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Old 08-11-2008, 01:06 PM   #1
WebMasterP
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Default Can I Swap the Entire Drive Train?

Hey guys, I did some searching and found lots of information on putting a GDB STI trans and engine into a GC8. I coudln't find the answer to my specific question (doesn't mean it's not there, I just couldn't find it).

Let's say I have an entire 06 STI with lots body damage and just a bent steering rod and rear lateral link. Can I swap the *entire* drivetrain and suspension into a GC8? That means, I'd like to put the engine, trans, hubs, axels, coilovers, brakes, driveshaft, diffentials etc into a GC8 body. Is this do-able? Or do the dimensions for the driveshaft and stuff not work out?

I'm figuring it will be cheaper to do this than to repair the pushed in rear frame and severley pushed front clip, especially if I can get a 2 door for like $4k or something.
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Old 08-11-2008, 02:47 PM   #2
Zephyr
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Yes, this can be done.
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Old 08-11-2008, 02:59 PM   #3
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Why is this even a question?

Of course you can. The wiring might need to be massaged in and some splicing, depending on if you are swapping the entire dash + equipment in.

There might be some minor clearance issues with the body (wider track).

I'm not 100% sure on the suspension, but since you are running swapping hubs, the tops might be swappable on the GC/GF body.

But everything mechanical would bolt on over.
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Old 08-11-2008, 03:23 PM   #4
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He has an entire doner car -- so everything he'd need I bet -- so mount points are similar or the same???
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Old 08-11-2008, 03:39 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pakin View Post
Why is this even a question?

I'm not 100% sure on the suspension, but since you are running swapping hubs, the tops might be swappable on the GC/GF body.

But everything mechanical would bolt on over.
The suspension was the bulk of the question I'm really interested in, since I knew the tranny would make it in just fine. I was also curious about my driveshaft, which is carbon fiber, but you guys seem to think it will all fit.

I think I'll swap in the STI ECU and Cluster as well, should make it easier.
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Old 08-11-2008, 03:57 PM   #6
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and it'll be nicer - esp. with your programmer... -- I bet the transmission/drive shaft cavity can be trimmed back if there is an obstruction - only problem is if the length needs to be different... Does anyone know if the drive shaft lengths are comparable? :-\
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Old 08-11-2008, 04:04 PM   #7
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same length

if you want to do the dash/cluster swap
then you will moving(cutting and welding) over parts of the fire wall
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Old 08-11-2008, 06:24 PM   #8
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Before I start, let me tell you that I have almost EXACTLY the same donor car as you
Mine is an 07 without an interior, bent inner tie rods and a single bent rear lateral link. I have put every mechanical bit into my car except for a couple things below.

The driveshaft should bolt up fine. I have the stock STI driveshaft in my car with the 6spd and R180. The only issues I found are this:
1. You need to use rear top hats from a 90-91 legacy if you plan on using the 04+ springs on your struts.
2. I was told by an extremely reputable source that you need to use the stock RS control arms and lateral links. The STI gives you a weird suspension geometry and can also cause some rubbing issues.
3. You *may* need to switch to coilovers in order to get the BBS wheels to fit without rubbing. They are pretty damn wide. I have received conflicting information here from various people who have done these swaps, hence the *may*. I have not tried it myself yet, but will be throwing on my STI struts with COBB springs within the next week or so.
4. You'll need to roll your fenders.

If anybody who has actually done this swap has any corrections, please feel free to do so. All of my information is from a couple extremely reputable sources but I haven't installed all of my rear suspension.
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Old 08-11-2008, 06:40 PM   #9
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yeah, I have Racecomp Engineering Tarmac 2s on the STI I want to move over, with camber plates front and rear. And I want to keep the hubs so I can use my 17 LBS 18" wheels. if I have to I will spring for a widebody kit.
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Old 08-11-2008, 07:08 PM   #10
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You'll need to modify the rear top hats on those coils or modify the mounting point on the strut tower. The STI and RS don't line up in the rear.
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Old 08-11-2008, 09:50 PM   #11
WebMasterP
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maybe I could just get pillowball GC camber plates for the rears and sell my GD plates?
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Old 08-12-2008, 01:17 AM   #12
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As long as they'll mount on the coilovers then I couldn't see a problem with that.
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