Taken from Wikipedia: Changes made from the 02 wrx to the 03: "Rev. C (2003) There are few changes from Rev. B. The gears are changed to RA-width gears (1 mm increase in size) to increase durability of the transmission. There is also a valve that prevents “drop-clutch” starts in an effort to reduce the number of shattered gear boxes from abusive AWD launching. The ignition ring is now illuminated with green lighting. Early 2003 WRXs had brake duct plates. At the end of calendar year 2002, the brake duct plates were no longer equipped on the WRXs. A shorter metal fuel pipe and longer connector hose were implemented under the intake manifold to avoid fuel leaks at freezing temperatures." I still smell the fuel at freezing temps so I don't believe that part.
Wiki is not official. The green ring is correct. RA thickness gears didnt start showing up until mid 03 production. As for the anti clutch drop valve, thats all BS. Even the most well equipped 'delay valve' in the Legacy GT allows for full on wheel spinning drop action.
Thats what I thought but was hoping for some relief although I have been running a 6 puck clutch for about 10,000 miles and when I changed the fluid I did not find any metal pieces. Maybe I'm just a good driver....:fruit:
you can run 300hp/6 puck unsprung on an RS transmission all day long. But as soon as you shock it hard enough....STRIP it goes.
A little off-topic but where can I find when in 2003 my car was made? Is it on the little plate in the engine bay? I bought it in March of 03 so I'm guessing it's the later ones (which might explain why I've never had the slightest problem with my tranny).