1994 WRX, Automatic Transmission Compatibility

[94subie]

Hello everyone,

the transmission on my 94 WRX is struggling to shift into 4th gear so it is time to find a new transmission. From my understanding, the gear ratio is 4.11 and the code is TZ102YB3AA. I have found a transmission from a 02-05 WRX EJ205 with code TV1B4YB1AB and It has the same gear ratio and it is the same drive system (VTD). 
 

Will the transmission be plug and play or are there other things that I may be missing?

 

thank you very much! 

[wtdash]

Hi,

Your '94 WRX is not USDM - likely JDM import? If so, I'm not sure we'd all have much knowledge about it.  Evidenced by the lack of response. 

I googled your Trans ID and didn't get much. I'd google and it see what other Subie owners have done overseas and check other int'l Subie sites. 

 

My opinion: I'd be very surprised if that '02-'05 was Electronically  compatible w/your '94. Yours is considered a Phase 1 trans, and although  I'm not sure when JDM stuff converted to Phase 2,  I believe it was '02ish. They won't play nice with each other - The '94 TCM (trans computer) won't know what to do w/that newer trans and vice versa. A newer TCM won't connect to your existing harness nor will it work w/that EJ20G under the hood.  If wiring is your forte, have at it. 

EDIT: You stated you have VTD? In '94? Hmm...the below probably won't apply as US didn't get those 'til the '01 OB, AFAIK.

 I'd bet you could use another 4EAT from a US model.  The downside is that there is no transmission (other than an SVX, but you don't want one of THOSE) built for your turbo's power, , esp. if you're WRX is running higher boost.  The longevity of an NA/non-turbo trans may be limited.  The best option would be to find a low-mileage 4EAT from a '96-'98 Legacy OB or GT, or '98 Forester or Impreza RS - you'll need the rear diff since those are all 4.44. 

Or better yet, convert to manual, but that may not be an option.

 

Edited December 11, 2020 by wtdash

[Rampage]

Take a look at THIS site based in the UK.

All JDM stuff. All the transmission numbers listed have the same gear ratio and final drive ratio. But it does not say anything about electronics. They put a lot of effort into making that site with all that info.

The page will open with your transmission number. It shows the vehicles it was used in, 3 of them and the years. You can click on your model version or any of them to see more info. Then click the back arrow in your browser to go back.

Scroll down the list to the VTD section and find the second number in your post. Click on it to view info on it. Then click on the vehicles listed. They do say turbo.

One thing different that I noticed was this.

TZ102YB3AA: Electro 4-Speed Automatic (E-4AT)

TV1B4YB1AB: Electro 4-Speed Automatic (E-4AT) with Sportshift

Maybe someone else will know if there is compatibility issue with that.

Edited December 12, 2020 by Rampage