Call me crazy but I want to do this...

tjmazz13 · 11-26-2012, 11:49 PM

First off, to explain why I want to do all this, I have spina bifida. It affects my walking and it is pretty difficult. I started off with my first car which was a 2004 java black pearl automatic WRX. I totaled that during hurricane sandy so after I received insurance money I purchased a 2004 STi thinking I could handle driving manual everyday but it is turning out the other way.

I want to convert my STi to automatic because manual is just too hard on my legs. I found a JDM 4eat transmission and I was wondering how hard would it be to use this and what all would I need to change and or modify.

Any info would be helpful!

Thanks,
TJ

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drewvdw · 11-27-2012, 01:18 AM

I've got a friend with Cerebral Palsey in an automatic WRX. It may be easier and cheaper for you to find an auto WRX and do a turbo swap with supporting mods. He's in the process of doing the same.

Jubert69 · 11-27-2012, 01:22 AM

TJ,

With the amount of work and effort you put into it will cost you WAYYYY more than it should cost.

I converted my 4EAT into a 5MT, which is heck of a lot easier, and still costly.

You will need to tear down your whole car to remove the whole wiring harness. You will need to source yourself a automatic wiring harness due to the extra plugs and the TCU.
Then you need to find yourself an automatic driveshaft, and an automatic transmission, preferably modded to meet the power levels of the STi motor.

Trust me on this one, find yourself an auto instead of swapping.

Jubert69 · 11-27-2012, 01:24 AM

Just saw you found a JDM 4eat transmission. You will still need the correct differential, and if it's an R160 Diff, you just ran into another huge set of problems. You need to convert the rear end to match the R160 by getting new axles and possibly hubs as well.

joebobanaught · 11-27-2012, 01:30 AM

I agree with everyone else. While you would take a hit on selling a car you just got, I think it would probably be more cost effective to change to an automatic WRX and modding it to the performance of the STi

11-26-2012, 11:49 PM	#1
tjmazz13 Scooby Specialist Member#: 291681 Join Date: Aug 2011 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: '04 STi PSM - 340whp/340wtq	Call me crazy but I want to do this... First off, to explain why I want to do all this, I have spina bifida. It affects my walking and it is pretty difficult. I started off with my first car which was a 2004 java black pearl automatic WRX. I totaled that during hurricane sandy so after I received insurance money I purchased a 2004 STi thinking I could handle driving manual everyday but it is turning out the other way. I want to convert my STi to automatic because manual is just too hard on my legs. I found a JDM 4eat transmission and I was wondering how hard would it be to use this and what all would I need to change and or modify. Any info would be helpful! Thanks, TJ * Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

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11-27-2012, 01:18 AM	#2
drewvdw NASIOC Supporter Member#: 255776 Join Date: Aug 2010 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Laramie, WY Vehicle: 2010 LR WRX MPS and PAR powered.	I've got a friend with Cerebral Palsey in an automatic WRX. It may be easier and cheaper for you to find an auto WRX and do a turbo swap with supporting mods. He's in the process of doing the same.

11-27-2012, 01:22 AM	#3
Jubert69 Scooby Specialist Member#: 167739 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CT Vehicle: 04 WRX	TJ, With the amount of work and effort you put into it will cost you WAYYYY more than it should cost. I converted my 4EAT into a 5MT, which is heck of a lot easier, and still costly. You will need to tear down your whole car to remove the whole wiring harness. You will need to source yourself a automatic wiring harness due to the extra plugs and the TCU. Then you need to find yourself an automatic driveshaft, and an automatic transmission, preferably modded to meet the power levels of the STi motor. Trust me on this one, find yourself an auto instead of swapping.

11-27-2012, 01:24 AM	#4
Jubert69 Scooby Specialist Member#: 167739 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CT Vehicle: 04 WRX	Just saw you found a JDM 4eat transmission. You will still need the correct differential, and if it's an R160 Diff, you just ran into another huge set of problems. You need to convert the rear end to match the R160 by getting new axles and possibly hubs as well.

11-27-2012, 01:30 AM	#5
joebobanaught Scooby Newbie Member#: 43566 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: BA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sedan Silver	I agree with everyone else. While you would take a hit on selling a car you just got, I think it would probably be more cost effective to change to an automatic WRX and modding it to the performance of the STi