A few observations.

Obviously if you plan on swapping out your trans, are you going to do it when you have to 1) because it's broken or 2)because you're reaching a certain level of power that you think is too much for your 5spd?

I've broken 2 stock 1st gears, and while I don't have access to a dyno, I believe I'm probably producing 270hp or so. I guess it could be argued that maybe the cause wasn't too much power/too weak of a trans, but that I don't know what I'm doing. Well, that was after 200+ 1/4 mi. passes and a gradual growth in power in my car.

For me, it wasn't crucial to buy a 6spd until I felt I absolutely had to, for 2 reasons 1) so I could get my car road-worthy again, and 2) so I could rest easy that my tranny could handle the power. Prior to breaking my trans for the first time, I felt that based on my trap speeds and 60', I wasn't yet a candidate for a replacement.

2nd thought. If at all possible, I'd ***** (just like I did) every Subaru and rally and 'any place you can think of' classifieds. I found a 'good' deal from a private party for $4200 for a version 7 transmission minus shifter linkage, driveshaft, flywheel/clutch, and ring&pinion. Then someone contacted me with a version 7 for sale for $3300 and it had all of the hardware listed above minus the R&P.

Also, see if you can't make friends with someone nearby yourself who's doing the conversion to their car (that is if you're a novice like myself). That way, you'll know first hand which parts are 'gotta have' and which are 'nice to have. Plus, when it comes time to do your own, you'll know how to do it and save yourself the cost of labor.

If I told you anything you already know, I apologize.

 

www.rallispec.com
I think 300 whp is pushing it a bit for the RA gearset, but you have other options such as.....
www.gimmiegears.com
Now THOSE will handle 300whp....and more....

 

For more info.....
https://www.i-club.com/forums/showth...threadid=27377

 

someone please clear up my confusion.... i thought one of the main problems with the 5spd was that the case flexes under high loads, which contributes to the gears failing? if that is the case, what difference does it make in changing to other gearsets?

 

ugh i must be suffering from brain implosion from reading so many search option posts... i thought that was one of the primary reasons why the 6spd case is strengthened with all that ribbing...