Hello, I got a slow car that I want to make fast. I have one simple question. If I were to buy a GC8 WRX engine/transmission set, would I need to convert my car to AWD? I have a FWD auto tranny, and I am beginning to not be able to stand it. I don't mind the FWD too much, but would I NEED to convert my car to AWD to use a WRX or other 5-speed?
Thanks

If you just swap the motor...no, you don't need to "convert it" to awd. If you want the 5-speed...yes, that would require an "awd conversion" along with more parts.

you could use a fwd 5 spd. or your wrx 5spd minus the driveshaft. it'd be cooler awd, but it's your decision. -keith

:rolleyes: :rolleyes:
or your wrx 5spd minus the driveshaft

no this won't work it will destroy/explode the center diff (bad)
- kheff quit giving bad advice ..

to use a awd 5 speed you will need to do the awd conversion
to do a awd conversion you will need the rear sub frame and gas tank

a fwd tranny will bolt up to a ej20
but the stock clutch won't hold the power .. finding a fwd clutch to hold 2x the power will be difficult

he dosen't explicitly say he WANTS awd. why would he do a rwd conversion you fukkin retard? dosen't sound like he really wants awd or rwd for that matter. can u read jaxx?
you can use a wrx awd trans to go awd, fwd, or rwd, it's up to the user.
i didn't list parts needed to swap anything, period. not concerned yet. he dosen't even know what he's gonna do yet! give the guy options, whether they are normal, or completely custom/odd. you obviously have no imagination dude! sux 4 u! you probably hate taggin ugly chix cuz u cant think of anything outside her "box". weak!

i've personally turned a chevy awd astro van into fwd, who has done something similar? lets see who else has EXPERIENCE with something remotely similar.....


to use a awd 5 speed you will need to do the rwd conversion

HUH????? to use awd you turn it into rwd? actually, i know what you're trying to tell him, just make more sense out of it, so he can grasp it.

i just happen to speak idiot for work purposes!

edit: typo in post above need to add the rear portion of the AWD drive train to use a awd 5 speed tranny
giving people bad advice may be a fun game but go do it some where else ...
i suspect that if it weren't a "game" you wouldn't have gotten personal


in addition to the center diff being the point of explosion tranny fluid would leak out of the tail housing

an astro van (ha-ha btw) tranny has nothing in common with a subaru. in a subaru power hits the center diff first where most all other AWD cars it hits the front diff then the center (evo for example)

back to original post it will work with a fwd you will have major torque steer and finding clutch will be difficult

how many have you converted personally jaxx?

wouldn't waste my time on such a silly idea nor has any one else that has posted on this board ... RWD on the other hand

it would envolve following the flow of power into the center diff welding some parts and disconnecting/removing otheres .. then fabricating some sort of plug for the back to keep the tranny fluid from comming out

far far more difficult than dooing a AWD conversion

I'm just asking, because at this point I'd rather not spend more money on an AWD conversion, even though it would be very nice. I have an auto transmission, it's simply no fun. I dunno, i guess I think a EJ20 with an auto tranny is kinda... weird. I know it's done but... yeah.

Just throwing this out there, what would an AWD conversion cost me? $1200? $2000? $3000? I don't really know, I read a guide on doing it, but I really have no clue what the cost would be.

its not cheap. you get tempted to throw down some baller parts while you're at it.

usually;

gastank~$150
rear x-members $100
hubs w/ e-brake lines $150
brakes $125 - look on classifieds for JDM rear vented disc brakes..... (hahah)
struts- $250
random bits and pieces -$150

Ok, and while I'm at it, I'll go ahead and ask. Will springs for AWD Subarus fit FWD models?

Ok, and while I'm at it, I'll go ahead and ask. Will springs for AWD Subarus fit FWD models?

the springs and struts on the AWD model are shorter and designed to fit the axle wheel hub, but on the FWD models, they are longer and and create more of a perpendicular with the trailing arm and smaller wheel hub.

as for using an auto tranny on any JDM EJ20, i dont think that would be advisable unless you found some sort of killer torque converter kit for it. it is possible to hack apart and weld an AWD tranny to be RWD or even FWD i think, but whats the point? start by searching for resources to convert your car to AWD using a newer 5speed tranny and the stuff in the back. ive done it, and learned A LOT. nothing like hands on experience. it probably ended up costing me around 1500-2000 dollars including tools i didnt have and what not. if your good enough to handle that, then start to think about a more powerful engine and a swap later on.

Derrick

it's like $1,600 or near that price to do a AWD swap right?

Not much for some here, lot for others.

Not a problem if you peice the parts... might be better to hold out and might have a better score on parts finding.

It's alot for a poor college student. :)

Will all Legacy, GD, GC stuff work on my car for an AWD swap? Or can I only use GC stuff?

yes. it all works.

legacy 95-98 for all suspension bits. motor/diff all the same. outback, forrester, etc. its all your friend.

If you want to do the conversion right....get a donor car. My write-up will give you an idea of the costs and amount of work.

www.surrealmirage.com/subaru/swap

ive always been curious if an awd gas tank works from somethin other than an impreza..? i got myself a donor car, but im still curious

btw, dont leave it FWD, my EJ22t fwd is stupid torque steer! EJ20 would be twice as bad.... also, use legacy777's site, it is SO helpful :)

and good advice derrick

it's 15.9 Gal if i'm correct

The Forester uses 15.9 Gal

the tank? but is it bolt up to an impreza? or do you need an IMPREZA awd gas tank?

I'm pretty sure they would fit As far at the mounting holes depends the older you get might run into issues.