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View Poll Results: What should I do?
Wait it out and break it in. It will get better 0 0%
Take it to the dealership with Perrin Stop 1 25.00%
Take it to the dealership stock (remove Perrin stop) 0 0%
This is normal bro. It's a WRX. #gravelbox 3 75.00%
Learn how to drive... 0 0%
Voters: 4. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 09-03-2019, 10:51 PM   #1
spiffyone571
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Default New 2019 WRX Transmission 1-2 Gear Shift

I know there are other posts about this, but I wanted to see what the going consensus is now a days.

For background, I am not new to manual transmissions. I have owned an Acura RSX Type S and a Mazdaspeed 3, both with 6 speed transmissions. I was on a 5 year break from manual transmissions and finally bought a 2019 WRX Limited last month.

I love the car, it drives nice has a nice amount of power (haven't punched it yet, still breaking in currently @ under 1000 mi.) but the transmission seems weird. The first-second gear shift is rocky. I have heard the term the Subaru Gravel box, but it seems like all the other gears are relatively smooth.

Now it doesn't always feel rocky, sometimes i get this super clean smooth shift as I throw the shifter back. Other times I get a knock which sounds like I slammed it into gear even though I didn't. Then other times, I get this rocky ride through the shift gate which makes it feel like my gears/synchros are rolling and clanking into each other. I've never experienced this before and like i've said this isn't my first manual car. I have installed a Perrin Shift stop like other have recommended, but it doesn't seem to fix the problem occurring.


My real question is this a break in thing? Maybe once I change trans oil or drive it more this will go away or lessen?

Or is this something I need to take to the dealership? if yes, would they care about my shift stop and should I revert this back to stock?
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Old 09-04-2019, 05:16 PM   #2
viper_crazy
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What RPM do you shift at?
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Old 09-04-2019, 05:24 PM   #3
standardtranny
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motul synthetic tranny oil, brass shifter bushing, group n pitch stop and tranny mount, and slightly heavier shift knob have made the cable shifter design rather livable for me. I have oem short shift too which is meh.

Also revving to a slightly higher rpm in first makes sliding into second that much easier.
It'll get easier with time as well.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:07 PM   #4
spiffyone571
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Quote:
Originally Posted by viper_crazy View Post
What RPM do you shift at?
In 1st around 3-3.5k roughly.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:11 PM   #5
fullah
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Having just installed group n engine mounts I think part of the problem is the softer stock engine mounts. There is a lot of deflection in the mounts which make the clutch release feel sloppy. See my group n engine mount thread but I think this car should have come with stiffer mounts. The group n engine mounts increase vibration slightly but are worth it in my opinion. I realize it sounds crazy swapping engine mounts at 5000 miles but that's how to fix some of these issues.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:39 PM   #6
viper_crazy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spiffyone571 View Post
In 1st around 3-3.5k roughly.
Have you tried a slightly lower RPM? Say closer to 2500 tops? I have a 5 speed, and first gear is always a bit of a jerk at higher RPM if I ain't driving with a bit of spirit.

It's probably a combination of soft factory mounts, as suggested, and getting used to the vehicle. Some vehicles almost seem to require a bit of finesse, no matter driving experience or type of car.

Is rev hang still a thing on the newer models? That might be causing some issues. It took me a couple months to perfect a smooth shift and I've driven vehicles with 18-speeds for living.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:49 PM   #7
spiffyone571
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fullah View Post
Having just installed group n engine mounts I think part of the problem is the softer stock engine mounts. There is a lot of deflection in the mounts which make the clutch release feel sloppy. See my group n engine mount thread but I think this car should have come with stiffer mounts. The group n engine mounts increase vibration slightly but are worth it in my opinion. I realize it sounds crazy swapping engine mounts at 5000 miles but that's how to fix some of these issues.
It doesn't have so much to do with the clutch release as it does the travel through the gate. Although I do know what what you mean.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:50 PM   #8
spiffyone571
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Quote:
Originally Posted by viper_crazy View Post
Have you tried a slightly lower RPM? Say closer to 2500 tops? I have a 5 speed, and first gear is always a bit of a jerk at higher RPM if I ain't driving with a bit of spirit.

It's probably a combination of soft factory mounts, as suggested, and getting used to the vehicle. Some vehicles almost seem to require a bit of finesse, no matter driving experience or type of car.

Is rev hang still a thing on the newer models? That might be causing some issues. It took me a couple months to perfect a smooth shift and I've driven vehicles with 18-speeds for living.
I have and it helps the lower RPM's still feel a bit in there but it is more the travel of the shifter from 1st - 2nd and not necessary jerkiness.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:52 PM   #9
spiffyone571
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Quote:
Originally Posted by standardtranny View Post
motul synthetic tranny oil, brass shifter bushing, group n pitch stop and tranny mount, and slightly heavier shift knob have made the cable shifter design rather livable for me. I have oem short shift too which is meh.

Also revving to a slightly higher rpm in first makes sliding into second that much easier.
It'll get easier with time as well.
Did you experience the same issues as well? I would go through all that, although I'm just wondering why it doesn't feel crisp from the stock setup.
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Old 09-04-2019, 06:54 PM   #10
viper_crazy
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Ah, shifter/stick feel... That I only have experience on a 5-speed, so I think I'll bow out on this... lol
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Old 09-13-2019, 12:27 AM   #11
spiffyone571
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Bump for responses I'm taking my car in tomorrow
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Old 09-13-2019, 04:22 PM   #12
WRXnick16
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Does this typically happen on cold starts while you're driving the car before it's warmed up to normal operating temps? or does it randomly happen after you've been driving for a while?

Check if the dealership will let you take another '19 WRX on a short test drive just for comparison while they inspect your car. If they won't, go to another dealership and act like you're interested in buying a WRX. Then you'll at least have a better frame of reference for what's normal.

New car + cold transmission/fluid + drivetrain slop + cable shifter = sub-optimal shifting experience

It took a while for me to find a happy sweet spot for shifting. I found that it was often better once the transmission warmed up, but managing the whacky oem throttle mapping, rev hang, vague-ish clutch, drivetrain slop, cable shifter and RPM took quite a bit of time to perfect even though I've driven manual cars for over 15 years. Some may recommend double clutching into 2nd gear until everything warms up, but I found that briefly pausing in neutral between shifts was enough to make it happy. It lets the drivetrain stabilize and the revs drop a bit after the initial rev hang.

If you plan to mod the car then things that others have recommended will help:
  • Tune - more linear throttle response and reduced rev hang
  • Shift stop - which you already have
  • Shift bushing
  • Group N trans mount (can also do the pitch stop & diff bushing inserts if you want more)
  • Heavier shift knob
  • Test out different trans oils and/or bleed the clutch if you're still unhappy
Obviously none of this will help if you have a mechanical defect and will give Subaru a reason to deny your warranty claim

Last edited by WRXnick16; 09-13-2019 at 04:48 PM.
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Old 09-13-2019, 07:33 PM   #13
spiffyone571
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Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by WRXnick16 View Post
Does this typically happen on cold starts while you're driving the car before it's warmed up to normal operating temps? or does it randomly happen after you've been driving for a while?

Check if the dealership will let you take another '19 WRX on a short test drive just for comparison while they inspect your car. If they won't, go to another dealership and act like you're interested in buying a WRX. Then you'll at least have a better frame of reference for what's normal.

New car + cold transmission/fluid + drivetrain slop + cable shifter = sub-optimal shifting experience

It took a while for me to find a happy sweet spot for shifting. I found that it was often better once the transmission warmed up, but managing the whacky oem throttle mapping, rev hang, vague-ish clutch, drivetrain slop, cable shifter and RPM took quite a bit of time to perfect even though I've driven manual cars for over 15 years. Some may recommend double clutching into 2nd gear until everything warms up, but I found that briefly pausing in neutral between shifts was enough to make it happy. It lets the drivetrain stabilize and the revs drop a bit after the initial rev hang.

If you plan to mod the car then things that others have recommended will help:
  • Tune - more linear throttle response and reduced rev hang
  • Shift stop - which you already have
  • Shift bushing
  • Group N trans mount (can also do the pitch stop & diff bushing inserts if you want more)
  • Heavier shift knob
  • Test out different trans oils and/or bleed the clutch if you're still unhappy
Obviously none of this will help if you have a mechanical defect and will give Subaru a reason to deny your warranty claim
Dude, Thanks for the response! I took my car in an the technician I rode with was experienced and is the main transmission guy at the dealership. He was actually hoping something was wrong with my car when he drove it because he just finished his last transmission job. He noted what I was feeling was normal. Essentially stating that the transmission in a WRX is more positive in feeling than the cars i've previously driven.

I'm sure some of what I am feeling is the synchro match from the rev hang from 1-2 shift. I do plan on modding the car, but I guess i'm just a bit worried as a new WRX owner with the way this shift felt. In all honesty I don't like the way the 1-2 gear shift feels, other cars I've driven have been great in this aspect. I think I might just need to get used to it and wear in some of the parts as well (bushings, cables, etc.).

I think with the information you provided I have a better idea on my future for remedy solutions for this feeling. Also where exactly do you get a tune? I feel like the only way to do this is an access port. Am I wrong?
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Old 09-14-2019, 02:47 PM   #14
WRXnick16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spiffyone571 View Post
I think with the information you provided I have a better idea on my future for remedy solutions for this feeling. Also where exactly do you get a tune? I feel like the only way to do this is an access port. Am I wrong?
The most common route is the Cobb AccessPort. You can either go with one of their OTS stage maps that fits your setup or go with another vendor's map (MAPerformance is another popular option). The final option is a protune (either a road e-tune done via email or a dyno tune at a shop).
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Old 09-18-2019, 05:45 PM   #15
Norm Peterson
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spiffyone571 View Post
I love the car, it drives nice has a nice amount of power (haven't punched it yet, still breaking in currently @ under 1000 mi.) but the transmission seems weird. The first-second gear shift is rocky. I have heard the term the Subaru Gravel box, but it seems like all the other gears are relatively smooth.

Now it doesn't always feel rocky, sometimes i get this super clean smooth shift as I throw the shifter back. Other times I get a knock which sounds like I slammed it into gear even though I didn't. Then other times, I get this rocky ride through the shift gate which makes it feel like my gears/synchros are rolling and clanking into each other. I've never experienced this before and like i've said this isn't my first manual car.
Bet you didn't have a car with rev hang on the 1-2 upshift as bad is this either. That can probably be tuned out, at some risk to warranty coverage . . .

Best I can offer is to suggest you slow those 1-2 shifts down a bit and be more deliberate about making them happen. Don't force them. Maybe use a little less throttle in 1st and make up for that with a bit more throttle in 2nd.


Norm
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Old 09-25-2019, 11:44 AM   #16
Buffman
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I find on my 19' (Have 10K on it) if I get heavy into first gear and build up rev's really quickly, and shift very quickly into 2nd, I get what feels rocky or sometimes even a light grind. I've installed the Perrin shift stop, so far. I have the bushing to do next, and I have the pitch stop mount I may do as well since I took that off my demised 02.

I half wonder if rev-hang is a little to blame here? For now I purposely let the revs drop on the 1-2 and make a very slow and controlled shift..
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Old 09-25-2019, 01:05 PM   #17
Norm Peterson
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Pretty sure rev hang has more than just a little to do with it - it still takes extra time for everything from the clutch disc back to the countershaft slowed down when the engine's rpm drop is delayed/slow to get started. Even the rate of rpm drop once it gets going (rpm/second) may be emissions-driven.

I take my time on the 1-2 upshift as well.


Norm
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Old 10-10-2019, 10:56 PM   #18
Buffman
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I will say that $20 Perrin shift bushing made the shifts quite a bit better. Wife got me a heavy knob from Grimmspeed too and that's made the shift smoother
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Old 10-11-2019, 08:19 AM   #19
Kickinbeatz
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I'd have to agree with all that was said before. I have an '18 WRX that I bought with 4500 miles on it. Bone Stock and still have not done anything to it performance-wise. 1 - 2 shifts are still a learning battle for me. Especially, with the layout of the road I'm driving on. Downhill roads require an even slower shift from 1 - 2.

If I want to get on it, I find that I can speed up the shift a little bit, but get ready to keep on the throttle after you get into 2nd. I find first gear to be a very short gear and do most of my slow rolling (10mph) in 2nd to avoid the jerky-ness.
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Old 10-11-2019, 07:55 PM   #20
wolfpack65
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I will say that I absolutely hated the 1-2 shifting of my 2019 WRX when I first bought it.
The rev hang is another thing I was not at all used to, coming from a 2011 Mazda Speed3.

And, just to clarify, I've been driving a stick shift since I was 10-11 yr old, so about 45yr....I know how to drive a stick.

It took a bit of time to get "used" to it and maybe just learn the car better.

After 2mo of driving, the shifting between 1-2 is WAY more gooder than it was 2mo ago. I've learned to take it a little slower than what I was used to in the Speed3.
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