who will be the first to try putting the sti 6 speed tran in?

[nkw8181]

I currently have bids on two cars. An 05 Sti and an 06 wrx. It may turn out that I end up with both. It that happens I will be "exploring" the use of as much of the sti as possible. I'm just wondering if I'm a lone ranger or if anyone else is planning the same? I'm building an 818R but making it street legal in Texas.I will get the kit next Sept (Should have ordered sooner, didn't realize the delay). I should have one or both donors as soon as auction house stops moving the dates and let's the auction go through.

Nolan

[Canadian818]

There were a few that stated they would be making it work, but that was awhile ago. I hope someone figures it out before I spend money on a LSD for the 5spd.

[07FIREBLADE]

Me too...

[Frank818]

fateo666 has that in his projects or goals. Will he try? On his build thread he said that maybe he'll give a try (as well as an auto4), but his plan is to first make use of the 5sp and know how the car works/drives before he tries new stuff.

I hope he'll read this and complement on what I just said in his back. lolll (good stuff, not bad stuff! :))

I too hope to know about the 6sp and also other sti parts like the 5x114 hubs, though there are adapters and whatnot or drilling holes, welding, etc, can't recall.

[Kalstar]

fateo666 has that in his projects or goals. Will he try? On his build thread he said that maybe he'll give a try (as well as an auto4), but his plan is to first make use of the 5sp and know how the car works/drives before he tries new stuff.

I hope he'll read this and complement on what I just said in his back. lolll (good stuff, not bad stuff! :))

I too hope to know about the 6sp and also other sti parts like the 5x114 hubs, though there are adapters and whatnot or drilling holes, welding, etc, can't recall.


All I can say is.....I have seen a STI 6 speed in a 818.

[Frank818]

Excellent news, but why is that all you can say about it? lolll

[JeromeS13]

All I can say is.....I have seen a STI 6 speed in a 818.

Question is, was it a fully functional 6 speed?

[Frank818]

Question is, was it a fully functional 6 speed?

...with the rear bumper panel on and enough clearance inside (or a moded panel?).

[longislandwrx]

All I can say is.....I have seen a STI 6 speed in a 818.

Me too... Living near Wareham must be nice... then again all I had to do was check facebook.

;)

[fateo66]

fateo666 has that in his projects or goals. Will he try? On his build thread he said that maybe he'll give a try (as well as an auto4), but his plan is to first make use of the 5sp and know how the car works/drives before he tries new stuff.

I hope he'll read this and complement on what I just said in his back. lolll (good stuff, not bad stuff! :))

I too hope to know about the 6sp and also other sti parts like the 5x114 hubs, though there are adapters and whatnot or drilling holes, welding, etc, can't recall.

I do plan on trying out the 6 speed! I have one sitting on the bench just waiting for me.

[JeromeS13]

Me too... Living near Wareham must be nice... then again all I had to do was check facebook.

;)

Did I miss something on FFR's FB page? I don't recall seeing anything related...

[Bill Waters]

I was visiting FFR very recently and they were in the process of putting the STI 6-speed in an 818 and debugging the process. Tehy were making it work. You might give them some time and ask for an update; I'm sure they will be posting their experiences sooner or later.

Bill

[nkw8181]

Well I have a year to figure it out, learn from someone else or wait for FFR to come up with it :-) I will say these auctions are driving me crazy. I want to start my process already. They told me today they keep pushing the date because they are waiting on paperwork from the state.

From what I've learned I should be able to use the hubs with the 5 or 6 speed. For the rear i will need my own axles made, just will need some measurements and the right spine count to do what the kit supplied shaft does but with the sti hubs going to a 5 or 6 speed. For the front I plan to either trim the upper part of the front to mount the existing bracket or modify the mount. The axles should run about 400 for both. The front I don't have a rough price on but shouldn't be to bad. The tranny for me is the big "unknown" especially on figuring out how to convert it to 2wd. So that is what my working theory is based on what I have learned.

Nolan

[longislandwrx]

FWD conversions already exist for the 6MT. They aren't cheap though.

[Wayne Presley]

Yes FFR has a 6 sp in the 818R now, still working out the details and sourcing the FWD conversion pieces.

[Kalstar]

Yes FFR has a 6 sp in the 818R now, still working out the details and sourcing the FWD conversion pieces.

330whp was a little too much for the 5 speed to handle under race conditions. Hopefully the 6 speed will hold up better.

[metalmaker12]

yeah the converstion pieces are like a grand, but can be made by or for ffr for much cheeper so we should see a converstion kit down the road. i personal would consider it if i blow my 5 spd

[StatGSR]

330whp was a little too much for the 5 speed to handle under race conditions. Hopefully the 6 speed will hold up better.

"too much for a Stock 5 speed to handle"

[Silvertop]

"too much for a Stock 5 speed to handle"

That's a REALLY good point! Building up an existing 5-speed may be a viable (but expensive) option for builders generating high horsepower who don't necessarily want to convert to a 6-speed.

[Frank818]

I want the 6sp for various reasons. I am glad to hear (read) that it's already in the process!
Which makes an STI almost a full donor, depending on the year. But also if I decide not to go with an H6 or electric motors and I go with H4, I'd get a JDM 207 and there are lots that come with a 6-sp included. I can get them at 20mins from home, fit the engine/tranny bolt-on after FWD conversion of course and there you go. :)

[StatGSR]

People are forgetting that the 6 speed gearing is IMO ridiculously short. top of 2nd is less than 60, 3rd is about 80 and 4th is something like 100mph and even with something like 300 whp and way less weight than the sti, you will be rowing through the gears to stay in the right power band. There is a reason why cars like the newer Z06 does 90 in 2nd and 125 in 3rd...

So if you crack open a 6spd to change the gearing any "savings" from using the 6spd instead of a built 5spd is lost, and you are still lugging around an extra ~70lbs of transmission.

[Frank818]

Ha I didn't know that. The 6sp I have on my car has a tall 1st and ok/tall 2nd, which makes it a lot better to drive with a turbo. I thought Subaru would have done a similar gearing on his 6sp. Might want to change the FD then. In anyway, tnx for the info, I will have to dig more and look at it.

[Frank818]

Gathering some info... will edit back after I get other ratios.

STI 7 JDM 01-03MY
1st- 3.636
2nd- 2.375
3rd- 1.761
4th- 1.346
5th- 1.062
6th- 0.842


WRX, UK Turbo, GT 99-02MY
1st- 3.454
2nd- 1.947
3rd- 1.366
4th- 0.972
5th- 0.738


Using the same rev limit and tire size

STI 7 JDM 01-03MY
Maximum Speed per Gear:
1st: 36.7 mph
2nd: 56.1 mph
3rd: 75.7 mph
4th: 99.1 mph
5th: 125.5 mph
6th: 158.4 mph

WRX, UK Turbo, GT 99-02MY
Maximum Speed per Gear:
1st: 38.6 mph
2nd: 68.5 mph
3rd: 97.6 mph
4th: 137.2 mph
5th: 180.7 mph


Ok I gotta read this: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1689781

[C.Plavan]

People are forgetting that the 6 speed gearing is IMO ridiculously short. top of 2nd is less than 60, 3rd is about 80 and 4th is something like 100mph and even with something like 300 whp and way less weight than the sti, you will be rowing through the gears to stay in the right power band. There is a reason why cars like the newer Z06 does 90 in 2nd and 125 in 3rd...

So if you crack open a 6spd to change the gearing any "savings" from using the 6spd instead of a built 5spd is lost, and you are still lugging around an extra ~70lbs of transmission.

+1000 That's why I bought 2 Legacy GT transmissions. Beefier gears. If I blow through them, there are other options before throwing a 6speed in. Like purpose built race gears that companies make. Time will tell, but the 6 speed is overrated/ too heavy for me right now.

[Frank818]

Yes cuz you have an R so weight is important. :)

About re-building a tougher 5sp, I know there are options for that, but does anyone know of a few of top of their head? Something reliable for street (no dog) and good quality product (which you never know when you search on the web and end up at some unknown place, which is what I would do if I would start a search now).

[C.Plavan]

They are making new 5 speed dog box and Heli gears- thread is on a Subie forum. (NASIOC). Super pricey- hope I never need them. I know there are lower priced options (PPG) etc.

[Canadian818]

They are making new 5 speed dog box and Heli gears- thread is on a Subie forum. (NASIOC). Super pricey- hope I never need them. I know there are lower priced options (PPG) etc.

If PPG is the "lower price option," than I don't wanna know, lol

[longislandwrx]

If PPG is the "lower price option," than I don't wanna know, lol

HAHAH I was about to say the exact same thing.

[C.Plavan]

EDIT- These are $6750...(YIKES)..... So its ballpark...

[Desertrunner]

The problem I have had with the 6 speed and a job I am doing is the lock to enable you to remove the centre diff. There are 3 different version of this diff so there are 3 different versions of the lock. Which proved to be a pain for me to get the right one.
Tony

[Frank818]

This is what I got right now. I wish I could find something similar.

The wheel diameter used for these numbers is 25". I have 24" so I got a little slower on each gear, it's similar to a 3.94FD on 25".

[Desertrunner]

This is what I got right now. I wish I could find something similar.

21788

What sort of centre diff do you have Frank? DCCD or normal?

[Frank818]

Sorry, I forgot to mention this is a FWD VW 02A tranny for the MK3 of mid-end '90s. I also edited the picture above, I thought I had 3.94 FD but it's 3.64.
I got one diff, a great LSD, WaveTrac (http://www.limited-slip.com/acatalog/How_A_Wavetrac_LSD_Works.html).

[nkw8181]

I didn't know the gears where so close on the 6 speed. I "assumed" it would be like the vette I had. Oh update on the cars. Date changed again........ Enough said......................

Nolan

[icky]

People talking about the 6 speed gearing as to short make me laugh. Maybe for a drag car but on the tarmac you want closer gears since your accelerating and also decelerating near the same speed so you don't want a huge ratio chage. Thats why subaru geared their "race" transmission the way they did, not to get low 100 kph (61 mph), but fastest track times.

[Slatt]

Tranny issues are sure to play a key role in how well an 818 works out. We already have a sticky thread about our choices for 5MT ratios. I'd add a few things to that thread: don't put power on somebody else's used 5MT without another way home; crack open and inspect your used 5MT before installing it in your 818; and ratios are a matter of personal taste / usage. OK, that last one was already in the tranny sticky. :)

A gear set which is a joke for one purpose may be ideal for another purpose. HP, traction, important speeds, these are all going to be different for each of us. But I expect that most 818S drivers will find the factory USA 5MT 1st gear to be short and the stretch to 2nd to be long. It already is that way in an ordinary 3200lb AWD 300HP WRX. I know this from 10 years experience in my ESP prepped 2003 WRX grocery getter. Me, I want my 818S to serve both as an auto cross killer and a summer grocery getter. I know it can do that, I just need to confirm how... That means I'll be trying a mixed box with ratios of 3.083, 2.062, 1.545, 1.51, 0.738 mated with an NA H6 motor. This will get me good launches at autocrosses on the slicks i think will fit, reasonable choices on what gear to stay in for my local autocross courses, and reasonable revs on the highway. Getting what i want will be expensive, it means replacing most of the guts in whatever 5MT I use. Your mileage WILL vary.

[Frank818]

Well the Vette... depends what you want, first of. Then the reason why the car has been designed for is another thing. I don't think it's fair to compare the Vette with the 818 or WRX/STI or VW Corrado, the Vette has so little in common with the other 3. It's true for a street car short ratios (not close ratios, I'm talking short ratios) are probably badly suited for a high torque front engine RWD like the Vette.

What I personally like is a tall 1st gear, to prevent wheel spin at launch as much as possible and to get me up to speed without shifting and then a series of short and close ratios, cuz I want to stay in the power band as much as possible and I love shifting, it makes my ride funnier. :D I don't need top speed, I need acceleration and fun of shifting.

Now back to the STI 6sp. If it has the 1st-5th ratios pretty much like the standard 5sp and just an added 6th for top speed and lower mpg + has stronger gears to sustain say 375-300rwhp/rwtq, then so be it, I think it's worth it especially if the donor comes with the 6sp and you got it for a decent price. :)

But all in all, it depends what you want.

[Wayne Presley]

I think it's worth it especially if the donor comes with the 6sp and you got it for a decent price. :)


Good luck on that...

[Kalstar]

What I personally like is a tall 1st gear, to prevent wheel spin at launch as much as possible and to get me up to speed without shifting and then a series of short and close ratios, cuz I want to stay in the power band as much as possible and I love shifting, it makes my ride funnier. :D I don't need top speed, I need acceleration and fun of shifting.


But all in all, it depends what you want.


Gotta say, my GTM does not have a tall 1st gear but to me it is the perfect set up. If wheel spin becomes an issue, by the time I shift into 2nd speed and traction are in sinc. When I want to hot dog and get the car sideways I play in first, no drama launches is all 2nd gear. I have a H/C C6 and the 1st gear is nearly used to get up to speed, in the GTM it is a whole different animal. Hopefully the 818 will be as fun in 1st as the GTM is.

Different strokes.

[icky]

Ill have to check but I think the 6th speed is shorter than a wrx 5th.

Also after reading my last post, I think I was miss understood, Slatt nailed it with this statement, "A gear set which is a joke for one purpose may be ideal for another purpose."

[Frank818]

Ill have to check but I think the 6th speed is shorter than a wrx 5th.

Ugh, I'd find that pretty odd but if that's the way they did it, can't change it unless you change the ratios yourself.

[StatGSR]

without actually checking, i am pretty sure the gearing on the 6 speed is shorter than the 5 speed in every way (even in top gear). keep in mind, i think the 6speed will be too short for an 818 (not an STI) in a road race situation. The reason i think this is because of the torque multiplication of shorter gears, the major reduction in weight, and the potential loss in traction from going from 4 to 2wd. I am pretty confident it will A, have traction issues due to the increased torque (relative to a 5spd) and the loss of 4wd, or B, grip and take of like a rocket making you shift every second or so, which could actually result in slower times because of all the additional shift changes per lap.

The art of selecting gearing can be extremely personal and its also very different if your car depending on the cars weight and powerband, the key is the use the majority of your power band where max torque is achieved, so basically with a stock STI you are good any time after 3500 rpm up to redline. You want it short enough to get the quickest acceleration but not so short that your run out of gear.

Again, these are my personal opinions, and i am sharing them because not everybody on here is educated on topic of gearing and torque multiplication or even had any idea what the gearing on the 6spd was like, but had quickly learned that it was MOAR BETTERER, because of people on the interwebs...

[Frank818]

What about changing the FD on the 6sp to make all gears longer than the 5sp?

[StatGSR]

not sure what is out there ready for purchase but it would be technically possible.

[Frank818]

Maybe these guys could do something.

http://eng.kaps-transmissions.com/products-final-drive.html

[icky]

That's what I was thinking aswell. Could make the shaft solid and there would be the conversion to fwd and stronger too.

Edit: I already have a 6 speed in my fxt, so that's why I was going to use it. You had a really valid point about weight reduction and rwd so I thought I would add more. IMO 500 hp mountain driving with a 6 spd is a dream; the same set up in an 818, might be sketchy. Ugh, more thinking.

[Canadian818]

But if your buying a used 6spd and then changing gears, your spending more than you would for PPG gears of your choice for the 5spd.

[Frank818]

Maybe yeah.

I guess for me the choice between 5 or 6sp will depend on how I'll have my hands on a donor (what sort of donor too). One thing's for sure for me, if I keep my goal of 325-350rwhp/rwtq, I am too afraid to keep the 5sp stock, I need more strength first. The "better" gear ratios come as a 2nd requirement.

[icky]

Ppg syncro set is good to 400 hp, dog box is more but I'm not going to drive one on the street.

[Frank818]

Isn't PPG Synchro the 6700 bucks upgrade?

[Xusia]

It's been said before: 5mt's are cheap. I can break & replace many of them before reaching the cost of a PPG gear set.

Personally, it's all too much theory for me. I plan to use the 5mt that came with my donor and see how that works. If I don't like the ratios, I'll change them No sense solving a problem before it exists though...

[Frank818]

True. I have plenty of time to see many people drive with their 5sp (or brake them, we'll see).

And what has been said about the max potential rhp/rtq the stock 5sp could support? It think I read that 300bhp is harder on an AWD tranny than it is on a RWD tranny. I also think I read that about 300-330abhp/atq may be the max safest point for the stock 5sp. That would drive to what number if RWD?

[Xusia]

It's all theory at this point - no one knows for sure yet. And there are a lot of variables, including how YOU drive your car.

[Frank818]

Of course, any one could blow up a stock 5sp on a stock WRX. :)

[nkw8181]

So the sti is finally set to go to auction. What is a "good deal" for a salvaged title one? For that matter what are people getting there donor 06-07 wrx's for? On thanks for all the useful info everybody. Always learning :-)

Nolan

[Xusia]

From what I saw on Copart, STi's went for no less than $6k - and that was for a seriously damaged car. I saw some sell for over $10k (and yes, that is wrecked). That's one of the reasons I decided not to bother!

[Wayne Presley]

95% of the STI's on copart and IAAI go for over $10K, I saw a side hit one with 75K miles go over $14K...just saying

[Mechie3]

Take a part and it sells for $X dollars. If Subaru puts "STI" on the same part, people pay 1.5x as much for the same thing.

[nkw8181]

Wow! Well I won't spend that. It may make the decision easier if they go for that much. I'll know by next wed if I have an sti donor. I'm going to go take a look at it next week. It is a front end hit and everything forward of the motor is gone but from what I can tell by pics the engine looks untouched. I'm hoping that since it isn't advertised as running I can pick it up for less. But 10k for a wrecked def would not make since for me. If that is the casw I'll just get a wrx, 5speed, and wheel adapters if I want to run my enkei's or buy new wheels.

Nolan

The joys of a custom car. So may options and if you don't have enough you can just find more!

[Xusia]

Be careful. Donors with front end hits can have damage that can't be seen right away: Cracked heads, bent cams, timing components, etc. If it doesn't run, I'd think carefully about the price and potential risk.

[longislandwrx]

95% of the STI's on copart and IAAI go for over $10K, I saw a side hit one with 75K miles go over $14K...just saying

So true, Don't buy an STi on copart... What people pay is madness, If you want an STi, get involved with your local Subaru forum. It's sad to say but they are always being sold for a loss, guys get in over their heads, need money for weddings, kids...
You can get cars with lots of extras for less than wrecked cars on copart.

here's one near me...

http://www.longislandsubaruclub.com/forums/showthread.php?141657-FS-2004-WRB-STi

higher mileage but NOT wrecked well maintained and comes with probably $4500 in parts

And that's not even a great deal, its just the first local one I found in 30 seconds.

[Ethan818]

Isn't PPG Synchro the 6700 bucks upgrade?

One tip I have is to keep an eye on the NASIOC classifieds forum. PPG gearset's seem to pop up every month or so... they sell fast but it seems like the going price for a lightly used PPG gearset is well under half of the cost for a new set. I picked up a used PPG helical dog box assembled by Andrewtech, awhile ago for about the price of converting to a six speed.

Here's an example: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2524200

[StatGSR]

Isn't PPG Synchro the 6700 bucks upgrade?

even strait from PPGs site the cost is only $4300+ship for a 1-4 set either strait cut or helical. US vendors may even be able to get better pricing...er maybe not, http://www.rallispec.com/gea_syn_ppg-su5hs.html

[Grintch]

I have an '04 STi, so I am watching with great interest to see if the STi parts can be made to work. The STi gearing is slightly shorter overall 0.756 6th vs, 0.738 5th.

The WRX front wheel bearings have had issues with heavy track use, so use of '05+ STi uprights could be a good invetment for serious track cars. But they are a bit different, so some modification will be needed to use them (another advanatage is you can switch to the much more common 5x114 bolt pattern).

[D K]

But they are a bit different


How exactly?

Been after this very info myself...

[icky]

The knuckle, where the strut attaches is thicker and I believe the top hole is also higher. So you can get it machined to work but ffr may have already accounted for this with their upper control arm, there are two shims that are tacked on the inside that can be easily removed. Just need the measurements or to know someone else has done it on a prototype.

[07FIREBLADE]

The six speed is already in guys. According to Dave's last update.

[nkw8181]

Just saw that in the email flyer!

[Racebrewer]

Anybody know what is involved with getting it to work?

Simple as the WRX 5 speed?

John

[D K]

6 speed is much more difficult because there are gears in the tail housing the housing cant be removed like on the 5 speed.

[D K]

The knuckle, where the strut attaches is thicker and I believe the top hole is also higher. So you can get it machined to work but ffr may have already accounted for this with their upper control arm,

Are you referring to the uca or the knuckle adapter?
If its nly a small difference in width, then its possible for FFR to build another adapter that fits the STI knuckle?

[icky]

Are you referring to the uca or the knuckle adapter?
If its nly a small difference in width, then its possible for FFR to build another adapter that fits the STI knuckle?

The oem sti knuckle is different. FFR "possibly" accounted for this in ffr's knuckle adapter, I won't have one for a year, so I can't test it or show you. I'm sure someone will show picks when they figure it out. 30+ chassis and no one has brembos or 5 x 114? Kinda hard to believe, they're just teasing us.

[DruOdil]

FFR tech and anyone else. I can get a 6 speed for a great price. Is there going to be a FFR 6 speed option?
Dru

[Xusia]

I'd call them. No telling when they'll have a free moment to check here and respond.

[nkw8181]

On the web site, last time I checked, it was in the list of in work.

[JeromeS13]

On the web site, last time I checked, it was in the list of in work.

Where is this "web site" you speak of?

[metalmaker12]

FFR has it in the R so they are working on something, call them, last time I was there I was taking to them about it.

[JeromeS13]

At SEMA (November 8th), they told me that they were "two months out" with the parts being available.

[apexanimal]

i know issues like fitment, and locking it into fwd are still on the table...

but in the meantime:
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1201152
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1412230

[Kurk818]

I have an STI that i purchased as a donor so ive really been watching this topic closely. I received word today from FFR that the 2WD coupler has been engineered and should be delivered to FFR shortly. Cables, reverse lockout, shift and shifter cable brackets have still not been developed. Im thinking those may be the easiest part to fab up myself any how.

[Hiryu]

I'm looking at taller 6-speed gearing for an application with a car that's also lighter and more powerful than a stock STi... I've found a 'high speed' gearset (which I think is from the Forester?). I'm not sure if it's as strong or the difference would be noticeable enough?

http://www.rallispec.com/gea_syn_rstf145.html

1st - 3.636 2nd - 2.375 3rd - 1.761 4th - 1.346 5th - 0.971 6th - 0.756 (2005 STi ratios)
1st - 3.636 2nd - 2.235 3rd - 1.521 4th - 1.137 5th - 0.891 6th - 0.707 (HighSpeed ratios)
1st - 0.000 2nd - 0.140 3rd - 0.240 4th - 0.209 5th - 0.080 6th - 0.049 difference
1st 0.00% 2nd 6.26% 3rd 15.78% 4th 18.18% 5th 8.98% 6th 6.93% percentage

Anyways, it might be something to look at-

[Grintch]

Yes, the STi gearing leaves something to be desired. I think Rallispec's "high speed" gearset is based on Legacy parts. You might want to ask them how the strength compares.

[StatGSR]

Yes, the STi gearing leaves something to be desired. I think Rallispec's "high speed" gearset is based on Legacy parts. You might want to ask them how the strength compares.

If you read what Rallispec actually says about that gear set you would see that the gears are actually from the JDM forester STI because of strength concerns with the legacy parts.


"Are these gears the same as the USDM Legacy Spec B? The ratios are the same but we actually developed this kit using part numbers from the JDM Forester STI model. We found the Forester gears to be slightly stronger plus we are able to use a 3rd/4th driven gear with an appropriate keyway width (Legacy Spec B and MY07 USDM STI use a narrow keyway design). The 5th/6th gear, however, was updated in the Japanese parts system to a narrow keyway design and we are unable to supply a wide keyway version with the kit. Therefore we supply a custom adapter keyway for the 5th/6th.

How do the gears differ from the MY2007+ STI models? The 2nd through 4th gears are basically the same (except the wide keyway 3rd/4th driven gear as discussed above). But the STI does not have the tall 5th and 6th gear ratios.

Can you supply just the 5th/6th long ratio gears for my 07+ STI? Yes, no problem. Contact us by email for the pricing.

How much does this kit raise the top speed in each gear? The top speed in each gear is raised 6% for 2nd gear, 16% in 3rd gear, 18% in 4th gear, 9% in 5th gear, and 7% in 6th gear. So, for example, in 6th gear if your current top speed is 175mph the new top speed would be 175*1.07 = 187mph.

Why is 2nd and 3rd gear synchros supplied in the kit? These synchros are required for proper fitment due to a change in the number of synchro friction cone tab holes (from 6 to 4)."

[Hiryu]

Yeah, I read that, and it sounds good for the most part...but they are selling it, too. I guess all but 5th and 6th are the same as the 2007+ STis, so those should be solid...I'm just not sure about 5th and 6th. They said they use the stronger Forester gears, but how do those compare to the usual STi gears? Then again, those usually don't need to be the strongest gears, either.

Ideally, I think I'd even like to go taller, but I'm not sure if anybody makes custom gearsets for these...

[Slatt]

I spoke with Joe at FFR today about my order and he mentioned that they have plans to offer straight-cut gears with taller ratios for the 6MT.

They will also develop something for the STi hubs/spindles. The hardtop, alas, is of course planned but not being developed yet. Heat/Vent will come before the hardtop.

[Hiryu]

I spoke with Joe at FFR today about my order and he mentioned that they have plans to offer straight-cut gears with taller ratios for the 6MT.

Interesting...Unfortunately I would have liked helical cut, but I'm guessing they'd be creating these for dragging or maybe even track duty?

[07FIREBLADE]

Also spoke with Joe. The 6sp is not going to be ready for another 6-8 months. Trying to work out the shifter, gear ratios and reverse lockout ring. Had to pull the trigger on waiting or building my 5sp. At this current timetable I just had to rebuild the tranny.

[nkw8181]

I decided to just go with the 5 speed for now as well. Can we say future upgrades anyone??

[Joe Scott]

I spoke with Joe at FFR today about my order and he mentioned that they have plans to offer straight-cut gears with taller ratios for the 6MT.

They will also develop something for the STi hubs/spindles. The hardtop, alas, is of course planned but not being developed yet. Heat/Vent will come before the hardtop.

I dont remember saying we are offering straight cut gears for the 6-gear? we are going to tear down our 6-speed and re-gear it for a better track response since we had major turbo lag in 6th. at that time, we will solidify all the 6-gear goodies that will be needed for the 2wd conversion swap. as of now, we are still sticking with the 5-gear as recommended, but will most likely be offering the 6-gear setup in 6-8 months.

Joe @FFR

[Slatt]

I dont remember saying we are offering straight cut gears for the 6-gear? we are going to tear down our 6-speed and re-gear it for a better track response since we had major turbo lag in 6th. at that time, we will solidify all the 6-gear goodies that will be needed for the 2wd conversion swap. as of now, we are still sticking with the 5-gear as recommended, but will most likely be offering the 6-gear setup in 6-8 months.

Joe @FFR

Hmm, my mistake, then. Sorry about that. Sometimes all I hear is dogs barking...

[Kurk818]

The 6speed installation posed another issue with installation. See the pics below. Any suggestions on how to go about modifying the frame? I have some ideas but wouldnt mind some input.

http://i.imgur.com/3OANVLpl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/nCqQ5XIl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/r8vgJX8l.jpg

[Wayne Presley]

I do not believe you have to do any frame mods to put it in, maybe drill two new holes for the rear trans bracket.

[Kurk818]

The transmission mount bolts fit within their slots. The transmission oil pan bottoms out on the frame with approx 1.25" left to completely seat the transmission mount. The transmission mount bolts go through the slots to just barely be visible on the bottom end, maybe 3/16" from top of plate.

[Goldwing]

I would definitely suggest calling FFR, since they have a six speed in the R car now, and probably spent a little time on solid works to deal with frame strength issues. That said, just brainstorming as you asked?

It looks like those interfering bars are cantilevers to the rear tail of the frame. Cutting those for clearance look necessary, but rebuilding that strength sounds to me like a good idea. Again, just brainstorming here, cutting the "X" bars just enough to clear that oval area then welding on a steel plate to the bottom of the frame with a hole cut out for the protruding part of the tranny might be a solution. It would tie the pieces back together and share loading with the other frame members to compensate. I'd check torsional rigidity before starting at the tail. That idea might not help in that area, in which case, placing sister bars below the plate would probably stiffen it back up. If you used spacers to nudge the engine and tranny mounts up a little, that could minimize any cutting you have to do as well. Hope that helps at least a little, I'm not an engineer.

[Kurk818]

I would definitely suggest calling FFR, since they have a six speed in the R car now, and probably spent a little time on solid works to deal with frame strength issues. That said, just brainstorming as you asked?

It looks like those interfering bars are cantilevers to the rear tail of the frame. Cutting those for clearance look necessary, but rebuilding that strength sounds to me like a good idea. Again, just brainstorming here, cutting the "X" bars just enough to clear that oval area then welding on a steel plate to the bottom of the frame with a hole cut out for the protruding part of the tranny might be a solution. It would tie the pieces back together and share loading with the other frame members to compensate. I'd check torsional rigidity before starting at the tail. That idea might not help in that area, in which case, placing sister bars below the plate would probably stiffen it back up. If you used spacers to nudge the engine and tranny mounts up a little, that could minimize any cutting you have to do as well. Hope that helps at least a little, I'm not an engineer.

What you have suggested is exactly what i was thinking. I was looking at connecting the two points of the rear lateral links and also another at the cross point of the bracing. Additionally i would take a 1/8" steel plate with the cut out that matches the pan on the transmission.

I will call FFR and see what they did. Wayne, do you know what FFR did on their 6 speed?

[Kurk818]

This is what i ended up doing.

http://i.imgur.com/SM0f1aIl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/z6cyQzPl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/PYZF2RQl.jpg

[STiPWRD]

nice weld job! I hope I can be as far along in 2 months

[Kurk818]

Rebuilt the axles today. The axle shaft provided by FFR are too small to suite the STI ends. With adjustable lateral links and the sti shafts only being approx 1/2" longer than the FFR provided ones, i made it work. Waiting on FFR for the shifter linakge for now.

[Scargo]

No concerns about too much negative rear camber from making room for that extra 1/2"? I guess you can always fab new upper mounts...
But, wider stance! Then flare the rear flares... oh the slippery slope!

[Kurk818]

Im not concerned at all actually. Im putting 10.5" wide rims with 295's in the back. I will be installing carbon fiber flares regardless.


No concerns about too much negative rear camber from making room for that extra 1/2"? I guess you can always fab new upper mounts...
But, wider stance! Then flare the rear flares... oh the slippery slope!

[sponaugle]

Rebuilt the axles today. The axle shaft provided by FFR are too small to suite the STI ends. With adjustable lateral links and the sti shafts only being approx 1/2" longer than the FFR provided ones, i made it work. Waiting on FFR for the shifter linakge for now.

I'm also using an STI donor car (06 STI with an EZ30R H6), and I have the adjustable links so I may try to use the STI axel shaft as well. What did you do in the front to attach the knuckle to the provided bracket (which is a bit to narrow)?

Jeff

[longislandwrx]

It has been determined if you have a newer kit, you can grind the welds on the new bracket, remove the spacers and it will bolt up to the sti knuckle.


the holes may need to be redrilled to get the correct geometry.

[sponaugle]

It has been determined if you have a newer kit, you can grind the welds on the new bracket, remove the spacers and it will bolt up to the sti knuckle.
the holes may need to be redrilled to get the correct geometry.

Excellent!

[Kurk818]

What he said...

It has been determined if you have a newer kit, you can grind the welds on the new bracket, remove the spacers and it will bolt up to the sti knuckle.


the holes may need to be redrilled to get the correct geometry.

[Kurk818]

Ive ordered the 2WD conversion coupler from FRR. Reverse lock out cable has been custom ordered. All that is left is customizing the provided shifter for the reverse lockout and the cable mounts for the transmission. Hopefully will have everything completed in the next couple weeks. Tackling electrical at the moment.

[Scargo]

Ive ordered the 2WD conversion coupler from FRR.
On 1-20 Joe Scott said "we will solidify all the 6-gear goodies that will be needed for the 2wd conversion swap. as of now, we are still sticking with the 5-gear as recommended, but will most likely be offering the 6-gear setup in 6-8 months."
You're saying some conversion parts are already available? I will be talking to Joe on Monday as I am two weeks away from my availability date for my R. I have STi rear suspension components, an OS Giken diff and a six speed for my kit. I'm hoping I can also get some conversion parts.

[Joe Scott]

Scargo, we have the 2wd conversion adapter for the 6-gear, however we do not have any instructions or any other the other parts. if you purchase the adapter, your honestly on your own for now on the install. once we have instructions and all of the parts is when we will start supporting the 6-gear Joe@FFRTECH

[Scargo]

Glad to see you're well enough to be on the internet.
RE, adapter plate: I'll take one!
****, I'm a tranny expert now. Got it all apart and cleaned. :o Hope I can get it back together...
BTW, when I ordered the six-speed seal set for the transaxle, I seemed to get the only one Subaru had it the US!

[Kurk818]

Received the 2WD conversion coupler. Great looking product. Just waiting on the reverse lock out cable.

[metalmaker12]

Scargo, we have the 2wd conversion adapter for the 6-gear, however we do not have any instructions or any other the other parts. if you purchase the adapter, your honestly on your own for now on the install. once we have instructions and all of the parts is when we will start supporting the 6-gear Joe@FFRTECH

So is the six supported yet

[longislandwrx]

I am interested to know the weight of 6mt once the DCCD and rear section are tossed. Keep us posted Kurk.

[Kurk818]

The biggest weight loss would be the final output shaft and associated gear at approx 8lbs. The DCCD doesnt loose much weight if any. The 2wd converter actually mounts within the DCCD so what is removed from the center diff gets replaced with the 2wd converter gear. The tail housing is a minimal loss as well.

http://i.imgur.com/M670hEul.jpg


I am interested to know the weight of 6mt once the DCCD and rear section are tossed. Keep us posted Kurk.

[Sgt.Gator]

Updates?

[Kurk818]

Ive been working on slimming down my wiring for a couple weeks when i get an opportunity to. The reverse lockout mechanism is complete which finishes off everything on the transmission side. Now all thats left is modifying the supplied shift with the reverse lockout tumbler and getting it bolted in. I hope that comes sooner than later.

[Sgt.Gator]

I'm trying to understand the 6 speed conversion so please bear with me...is there an issue with using the 6 speed mated to the FF supplied axles and WRX hubs? Or is it just that folks are trying to do a full STI conversion with the bigger STI hubs?

[Wayne Presley]

I'm trying to understand the 6 speed conversion so please bear with me...is there an issue with using the 6 speed mated to the FF supplied axles and WRX hubs? Or is it just that folks are trying to do a full STI conversion with the bigger STI hubs?

It's using the hubs that give an issue, but that is an axle issue

[STiPWRD]

I'm trying to understand the 6 speed conversion so please bear with me...is there an issue with using the 6 speed mated to the FF supplied axles and WRX hubs? Or is it just that folks are trying to do a full STI conversion with the bigger STI hubs?

I ran into this exact problem in the rear of the car. The FFR axles are designed to work with wrx cv joints and consequently the wrx hubs and 5 speed trans. The sti rear axles, hubs, and 6 speed trans use a higher spline count (wrx uses 24 splines and sti uses 27 splines). Check out the axle photos in Sponaugle's thread:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?14139-Sponaugle-s-H6-EZ30R-818S&p=158780&viewfull=1#post158780

It may be possible to use the sti rear axle in place of the FFR axles (since they look to be the same length) but you'd need to also use the sti hubs and 6 speed trans.

[Scargo]

When I came across this article http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/05/bsk-ej20-lotus-elise/ in the thread EJ20 in a Lotus (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?17924-EJ20-in-a-Lotus) I was struck by the flat plate on the back of their six-speed transaxle. How'd they do that? It's so much cleaner than the modified snout.
42204

[Wayne Presley]

When I came across this article http://www.speedhunters.com/2015/05/bsk-ej20-lotus-elise/ in the thread EJ20 in a Lotus (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?17924-EJ20-in-a-Lotus) I was struck by the flat plate on the back of their six-speed transaxle. How'd they do that? It's so much cleaner than the modified snout.
42204

Because that is a 5 speed trans...

[Buzz Skyline]

Look at that crazy shifter linkage! (Now I kinda want my seat in the middle too.)

[Scargo]

Ah ha. They lied. I thought it looked odd from the side view. Those ribs.

[icky]

The jdm 06-07 sti has the same torque split as the usdm one, so does the jdm v9 transmission work too?

[Wayne Presley]

The jdm 06-07 sti has the same torque split as the usdm one, so does the jdm v9 transmission work too?

Torque split does not matter as long as it's a DCCD center diff.

[icky]

I thought people were having trouble converting the earlier 04-05 even if it had dccd?

[Soon2B818]

New to the forums and the 818, really interested in doing an STi and 6mt drive train instead of the WRX, could one of you fine 818 Veterans, provide me a list of what I'm up against for challenges. If I have all the parts from an STi what parts will absolutely not work (or need major fabrication) after buying the 2WD conversion kit from FFR. I see so much back and forth on this in the fourms and was hoping someone could put it in a "prettied up" list of what I'll need to buy/do to make it work?

[Scargo]

Axles provided by FFR won't work. Standard brake offering supplied by FFR won't work. They may have a kit now. I don't know.
You have to cut out a spot in the 1" square tubing for the tranny oil pan.
The snout is supposedly too long, even after you cut off the end, but I can't say definitively yet whether it has to poke out the back.
That's all I can think of at the moment. I'll amend this if I come up with more before someone else does.

[nkw8181]

I thought people were having trouble converting the earlier 04-05 even if it had dccd?

Correct only the 06-07 6 speed with DCCD works with ff5's conversion kit. Also from what I understand the axles will work with a 5 speed or 6 speed as long as the hubs are for the wrx. Is that a correct statement? If not I'll know soon enough. Motor and trans come Back this week

[Scargo]

You are going to have a stronger setup with the six-speed. I suspect the FFR axles will be the weak link if you have big power and a good clutch. Especially if you drag or Auto-X it. I would not skimp on axles. I would like to see an upgrading to STi or better axles unless it's just a cruising car.

[Soon2B818]

Correct only the 06-07 6 speed with DCCD works with ff5's conversion kit. Also from what I understand the axles will work with a 5 speed or 6 speed as long as the hubs are for the wrx. Is that a correct statement? If not I'll know soon enough. Motor and trans come Back this week

Can you provide the model#/part# of the tranny that will fit?

And Scargo where is a good place to source the correct axles? and does anyone have the specs on them if they need to be custom made. I won't be drag racing it often, but hard light to light rips will be seen occasionally as this will be my daily if it comes out pristine.

[Scargo]

Don't mean to be rude but the info is pretty easy to find here. I think everyone uses The Drive Shaft Shop. You should find it if you search my posts and others.
There are lots that will "fit". In my opinion you want something like a TY856WB7JA, TY856WB7KA or TY856WB8KS with the helical LSD. Theses have the internal pump so you can run an external oil cooler if you wish.
Wayne Presley is a great source. Knows more than me. Trust him to supply parts.

[Aero STI]

I believe every 6 speed that came before 2008 has the internal pump which can be connected to a cooler. Subaru switched to splash lubrication in '08.

My V9 Spec C type RA transmission in my saabaru came with the external cooler and the appropriate hard lines. I have it connected up. The 2004 Forester STI transmission that I just picked up has the external hard pipe, but it's easy to install a cooler.

Without trimming anything the STI transmission sticks out of the bumper around 2-3".

[STiPWRD]

Also from what I understand the axles will work with a 5 speed or 6 speed as long as the hubs are for the wrx. Is that a correct statement? If not I'll know soon enough.
WRX hubs will not work with the 6 speed. You will need STI hubs or custom axles.

5 Speed trans and wrx hubs work with 24 spline axles
6 Speed trans and sti hubs work with 27 spline axles (larger diameter)

I have a spare set of sti rear spindles, PM me if you'd like them.

[Kurk818]

The easiest solution is the reuse the STi axles like i did but it will result in an overall 3/4" track width in the rear. I kept all of the STI running gear.

Once the snout is cut off of the rear of the transmission, it fits with no issue. Freeze plug can be installed to cover output shaft hole.

[Jim Schenck]

The inner CV spline where the joint fits into the transmission is identical on the six speeds and the later (female) five speeds. The combination we equip the kit for using the six speed is still to use the standard WRX spindle and hub, the standard WRX CV joints, and our axles. The kit also comes with press in plugs that allow the tailshaft of the transmission to be cut down to fit inside the rear bumper. We also space the rear of the transmission up instead of cutting the mount, just makes mounting the diffuser easier if you are using one.

Also From what I have seen the 2006 and earlier 6 speeds had the internal pumps but the 2007 and later do not (the gearing also changed in 07). The 2008-2014 6 speeds will also work with our conversion but do not have the sending unit for the speedo so better for a track car than a street car.

[bbjones121]

The inner CV spline where the joint fits into the transmission is identical on the six speeds and the later (female) five speeds. The combination we equip the kit for using the six speed is still to use the standard WRX spindle and hub, the standard WRX CV joints, and our axles. The kit also comes with press in plugs that allow the tailshaft of the transmission to be cut down to fit inside the rear bumper. We also space the rear of the transmission up instead of cutting the mount, just makes mounting the diffuser easier if you are using one.

Also From what I have seen the 2006 and earlier 6 speeds had the internal pumps but the 2007 and later do not (the gearing also changed in 07). The 2008-2014 6 speeds will also work with our conversion but do not have the sending unit for the speedo so better for a track car than a street car.

Just need two abs sensors and this: http://mapdccd.com/vss.html. for speed signal.

[Zach34]

I am using a 2005 STI donor. I have not yet test-fit the body with the transmission, but I completed the conversion for installation in the car, and modified the frame (not extremely difficult) to avoid having to space the transmission up. The big obstacle you run into with the 2005 transmissions (this may apply to other model years, but I don't know for certain) is that the adapter that FFR supplies in their 6-speed conversion kit does not work with the DCCD in the 2005 6MT. The only way to make it work is to replace the entire DCCD with an adapter made by a company in New Zealand called Possum Bourne Motorsports. The adapter costs around $1000 (not a typo), but it's well-made and is specifically designed for this purpose. The good news with this route is that the DCCD module itself is a 4-figure item from Subaru, so you may be able to recoupe your cost for the adapter (I haven't sold mine yet, but intend to.). There's two on ebay right now, one for $1100 and one for $1600. No idea if they'll actually sell for that much.

Anyway, if you can foot the bill for the adapter, the 2005 is very easy to convert. Do some searches here, there are some very helpful posts with pictures, etc.

[Aero STI]

The inner CV spline where the joint fits into the transmission is identical on the six speeds and the later (female) five speeds. The combination we equip the kit for using the six speed is still to use the standard WRX spindle and hub, the standard WRX CV joints, and our axles. The kit also comes with press in plugs that allow the tailshaft of the transmission to be cut down to fit inside the rear bumper. We also space the rear of the transmission up instead of cutting the mount, just makes mounting the diffuser easier if you are using one.

Also From what I have seen the 2006 and earlier 6 speeds had the internal pumps but the 2007 and later do not (the gearing also changed in 07). The 2008-2014 6 speeds will also work with our conversion but do not have the sending unit for the speedo so better for a track car than a street car.

Jim, can you provide more details on spacing the transmission up? Pictures would be awesome. I'm close to cutting up the frame. Is the additional .3" or so of the 5mt mount enough?

[nkw8181]

You are going to have a stronger setup with the six-speed. I suspect the FFR axles will be the weak link if you have big power and a good clutch. Especially if you drag or Auto-X it. I would not skimp on axles. I would like to see an upgrading to STi or better axles unless it's just a cruising car.

I will most likely upgrade them later but for now I want to DRIVE!! when I do I want to take wrx hubs and respline them larger. Possibly to accept the sti splines so if I want to upgrade to sti hubs later I can.


Can you provide the model#/part# of the tranny that will fit?

And Scargo where is a good place to source the correct axles? and does anyone have the specs on them if they need to be custom made. I won't be drag racing it often, but hard light to light rips will be seen occasionally as this will be my daily if it comes out pristine.

here is a link to the full list and here is it broken down to what works.

http://rallispec.com/downloads/Transmission%20ID%20Chart_Public.pdf

[nkw8181]

The inner CV spline where the joint fits into the transmission is identical on the six speeds and the later (female) five speeds. The combination we equip the kit for using the six speed is still to use the standard WRX spindle and hub, the standard WRX CV joints, and our axles. The kit also comes with press in plugs that allow the tailshaft of the transmission to be cut down to fit inside the rear bumper. We also space the rear of the transmission up instead of cutting the mount, just makes mounting the diffuser easier if you are using one.

Also From what I have seen the 2006 and earlier 6 speeds had the internal pumps but the 2007 and later do not (the gearing also changed in 07). The 2008-2014 6 speeds will also work with our conversion but do not have the sending unit for the speedo so better for a track car than a street car.

I am interested to know/ see pics of the trans being spaced up as well. does it raise the turbo? I fear I will get close the the crossmember if I need to raise the trans. Does the engine need spacing up as well?

[Kurk818]

I am interested to know/ see pics of the trans being spaced up as well. does it raise the turbo? I fear I will get close the the crossmember if I need to raise the trans. Does the engine need spacing up as well?

There is a photo as part of the 6speed kit installation manual that shows the spacers. I dont remember any mention of the engine being raised up and honestly dont see a need for it to be. I went the route of modifying the frame. The oil pan on the tranny does not hang below the frame modification with the stock transmission mount.

[Kurk818]

Couple extra pics that i didnt post earlier.

http://i.imgur.com/UWr9LLnl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/pC4raF3l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mpOCVL4l.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/G6gHJK5l.jpg

Final Shifter Linkage with Reverse Lockout Cable

http://i.imgur.com/jAbX9fll.jpg

[Zach34]

BLUF: If you go to Auto Zone to get replacement front axles, be sure to get the "Reman" ones, not the "Gold" ones. The Gold ones will probably swap right into an STI, but the guts of the CVs are different than OEM and you will not be able to swap them around for our application.

One tidbit about axles. I finally got a collection of axles and CVs that will work with my 2005 STI 6-speed. I ordered shortened axle shafts (20.8" long, about 3/4" shorter than the STI front axle shafts from a 2005) from the Driveshaft Shop, one end 32 spline for the outer CV, and 30 spline for the inner CV.

My donor's front inner CVs had a significant groove at the transmission seal and I'm pretty sure they would leak, so I ended up buying new CV axles from Auto Zone, the Duralast Golds, at $70 per side, just for the inner CVs. However, once I disassembled one of them, I found they had the 3-bearing design like the base WRX instead of the 6-ball bearing that the STI inner CVs have, plus the splines were different (fewer than 30, I did not count). Returning to Auto Zone, they also offer a "Remanufactured" axle in addition to the "Gold". On a hunch, I tried one of the "Reman" axles, and it had the 6-ball bearing and same spline count as the OEM axles. The "Reman" axle shafts are much thicker and I think it's an overall much stronger axle, since it's a copy of the OEM spec, than the "Gold"s for the same price (after core).

So that was a lot of time and expense.

Fryguy reports that 2004 STI rear axles are the correct length. If I had it to do over, I would just get those from Auto Zone, and not bother with the expensive DSS axle shafts.

[Scargo]

Wow, that is good info and what a PIA to get to where you want to be.
I do have custom (longer) axles from DSS and got their HD CV joints. My track is 62". I was able to do this because of the longer, lower links I'm using.

[nkw8181]

I thought the break point wasn't the axle itself but the resess in the spline that goes in the wheel hub. If this isn't the case can I just buy front and rear sti shafts and it will fit my 06 wrx hubs and sti tranny it do I still need to have the hub splines enlarged?

[Zach34]

Yes, I think if an axle breaks, it's usually where the splines end. However, in this car, unless you are running big horsepower with slicks, I don't see you breaking STI axles. The OEM ones are very large, especially the fronts, for some reason, but it's a moot point for STI axles because of the length (except for the apparently shorter '04 rear axles).

The base WRX rear hubs are different than the STI, but I dont' know for sure if the outer CVs of an STI axle would fit into the base WRX rear hubs. They might. If not, I can't help you on what you need to do for the outer CVs.

Assuming you have your donor's rear axles, I would tear down the outer CVs, then go to Fryguy's build thread to see if the spline count on the outer 2004 STI rear axle shafts mates to your base WRX outer CV. If so, yes, you can buy 2004 STI front and rear axles to get everything you need. Otherwise, just get whatever STI front axles that fit your transmission and order custom shafts from the Driveshaft Shop.

Another alternative is to convert to STI hubs all around. If you're building an R, this is probably a good move since the STI hubs get you much larger bearings.

Whatever you do, make sure you are careful disassembling any axles so you can put them back together and don't lose any parts until you know for sure you have the combination you need.

I just installed my completed axles tonight. Looks like the length is spot on. There's about an inch of in/out travel available to the inner CVs. Doesn't look like any risk of binding due to suspension adjustments. I still wonder if the front STI axles will fit without necessitating a track width increase. I think they might, but you could have very little inward travel available.

[nkw8181]

Zack, I thought the point of failure was the spline going into the wrx hub. If this is the case then I wanted to have a wrx rear hub bored out and resplined to the larger sti. If the 04 sti axles are the right lenght then I only need to have the hubs machined.this also allows me to use these axles if I ever switch to sti hubs. Just my thoughts.

[STiPWRD]

Nolan, if you're interested, I have a spare set of 04 sti rear spindles. I got them as a set when I bought my brembo calipers but didn't know they wouldn't work with the wrx axles. I painted them and rebuilt with brand new bearings/seals & redline synthetic cv2 grease (new e-brake shoes as well). They should bolt directly to some sti axles and your 6 speed. I removed the tone rings because I'm not running ABS but I still have them.
50587
50588

[nkw8181]

Will my calipers work with it?

[STiPWRD]

Will my calipers work with it?
Probably not but I'm not positive. They are meant for brembo rear calipers. I also have a set of new oem style rear sti rotors (from rock auto).

[Brd.Prey]

No concerns about too much negative rear camber from making room for that extra 1/2"? I guess you can always fab new upper mounts...
But, wider stance! Then flare the rear flares... oh the slippery slope!

I cant see where camber was affected?