What do you guys suggest for a 2005 WRX wagon? Should I go with the 5 speed JDM STI tranny for $3000 or the 6 speed USDM STI tranny for $5000? Oviously the jdm one is cheaper, but is it as strong as the 6 speed USDM? Also if anyone knows of a site or forum that would better answer this question please post a link or a good site with the specs for the jdm sti's. thanks.

 

The late 2004 WRX and up the size of the gears & teeth are the same size as the JDM gear sets being built known as STI RA V6.

Check with Grupp-s for the cost of the trans gear set overhaul using STI RA V6 MT-5.

The USDM or JDM STI 6 Speeds are big & heavy units 125 LBS more in weight over the WRX MT-6. They can hold up to some good HP.

The only difference with the 2 for the most part is 5th & 6th gears, so if you find a USDM MT-6 the 5th & 6th gears can be replaced with the JDM set. Most of the internals are the same part numbers..

 

so the 6 speed tranny is still a lot stronger over the 5 speed then?

 

Yes!
The main thing to remember is the launch control, AWD burn outs & clutch dumps will break any gear teeth.

If you were watching the NASCAR race at sears point just about all of the cars had some sort of gear box issues.

 

so you think I would be better off just buying an upgraded gear set for my current tranny or do you think I should by the stronger sti tranny. I want to be able to launch the car and take it racing without worrying about destroying my tranny.

 

you can do that on a stock wrx tranny, you just have to know your limits and know how to do correct launches where you can get low 60 ft times... its not all about revving it high and dumping the clutch, its about reving it at the right rpm, and lettin the clutch down at the right time and speed... as you can find out shortly, most of the people with the great 60ft times dont just dump their clutch, they have techniques in doing so...