6MT Master Swap Thread
 

There are basically 2 main options for turning your 5MT into a 6MT.

Option #1:
Transmission Choice: 2007+ LGT Spec B 6MT, 2004, 2005 STI 6MT
Rear Differential Choice: 2007+ LGT Spec B R180, 2004+ STI R180, <2004 Legacy or you can use a regeared stock R160 as well with stock LGT rear axles
Axles: Front - Stock LGT, Rear - 2007+ Spec B or custom Driveshaft Shop Axles

Option #2:
Transmission Choice: 2006+ STI 6MT
Rear Differential Choice: Stock LGT R160
Axles: Front - Stock LGT, Rear - Stock LGT

Etc: DCCD Controller for STI 6MT, 2005+ 2.5i LGT Auto Driveshaft (for Sedan or Wagon based on what you have currently) or 2007+ Spec B Driveshaft, appropriate 6MT flywheel and clutch, 2005 STI front axle seals (recommended), 6MT shift linkage, 6MT shifter, 6MT shift knob (as a note, most donor sets more than likely won't have a knob as most have been robbed from the junkyards :lol:), 6MT slave cylinder, 6MT clutch fork

Quick Pros and Cons to the different components:
<2004 Legacy Differential is not going to be a viscous limited slip (CON)
2007 Spec B 6MT does not contain a limited slip front differential (CON)
2006+ STI 6MT has a 1:1 stepper center differential which allows you to use your Stock R160 on the 07+ cars, if you use an 04-05 STI trans.. the GT 5MT came in 2005-2006 4.11FD 2007-2009 5MT 3.90FD (PRO - Cheaper CON - weaker rear diff if using the R160)


Helpful links for those with lots of time:
Hammer Down's 6MT Swap thread - "the original"
NASIOC's Transmission forums

P/N's:
Spec B Rear Axles - 28421AG03B
R180 Rear Axle Seals – 806732200
05 STi 6MT front half shaft seals:
L/H 806735240
R/H 806735230
Tail Shaft Seal – 806735210

sounds expen$ive

it is, but well worth it.

Now how about swapping a 6 Speed into a 5eat :)

lol :)

A little bit more difficult, but still doable. you'll need all of the above parts plus the clutch master cylinder and a new pedal setup (I'm guessing since the brake and clutch are on the same rotating assembly under the dash). will probably also need a new trim piece inside the cabin and shift boot :p. You'll now also need the 6MT transmission cross braces I would guess.

^^^ you'll also probably need to reprogram certain parts of the ECU if possible.... or swap ECUs

Nice little write-up. I was wondering how hard it is for GT's to switch the 6MT the other day.

I'd ask if anyone has done it on an N/A, but you probably couldn't even get it into 6th gear :lol:

I can always dream though.

Now if only DSS would offer upgraded Spec B style axles for use the R180, then we would have our cake and eat it too!

Can we sticky this please!

Which 6MT has a taller gearing? Is it the 2007 STi?

Groff, very nice..
FYI to everyone else, all this information was gathered by HAMMER DOWN, myself and groff, during our swaps.. this is real-world info, not speculation.

for the rear diff:

hammer down is running a re-geared WRX unit
i am running a 2004 legacy auto 3.90 (just broke it :spin:), so i am swapping the 05 LGT LSD carrier into the 3.90 legacy housing
and groff is running an R180 and Spec.B Axels. (damn you! :lol:)

Yes.

yea, sorry, didn't have any shout outs :lol:

I am running R180 Torsen w/SpecB axles, too :)

Cost of parts (if possible, new, since that's more consistent) and approximate number of labor hours needed to swap to a 6mt?

Transmission including clutch assembly/flywheel, or do you need to purchase that seperately?

I'm wondering because I've seen plenty of clutch jobs run $1500 for parts and labor, and it seems like this could be an option if it's $2500-3000 and you plan on keeping the car for a long time.

Joe