT to a 6MT owner at a profit! :)

Originally posted by 420wrx
So the 6MT is heavier, reqires an extra shift in a 0-60 launch, has worse fuel economy at higway speeds, and all it brings to the car is a smoother shift and rugged durabillity?

Yeeesh.. Now I know why Subaru didn't put it in the 02's.. I should be able to trade my 5MT to a 6MT owner at a profit! :)

Yeah, but just wait til you can get a pair of Quaifes with 20% higher gearing... yummy.

Originally posted by 420wrx
So the 6MT is heavier, reqires an extra shift in a 0-60 launch, has worse fuel economy at higway speeds, and all it brings to the car is a smoother shift and rugged durabillity?

Yeeesh.. Now I know why Subaru didn't put it in the 02's.. I should be able to trade my 5MT to a 6MT owner at a profit! :)

Subaru invested millions in the six speed for their health. Sometimes car makers have tons of money laying around, not to mention engineering talent, so they can do worthless projects.

That's why every new Sti comes with a six speed.

Originally posted by 420wrx
So the 6MT is heavier, requires an extra shift in a 0-60 launch, has worse fuel economy at highway speeds, and all it brings to the car is a smoother shift and rugged durability?
<snip..>
I don't think we can assume two shifts to 60 mph as opposed to one for the 5MT. Ideally for standing starts, a transmission gear ratio spread can be greater in the lower gears where torque multiplication is greater and wind resistance is minimal, but geared closer as vehicle speed increases in the higher gears.

All else being equal, a 5MT-equipped car may be slightly quicker down the quarter-mile compared with a 6MT, due to less rotating mass and inertia inside of the transmission. Maybe. ;)

--
^ww^
"...axles of evil..." - George W. Bush

You don't own a 5MT I assume? The 5MT is a 2 shift 0-60MPH (1st gear will get you to 60KPH just before the rev limiter), so I'm assuming that the 6MT would be 3 shifts in a 0-60MPH sprint.

Lets not forget the extra weight of the transmission and all the required matching components... Even without the extra shift, this tranny is only going to be tempting to people making enough power to require a stronger trans and can excuse the extra weight as neccessary.

Originally posted by 420wrx
You don't own a 5MT I assume? The 5MT is a 2 shift 0-60MPH (1st gear will get you to 60KPH just before the rev limiter), so I'm assuming that the 6MT would be 3 shifts in a 0-60MPH sprint.

Lets not forget the extra weight of the transmission and all the required matching components... Even without the extra shift, this tranny is only going to be tempting to people making enough power to require a stronger trans and can excuse the extra weight as neccessary.


ARE YOU HIGH?

Originally posted by 420wrx
You don't own a 5MT I assume? The 5MT is a 2 shift 0-60MPH (1st gear will get you to 60KPH just before the rev limiter), so I'm assuming that the 6MT would be 3 shifts in a 0-60MPH sprint.

You lost me. I do have a 5MT but I only shift once to get to 60 mph. This is the 1st to 2nd gear shift. Even the factory owner's manual states that maximum speed in 2nd gear is 61 mph, so I don't need to shift into 3rd to get to 60 mph.

--
^ww^
"...axles of evil..." - George W. Bush

Yeah your right you only shift once and use 2 gears.. I was thinking gears and saying shifts, must be the drugs.

Really, the point is that you have to shift more in a sprint with a 6-Speed. The added weight isn't just the tranny, it's the rest of the heavier/stronger components required to mate the trans with the car.

Those two items have got to account for fair ammount of performance loss. But as I said, once you reach a power output where you *need* stronger components, the issue of performance isn't up for debate.

420wrx all in jest

the weight can be limited to just the trans by using the stock front axles and just changing the rear end to a 3.90

So what's the drawback there? I was reading earlier posts with the implication that there was no way around it? I could go back and re-read but there's gotta be a catch in price, durabillity, gearing, etc... ?

I know this is sorta off topic but it is a 6mt swap question so bear with me for a minute.
Just bought 2 SVX's, and if you thought the wrx had tranny problems...at a minimum one of them is getting a MT swap, probably going to order the kit from www.smallcar.com, they makes a 5 speed swap using a WRX tranny. Now my question is this. Supposing money wasn't the driving factor how much harder would it be to use an STI 6speed tranny. Can it be done without major fabrication? Ny assumption is that if you can put a WRX 5speed in then you can put a STI 6speed in. Just wondering how much harder that would be?

There's already a small amount of alteration in putting an STi tranny in a WRX, like the backwards clutch actuator, but I doubt there's anything that's any more complicated or involved than what you'll be doing by swapping an auto for a stick anyway. You'd have legions of fans if you dropped the 6MT in an SVX though, and then boosted it!

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
There's already a small amount of alteration in putting an STi tranny in a WRX, like the backwards clutch actuator, but I doubt there's anything that's any more complicated or involved than what you'll be doing by swapping an auto for a stick anyway. You'd have legions of fans if you dropped the 6MT in an SVX though, and then boosted it!

That was my assumption as well (not the legions of fans things). As far as the boosting goes there is a few people working the turbo market and a few people working the SC both are in R&D right now. There is one turbo kit but apparently it was a fuel management nightmare. The boosting is a bit down the road, the tranny is border line neccesity with any SVX.
Thanks BAN

Thanks for the info the 6 speed was fun driving in the street with 6 speed in the Philippines

I have been having a problem gettin a dive shaft
and was wondering about just making a one piece shaft has anyone tried this??
I talked to the some people in california about a alum shaft but they said that they were having problems getting it to work because of the small diameter shaft that subie's use. bUt they are sending me some tubing to make a one piece shaft out of and that there should not be any problems doing this.

Thoughts suggestions?

I'm working on installing this in my 92 SVX 5 speed. To go http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?threadid=9055 for info.

OK I settled on a auto wrx drive-shaft it seems to fit ok

let me just say that this transmission rocks If I ever get a shift knob and boot then I will love the car again. Down shifting to 6k in 1st wow. Just wish I had a front sure trac OH well

Is the WRX 4eat auto shaft the right length?

You still need to swap the ring and pinion, right?

yeah the 4eat shaft seems to work.
I used a 3.90 rearend out of a loyale and just put my carrier in it and used the pinnion flange off my rearend

I have few thoughts on all this.

I think subaru's 6MT is great, it has a standard 6spd layout AND they put the reverse on the right hand side, instead of the left where everyone loves to power shift from 1st to 2nd and get caught in the shift gate.

Also they did their best to resolve their "glass tranny" reputation by completely over building the 6MT.

I wish they would have gone with a much higher 6th gear for a few reasons. With the 2.5ltr engine at 14.5lbs of boost that's potentially the same as a 5ltr volumetric efficiency which means at the same RPM's as their 2.0ltr you will always be burning more fuel. If they had gone with a much higher geared 6th then you could still have 1st-5th for insane acceleration and the 6th gear would be for max MPG and high cruising speeds, along with allowing the engine to reduce its heat and engine ware.

Potentially higher top speed, although 147 governed by the ecu is not bad....just means that there are more revs in the motor to blow by that when the ecu is uncapped =)

I am just excited that they built a tranny that should take my goal of 550HP/500ft/lb tq ;) that should make for a killer street/strip/track car.

My rambling
-Steve Signorelli

Steve,
Basically, 6th is so short to make it somewhat useful for hot-lapping. Fifth gear in a 5MT gives decent mileage, but is useless for racing. The 6MT actually allows use of all 6 gears on a track. And look on the bright side- at least it's taller than 5th in the R/A gearbox. :p

does anyone know if a new US STi 6MT will work the same way? I've heard the 6th gear ratios are taller than the US 5MT and I figure the price would be lower because you dont have to import?

or is the US spec different enough that it wont work?

update????

Originally posted by twistedsymphony
does anyone know if a new US STi 6MT will work the same way? I've heard the 6th gear ratios are taller than the US 5MT and I figure the price would be lower because you dont have to import?

or is the US spec different enough that it wont work?

The ratio of the 6th gear is slightly taller than the old 5th, but the final drives are shorter, so rpm will be higher at a given speed in the 6MT than with a 5MT. And no, the 6MT will always be more expensive than the 5MT, which is a good thing, considering how cheap the 5MT is. :p You can bolt in a 6 speed, but you have to bring along some other parts as well, covered in depth in this forum.

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
The ratio of the 6th gear is slightly taller than the old 5th, but the final drives are shorter, so rpm will be higher at a given speed in the 6MT than with a 5MT. And no, the 6MT will always be more expensive than the 5MT, which is a good thing, considering how cheap the 5MT is. :p You can bolt in a 6 speed, but you have to bring along some other parts as well, covered in depth in this forum.


I think you missed my question... yeah I know and agree with what you said but I'm wondering if the 6 speed that will be on the NEW US 2004 STi will work in my 02 WRX. I've read places that the ratios are more like the US 5MT plus a higher drive gear

I'm mostly wondering if the conversion process is the same or even possible with the MY04 US STi.

I'm assuming it'll be easier and cheeper (though still expensive) to get my hands on US parts than imported parts

Gotcha. Sure it'll work, but your ratios will be shorter. Even 6th gear will run more revs at highway cruise speed than yur 5MT, mostly because you have to either put your WRX front diff in (what's the point of that?) or put the much shorter STi gear set in the rear diff (or use the whole thing, plus halfshafts, hubs, and brakes- darn!). It's a good thing though- you'll get less mileage, true, but your engine will be perfectly happy running at 4000 RPM instead of 3400, and you'll have a much faster, quicker, and more fun car just with the transmission. I don't know about cost. USDM engines are actualy more expensive than JDM for some reason, but they do have the benefit of being legal and all.

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Gotcha. Sure it'll work, but your ratios will be shorter. Even 6th gear will run more revs at highway cruise speed than yur 5MT, mostly because you have to either put your WRX front diff in (what's the point of that?) or put the much shorter STi gear set in the rear diff (or use the whole thing, plus halfshafts, hubs, and brakes- darn!). It's a good thing though- you'll get less mileage, true, but your engine will be perfectly happy running at 4000 RPM instead of 3400, and you'll have a much faster, quicker, and more fun car just with the transmission. I don't know about cost. USDM engines are actualy more expensive than JDM for some reason, but they do have the benefit of being legal and all.

cool thanks

seems kind of silly that USDM parts are more expensive then JDM though...

Hi ! I have just broke the 5mt gearbox on a 2002 WRX, and we would like to install the 6mt....Can you help me contact somebody that sells them? thanks your time...

I'm impressed with the quality of presentation.

Originally posted by captain4g63
I'm impressed with the quality of presentation.

Huh?

Originally posted by BADWRX
Pretty much Cal, as long as you have a 3.90 rear diff. If not, I have one that I may sell soon for $600 (Includes hubs, disks, calipers, axles, and the assembled pumpkin.

You GC8 guys must also convert your clutch from a pull to a push...(I think)...

No biggie!
? you said GC8 guys just wanted to know what there are driving.
Andy

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Huh?

uhhh......well…. The post was presented quite well. I other words, it had good, useful information; the original poster knew his s#it. Tried to make it short and clear the first time, sorry to confuse the English students....

Originally posted by captain4g63
uhhh......well…. The post was presented quite well. I other words, it had good, useful information; the original poster knew his s#it. Tried to make it short and clear the first time, sorry to confuse the English students....

Ok, makes sense... but which post did you mean? :p

Originally posted by BAN SUVS
Ok, makes sense... but which post did you mean? :p

Imprezer's 1st post in this thread

Originally posted by captain4g63
Imprezer's 1st post in this thread

That's why he's the man.:cool:

Yes, now he needs a 4g63. (1G of course)

I dunno if the conversation of how many shifts it takes to get to 60 is still going on.. (and i dont quite remember but heres at it) to my memory i beleive to get to 60 in second gear is either redlining (7k rpms) or close to it. IMO for any type of speed quality (racing etc..) i like to shift in the power band before it drops dramatically (around 6-6.5k rpms) so that I keep that constant boost going. No-one can say when they take their car to redline or beyond they don't feel the power fall off, ya know? So i wouldnt dismiss the 6MT over that small implication.

Originally posted by ThaTaint
I dunno if the conversation of how many shifts it takes to get to 60 is still going on.. (and i dont quite remember but heres at it) to my memory i beleive to get to 60 in second gear is either redlining (7k rpms) or close to it. IMO for any type of speed quality (racing etc..) i like to shift in the power band before it drops dramatically (around 6-6.5k rpms) so that I keep that constant boost going. No-one can say when they take their car to redline or beyond they don't feel the power fall off, ya know? So i wouldnt dismiss the 6MT over that small implication.

Good point, but the advantage of staying in peak boost range is far outweighed by the cost of a required extra shift. But who cares about 0-60 times anyway? I wouldn't have bought a Subaru if that was my goal. The 6mt allows you to make 400+ hp. daily without worrying about breaking your fragile tranny, as well as stay in better boost range while sliding through your favorite corner. Ahhh, it's a beautiful thing

Oh yeah, one more thing: I nominate this as ridiculous post of the year:
Yeeesh.. Now I know why Subaru didn't put it in the 02's.. I should be able to trade my 5MT to a 6MT owner at a profit! :(

Originally posted by impreza7
Good point, but the advantage of staying in peak boost range is far outweighed by the cost of a required extra shift. But who cares about 0-60 times anyway? I wouldn't have bought a Subaru if that was my goal. The 6mt allows you to make 400+ hp. daily without worrying about breaking your fragile tranny, as well as stay in better boost range while sliding through your favorite corner. Ahhh, it's a beautiful thing

Oh yeah, one more thing: I nominate this as ridiculous post of the year:
Yeeesh.. Now I know why Subaru didn't put it in the 02's.. I should be able to trade my 5MT to a 6MT owner at a profit! :(

precisely :D

Originally posted by impreza7

Yeeesh.. Now I know why Subaru didn't put it in the 02's.. I should be able to trade my 5MT to a 6MT owner at a profit! :(

ok maybe I'm dumb but... how do you figure

Would a Nissan LSD rear diff connect to the Suburu? I know that 1987 to 1989 Nissan 300zx's use a R200 rear diff with a 3.9 gear ratio.

Can you give us a cost analysis when you are all done with the article?

I'd love to read Part 3 of the install.....

just to let you guys know....


when you fit the R180 diff, drive shafts, bearing housings and bearings, you can use the R160 ( the std ones)backing plates, hand brake ass, brake ass off the R160 set uo, the backing plates dictate what brakes you have to run.

The bearings have a larger OD and the bearing housings are machined to take the larger bearing, the bearing housing casting is the same, just machined out for the bigger R180 bearings, which BTW are the same bearing as fitted to the front wheels.

Also the oil cooler on the JDM 6mt uses the auto radiator for the tranns cooler. It has pipes up the left side rail, you can use a small trans oil cooler instead too.

Only the JDM STi and other markets get the suretrac front LSD correct? Can you use the standard WRX front axles and hubs with the STi front LSD? Would you need STi hubs and STi axles as well?

JDM and AU market has them std.

You can use all the std wrx drive shafts and bearings on the front, and the rear if you fit an R160 3.9 crown wheel and pinion to retain the std rear diff.

"You can use all the std wrx drive shafts and bearings on the front, and the rear if you fit an R160 3.9 crown wheel and pinion to retain the std rear diff."

I would most likely go with the 180 in the rear and swap the hubs and axels, but I just wantd to make sure if I got a JDM trans with the front LSD that I could get by with the std. WRX front bits.

Thanks for the answer

STD front drive shafts off a 99-00 wrx, not sure the on the others.

wow, sweet info thanks!

What does the electrical process entail. I was informed that the 6pd required an electronic center Diff; I heard this process was extremely tedious.

Back from the dead!

Has anyone cracked open a 6mt? Mines is the v7 non-dccd. I haven't blown reverse, but it no longer engages properly. I'm most likely doing it myself and would appreciate any guidance or advice.

part 3 anytime soon? :)

Yes a part 3 would be most helpfull...

will my 2002 wrx auto Driveshaft fit with a Non DCCD and a R180 Diff?

Hmm, I seem to recall that the 6MT ratios were more tightly spaced, but that 6th gear ended up being slightly less overdriven than 5th in the 5MT. I just can't remember where I might have seen this, though... sorry. The 6MT's chief advantage is strength and durability, not necessarily performance. It's a tough mutha. :)


just to give my piece...
stick with 5mt, upgrade to RA-spec gears. who needs a sixth gear?
sure don't in the qt mile.

just to give my piece...
stick with 5mt, upgrade to RA-spec gears. who needs a sixth gear?
sure don't in the qt mile.

[deleted.]

Jon, all I know is that the early 90's turbo legacy propshaft will work with the R160. The R180 diff is longer, so the only thing I can think of is the Japanese non-dccd propshaft.

Thanks for your opinion, cat.

Jon, no. The only driveshaft that you'll be able to use is the early 90's turbo Legacy driveshaft.

:eek: what!?! I was told I could and I was just trying to confirm it :( this ****en sucks! so I'll need the damn drive shaft too ahhhhhhhh... I cannot win!

Jon

I stand corrected. Sorry.

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=670853&highlight=swap+driveshaft

some shop (forgot the name)... hmmm hopefully alex can shed some light on this or someone else that knows for sure. not that you don't know for sure pat.

OK I settled on a auto wrx drive-shaft it seems to fit ok

let me just say that this transmission rocks If I ever get a shift knob and boot then I will love the car again. Down shifting to 6k in 1st wow. Just wish I had a front sure trac OH well

Is the WRX 4eat auto shaft the right length?

You still need to swap the ring and pinion, right?

yeah the 4eat shaft seems to work.
I used a 3.90 rearend out of a loyale and just put my carrier in it and used the pinnion flange off my rearend

I'll PM bamfwrx to confirm.

Jon