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Manual Transmission
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 12:39 am
by sam-breaker17
I was wondering what year subaru cars manual transmission will fit into a 1991 subaru legacy 4wd turbo? please dont say use "search" because i tried. thank you.
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:05 am
by n2x4
If you don't want to change clutch setups:
02-06 WRX
04-06 STi
any 93-01 turbo subaru transmission
If you wanna change clutch types:
90-99 Legacy (non turbo)
93-01 RS/Impreza (non turbo)
Seriously, anything will fit. Subarus are LEGOs.
I personally went with a WRX tranny since it was the most convinient for me. But with the above tranny options, you can search around for further details (including changing the clutch type). Hope that helps get you started.
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 3:13 am
by PhyrraM
The fact that you need to match the rear differential ratio to the transmission needs to be added to the above post.
What transmission is in the car now? Are you replacing or swapping?
Either way, your stock rear diff is 3.9:1....The USDM WRX is looking for a 3.54:1 rear diff. Most import turbo transmissions are 4.11:1 or 4.44:1. Most non-turbo transmissions are the same.
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 4:47 am
by Adam West
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 7:20 am
by asc_up
n2x4 wrote:If you don't want to change clutch setups:
02-06 WRX
04-06 STi
any 93-01 turbo subaru transmission
If you wanna change clutch types:
90-99 Legacy (non turbo)
93-01 RS/Impreza (non turbo)
Seriously, anything will fit. Subarus are LEGOs.
I personally went with a WRX tranny since it was the most convinient for me. But with the above tranny options, you can search around for further details (including changing the clutch type). Hope that helps get you started.
The RS has a hydraulic clutch, unlike the other non-turbo Imprezas.
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 1:30 pm
by n2x4
The guys have made some points I missed. Also for the STi swap you need a different driveshaft. You'll also have to consider axles.
As far as clutch types goes, I was actually referring to push vs. pull. But hydro and cable is something else to watch out for (the SS has a hydro)
We've all given pretty good hints as to what works and with that northurthula link you should be able to find all the info you need.
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:43 pm
by Legacy777
Other thing which hasn't been noted that if you go with the WRX tranny or newer trans. you'll need to address the starter issue. I don't recall the exact details. Someone can add that, or you can search.
Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2008 5:55 pm
by 93forestpearl
I had to tap the hole for the other side of the starter. Some people go without.
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 9:55 pm
by sam-breaker17
mines an automatic
PhyrraM wrote:The fact that you need to match the rear differential ratio to the transmission needs to be added to the above post.
What transmission is in the car now? Are you replacing or swapping?
Either way, your stock rear diff is 3.9:1....The USDM WRX is looking for a 3.54:1 rear diff. Most import turbo transmissions are 4.11:1 or 4.44:1. Most non-turbo transmissions are the same.
Posted: Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:33 pm
by PhyrraM
http://bbs.legacycentral.org/viewtopic.php?t=18370
Start here. Really good write up that has been refered to from far and wide. I've even seen it linked on Aussie Liberty sites.
You'll have a few questions once you begin to collect parts that we will be glad to answer.
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 1:10 am
by SubaruSVXCrazy
I have a 91 legacy turbo awd with an auto transmission that I want to swap for a manual. Can I use a cable clutch? or do I (Or should I) use a hydraulic?
Is there any benefits to using a hydraulic, rather than a cable?
I've heard that the cable can't handle the 22t is that true?
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:04 pm
by Legacy777
Yes you can use a cable.
The pressure plate clamping force is what "handles" the engine's power and keeps the clutch from slipping. With higher HP, you need a higher clamping force with the pressure plate. Those higher clamping forces require more force to move them which equates to a "heavy" clutch pedal. Hydraulic clutches help alleviate compared to a cable clutch which relies solely on the leverage of the clutch fork & clutch pedal.
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 1:23 am
by SubaruSVXCrazy
Thanks.
Posted: Thu Nov 13, 2008 4:38 am
by ScottyS
I swapped a 5MT from a 93 Impreza 1.8 into my 1991 SS. I was able to keep the driveshaft, but I replaced the clutch, plate, and had to remove the hydraulic pedal box, lines, and cylinders and install a cable pedal box, lines, and stuff. It was relatively easy to do, I just got the parts from a wrecking yard. Also, I had to swap the rear differential to a 4.11 from an early 90's NA Legacy that had the correct driveshaft pattern. It would be best to find a tranny that has the same final drive as the one you remove, to save having to get a new diff.
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:48 am
by 93Leg-c
n2x4 wrote:If you don't want to change clutch setups:
02-06 WRX
04-06 STi
any 93-01 turbo subaru transmission
I have two questions on this comment. I hope someone can help me:
1--All of those listed cars have hydraulic pull type clutches, correct?
2--What cars from 95-01 had turbo trannies?
Thanks!
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 10:55 am
by asc_up
1 - Correct.
2 - JDM, EDM and Aussie Legacys, Foresters and Imprezas.
Posted: Sun Nov 22, 2009 11:17 am
by 93Leg-c
^^ Thanks!!

Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 12:40 am
by jnandrsn
continuing on this topic. what about the other parts: clutch pedal assy, cable or hydraulic assemblies, shifter and linkages, etc...are they all interchangeable? I have a 92 automatic turbo AWD legacy and found a 95 AWD impreza trans for sale locally...same final drive ratio. wondering if I should try to pick up the other needed parts from the same car.
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 1:55 am
by mike-tracy
Wayne Chin mentioned converting a non-hydraulic setup to hydraulic setup, so for your purposes you could get that N/a cable-actuated tranny, and swap in the hydraulic specific pieces.
I looked into it when I had a cable based 2.2 Impreza, but wrecked the car before swapping.
From what I recall you need to get a hydraulic specific:
pedal set (legacy or Impreza)
clutch fork
reservoir and the other bits.
I'd contact Wayne directly, b/c his website doesn't go into detail about the conversion:
http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/obs.html
Posted: Mon Jan 18, 2010 2:38 am
by jnandrsn
Thanks for the response and link, Mike. This car is going in the 24 hours of lemons, so I am not too worried about hydraulic vs cable. It just needs to work and be cheap. I have only about $400 left in the budget for the race (per the rules), and the current 4EAT is about to explode, so a manual swap on the cheap is my goal. I think a manual trans will hold up better.
It sounds like from what you are saying, the impreza pedal setup will fit in the legacy. do you have any idea about the shifter?
Josh