Forester wrx swap

[Cptnhowdy23]

Getting ready to start a 01 forester wrx swap but have a few questions. Like will a sti tranny fit the wrx engine. But before i go to far, the stock motor still has about 150,000 to 200,000 miles left in it. What im trying to say is will the wrx tranny or the sti tranny fit the forester engine until i get the wrx engine.

[987687]

I wasn't aware the wrx engine had 150k-200k in them out of the factory 

But yes, the bellhousings are the same on the wrx vs sti engines, so it'll bolt up.

[nepbug]

STi 6MT has a slightly different transmission mount.

 

Also, the STi shifter is a little different so you will need a 6MT knob as well.  I think the STi shift linkages still work fine with the Forester still having the crossmember spacers, but there is a chance that they will cause the shifter to hit your shifter trim.

[987687]

The other thing you're going to need is an automatic forester driveshaft. The 6mt is conveniently the same length as an auto, which is a bit longer than a 5mt. You can't use the STi driveshaft because the forester driveshaft has a different carrier bearing to accommodate for the dropped subframes. If you don't use a forester driveshaft it'll have horrible binding and blow out the u-joints.

[Cptnhowdy23]

Sry meant the forester had that many miles left on it. But anyway your saying the sti tranny will fit the forester engine. If so is there anyway you could make a list of what is needed and how to go about doing. If its nt to much to ask. Thanks for all the help so far this is the only place i have been able to get any helpful info.

[987687]

I honestly don't know everything you need for the swap. It sorta depends on if you have an 04 transmission or later as they have different axles.

To put a turbo transmission in an n/a car you're going to need the turbo clutch master/slave cylinder, obviously a turbo clutch kit. Then you'll need a product like the DCCDpro to control the center diff properly. As nepbug mentioned, the shifter and mounts are a bit different, other than that I'm not sure.

[Cptnhowdy23]

So would a pre 04 tranny be the best to use then?

[987687]

04 was the first year of the sti 6 speed transmission in the US. I suggest doing a bit of research on exactly what you're going to need here...

[1 Lucky Texan]

NASIOC would be a forum you'd want to check.

[ccrinc]

Sry meant the forester had that many miles left on it. But anyway your saying the sti tranny will fit the forester engine. If so is there anyway you could make a list of what is needed and how to go about doing. If its nt to much to ask. Thanks for all the help so far this is the only place i have been able to get any helpful info.

 

Not to try to rain on your parade, but if you have to ask a question like "a list of what's needed and how to go about doing it", you're not ready to do something this insanely complicated.  In the long (and short) run, you would be better off in every way to get a Forester XT.

 

Emily

[Cptnhowdy23]

I understand that ccrinc but i already have the forester. I just really want the challenge and want to learn more about subarus.

[86 Wonder Wedge]

I understand that ccrinc but i already have the forester. I just really want the challenge and want to learn more about subarus.

 

Love the enthusiasm, but unless you already have the 6MT or a friend you're stealing it from, a good, used 6MT with the parts you'll need is PROBABLY more expensive than the Forester you're putting it in. Have you looked at 6MT swap prices..?

 

If you want to learn and tinker with Subarus, I'd suggest looking for a core motor (the Ej251/2/3 are EVERYWHERE) and play with that on the engine stand. Or find a junkyard that will let you pull your own parts.

 

Aside from the WRX motor, you'll need proper engine management, full FHI wiring diagrams from both the 01 Forester and the donor car and the little parts that will nickle-and-dime you to death (unless you have a half-cut WRX sitting in your garage/yard).