I've canned the other project idea...

i don't see a reason why the USDM motor/tranny won't bolt right up. IIRC, the wrx wagons has the same track width as the GC8s. that means the crossmember should bolt right up. if not, i am sure there's other way to get around it.

BAIC member EddyRS is doing this swap right now (of course with the help of Skywalker and Chris), so maybe you want to check that board from time to time.

I think that along with the motor and tranny, you will need to get a new rear differential, one that matches that of the WRX. I think there was just some guy on "the club" selling his wrecked WRX tranny and engine, and he only wanted like $1500 for the engine!
Just make sure that you get the wiring harness for the engine as well, unless you want to run a TEC-II or something like that.

Graham

Why???

I spent a couple grand on a Ludespeed stage III kit, and I can beat the pants off a stock WRX!!! Runs great, very reliable, alot cheaper, and less work than a motor swap!!!

Just curious!:happynow:

How long have you had this kit? I wanted to go with the swap because, like i said, I don't want huge amounts of hp. Just swap it in and drive around. Factory reliability. I don't know how reliable the bolt on kits are for the 2.5.

I hear too many stories of broken trannies and I wanna avoid that if I can. Then again, I hear the trannies on these motors aren't worth a lick be it a 2.5 or a WRX.

whether you turbocharge the 2.5 or boost happy on the wrx, the biggest concern is the transmission. Subaru's tranny is great for stock hp configuration but it becomes a question mark when you up the boost.

so either way, replace a set of dog gears is recommendated when you are going for big horsepower.

If you don't get boost happy, a bolt on kit will be totally reliable!!! I'm running 6psi on my Ludespeed kit as a daily driver. The kits been in for about six months. I would be lying if I said I haven't had any problems. But now it all tuned up and all the bugs are worked out and she hauls ass!!!! I'd imagine you'd have a couple months of tuning, and tweeking with a motor swap also! The trannies are fine as long as you aren't runnig 10psi of boost, and/or dropping the clutch and slamming gears all the time! Have you driven a WRX? They just don't have the bottom end power that the stroked, and larger EJ25 has!!! The EJ25 lacks high RPM power, which is more than made up for with a turbo!!!!

blitzkrg-RS said:

whether you turbocharge the 2.5 or boost happy on the wrx, the biggest concern is the transmission. Subaru's tranny is great for stock hp configuration but it becomes a question mark when you up the boost.

so either way, replace a set of dog gears is recommendated when you are going for big horsepower.

Click to expand...

Or get the 4EAT.

Sorry, couldn't resist! :lol:

hmmmmmm :happynow:

I'm thinking about turning my car into a full race car. Speedtrials and N.A.S.A events.. how long you think the stock tranny will last at these road racing events with 6psi of boost?

i really think full dog box will add additional security and reliablity if you are turning your car into full race car.

it won't be cheap but if you do it right, it will save you a lot of trouble down the road..

hey, my project is about to begin. found an USDM wrx motor, and the conversion is this weekend

stay tuned..

Calvin

Good luck!!!:biggest:

:drool: :drool:

are you gonna take pics? maybe do a step by step?

I can take pics for Cal and even make a site. I was supposed to take some "before" pictures last weekend... Is your phone disconnected Cal? Reply to my PMs!

i still need to source a few more parts in order for this coversion to go smoothly. what i need is Legacy Turbo front swaybar and wrx bushings and at the same time im waiting for Exedy flywheel to arrive as well..

so the conversion date is being setback another week..

i will keep you guys posted..

Cal

p.s whats up with I-club today? so frickin' slow today!!!!

screw dog gearsets, have you driven one? theyre a bitch, dont bother, just get a nice clutch (anything other than act) that allows some slippage (where you want it) and learn to shift clean and smooth. and you should be ok, now, if you go with GOBS of power, an uprated gearset is a plus, but there are synchro sets available...

HEY! I have an ACT clutch, and it works fine.
Why don't you like ACT?

LVSUBARU said:

HEY! I have an ACT clutch, and it works fine.
Why don't you like ACT?

Click to expand...

the engagement is WAY too harsh, and the records are clear, greater percentage of broken gearsets occured with ACT clutches.

Mine seems OK.
I am now officially concerned!!!!

There are two different versions of the ACT clutch.