so I have a 2000 Impreza 2.5rs. bad part is its a 4EAT. how much work and money would be involved to convert it RELIABLY to a 5MT off of a 96 impreza or some car like that? I plan on eventually making it turbo and running 350hp off pump gas (165hp right now).

I have heard that the 4EAT is stronger then the MT so is it worth the trouble? I will be doing some small racing events around but mostly street style so will the 4EAT be slower then a 5 speed?

any info greatly appreciated, I work odd hours so posts will be far between, maybe 2 a day.

thanks in advance

Is it worth it. Depends on how much work your willing to do and how much your willing to pay.
The 4EAT is stronger and if setup right is a killer transmission. You can set it up as paddle shift, hi stall what ever, and unless your magic will shift faster than a manuel any day of the week. But then you lose the "Cool Luke" profile of having a stick.
Look up IPT (Import Performance Transmission) and see what can be done to that transmission.
There killer, I have 2 of them. One is a spare I've never needed to use, as of yet.

http://www.importperformancetrans.com/subaruauto.shtml

I'm new to subarus and well, to car modifying all together. I have picked up bits and pieces from tuner friends but have never done anything substantial myself other then put in a cold air intake and a custom cat back exhaust. forgive me if anything sounds stupid or obvious as I am new.

so what is "paddle shift" and "hi stall"? never heard of it before.

I just thought that MT would be better because more gears. does that matter? I care about performance, not so much looks. I would keep the 4EAT if it could handle the power I want to put through it which is a moderate 350hp someday, turbo'd of course (although I would love a supercharger but have not found any that don't blow up a 2.5rs engine)

I want to at least be able to beat those egotistical Evo owners around here that think there stock evo turbos are the best thing this side of the atlantic.

maybe if I ever go twin turbo I can take on a lotus elise in the area that once beat me (go figure). ya, not the smartest race to do. didn't lose anything but pride though, thank god. just curious to see if I could even keep up at all with it. nope, blew by after the first shift.lol

BTW: how much power are you running right now?
I will check out that site and get back with a post...

Mel Adjusted, did you buy that tranny they offer or do the rebuild kit? rebuild is cheaper by lots but the tranny has more done.

I see that they have a 5EAT rebuild kit. That would be a cool swap if possible. I could probably get a 5EAT ECM/ECU to hook up easily to my stock wiring because they are both AT. do you know about any 4EAT > 5EAT conversions? and where can I find this 5EAT, what car? if anyone can help, much appreciated.

Simple is better, especially with wiring. so since they are both auto, the wiring should be very similar right?

OMG a 5EAT for meh sooby... YESS!

yes yes subscribed. let us know how it works out.

hmmm i wonder if they can marry it to a different gear box, one that has a
d5 in it.. OMG awesomeness.

something like this...

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/X5/review_E70/x5_gear.jpg
bmw 5 speed auto

or this

http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/Porsche-911-Tiptronic-S.jpg

Porsche six-speed Tiptronic S auto transmission yummy.

"...it sprint’s from a standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.8 seconds, while it can reach 99 mph (160 km/h) in just 16.8 seconds."

Imprezajunkie, in answer to your question, a "paddle shift" has paddles mounted on the steering wheel so you can up-down shift without removing your hands from the wheel. A "hi-stall" torque convertor is a convertor that has been modified to rev higher before it starts to lock-up. Much like reving up a engine with a standard transmission and dropping the clutch. Less strain on the transmission.
If you understand the difference between a automatic and manuel transmission you'll know a automatic or seq. transmission will smoke a manuel transmission any day of the week. If your after performance, automatic is the way to go.
Myself I went with the complete transmission as I wanted something that would last, and that it has.
If you look at the Pro racers you'll see they use automatics. From AA/F dragsters, Funny cars, Desert Trophy trucks, Pro 1, F1, Monster trucks, Indy you name it.
As for superchargers, look at the Whipple W140AX. Were doing a EJ20 with one of these right now. The good part is, by changing the pulleys we can change the boost to what ever we need. For auto-x it would be killer, and i'm hoping it will work for the Pikes Peak, we'll see.

http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1162

I used to think the auto's were stronger than manuals. This isn't really true. Without a good deal of modding, auto's will grenade under high hp applications. They also have alot of problems with heat. I believe that Legacy 2.5GT people are having trouble with their auto's when they bump up the power.

I did a 4EAT to JDM STi 5MT and lost cruise control and abs. Neither really bother me so it's ok.

I used to think the auto's were stronger than manuals. This isn't really true. Without a good deal of modding, auto's will grenade under high hp applications. They also have alot of problems with heat. I believe that Legacy 2.5GT people are having trouble with their auto's when they bump up the power.

I did a 4EAT to JDM STi 5MT and lost cruise control and abs. Neither really bother me so it's ok.

What your saying is true. no body in there right mind would boost there turbo pressure to 30# without proper inter-cooling. Same holds true for a automatic transmission. Even in a stock setting a after market transmission cooler will give much more life the transmision. The stock automatic transmission cooling is border line in most cars and trucks. Automatic transmissions don't like heat anymore than engines like intake heat.

OMG a 5EAT for meh sooby... YESS!

yes yes subscribed. let us know how it works out.

hmmm i wonder if they can marry it to a different gear box, one that has a
d5 in it.. OMG awesomeness.

something like this...

http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/BMW/X5/review_E70/x5_gear.jpg
bmw 5 speed auto

or this

http://www.carbuyersnotebook.com/archives/Porsche-911-Tiptronic-S.jpg

Porsche six-speed Tiptronic S auto transmission yummy.

"...it sprint’s from a standstill to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.8 seconds, while it can reach 99 mph (160 km/h) in just 16.8 seconds."

well I was only thinking that there might be one only because I saw a 5EAT rebuild kit at IPT(see post #2). it prob won't work without extreme mod on an impreza, or it might fit perfect. I have no idea if it even exists but am looking into it. I am busy so it will take some time. if anyone else knows anything about it or wants to do some research, feel free.

and aren't these pics above semi-automatics?

Imprezajunkie, in answer to your question, a "paddle shift" has paddles mounted on the steering wheel so you can up-down shift without removing your hands from the wheel...

As for superchargers, look at the Whipple W140AX. Were doing a EJ20 with one of these right now. The good part is, by changing the pulleys we can change the boost to what ever we need. For auto-x it would be killer, and i'm hoping it will work for the Pikes Peak, we'll see.

http://www.whipplesuperchargers.com/product.asp?ProdID=1162

a paddle shift sounds sweet. I will consider doing that mod in the future. but thats just for MT's right? I have for 1st,2nd,3rd, and d in my 4EAT, practically a MT right?lol.

I meant I couldn't find any impreza specific supercharger kits. they have lots of universal ones. I can't afford to take a chance at fabricating a system like that and risk messing up my engine. that supercharger does look sweet though and wish so bad that I could run it.

My ideal setup would be this: a 5spd semi auto tranny with torque converter,cooler, all the fixins you know. my 2.5 bored out, forged pistons,upgraded injectors, stage 3 crank and cam shafts, upgraded cam gears, performance exhaust manifold,etc,etc. and that supercharger up front and a turbo (just because overboard is the best). all pushing a STREETABLE 600whp on pump gas. I've seen 600whp done before that was street legal and passed emissions but cost lots.

I can dream can't I?

a paddle shift sounds sweet. I will consider doing that mod in the future. but thats just for MT's right? I have for 1st,2nd,3rd, and d in my 4EAT, practically a MT right?lol.

I meant I couldn't find any impreza specific supercharger kits. they have lots of universal ones. I can't afford to take a chance at fabricating a system like that and risk messing up my engine. that supercharger does look sweet though and wish so bad that I could run it.

My ideal setup would be this: a 5spd semi auto tranny with torque converter,cooler, all the fixins you know. my 2.5 bored out, forged pistons,upgraded injectors, stage 3 crank and cam shafts, upgraded cam gears, performance exhaust manifold,etc,etc. and that supercharger up front and a turbo (just because overboard is the best). all pushing a STREETABLE 600whp on pump gas. I've seen 600whp done before that was street legal and passed emissions but cost lots.

I can dream can't I?

It's for automatic's. The 1 IPT has don't show it too good. The 1 listed below shows it much better.

http://ess-racing.com/

Nothing wrong with dreaming. Ideas are built from dreams. Without dreams mankind would go back to the stone age.
I have a saying, The difficult I do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer

Nothing wrong with dreaming. Ideas are built from dreams. Without dreams mankind would go back to the stone age.
I have a saying, The difficult I do immediately, the impossible takes a little longer

ya, my girlfriend always says I'm a dreamer. but the kind that makes plans to get things done.lol

I like that saying of yours. works for me. I am doing HW on my impreza build. planning on going turbo, I have another thread in the built motor forum I think (although it should have gone in the NA with forced induction forum) thats why I wanted to know about the whole tranny thing, didn't know if this little 4EAT could handle 350-400 hp.

thanks for all the info and advice/opinions guys. I bet everyone wishes there was a site like this for there car. NASIOC rocks!!! especially for guys like me who have dreams of having a suped up car but know nothing about what they are doing. thats why I'm here, to learn and ask questions.
The Human condition:)

The 4EAT set-up right can handle 900-1,000 HP. If you setup your drive train right to start with you'll have less problem down the road.
Keep dreaming and dare to be different.

and aren't these pics above semi-automatics?

well I know the porsche is tiptronic. it's completely auto in one gate, move the shifter to the next gate and you control the shifts manually. (no clutch) not sure about the bimmer but its labeled a 5 speed auto and the shifter looks like something from a fighter jet.

Does anyone know what the 5EAT is like on the newer Legacy GTs? I'm pretty sure they have the paddle shifters.

Does anyone know what the 5EAT is like on the newer Legacy GTs? I'm pretty sure they have the paddle shifters.

if they do then that might be the best bet to get a paddle shifter system for the impreza. might not be a "bolt on mod" though since subaru is starting to change their cars a little bit (mounts, design-of-system wise). There was some paddle shifter kit for the nissan 300zx somewhere. I wonder if we could use that? hmmmm, I googled some paddle shift stuff but didn't come up with much. anyone know anything on the subject?

maybe I'll start that thread:)

the new lancers have paddle shifts...

ok lets star over
is a 4eat-5eat possible

-- no --

not practically you would need to build your own tcu
the 5eat is can bus which means 2 wires -high speed data.. which your ecu won't have any idea what to do with

maybe if the can bus version of the hydra comes out

the new lancers have DSGs totally different all together

ok lets star over
is a 4eat-5eat possible

-- no --

not practically you would need to build your own tcu
the 5eat is can bus which means 2 wires -high speed data.. which your ecu won't have any idea what to do with

maybe if the can bus version of the hydra comes out

the new lancers have DSGs totally different all together

Your so right Jaxx about the 5EAT but what about the 5MT he was talking about? Being he's looking for performance I suggest the transmission he has and upgrade it so it will handle whatever he wants. For the cost of converting from a auto to manuel he could easly upgrade what he has and be better tham a manuel.

Your so right Jaxx about the 5EAT but what about the 5MT he was talking about? Being he's looking for performance I suggest the transmission he has and upgrade it so it will handle whatever he wants. For the cost of converting from a auto to manuel he could easly upgrade what he has and be better tham a manuel.

Well I guess I really have to make a decision on what kind of car I want. I guess I wanted a little bit of both worlds, good fuel economy in a fast car but I can't have both. see, if I go turbo, I was thinking that with a fifth gear, I would save some gas (daily driver as well but I will *soon* have another car) and have a bit more top speed. that, and I don't know how high of a speed a 4EAT could get. I thought it would be significantly lower

now acceration wise is a tricky business in all this. on one hand I have one less shift and the auto shifts more reliable then a manuel (driver dependant) plus more or less faster shifts in the 4EAT. on the other, I will have less time overall in the power band and in low rpms, might be a little slow. but you have to figure in that one extra shift time in the MT. I wonder if it all just evens out?

well this is my theory, me not knowing much on the subject of forced induction or anything but here is the theory:
since I have the 4EAT, it might be a little slow in the lower rpms as opposed to other 5 or 6 speed cars. Couldn't I just have a turbo set for short spool-up so it would help the lower rpms? whats better then that is a supercharger but that is "always on" just about and that conflicts with the other part of my theory a little maybe.
If I had a twin turbo, could I adjust the 2 independant of eachother? meaning could I just set one for short spool and the other for longer? that way I cover a lot of rpm band range. If it was a supercharger then it would still be on when the turbo picks up in the high end and I would probably blow my engine. maybe that would happen anyway with a twin turbo huh?

If I do the research and set my engine and tranny up right though, I should be able to run anything I want. its all a matter of taking care of the essentials like driveshafts,pistons,compression, axles, exhaust, etc,etc. I am asking a lot of questions and getting a ton of advice and info from NASIOC, I don't want to blow my car up. so how many people agree with what Mel Adjusted said in the last post? Just stay with the 4EAT and beef it up?

Ok lets get into the technology aspect of transmissions and gear ratios. Well doit 1 step at a time then put it all togeather. Only examples.
Say we have a car traveling 120MPH. It will travel 1320' in 7.5 sec. Now thats not from the dig but flying.
176' in 1 second
17.6' in 1/10 sec.
1.76' in 1/100 sec.
Why is this important? Because with a manual transmission it will matter how fast you can shift. If it takes you 1/10 of a second to shift, every time you shift you'll lose power to your drive train. 4 shifts=4/100 or 70.4'@ 120MPH.
Now thats for drag racing.
Lets go to transmissions. Generally a manual well lanch better that a automatic as they can bring the engine up in the power band and drop the clutch. Now heads up racing with stock cars if the driver with the manual transmission can get a lanch 4/10 of a second better than the automatic he should win. He has to over come the power loss in changing gears.
Knowing this the owners of automatic cars install a hi-stall convertor. Meaning they can now bring there engine's up in the power band to lanch, taking away the advantage the car with the manual transmission has.
The ideal gearing is to be geared to go thruthe lights in your final gear at red line(max RPM).
This being said, nether cars will be very good as far as economy cause with deep gears and gas milage don't like each other.
As for economy goes the 5 speed manual transmission has a top gear ratio of .780 were as the automatic has a top gear of .694, meaning the automatic should get better gass mileage.
Hi-performance and gas mileage don't go hand in hand. To have one you have to give up the other unless you can accept a happy medium.
Things to consider. For every 100lbs removed from your car will reduce 1/4 mile times 1/10 sec. so adding a big sterio with a 100lb boom box is cool but hell on drag times. Remove 300lbs of unnessary stuff on your car and you'll gain 3/10 of a second in the 1/4. Look at the pro's and see the cheap little tricks they use to gain 1/10 of a second here and 1/10 there. They all add up and most are very cheap. Example, only drag with enough gas to make the run. 20 gallons of fuel in the tank weigh's 140lbs, 2 gallons weigh's 14lbs, 1/10 second gain. You can always add fuel after the race. Watch your tire pressure, front and rear. The rule is hi pressure front, low pressure rear. Adjust it to your best times.
I have a friend who races a pure stock car he has lighten 340lbs and applied lots of little tricks only to be protested by the other racers only to be found legal by the tech. inspectors to the amazment of the losers.
The bottom line is, what do YOU want?

^^ lol, bench racing at its finest. Just go out and race your auto against a similarly setup up car and see which is better.

I've got an 5MT swap in my WRX and wouldnt look back; its just a completely different car now. Old setup was 4EAT with Protorque high-stall tc, it was great fun launching at 17psi and peeling out all 4 tires. New setup is JDM STI tranny and a new tune running 19psi, the turbo spools 5-600 rpm earlier and the car is a lot more fun.