Will it work? BD trans swap

[Dead91silvia]

Hey guys, didnt see any thread on this...

I'm about o buy a 1999 Outback (limited 30an) with a 5 speed so I can do a auto to manual swap on my 98 GT. I know the gear raosio is diffrent, but I remember someone saying the bell housings had a diffrence from 98-99...? is this true and if it is, came the bell housings be swapped?

I would like to convert my BD GT to a manual and this car is complete other then hitting a dirt bank at 70mph and having its front wheels set a few inches back and the front end being annihilated... Car looks like it might have an LSD as well...

My car is an early 1998 with a 98 Forester motor....

Any input would be great!

[Dead91silvia]

And would also like to know if I'll be able to retain my cruise control as well...

[Bookem]

I'm surprised no one else has chimed in, trans will work. I'm pretty sure you'll need the rear diff as the gear ratios are different and the deal with the bellhousing is the starters for the 5mt and autos are different so use the 5mt starter for the swap. I have no idea on the cruise, maybe need the ecu from the 5mt car but I'm not sure if the plugs are the same for an auto ecu.

[grayguy]

In 98' they used 4 engine-to-tranny bolts/studs, starting in 99' they used 8. Is no big deal, you just use the 4 regular ones.

[impreza_GC8]

The Outback 5th gear is shorter than regular Legacies, you will get worse gas milage in 5th and turn higher RPM because you are using smaller than outback sized wheels.

[mike-tracy]

Not sure if it applies on Legacys, but to get cruise control working on my manual Forester (it came without), I had to find a manual transmission cruise control computer.

[elislider]

doing an auto-manual swap is not just a mechanical job. theres also wiring involved, especially if you want to make sure you dont have an CEL's after the conversion. youll have to get a different transmission crossmember too since the Outback ones have large spacers welded on for the chassis lift. also as stated, the gear ratios are different

[Dead91silvia]

Havent read this thread for a while... haha :roll:

I couldnt remember what year they started the new bell housing that thats good to know.

As for the parts, I would get a parts car. The one I was talking about, fell through, but I'm always on the look out for one with a 5mt. I would expect to change out the diffs for sure and expect a little wiring, but the big thing is, I want to retain the cruise.

I can fix MPG with a bigger wheel/tire combo.

This is still something I'm thinking about doing.... :smt023

[sorapolc]

To prevent new threads, this one fits my question the most. so i'm just adding on.

Would this transmission and rear differential work for my 98 LGT limited?
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/pts/2623954088.html - trans
http://newyork.craigslist.org/que/pts/2623956677.html - rear diff

I think it's from the same guy. Is it worth changing the trans? I'm just tired of automatic. If it's an easy swap, then I'll most likely do it, but if there're more parts to find to fit them together or whatever for the swap, then forget it.

Thanks.

[chuckthefuk]

The trans will fit.. but the diff is described wonky.. 4.44 or 4.11?

As long as you match the final driver you can use any combo with any tech type.

[sorapolc]

but the cost of the swap is considered high too right? other than that i have to buy many other components too correct?

[chuckthefuk]

pedal box / shifter linkage / clutch cable / slave cylinder / removing the TCU from the auto / making the Auto ECU think its a Manual / trans / diff / driveshaft /

If you can buy a donor car for cheap its worth it since you can re-and-re but to piece it together is not worth it
-Chuck

[sorapolc]

donor car meaning a 99 RS? or any manual trans 99 subaru?

[sorapolc]

something like this would work? http://newyork.craigslist.org/brx/cto/2627976753.html

[chuckthefuk]

It doesnt matter which subaru you have as long as its AWD and comes with all supporting equipment.

try to stay away from Pre-96.. That impreza could possibly be FWD and thats no good for business.

Once again.. find a car that has a blown head gasket.. people let those go for dirt cheap.

PM me if you need more info.. I am here to help.
-Chuck

[sorapolc]

thank you so much!

[nikolaus.conrad]

pedal box / shifter linkage / clutch cable / slave cylinder / removing the TCU from the auto / making the Auto ECU think its a Manual / trans / diff / driveshaft /

I'm going to be doing this swap soon, How does one make the ECU think it has a manual transmission? Thank you!

[Baddog]

So to use an outback 5mt you have to use an OUTBACK transmission crossmember?

I have mine mostly piece together for $800 so far.

[elislider]

no. to use a 5mt on a outback/forester chassis, you have to use an outback/forester transmission crossmember. all subaru 5mt AWD transmissions are the same dimensions
you can use an outback transmission on an L chassis with all the stock L components