Transmission Reliability?

[pearlm30]

I often seen people talked about the EJ22 engines are more reliable than EJ25. But members rarely talked about the reliability of phase 1 and phase 2(external screwed on filter) auto transmissions. Any inputs???

Edited March 1, 2017 by pearlm30

[GeneralDisorder]

No difference on the auto's really. We see the occasional random front differential pinion bearing failure - seen that anywhere from 90k on up. 

 

The filter was added in 99 and removed again in 07-ish. We like them because when you remove the filter you get like 2-3 more quarts out for doing fluid changes. The filter from the dealer is expensive but I sell Amsoil and we found that Amsoil specs their engine oil filter for the trans as well so we just use those - they are synthetic media Champion Labs filters and only cost about $15 retail. 

 

If you change the fluids they seem to last indefinitely. If you don't either the front diff pinion will take it out or the trans will quit at about 200k.  

 

The EJ22 isn't anymore reliable than the EJ25 if both are run with synthetic and the proper head gaskets and 10mm oil pumps are used going forward (for engines equipped with 7's). The EJ22 was setup for longer head gasket life and came with the 10mm pump but now they are so old you can probably do better by upgrading a 2.5 that is newer with fewer miles on it. The EJ25 has a #5 thrust which is better, and has the same 52mm rod journals on the SOHC variants as well as the 99 DOHC. 

 

GD

Edited March 1, 2017 by GeneralDisorder

[AdventureSubaru]

Agreed with GD. The ej22 was only superior in the 95-99 years but even then the 2.5 wasn't terrible.

 

The 99 and 2000 automatic transmissions did have a delayed forward engagement issue that can be staved off with trans x additive.

 

They are all rather durable and long lasting if maintained and not thrashed. Automatics tend to outlive the 5 speeds.