Auto to Auto Swap

[Benderama]

I am looking to pick up a 92 SS with a bad auto transmission. I don't want to convert to a 5 speed and most tranny shops in my area don't want to service this car. So I was wondering were there any automatics that I could use as a plug and play replacement? Or are any of them at least easy to swap in? I know that the new transmissions are not designed for the amount of low end torque that the turbo 2.2 produces but I figure the newer design should help compensate for that. So any ideas?

[entirelyturbo]

Welcome to the board.

The SS made some 180 ft-lbs of torque, if memory serves me correctly, so any transmission from a 2.5L Subaru shouldn't have a problem handling the torque, provided it's been properly cared for and you don't plan on making huge horsepower.

I don't think any newer transmission is going to be plug and play, at least electronically anyway. You also may stumble into differences between CV joints. But they can certainly be made to work mechanically if you're willing to do some wiring.

The main thing to keep in mind, though, is the final drive ratio. Since it's AWD, you will have to get a rear differential to match the final drive ratio of the front differential, or you will ruin your AWD clutch pack in very short order.

[Someperson]

I have an auto trans $100+ whatever shipping comes to and a nice wait till it thaws out around here lol

[Benderama]

Thanks for the replies and the welcome. That auto trans you have for sale. How many miles are on it? Do you happen to have a Limited Slip Rear Diff to go with that?

[Someperson]

I'm keeping the diff, it's a turbo trans btw 3.9 fd 175k on it. Not gonna use it.

[Benderama]

Hmmmmm, let me think about it for a while. The trans I have now only has 120K on it. I might have to look into shipping it out for re manufacturing. I wonder what it would take to make a newer tranny work wiring wise? They started the 2.5 liter in like 98 with the Quad Cam motors, so 98 is prolly the closest I could get in model year. I wonder if the TCU from a 98 or 99 would be plug and play? Anybody have any input?

[Benderama]

Was the turbo Legacy equipped with OBDII? If not then there is probably no chance that the older automatics would be plug and play. Hmmm, guess I will be going with a 5 speed after all.

[Someperson]

yeah, this is obdI. 94 TW

[wtdash]

HI,
Go spend some time on the USMB site, as I know there are more than a couple who've successfully put the newer trans into the older Legacys - no wiring was necessary. OBD2 started in '95 for Subarus, but the trans didn't change much...other than the final drive ratio, from what Ive read.

The years you're looking for are the '95-98, possibly '99, Legacy/Impreza/Forester.

As stated by DerFahrer, you need to match the rear diff.

All '96-'98 Subarus w/the 2.5/EJ25D had a 4.44 final drive ratio on the automatic/4EAT tranny. The 2.2/EJ22 were all 4.11 from '95-'98 (@ least).

So you'll have to swap the rear diff regardless of which one you go with.

BTW, the '92-'94 Turbo AND '92-'94 NA auto trans are 3.9 FD ratio, if you come across one.

Also, your speedo will be off as the Outback and Forester had taller wheels. If you find the rarer GT or RS autos, they'd be closer to the stock size.

TD

[Alphius]

Keep in mind that the 4.11 or 4.44 diff ratios will give you a decent boost in acceleration as well.

[James614]

The '96-'99 4.44FD transmissions are a popular swap for SVX guys, and they supposedly last longer behind the EG33's 230ft-lbs than the older Legacy turbo trans they came stock with. So I definitely don't think torque capacity will be an issue.

And yeah... 4.44 will be a nice "wake-up" for your car too, hehe.

[Benderama]

Hmmmm I forgot how easy the 4.44 trannies were to get a hold of. I almost bought an SVX once can't believe that I forgot about that. Guess I have some reading to do.

[sqc151]

if you wanna do a 5mt trans swap like i did. (which id recommend) go to brokenmotorsports in union city NJ. your in PA so its worth the drive. go the junkyard and gather parts that go with the swap. obviously trans with trans xmember, pedals, master and slave cyl... etc.

or, id drive to mass and pick up the trans for 100. youd have it swapped in less than a day and can drive the car.

[Someperson]

Mine needs to be removed still but it shouldn't take TOO long if i start prep now and het a trans plate for my jack. Bring pry bars lolol