Im new to subaru and i just got a 1995 subaru legacy wagon and its a shell. It is an automatic and im wondering how i can put a manual transmission instead and also what engine would go with which transmission. Again im new to the subaru life and this is my first car project ever so would anyone be able to help me how to start?

Welcome to USMB, BryaN!  You've found the right place here!

 

What do you mean by "it's a shell?"  What's missing?  What's remaining?

Welcome to USMB, BryaN!  You've found the right place here!

 

What do you mean by "it's a shell?"  What's missing?  What's remaining?

The automatic transmission, which is blown, and the radiator. That's why  I just want to put a manual transmission in it. The engine is missing

Welcome. To begin with, you chose a good first project. Subaru's are great, and somewhat easy to work on.

 

For the motor, I personally would find the same motor that was in it, a 95 2.2. Great dependable (non interference) motor.

 

As for tranny, I have not converted one from auto to manual. I do know that you HAVE to make sure whatever tranny you put in matches the rear end final drive gear ratio, (If it's all wheel drive of course).

 

The 95 legacy wagon was my first suby project also. Enjoy and keep us posted.

Yeah i was thinking about keeping it stock for a while until i really got to know the car but eventually i want to swap it for a performance engine and to be stick shift

I pulled the ecu and harness and engine from a 97 impreza so hopefully it all works out

Why ECU. Is there no ECU in your 95.

If you want a legit performance build, consider retrofitting a Tremec 5 or 6 speed (run a bale operated trans and you life will be easier) and convert to a RWD build. Run a small block, pushrod Ford or even Chevy engine. Chevy will be cheaper to have decent HP as many/most of their more recent factory engines are fairly respectable HP/TQ engines, even the truck/SUV engines. Run a carb and carb intake manifold and you'll save thousands while still having a powerful and easy to work on engine. Carb'd engines require roughly 5-11 psi fuel pump and a way to control the spark, but most of this stuff can be pirated from earlier carb'd engines. Can easily have 225-500 hp, but the rear end will need an upgrade.

 

Going with a Subaru engine, you can try the 2.5L block with EJ22 heads, and I think they are good for 160hp roughly. Otherwise, go with Subaru 3.0L - 3.6L, but expect a bunch of work. Those engine with get you in the mid 200's.

If you gotta rewire it, forget NA stuff and get a Wrx harness and ecu. Then build something from that..

Going to Manuel trans will give your more performance, but they aren't nearly as reliable as the autos. Male sure you check the input shaft bearing for play before purchasing. They typically last around 200k before they start to get sloppy.

 

I've seen the autos go 400,000 when taken care of.

 

It sounds like you have a good start for a very reliable car. 95 is non interference and obd2 IIRC so you have the perfect year.

This really depends on how big your bank account is. 97 2.2 motor will bolt right in and run the same. The only functional difference is that it is an interference motor so you'll want to make sure the timing belt and components are good.

 

Swapping from auto-5 speed is a chore and financially speaking you are better off selling this one and finding a 5 speed. If you have the parts or $$$ to proceed, you will need

 

Flywheel and bolts, clutch kit, clutch line, pedals from a 5 speed, clutch fork, manual trans & drive shaft, crossmember, speed sensor, TCU and maybe some wiring work arounds.

 

As mentioned, it wont be as peppy but the automatics tend to last longer. Way easier to just find a good automatic from a 2.2 legacy or Impreza and throw it in there and drive.

I have the shifter, clutch assembly and the fly wheel with the clutch disk already came in with the engine