GT86 transmission swap from the WRX STI

[sman]

Question to the community, if any one knows the answer, if any one has done it, or is thinking about doing it.

We can all agree that the FA20 is a superior engine to the EJ20.
However from everything I've read, and further from driving my own car for the last 34,000 miles, the transmission leaves something to be desired.
I know its good for 330 hp at the wheels and that may be more then Ill ever need, in such a light car, but this car is made for the track, and at some point down the road will end up there. And naturally Power + sticky tires + track driving is a perfect way to chew up a transmission in short order.

The Impreza wrx sti TY DCCD series transmission is a much stronger transmission. Handling delivery of big power to four wheels on a car that is 400 lbs heavier then the gt86. More over they are readily available, and not very expensive, and they have gearing ratios nearly identical to stock, vs the long gearing of the m56 transmissions, that people have discussed on the forums.

The transmission is of course an AWD transmission, but can be converted fairly easily to RWD by either welding the center diff, or replacing the diff with a simple metallic spool. See link.

http://www.ppgearbox.com.au/page.asp?productid=70

So the questions are:

Does the STI transmission bolt up to the fa20 engine, or is the fabrication of a custom bell-housing necessary.
If so does any one make the bell-housing.
I know that the starter is on the opposite side, is there a way around this.
Will the STI transmission need custom a mount, and does any one make one.
Will there be any wiring issues?
And a custom drive shaft will likely be needed unless the STI transmission happens to be the same exact length as the OEM.
Finaly if a kit already exists please point me towards it.

[MRS-Colin]

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2748989

Good reference for an older trans in a newer style Subaru. FWIW: The BRZ/FRS engine has two starter "pockets" on the bell housing allowing for either side to have a starter (or dual starters if you are feeling froggy!)