03 Wrx 2.0 motor and trans replacement JDM or USDM???

[WRXmeinMD]

Well to start off Ive been searching through the forums (17 pages) so far and havent come up with a definitive answer to my questions. Let me give you the run down, the car is a 03 5speed (bad 3rd), evo 3 16g, front mount, fuel pump, megan racing turbo back, invidia up pipe, and synapse bov running 23psi (tuned). Im not worried about the #'s it puts down and am actually looking to tune it down some (daily/mpg). I know I have many options and am 100% new to Subarus so bear with me but my questions are:

1. Should I just rebuild the trans and call it a day? Average cost? Remember the car will see NO track time, NO auto-x, and hardly any abuse.

2. Purchase a used trans from a member and take a chance? Its the cheapest way but not the best option.

3. Purchase a Jdm motor and trans, use the trans and keep the motor for future swap when the one currently running dies?


If #1 would a shop like say AAMCO work? or would I need to take it to a specialty/subaru only shop?

If #2 Anyone have one for sale?

If #3 What Jdm swaps are drop in with minimal changes? Ive done many honda swaps both direct bolt in and also custom swaps where I had to make/splice harnesses etc.... but Subarus are a different animal.

Again im not a 18yo kid who wants to race everyone on the streets, just an enthusiast who wants a fun DD. Im also not looking to go the 6speed route.


Thanks in advance for any and all help. If theres anything else please let me know.

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[oldgovernor]

Originally Posted by WRXmeinMD

1. Should I just rebuild the trans and call it a day? Average cost? Remember the car will see NO track time, NO auto-x, and hardly any abuse.

2. Purchase a used trans from a member and take a chance? Its the cheapest way but not the best option.

3. Purchase a Jdm motor and trans, use the trans and keep the motor for future swap when the one currently running dies?

If #1 would a shop like say AAMCO work? or would I need to take it to a specialty/subaru only shop?

If #2 Anyone have one for sale?

If #3 What Jdm swaps are drop in with minimal changes? Ive done many honda swaps both direct bolt in and also custom swaps where I had to make/splice harnesses etc.... but Subarus are a different animal.

To start off, eliminate #3 as an option. It is not necessary at all, costs way more, and doesn't really offer that much benefit. Even if you found a 5spd STi trans by itself you still will have to do a lot more work.


#1 is a fine option, especially if you want a more durable transmission and have some serious cash to throw down. You do not want to use AAMCO. Use a tuner shop that specializes in transmissions. You will need to buy a gearset (type RA, ppg, etc...), here are some examples:
http://www.rallispec.com/prod_trans.htm
http://www.ppgearbox.com.au/page.asp?categoryid=22
http://www.iaperformance.com/index.p...lbe4r8ih5r96d4
http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/v...07-p-4758.html

Then find a decent shop and get your core and the gearset to them. Here is PPG's list for example:
http://www.ppgearbox.com.au/page.asp...rs&regionid=12

#2 is the cheapest/easiest way to get your car going. You can do this yourself pretty easily too. If you buy local or from someone decently reputable you shouldn't be a problem. You'll risk breaking it again but it sounds like you're trying to tune your vehicle down anyway. You should buy mine , 04 5mt w/ 70k on it, everything works:

http://i.imgur.com/DMB5Lkr.jpg

I'm posting it on the FS section for $800 in a couple minutes here.


Also, read this: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=986710 and this: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=187454