How To STI 6 Speed Swap a Subaru

We're fixing the biggest issue with the Subaru WRX today and that is its sloppy glass 5 Speed Transmission. I have a 2017 Subaru WRX STI Transmission and R180 Rear Diff that we are swapping into the car! This has been asked for in the past so hopefully, this quick guide helps to show you how to swap an STI 6 Speed into your Subaru!
Flat Iron Tuning 6 Speed Swap Kit: bit.ly/3E3mA3O
Smeedia Merch: www.smeedia.ne...
Smeedia Discord Server: / discord
Tools For The Garage:
Special Oil Funnel: amzn.to/3oeyiCq
Coolant Burping Tank: amzn.to/3iesMfn
3/8" Socket Seet: amzn.to/3uf2dLT
1/4" Socket Set: amzn.to/2XPEd5K
3/8" Impact Gun: amzn.to/3lYfO6q
3/8" Ratcheting Wrench: amzn.to/3ueQNYu
Batteries for those electric tools: amzn.to/3zQE5A5
Floor Jack: amzn.to/39KdE4y
Jack Stands: amzn.to/2WfVWCT
Gucci Screw Driver Set: amzn.to/3EXGTPN
Hook and Pick Set: amzn.to/3kJdeBJ
Audio:
Fluffy - Smith The Mister
Fuji - Tubebackr
September Rain - YME

[@RubioGarage]

The perfect situation, it’s Sunday afternoon, it’s cold and i have a hoodie with my coffee sitting on my couch and smeedia uploaded, can’t get any better

[@Smeedia]

What kinds coffee we sipping on? 🤝

[@abbas674]

I’m sitting in a barracks in the military can’t wait to go home to install my 6 speed swap and new motor

[@followtheornghat]

Damn man, 1 day to get the trans fixed, and the entire 6 speed in on the first try in your garage. The growth over the few years following your channel is amazing. Keep killing it brother 🔥💪🤯

[@Smeedia]

Gotta keep learning and growing 💪

[@MasakaGaming5]

@@Smeedia hey bro can you send me that 5 speed swap for my 04 subaru forester xt Automatic please

[@MGA_83]

6-speed swap all in 1 video/day! Love it! Maybe one day I'll 6-speed swap my hawkeye

[@Smeedia]

When the time comes for that swap you'll love it!

[@builtsubarusti7408]

Perfect example on why prices between modles change so much. It's not just engine, transmission and brakes. Very cool video to watch. Always are but enjoyed seeing something so different than your normal content

[@Smeedia]

Was nice to be able to mix it up a bit with all the diffrent parts laid put to be able to show 🥳

[@malikkerstens5183]

“I’m gonna be honest don’t quite know what I’m doing here”. I feel that big time

[@Smeedia]

Lol we go in blind sometimes 🤣

[@Telesko]

I love the leg jack technique, I did that a few times working on my car and my wife thought I was weird. This is great info for people who aren't doing this but are new to cars want to learn more about the drivetrain. Thanks for the great info as always.

[@Smeedia]

Anytime 🥳 Thr leg jack technique works wonders in tight spaces 😅🔥

[@bradgreen987]

Impressive install. Boy, the STI trans is way beafier. Now I understand the swap even more. Thx

[@Smeedia]

The 6 speeds are some thick units 😅

[@Volksmash]

5 speed is glass. 6 speed is chefs kiss. Love the content dude

[@Smeedia]

Appreciate it my man, we want that chefs kiss 🤌

[@tradeMark182]

Gotta love when my guy is chill in a video ... great comeback

[@Smeedia]

🤝🤝

[@Mahre_music]

dude you did this so quick wtf lol!! Long term goal for my hatch is to six speed swap! When you said "the five speed never wants to go into reverse". I felt that lol

[@omialmanza1900]

No walk in the park STI swaps can be a handful overall worth the work. Meet only 2 ppl who've done it. But the info you covered is outstanding!

[@Smeedia]

This is one thing I'd say is 100% worth the swap 😅🔥

[@j631366]

I sold my WRX and watching this makes me want another just to sti swap thanks for the content !!

[@Smeedia]

Yesssss do it!!!!

[@jai_co4713]

Congrats on 100k! I no longer own a Subie, but I am a Subie owner at heart, living out my dreams vicariously through your videos 😂

[@Smeedia]

Thank you! What did you end up snagging?! 🥳

[@lian5147]

The only difference in the starter for the 5spd and the 6 spd is the hight of the gear to account for the larger flywheel. If you plan on keeping your 5 speed pull style clutch you have to use the 5 speed starter. And vice versa

[@Smeedia]

Good info to have 🤝

[@narkyt4356]

Bought an 09 wrx hatch as a roller with trans and suspension, and now find myself building the EJ255 for it because of your videos. Always wanted to build my hatch, but your short block videos gave me the confidence to do so. Getting some .025 oversized mains in tomorrow and then I should be able to wrap up the short block. Built my BC heads using your videos too lol. Thanks a bunch for showing me what not to do first, saving me big $$$.

[@Smeedia]

Keep me posted on how the build goes! Sounds like it should be a solid engine 🥳

[@smillman437]

Holy crap, another huge info-PACKED episode. Good job on this one Tanner

[@Smeedia]

Thank you good sir!

[@cds.pythons]

Take a shot each time Smeedia says “beefier” 😂 love the vids man

[@Smeedia]

We getting beefy tonight my man 🤣

[@ryanleva4264]

As always (IMO) church of smeedia is one of the most informative and entertaining hands down yo. This video is a wicked breakdown good S#*T sir.

[@Smeedia]

Eyyyyy, thank you Ryan 🤝🔥

[@mickrichBMXWRXJapan]

Great video! Will never have the money or skills to tackle this, so am happy to enjoy it vicariously here.

[@Smeedia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@MrGsxrme]

Yes! Using the same DccD controller in my VA WRX IAG built STI trans swap! Love it. So nice to be able to put her in rear mode only for an amazing rear wheel peel.

[@Smeedia]

How have you liked it? Haven't seen too much on the MAP ones 👀

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@shes_lucy]

tanner out here in the cold still going at it, respect 💪

[@pamelavance648]

Jobs done...now sending out a thank you to a few that have responded to my questions 😀 and big time help to do Gear shift bushings with fantastic videos...and I'm starting with you 😀 So very greatful for your comments back yesterday Yep did the project today...dang tired and even with roll pin punches 👊 those roll pins still difficult and have muscle cramp in shoulder blade. World of difference oh my goodness. I'm not a mechanic not even a diy person probably took me more than most but I don't quit lol OK now for the funny 😁 it's been loose long enough I need practice finding third gear again....didn't realize how much I had to go over for third before fixing it now I'm trying to avoid 5th when wanting 3rd Oh boy laughing...awe but it is nice. Exhausted but 😊 happy 😊 Thanks for help

[@josepeanutbutter4533]

Bro amazing video and now I know how to do a 6speed swap for my forester xt

[@Smeedia]

6 speed swap in a forester would 🔥💪

[@dalereed2626]

Tanner you never cease to Amaze me with what you do in your garage . Very Impressive one day install of the drive train . Great job.

[@chrisvong5118]

I did an entire JDM 6 speed swap into my blobeye, and it was pretty involved since I did it all while on jackstands ( my back hurt for a week). It's now paired with a V9 EJ207 and it's a blast to drive! If i could go back, I'd probably go with a USDM drivetrain. At 80mph it puts me at about 3500rpm, so it's not highway friendly at all.

[@Smeedia]

Not terrible for the jdm 6 speeds, they're nice transmissions. Doing that on jack stands would not be a fun time 😅😅😅

[@yamilmelendez2667]

Broooooooo I’ve been lost for a while but my man I have to tell u that I finally turned my car on. At lasttttttt funny thing is it was just the rear end harness it had the WRX oem one instead of the oem one fron the engine the reason why the fuel pump never activated. 😂😂😂 witch is a RS 2.5

[@Smeedia]

That would make sense 😅🔥

[@yamilmelendez2667]

@@Smeedia lol its just that I thought because of taking the module out would just work since all the clips just clipped in like nothing

[@rustymunns2397]

Loving the content man! 6 speed swap in one day is impressive!! I need to do the solid bushing upgrade in my STI, so much slop when it's in gear :(

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@Jdm2005sti]

Sweet video and info on the swap. So much room when the transmission is out and shifter linkage to install all the new bushings while at it. I too went from wrx 5 speed to sti 6 speed what a big difference. 🔥🤙🏽

[@paulmarsdensr1095]

A good job man on thus installation. 👏

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Paul!

[@RaginPandaz]

I was thinking about doing some power stuff for my 2012 wrx first but after seeing this I think I’m gonna do the 6 speed swap first lol

[@Smeedia]

You'll love thr car so much more with the 6 speed 🔥

[@BT-mg1uu]

The timing of this video is amazing! I'm doing a spec b swap into my 2011 wrx over Christmas holidays! So very similar and usable information to help me along. Honestly, thank you soooo much for taking the time to make this video!

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@pamelavance648]

Time stamp 17: 33 Lol .... and... just like that comment 🤣 Seeing all the parts out in the beginning sent my head a spinning 🙃

[@Smeedia]

It ain't too bad to do 😅

[@ryanjohnson8581]

Holly shit. You made that to easy, very detailed. Great video

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🥳

[@jayc5470]

Damn, that awesome dude! You made it look easy. Someday i'll do a 6 speed swap until my 5 speed dies lol. For now, I'm focusing handling and reliabilities.

[@Smeedia]

Ride that 5 speed out 💪

[@dylanseth5379]

Man I saw you instagram post, I didn't know u do youtube!

[@Smeedia]

YESSSSSSIR Mainly on YT more than IG 😅🤝

[@foxunfocused]

Very in-depth! Making me question my sanity in wanting to STI swap a bugeye RS lol. But I also have 2 VW W8 engines sitting in my garage right now, so my sanity probably isn't in the best place anyway 😆

[@Smeedia]

One engine in the front and one in the back, easy AWD 😅🔥

[@miguelchavez2141]

Just started following you, I’m really looking forward on what I’m gonna learn here

[@Crazy8ts]

this should help people appreciate the volume of hardware that the STI has as an upgrade over a WRX...its SUBSTANTIAL...oretty much EVERYthing is different except for the sheetmetAl of the body lol

[@Smeedia]

100% they're essentially just the same body lol

[@ararson4710]

Gears are bigger on the Sti, and older sti trans has the Trans fluid dipstick, I believe the 07 and up only has overfill plugs doesn't have dipstick. Gear ratio is also different on certain yrs. I know 07 has longer gear ratios.

[@Smeedia]

All spot on 🔥

[@davidnevitt9151]

FYI 5spd trans mount is taller then the 6spd mount!! found that out hard way

[@Smeedia]

Yessss they are indeed diffrent 🤝

[@hatefunwrx]

Great video man, mel is such a champ lending a hand with the hoist in the cold. I know what I'll be doing when the time comes since it only costs a little more

[@Smeedia]

She's a trooper 😅🔥 was like 28* out there lol

[@hatefunwrx]

@@Smeedia damn thats cold but at least it was inside away from the wind but those heaters work wonders. Hats off to Mel

[@TheSlenderman80]

Tying to put some sti drive train stuff on my 2020 impreza so this helps out alot seeing what it takes and whats needed to do what i want

[@Smeedia]

🤝🤝🤝

[@Ramdompcgamer]

Just woke up to go do a midnight shift at work stuffing my face in my turbo brz with hot pockets watching this video letting her warm up cuz Texas dropped to 28DEG for some stupid ass reason!

[@Smeedia]

WHAT KIND OF HOT POCKETS THOUGH?!

[@Ramdompcgamer]

@@Smeedia that day we pulled at the classic Big and bold double pepperoni and Philly cheesesteak.

[@bubbabrannan5915]

Ya make it look easy ✅️ 6 speed would be nice, wheels first though I would like the 5x114 over 5x100.... I don't forsee mine blowing up anything soon. Thanx Tanner 🥃🥃🥃

[@Smeedia]

Anytime my friend, that 5x114 is a huge benefit 🔥

[@DeadRats4U]

Another goated smeedia upload

[@codykellner9985]

Love watching you vids... They are making miss my car..hopefully getting it back friday😁😁

[@Smeedia]

Hopefully gets done quickly 🥳

[@raycadbury]

Awesome video, would have loved to see the rear lockout rebuild

[@michaelsantoro119]

Woooo Smeedia upload notification is the best notification

[@Smeedia]

My mannnn 🥳🥳🥳

[@azureander5487]

do you ever worry about the pneumatic jack stands failing while you're under the car? that gives me chills just looking at it 0.0

[@archerdrake6193]

Yesss a new Smeedia vid let's gooo

[@Smeedia]

LESSSSSA GOOOO

[@johnathanvickrey6217]

Really curious to see the fitment on the wheels I might try any copy you on it👍🏼

[@Smeedia]

I will keep you posted good sir!

[@robbiemonk9622]

Did I miss the JDM folding mirror swap? Looking forward to watching that vlog, I want to do them on my hatch

[@Smeedia]

Not yet, I still have to wire them in 😅🤝

[@robbiemonk9622]

@@Smeedia ok cool. The wiring is the part I’m most interested in, here’s to you hoping you figure it out so you can share with the rest us 🤞

[@zokusharuuku1091]

Finally the video showing why you should just get an sti instead on a wrx if you are planning on modifying the car. Id say it’s even better to buy a blown up sti over a wrx if looking to run actual power because you can build the engine up how you like and you’ll have everything you need already on the car. I’ve seen too many people I know blow up transmissions because they saved a little money buying a car that was a tiny bit cheaper than what they should’ve bought.

[@Smeedia]

Kinda depends on the application but wrx to sti imo makes more sense to get the sti. But with my RS the only option is to sti swap it

[@section8118]

Jeez, 1 day to do all that?!?! The improvement over time is real. On a side note what basic tools(mainly brands) do you recommend? I had a buddy lost all my tools so now I'm looking into good but also easy on the wallet tools

[@Sandy-oe2ke]

excellent video and very well explained, I want to do the swap to my 2004 wrx but the 2007 sti transmissions here are very expensive in new jersey they cost 6 thousand only the transmission and with all the parts from 8 thousand to 9 thousand and it is the only thing I would need to raise horsepower 😭😭

[@Smeedia]

WHAAAAAT?! They're like $6000 brand new 😭

[@Sandy-oe2ke]

yes i know that is the only reason that hold me to do the swap

[@christiangoyer]

Saving this one for a year from now

[@Smeedia]

Hopefully it helps 🔥🤝

[@Thechaoscrusadors]

Sweeeet!!! 1. Can you do a video on different motors subaru makes and what are good swap options. 2. The rx7 deal fell out so i wont have the rotary for a while yet. Still looking tho!

[@Smeedia]

I'll add it to my list 🤙

[@marvinvisser5039]

I'm also runnin the torquesolutions solid U-joint on my Forester STI. Amazing upgrade for shifter feel.

[@Smeedia]

10/10 highly suggested 🔥

[@AblationMusic]

How does it compare to Kartboy?

[@mickrichBMXWRXJapan]

Was also thinking about one of those but worried about increased NVH, so am just going for the upgraded bushings instead.

[@Austyyyg]

I have a 2015 Subaru outback 3.6r, I used to have a 2004 sti. But I had a baby lol. I am dying to 6 speed swap the outback. I do believe that the 3.6r with a manual sti trans would be a bad bitch.

[@Smeedia]

Ohhhh that would be a fun swap with the 3.6 🔥

[@braydonbentley4041]

My favourite part of 6 speed swapping my wrx was finding out the rear diff was bad after having to pull the trans out again to put a monoloc in it. Now I get to find out if my centre diff is gone as a result of the previous owner potentially driving the car with a blown rear end

[@Smeedia]

That's ao fooooked, sorry to hear dude 😭

[@aarondylan5606]

hi please help all the way from africa, i want to buy a forester SH 3rd gen they have ej20 and ej25 engines but auto. which 6 speed manual is good to put in there and which differential. please help me.

[@streifs987]

Coming right along man, lovin it!!

[@Smeedia]

🥳🥳🥳

[@pw85___]

I used to want to do this swap in my GD wrx for years....then if course I bought a VA STi and never looked back 🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Smeedia]

That's one way of doing It 😅🔥

[@toddsnook8058]

Love your channel man, I’ve gotten a lot of useful info from you. I recently had an engine build done and ask for a solid u joint shifter to be done at the same time and didn’t think it was done and now seeing yours all tight and and shit makes me pretty sure it was never done. I have a ton of slop in mine. Didn’t ask for bushing but the solid u joint I did. What do you think? Never got done huh? I’m talking slop like it looks like it’s in Neutral when in gear. Thanks tanner!! Again love your channel

[@Smeedia]

If you've got slop in gear from left to right movement I would guess it was never done

[@nicknachos1]

This is the most in depth video on the swap I’ve ever seen phenomenal job once again 🤌🏼

[@Smeedia]

Thank you 🥳🙏

[@jacobstephens8447]

Brooooo I have Perrin shifter bushings and I am so ready to get rid of the sloppy slop. Been putting that off for a minute now 😅

[@MrBubba123bubba]

Smeedia: "I'm doing this by myself"..... Girl in the video: "Am I a joke to you?!?" 🤣

[@Smeedia]

😅😅 she pumped the handle for my lol

[@MrBubba123bubba]

@@Smeedia and that sir is very helpful. 😂

[@ararson4710]

Easy swap shouldn't take you that long if you have all the right parts. Good luck bro.

[@Smeedia]

🤝🤝🤝

[@Mike_44]

Fantastic side by side comparison. I often wondered how many parts are needed for these type of swaps. By the way, is the sub frame needed as well? Thanks for taking the time to do this Tanner.

[@JoshD10]

Damn bro. Killin it. 🫡

[@Smeedia]

👩‍🚀👩‍🚀👩‍🚀

[@justinpalmer9417]

For the aos the bottom port that goes to the turbo drain should be clockable

[@Smeedia]

Talking about the 3mi hose?

[@justinpalmer9417]

@@Smeedia correct

[@lilmike1780]

Damn those white wheels off the STI look sooooooo sick, are you gonna go back to silver or rewrap in a different color?

[@Smeedia]

I might just leave it gold 😅

[@joshuawilliams639]

You make it look easy.

[@Smeedia]

Not too shabby to do 🤝

[@dble5896]

Really making me want to sti swap my foz with a new engine.

[@Smeedia]

SEND IT 😈😈😈

[@Sora_Kumo]

Content for algorithm

[@Smeedia]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Moriarty_Media]

Im loving the jacket! what is it so i can buy it!

[@Smeedia]

Costco special 😅

[@tommanning7337]

Great video Tanner!!!!! 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@Smeedia]

Thanks Tom 🔥💪

[@toxicsledgeful]

Another Banger of a video!

[@Smeedia]

🤝🥳

[@erickberard3820]

Wish the rs was auto to see what needs to be done for auto -> manual swaps thats all i need now

[@Smeedia]

Should be pretty much same same, reglash the ecm to eliminate the TCU and toss it in the bin

[@kchanguito]

You can use a wrx starter no problem .

[@richardlangston3709]

What are you doing with the ray gram lights ! I have a silver wrx hatch :(

[@scoobysouth]

Outstanding...What about the rear Diff Temp sensor??

[@Smeedia]

Don't need to use it as the ecm dosent look for the sensor 🤝

[@stevendurbin9006]

Sir it's tq that causes the fork pivot blow outs not power my guy haha did b great comparison run threw and kept it simple people all on KZbin drag it out make it sound like a scary situation to jump into when it's not bad at all my 9nly complaint everytime is the weight difference while installing everything pretty much besides the front sti lca everything else is alot heavier 😅

[@Smeedia]

Got caught up in the moment 🤣 The wrx 5 speed is so easy ti get in and out. That 6 speed though is heavy AF to lift up 🤣

[@kyleSTI]

You didn’t have music until 7 mins in. That was weird. I was like “something’s off, what’s missing”

[@Smeedia]

Figured I would try something new bu only using it in time-lapse 😅 not sure how I feel about it lol

[@williepie]

Id love to 6 speed swap my wrx but its hard to justify 10k on it.

[@pamelavance648]

Recently saw STI in show room 49, 000.00 and Change lol beautiful car though These days cheaper to swap and no I'm not experienced diy and will not attempt this now or future Just trying to keep mine rolling down the road

[@Smeedia]

10K?! 😳

[@williepie]

@@Smeedia From flat irons tuning the 6 speed is $6800 alone. Not including brakes/dccd/diff/axles/driveshaft ect.

[@Smeedia]

@Liberty Prime buy all of that used and it's significantly cheaper

[@ChristopherFranz]

Love your work!

[@bigchrisb59]

I'm still waiting for you to aget the itch and stuff your spare eg33 in this car lol

[@Smeedia]

😈😈😈

[@MrJaybob500]

I have a 08 wrx narrow body and since yours is a 14 wide body, (same as a sti from 08-14) any chance you could go into a little detail on how to six-speed swap a narrow body car? Anyway great detailed video 👍

[@Smeedia]

It is 100% the exact same as this🤝

[@MrJaybob500]

@@Smeedia right sorry should’ve specified for the poor man’s version lol, also will you be covering what happens if you don’t use a dccd controller? (I bet I will see it in that video)

[@rodriguezangel62]

Hey man. Do you have an estimate for what it would cost to STI swap 2015+ VA ? Curious how it differs from this gen

[@Smeedia]

Alot easier on them you'd just need the trans and a few other bits

[@Goliat-mk9um]

Nice video like always man. I’ve been waiting for this video for a while now. But I have a question, would the swap be as “smooth” on a sedan?

[@Smeedia]

Yessir, would be ecact same 😁

[@Goliat-mk9um]

@@Smeedia awesome. You’re the man.

[@erickvargas5427]

Hey tanner for the sti aluminum control arms, do you get 08-14 sti control arms or newer year?

[@issacdellamater8541]

what year 6 speed should you be looking for to swap into a 2011 WRX hatch? Also love the video and your hatch build is awesome!!!

[@boltimus]

Im waiting for the day my legacy gt explodes so i can start doing stuff like this. Also waiting for the day i have the budget for it lmaoo

[@bujin5455]

And people are always saying that you hardly get anything extra when you buy the STi. "You only get a few extra ponies. STis aren't worth the money man!" LMAO!

[@somedudeinamask]

Once i saw those parts on the ground. Imma stick with 5 spd

[@FADWC]

1 day by yourself = 3 days for me and two buddies 🤣

[@Smeedia]

You got it done though 🔥🔥🔥

[@MrHeksas]

What brand jack are you using? The one on which car stands

[@Smeedia]

amzn.to/3TH3C9a 🤝

[@foriegnstylez4512]

Hey tanner according to flatirons tuning for the 11-14 u don’t have to swap the hubs

[@societyofspeed9615]

What about a gc8? Or first gen Impreza?

[@kevinhiltz1163]

Wondering why you didn't use a one piece drive shaft?

[@Smeedia]

More $$$$ and not needed for this car 🤝

[@abdullahnahas3728]

Hey man funny that when I decide to do a 6 speed swap you upload this video two days later 😂, could I ask how much did all the parts cost? A rough amount would be appreciated

[@Smeedia]

I think I spent around 2500 - $3000 for mine 🤝