Anyone Swap A 5 Speed Into H6 Outback?

[CORVAIRWILD]

After reading and listening, I guess I need an H6 OB, but since I'd really like a 5 speed, a friend suggested I buy one, and a 5 speed donor vehicle, and do the simple swap. Well... Nothing's ever simple...

Has anyone here ever done the swap?

1 29 12 Subarooski Walkaround... - YouTube

1 29 12 Subarooski Walkaround... - YouTube

[grossgary]

it's simple and been done before. just get whatever subaru transmission you want from 1990 on and it'll bolt up and bolt in just fine. it's as simple as any other manual swap (which is a rather large job since you gotta swap pedal clusters, interior center consoles, instrument clusters, driveshaft, rear differential, etc), but isn't any more tricky than any other subaru manual swap.

they are swapped all the time into other Subaru's too, often with a manual trans. they've been put in XT6's, legacy's...probably every subaru possible.

if you're getting a 2005 + EZ30 then that might change with the variable valve timing, drive by wire, etc, i've seen folks avoid those engines due to one of those things. i would imagine someone has worked around it but haven't really looked into it much.

[CORVAIRWILD]

So why does the rear diffy have to be changed? And the cluster? I guess the electronics is an issue... I would just buy a similar 5 speed parts car, but I would have someone else do the conversion, as I tend not to finish projects.

What would someone guesstimate the total hours? Assuming the swapper had Subby knowledge and a proper shop w a lift and a good donor car, or cars???

I would also presume the manual tranny should be opened up and maybe get some synchros, and a new clutch would be wise.

If I had my druthers, I would befriend a Subby shop in a warm climate, and do the swap out of Mrs range. I CAN do the work, but not with disturbances. Having an expert to split the work with would be the key. Any takers?

Also, I didn't get the 2nd part I quoted...

Originally Posted by grossgary

it's as simple as any other manual swap (which is a rather large job since you gotta swap pedal clusters, interior center consoles, instrument clusters, driveshaft, rear differential, etc), but isn't any more tricky than any other subaru manual swap.

they are swapped all the time into other Subaru's too, often with a manual trans. they've been put in XT6's, legacy's...probably every subaru possible.

[manarius]

Originally Posted by CORVAIRWILD

Also, I didn't get the 2nd part I quoted...

You may not necessarily have to swap clusters. Depends on how the speedo is driven. If it's driven electronically, then yes you're going to need a new cluster. You'll need to swap pedal boxes, ECU's perhaps, clutch cylinder, cables, etc. It's a demanding process.

I'm pretty sure the going rate for the swap without the cost of parts on a SVX is somewhere around or north of $2,000 for the swap (that's a car that didn't ever come with 5MT).

[1 Lucky Texan]

Originally Posted by CORVAIRWILD

So why does the rear diffy have to be changed?

since the front diff is inside the tranny, it's final drive ratio must match the FDR of the rear diff.

others here can give you the details of that.

[porcupine73]

Originally Posted by CORVAIRWILD

So why does the rear diffy have to be changed?

The ratio of the rear diff must match the drive ratio of the transmission, else you will get torque bind. I.e. so that the front and rear outputs are turning at the same speed normally.

[CORVAIRWILD]

I understand about the torque bind. So the auto's and sticks have different final drives I guess.

How many hours would youz think? It also depends if on what one is paying. Rates can vary from $20 hour for a tech doing it on the side, which is what they get paid at work, to a shop rate of $95.

I don't do $95, not even close... At that price, I'd just drive the automatic as is.

I do most ALL my own work, electrical, plumbing, roofing, sheetrock, carpentry etc, and usually employ people. I don't do the "contractor" thing

[canubaru]

the good news is that the H6 01 - 04 all have an auto trans, and the 01 at least has a 4.11 final drive ratio. this is different than the other outback auto trans ratios. it is however the same as the outback manual trans ratios of the same years, i think.

you can check the ratio of any car / trans at
http://opposedforces.com/parts
put in the info for the car you want to check and search for the ring and pinion in the ''TRAIN'' section.

[1 Lucky Texan]

Is the ECU gonna be confused by not having the autotrans TCU connected to it?

[bikerboy]

There is a recent swap over on Subaru Legacy International (sl-i.net).

The swap was done in Australia with a Legacy GT30 (EZ30D) wagon and a 5-speed.

It's not as easy as you might think. Mechanically, it will all bolt right up, however you'll have electrical issues to sort out. The ECM for the H6 is expecting to be paired with the TCM for the transmission, and when it isn't it will throw a check engine light for "Transmission Incorrect Ratios". You'll need to put jumpers in the harness to compensate for the TCM.

Also, you'll need to swap the entire dash to engine harness, as well as the gauge cluster and harness. The tach reading will be off, as voltage signals for a 4 and 6 cylinder are different.

If you have the time, space and know how to do it, it would be a fun swap.