My tranny blew up!!!

[ras_sto_99]

Ok so the other day my transmission on my 04 WRX went out and I am having trouble finding a new one. Should I risk buying one off ebay, get a new one from somewhere or just get it re-built? I need to do something soon though. Thanks for looking.

[Newk_Rally]

search nasioc see if you can't find an sti swap if you want to stay with the 5 speed nasioc would still be a good place to start

[ras_sto_99]

yeah I'd love to do the 6spd but its pretty pricey, thanks for the tip

[Newk_Rally]

no prob you can also check subarugenuineparts.com

[ras_sto_99]

Yeah I was looking at that earlier, they want 3600 for one, if I do that I may as well get the 6spd swap lol

[SilverSleeper04]

don't risk getting a used one. you just never know what you're really getting. either get a new one or rebuild it. yes a new one is 3600 and getting it rebuilt is going to cost you almost as much. i just got my car back two weeks ago from getting my tranny rebuilt for 3000. i had all the bearings, syncros, and hubs replaced.

[ras_sto_99]

hmm, I'll have to check around here for a good shop and see what the prices are.

[ras_sto_99]

Okay so I've been searching the vastness of the web and keep coming back to the 6spd swap. I believe I havethe late 04 WRX with the male front axles (no stubs coming out of the trans) so if I get say an 05 STI trans I can use the stock fronts?? But I'd have to replace the entire rear end, do I have to switch to the 5x114 hubs too or could I use the WRX ones and does the WRX clutch and flywheel work in this case or do I have to get STI for that too? If I have to do all that I'll just stick with the 5 speed.

[kurt.]

6 speed clutch and flywheel will be needed. That always needs to match what trans you're using. As for the rear, some people have switched their rear end gears and use an autotragic driveshaft. If you want the beefy R180, I believe you'll need to swap the hubs and such..

-Kurt

[Jard]

The '07 STI box is the right final drive ratio to drop right in with your existing rear diff.

[em99sport]

First off, there are decent 5-speeds out there used, but you must be careful when looking. I will be selling my 70k 5-speed with no grinds or abuse in a few weeks, and would not feel bad selling it to someone looking for a replacement.

Second, the WRX clutch and flywheel supposedly works fine with the 6-speed despite being slightly smaller in diameter. The only thing that must remain consistent is the matching clutch and flywheel being used (WRX with WRX, STi with STi).

Third, Jard is right in that if you go with an '06/'07 6-speed, you don't have to swap in the R180. If you do get an '04/'05 transmission, you'll have to use the R180 or the rear gears at the least. I have no idea if one can use the gears from the 180 in a 160 pumpkin.

What I'm attempting to find out for my own swap is whether I can find custom axles for a reasonable price to use the R180 with my WRX hubs.

FYI, much of my own info here came from the Nasioc FAQ on the 6-speed into WRX swap thread. Check out the transmission forum there for more.

[Jard]

Third, Jard is right in that if you go with an '06/'07 6-speed, you don't have to swap in the R180. If you do get an '04/'05 transmission, you'll have to use the R180 or the rear gears at the least. I have no idea if one can use the gears from the 180 in a 160 pumpkin.

I believe that you can swap a 3.9 ring and pinion into your WRX R160 and that will then work with the '04/'05 transmission.

Of course then you still have a R160 instead of the R180.

I haven't seen a cheap option for axles for the R180. The Driveshaft Shop will make them but they are $$$$.

[ras_sto_99]

Great info everyone, I was ablew to fine a used 04 WRX trans through a shop and even got a warranty with it. Got that put in but realized that I originally had the 05 trans (I think) with the male ends that go into the front diff, anyway, I realized I had to buy new front axles with the female ends. That done I got everything put back together and so far so good. Now onto the next level, turbo and all the fun stuff for it and I'm looking at doing the H6 rear conversion, it should be fun.

Oh and just in case you were wondering, I'm pretty sure the reason the trans went south was the dipstick broke off from the handle and fell into the gears causing all sorts of havoc, anyone ever heard of that?