Akl406

Oh I will for sure have fun haha that’s why I want to do a swap.    I love the STI drivetrain, it is what I bought the STI for and I am not going to part ways with it. I just want a project and think it would be sweet to have a soccer mom wagon that hauls ass and handles well.   I know the stock trans is good and other 6 speed options but I know I won’t be satisfied until it has an STI drivetrain.  The STI hubs and axles themselves are beefier than the legacy hubs and axles and since being able to swap those with a STI trans swap isn’t feasible with the outback/legacy I was curious if those that have done the swap have had any issues with legacy hubs and axles with the STI trans. 

Hey Everyone,

New member to this forum somewhat new to owning a Subaru.  I grew up with an 04 Outback in the family and learned to drive stick on it, in August 2018 purchased a 2018 WRX, then in September 2021 traded in the WRX for a 2021 STI which I currently own as well as a 2007 Outback NA that I purchased in December 2022.  
 

I have researched and read all sorts of things about different Subarus with turbos and as life changes different cars become more interesting!  I love my STI and have wanted one since high school (34 years old now) but I live in Montana and I moved to a place where I can’t keep it garaged somewhat recently and I can’t bring myself to drive it and enjoy in all Montana’s weather conditions even though I know it would be a blast. It is just a nice car and I don’t want to mess it up! I baby the thing and try to keep it pristine but it is just not very practical for me to have 3 cars ( own a 97 Tacoma too).  I love my outback and drive that thing everywhere and in all conditions which brought my thoughts to buying an Outback XT/Legacy GT/Forester XT.  

I bought the STI for the drivetrain because it is pretty awesome.   I don’t want to sacrifice not having the STI drivetrain which has brought me to buying one of those cars and STI swapping it.  I know the Forester is based on the Impreza and all STI pieces swap making things pretty straight forward.  I know the Legacy/Outback are on a different platform and that the transmission will swap  as well as the R180 but not the STI axles, subframe, knuckles, etc.  I know the spec b has some comparable pieces to swap  and the outback/legacy is also a more comfortable car with the greatness of being a wagon!!!  I know you can modify suspensions, tune, and other things to make the wagons handle better and have more power. 300-330 whp is where I would like to be.
 

I have found a couple options on manual Outback XT’s and a manual Legacy GT wagon and I have been thinking of selling my STI as well as Outback and buying one of those and doing a STI 6-speed swap.   My questions for those of you that have done the 6-speed swaps have you driven an STI and how does that compare to a STI swapped outback/legacy as far as how it feels drivetrain wise?  I know the 5x100 axles are not as robust as the STI axles and those aren’t an option on the legacy/outback platform.  Can the 5x100s still feel the same ish at 300-330 whp? As well as handle driving canyons and snow?  It will mostly be a daily driver,  I know the gas mileage won’t be great but I know the fun factor would be great in Montana’s snow and mountains.   I just think it would be cool to own a different car especially a wagon but have the perks of the STI still.  Any thoughts feedback are most welcome! Sorry for the lengthy post

Hello, I sent you a PM as well as an email.  Anyways when you get a chance send me a reply.

How is the undercarriage for rust so you have any pictures?  Looks very clean!