Final Verdict on FRS Transmission? Junk.

[radroach]

I think the transmission is fine. I've never had a problem going from 3rd - 4th near redline, but there have been posts about how 4th gear isn't strong enough for high horsepower, but this isn't the case.

I like this transmission. Sometimes the first downshift into 2nd gear can be a bit sticky on cold days (Motul MTF), but after warming up every gear just goes right in. I can downshift easily into 1st at 5-10 mph every day when I enter my parking lot.

Only problem area I pay attention to with the transmission is that the throwout bearing can wear out quickly if you abuse it, and a bad throw out bearing can lead to you damaging your transmission if something goes wrong.

[nickmerronesucks]

I like how easy they are to remove, because they knew you would have to remove it often..haha. Trans is holding up to boost nicely atleast. I wish i could say the same for clutches.

[Packofcrows]

Mine has 22k. It was having issues with 1st but it turned out to be bearing (TOB).

Got it fixed. Drove it 150 miles last night or so and then smashed on the shifting. Gearbox is more racy now, feels like its sturdier, transmission shifts really buttery and clutch seems stiffer.

All in all, I dont have the transmission issues many other members have called out. I shift 1-3rd at 5k rpms lately for fun and 4-5 @ nearly 7k. No issues. TOB issue was present even before I started driving 'rough-like.'

Maybe you just got bad luck?

[FRSBRZGT86FAN]

I hate these kinds of posts, it's a stupid fallacy:

"I had an issue, and I've seen others with the issue, so this transmission is crap"


What?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Sleepless

Several people that have driven my car comment on how much they like the feel and short throws.

it's tyte

[Grip Ronin]

im almost at 40k and trans is still smooth, i ran mt90 and just switched to motul.. i beat the crap out of the car, autox, road courses, drag racing, drifting and general hooning in the mountains ..... and just put on a turbo. no problems here (knock on wood) lol

[sw20kosh]

Loooooooool

[Cal3000]

I also think the transmission is pretty crappy. My 5th gear syncro went to crap at 21k miles. Got a new transmission under warranty I believe. After 40k miles on this, my throw out bearing went to crap. Had to get a new clutch. At 80k miles on this new tranmission, the 5th gear syncro grinds like crazy when going from 4th to 5th. Same issue as my older transmission.
It's safe to say it's the weakest link with this car.

[Spartarus]

I've driven this car from Anchorage, Alaska to Miami, FL, worked with the transmission in every condition and temperature this continent has to offer from cold starts at -40f to 100+f highway and city driving, and some light track duty.

Half the trip (NY to Miami after I was done living in NY) was turbocharged. I have never had a single issue with the transmission. Gears don't grind, shifts are smooth, it doesn't lock me out, it shifts fine when it's cold, it doesn't miss gears...

It's on the stock fluid.

It's a wonderful goddamn transmission and there's nothing wrong with it.

I'm convinced that it's the drivers, not the transmission.

(Oh and I installed a block heater in AK because you just don't start a car cold at -40f. The noise will curdle your blood.)

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Spartarus

.............

I'm convinced that it's the drivers, not the transmission............

Well, THAT should spark lots of conversation .........

I reckon there are more variables with FR-S drivers than with FR-S transmissions.......just sayen ..........



humfrz

[cdrazic93]

Maybe you cant drive stick as well as you thought

[SmsAlSuwaidi]

I just feel like most can't drive or shift properly, and blame these transmissions. They aren't crap but they are not great.

I'm at 500whp with constant clutch kicking and I have flat footed this trans more than I have granny shifted, oh and I've launched it over 20 times. I do need a new transmission not because this one is broken (even though it's bound to happen soon) but because I'm trying to be more aggressive and competitive on the drag strip and not having to worry about it.

[Snake]

Originally Posted by SmsAlSuwaidi

I just feel like most can't drive or shift properly, and blame these transmissions. They aren't crap but they are not great.

I'm at 500whp with constant clutch kicking and I have flat footed this trans more than I have granny shifted, oh and I've launched it over 20 times. I do need a new transmission not because this one is broken (even though it's bound to happen soon) but because I'm trying to be more aggressive and competitive on the drag strip and not having to worry about it.

First comment, blames people who can't drive or shift properly then second comment goes on to talk about how you abuse your transmission... Hmmmm.

Definitely doesn't sound like a QC issue when old mate here can horribly abuse his tranny at 500whp and other people drive it respectfully on the street at stock HP and have it grenade. Almost certainly because these other idiots who don't know how to abuse their transmissions properly can't drive.

[Metabrz]

I was always unhappy with the 1st / 2nd throw when cold but lived with it until now that I've had installed an STi transmission mount and STi short shift kit.










Problem solved. Highly recommended.