[2four]

Just came across this in case anyone wanted to rekindle their hopes of manual swapping:

SSM4 has a setting for MT or AT, and it's configurable.

 

[BluSubado]

any update on this build?

 

[CoryDJeter]

I haven't done anything else in this regard at the moment. I've been focused on the other build at the moment. But this does give new hopes for the future. I'm hoping to be back working on improvements to the outback after this summer.

 

[CoryDJeter]

update to this thread. I've got a theoretical plan that should work i'm saving up for the trans and supportive devices to make this happen. Current plan of action is to have the outback down this coming spring of 2025. Hoping all the parts will be in and ready to start at that point.

 

[teamdrop]

Has anyone done, attempted, research or thought about swapping in a Subaru 6 speed manual from a WRX or STi for the CVT in the 2020-2021 Subaru Outback XT? I realize that is would also probably mean a different drive shaft, front axles, and more, in addition to the tranny.
What might be possible? Thoughts, experiences, suggestions?
Don't tell me I'm crazy. I already know that.

thoughts? you bought the wrong car?

 

[CoryDJeter]

thoughts? you bought the wrong car?

oh no, defiantly not the wrong car. Subaru in their infinite wisdom just offered the wrong transmission in this generation. They should have kept a manual option. I personally would have paid extra for it to be honest.

 

[Buddy]

Not a manual, but...

I still miss the 5EAT in my former 2005 LL Bean. Smooth, indestructible, perfectly calibrated in the TCU. Don't get me wrong, I'm a dedicated manual owner, but the OB is my smooth effortless quiet cruiser. And it would be SO MUCH better with a 5EAT.

All that said, @CoryDJeter I'm really excited to hear about you doing this. Looking forward to a build thread.

 

[DanteR]

oh no, defiantly not the wrong car. Subaru in their infinite wisdom just offered the wrong transmission in this generation. They should have kept a manual option. I personally would have paid extra for it to be honest.

I am not discounting you on the effort here. This new gen Outback in 6MT is extremely awesome to begin with, and I'm already imagining all Gymkhanan stages you might be able to pull .

However though, I would buy the 2008 Outback that is 100% compatible to the entire STI's engine and transmission and do a direct swap there. But then it won't have all the comfort the new gen Outback has. Yea, NVM, I just completely got myself in an endless loop of circle thoughts hahahaha

 

[2four]

update to this thread. I've got a theoretical plan that should work i'm saving up for the trans and supportive devices to make this happen. Current plan of action is to have the outback down this coming spring of 2025. Hoping all the parts will be in and ready to start at that point.

I would like to know more. Do you still plan to proceed with this? I would watch a 24-hour livestream of your install, I'm so ready for someone to do it.

 

[CoryDJeter]

I would like to know more. Do you still plan to proceed with this? I would watch a 24-hour livestream of your install, I'm so ready for someone to do it.

yeah, i'm still planning on doing this. I don't know about livestreaming it due to how obnoxious it is gonna be to get some of this stuff figured out but ill keep notes and pictures to post. I'm still trying to get parts together for it but its a slow go since this project is on my backburner till my current project gets finished up enough to drive around

 

[sj95136]

Has anyone done, attempted, research or thought about swapping in a Subaru 6 speed manual from a WRX or STi for the CVT in the 2020-2021 Subaru Outback XT? I realize that is would also probably mean a different drive shaft, front axles, and more, in addition to the tranny.
What might be possible? Thoughts, experiences, suggestions?
Don't tell me I'm crazy. I already know that.

I understand it would be cool that you have an manual with outback but so what? with all the money and efforts, you may spend that on a better car.

 

[CoryDJeter]

I understand it would be cool that you have an manual with outback but so what? with all the money and efforts, you may spend that on a better car.

unfortunately that comes down to a subjective thing. everyone is gonna have a different opinion on what's a better car.

 

[2four]

Manual Outback is the ultimate vehicle. You may not like it, bit this is what peak automobile looks like 💯💯💯💯

 

[bnkrpt]

Do this and use as many OEM parts as possible and then make it work with Eyesight 👍

 

[CoryDJeter]

Do this and use as many OEM parts as possible and then make it work with Eyesight 👍

now your asking for a lot lol

 

[bnkrpt]

now your asking for a lot lol

Gotta be possible with the right parts and knowledge now that the manual WRX comes with EyeSight.

(Yes, it sounds MUCH easier than it would be though)

 

[CoryDJeter]

Gotta be possible with the right parts and knowledge now that the manual WRX comes with EyeSight.

(Yes, it sounds MUCH easier than it would be though)

that's one of the things i'm looking into at the moment. i'm hoping I don't have to swap ECU's like originally planned but waiting to hear back from a few people on that one

 

[2four]

I believe the 6MT WRX final drive is 4.111, just like the Wilderness:

2024 Subaru WRX Pinion and Crown Gear Set. G / R4.111. GEAR SET HYP 4WD - 38104AA610 - Genuine Subaru Part

Pinion and Crown Gear Set. G / R4.111. GEAR SET HYP 4WD. 2024 Subaru WRX. Genuine Subaru Part - 38104AA610

parts.subaru.com

If they don't match up or if the ring/pinion set won't drop into a non-Wilderness diff casing, sounds like it could call for a diff swap, which could get expensive on top of the 6MT swap. Drive shaft may also have to be custom welded to extend it to the Outback wheelbase, I think it's a few inches longer.

I'm hoping it could be a direct replacement, requiring only a TCU, 6MT unit, cockpit controls and pedal installation, driveshaft lengthening, and ECU wizardry, but that's within the realm of possibility (even if very expensive).

Someone please forge this path and document it so I can benefit from your risk-taking

 

[CoryDJeter]

I believe the 6MT WRX final drive is 4.111, just like the Wilderness:

2024 Subaru WRX Pinion and Crown Gear Set. G / R4.111. GEAR SET HYP 4WD - 38104AA610 - Genuine Subaru Part

Pinion and Crown Gear Set. G / R4.111. GEAR SET HYP 4WD. 2024 Subaru WRX. Genuine Subaru Part - 38104AA610

parts.subaru.com

If they don't match up or if the ring/pinion set won't drop into a non-Wilderness diff casing, sounds like it could call for a diff swap, which could get expensive on top of the 6MT swap. Drive shaft may also have to be custom welded to extend it to the Outback wheelbase, I think it's a few inches longer.

I'm hoping it could be a direct replacement, requiring only a TCU, 6MT unit, cockpit controls and pedal installation, driveshaft lengthening, and ECU wizardry, but that's within the realm of possibility (even if very expensive).

Someone please forge this path and document it so I can benefit from your risk-taking

I'm working on it. still sourcing parts for the car while I finish up building my other car. I can only afford one bankruptcy at a time you know lol

 

[CoryDJeter]

A side note for this thread. I found someone who has swapped the CVT out of the wrx into the outback. He says it's a straight swap other than changing a plug end for a wire and swapping out the TCM.

That being said the CVT out of the wrx is only good up to 400whp he says i'm not sure how true it is but here is an alternative if your stock cvt goes out.

Personally if my CVT strips before I get parts together for the swap I wanna do I may just go with this as a cheaper option. I would still love to manual swap but the more I look the more i almost rather go dct or something to keep it with the paddle shifters. But that changes depending on the mood till everything is purchased and the car is on a lift.