When it rains it pours

Discussion in 'Modifications & DIY how-to' started by Slowsoul, May 15, 2007.

  1. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    So, I brutally raped 3rd gear tonight...which, is awesome. :hsugh: 4th is feeling a little squirlly too. At this point, I can't shift into 3rd at all and it sounds like there are nuts and bolts spinning around in the tranny when I am driving down the street...great.

    Not quite sure how it happend, I mean, I know HOW...but I keep playing the sequence through my head, and I can't figure out what I missed...at highway speed exiting onto freedom parkway into that great curve there. I wasn't even pushing it as hard as I have before. Clutch in, rev match, downshift, CRAGGNK...what the!? Anyway, it doesn't matter now. I am going to take a trip to the dealer in the morning and see how bad it is...at least I still have 1st and 2nd, 4th, and 5th.

    Hopefully, I only have to replace some synchros...maybe 3rd gear.

    Any suggestions...or sympathy?
     
  2. UpSideDownDesi

    UpSideDownDesi Active Member

    we are in the same boat...welcome aboard.
     
  3. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    Yeah, I just got done reading your post. This is such a bad thing to happen to me right now, I can't even begin to describe it...you are talking about staying in your budget...I have NO budget.

    I just put my entire Entertainment center up for sale on Craigslist, and that is no lie.


    You didn't by any chance pick up the silver bugeye at SOG did you?

    Oh wait, yes you did, there it is in your sig, funny...please tell me you are going to get those decals off of it!?!

    Welcome to the boards man!
     
    Last edited: May 15, 2007
  4. miloman

    miloman Retired Admin

    Sorry to hear that man.
     
  5. Cool_____

    Cool_____ Banned

    Yuck another one bites the dust. It's inevitable with the WRX. Gotta pay to play as they put it.
     
  6. With all these 02 transmission stories out right now, I am shifting like a granny.

    Sorry to hear about yours.
     
  7. Alex

    Alex Community Founder Staff Member

    Good luck at the dealership.
     
  8. calmnothing

    calmnothing Shlimp Flied Lice Supporting Member

    Wow I'm sorry to hear about that. All these 02 tranny problems popping up at once and all over nasioc. I have no idea why subaru switch to smaller gears when they already had stronger and wider gears available with better teeth profiles in their inventory. That's why LGT's aren't breaking trannies cause it's the same sti ra gearset. Goodluck
     
  9. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    Thanks fellas,

    It sucks, I was really hoping this one would last me a bit longer. At this point I really can't afford much more than a rebuild, but depending on the cost, I might consider trying to find a new (04+) WRX tranny and swap it in. Even though it will still be a WRX tranny, it will be stronger than a rebuilt 02 WRX tranny, and I hate the idea of putting weaker parts back in my car.
     
  10. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    So, happy ending.

    Through luck and good timing, I am ending up with a set of RA gears for my car. I have my parents to thank (for lending me the money), and also Bob at SOG for the sweet sweet deal. It almost didn't work out, and there was a lot of back and forth with the rents, part explaining to them the reasons why rebuilding or installing a new 02 tranny vs installing a set of "special gears" (as they kept referring to the RA gears) was a bad idea, and the other part was because they didn't like the idea of a tranny without a warranty (which in their credit is actually a good reason), but it all worked out.

    I realize that I am very lucky to be able to ask my parents for help, and at 29 years old, it is not something that I like doing, but for it I am very greatful.

    Cheers to mom and dad!
     
    Last edited: May 16, 2007
  11. pEd

    pEd This ain't no Piccadilly!

    GOod to hear bro. WHen is it getting put together?
     
  12. calmnothing

    calmnothing Shlimp Flied Lice Supporting Member

    I'm glad to hear it worked out for ya. Goodluck
     
  13. techlord

    techlord Active Member

    I have the RA gears and love them but you may want to look into the "special edition" set as the gearing maybe more favorable for hwy driving. In 5th @ 85mph I am at 4000rpm. Congrats on the good news
     
  14. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    It actually is already put together. The tranny just needs to be installed. This fairly new RA gear box is out of a guys wagon that decided he wanted more power, and a full STi drivetrain instead, so he bought an STi rollover, and SOG is doing the swap. I am buying this tranny at the recomendation and advice of the tech that has been involved with the project. So, out of his car and into mine, I should have it back by this Friday at the latest.

    As far as the ratios are concearned, I already checked into that. I was told that the gear ratios of this RA gear box are the same as the stock WRX ratios. We'll see.
     
  15. techlord

    techlord Active Member

    I do not think any of the RA gears are the same as stock but I do not know for sure. Congrats and if you are up there tomorrow I will see you there!
     
  16. Vektra

    Vektra Member

    awesome swap! I'm glad it worked out for ya.
     
  17. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    Okay, well I am sure I'll be happy no matter what. I don't do that much highway driving anyway.

    Cool, they told me around 4pm or so on Friday, possibly later if they think the cluctch needs to be replaced. What are you getting done?
     
  18. calmnothing

    calmnothing Shlimp Flied Lice Supporting Member

    All of the RA gears hav different ratios than a wrx. Although all of them are a longer 1-2-3.
     
  19. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    So, what does that translate to...on the street/track/mountain twisties?
     
  20. techlord

    techlord Active Member

    I thought more speed in gear, but I have them and only notice a difference in first. Second and third seem the same, 4th and 5th are INCREDIBLY different.
     
  21. Cool_____

    Cool_____ Banned

    RA's are shorter thus the faster acceleration.
     
  22. Cool_____

    Cool_____ Banned

    Special Edition RA ratios...
    First Gear 3.166
    Second Gear 1.882
    Third Gear 1.296
    Fourth Gear 0.972
    Fifth Gear 0.738


    Standard STi RA ratios...
    First Gear 3.083
    Second Gear 2.062
    Third Gear 1.545
    Fourth Gear 1.151
    Fifth Gear 0.825


    Stock WRX ratios....
    1st - 3.454
    2nd - 1.947
    3rd - 1.366
    4th - 0.972
    5th - 0.738


    If you get the regular RA's the ratios are much much shorter however the SE RA's are very close to stock.
     
  23. Slowsoul

    Slowsoul Member

    Well, my baby is home!

    From just 24 hours of driving on this RA gear set, I love it, it feels right for the car. I used a ratio calculator that I found online to determine that I have the standard RA gear set.

    I never payed attention in math class and unfortunately, when it comes to the math side of gears, I am a bit uneducated/frustrated, but with every mod I learn a little more. I understand gear ratios much more now that I have actually felt the difference between the two transmissions on the road. It makes me wish that I had payed more attention in math because I might be able to make certain decisions about my car a little easier.
     
  24. calmnothing

    calmnothing Shlimp Flied Lice Supporting Member

    You sacrifice some hwy economy for more overall speed. Glad you like it
     

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