Here’s a basic list of what you need to convert an automatic transmission Impreza LX or L to a manual. You might also need random bolts/fasteners from your donor car.
Please note that the easiest way to do this is to convert it to a cable-type clutch mechanism, not hydraulic.
Parts needed: Manual transmission from 96-01 Impreza L with 3.90 ratio Rear differential (3.90 gear) from “” Front portion of drive shaft (or whole thing) from “” pedal cluster with brake and clutch pedal clutch cable clutch disk clutch pressure plate starter for manual car flywheel flywheel bolts throwout bearing pilot bearing Transmission crossmember shift linkage (going with 97+ makes it easier to find short shifter kits) shift boot/shift surround. Factory service manual.
If you find a non-turbo early Legacy in the junkyard, you can use its transmission, cross member, pedal cluster, etc. This is an even easier swap as you don’t need to swap out the differential as it’s the same 4.11 as the automatic Impreza.
There’s a pretty good write up of the swap on a Turbo Legacy on Josh’s Legacy Swap Page. He also swapped in the hydraulic clutch set-up, which is a little more involved.
As far as step by step instructions, your best bet is to look at a service manual. Simply put: - Remove pedal cluster - Remove shifter assembly - Remove drive shaft - Remove starter - Remove air intake (to make it easier to get to things) - Unbolt lower strut mounting bolts to get axles out. - Remove roll pins to pull axles out of transmission. - Remove exhaust manifolds and center pipe - Remove heatshield - Remove automatic transmission - Remove torque converter and flex plate - Install flywheel with new pilot bearing - Install clutch disk and pressure plate - Install transmission (tranny jacks or three big friends would help) - Install starter - Install shift linkage assembly - Install driveshaft - Reinstall axles. - Fill transmission with oil - Install intake - Install exhaust manifolds/center pipe
That’s pretty much it. You’ll need to connect pins 11 and 12 on the 12-pin car to automatic transmission plug to get the starter to work. Please check the factory service manual to confirm. You’ll also have to investigate removing the transmission control unit for the automatic and the shift lock controller; you also need to figure out the reverse light schematic to get that to work. These instructions will at least get the car to run/drive ok.
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